My Favorite Bear

“There’s no bear like an old bear.” ~ Samantha Armstrong

I don’t know about you, but I have a Bear, a sweet soft bear that growls only once in a while, never at me, and just his existence makes me feel better about everything. Got him over three years ago but still keep him close because, let’s face it, those tender brown eyes are irreplaceable. I whisper my secrets into those sweet soft ears and hold him tight, and he gives me comfort and happiness.

Now I am not sure if you have a Bear, but certainly you can understand my attachment. This sweet bear from Sakuya Lane is one of the best I have found in SL, made of sculpties and special magic. And my bedtime outfit keeps my Bear happy. First my lingerie from Lisanna Lauria, one of her contributions to District 5 (which opens tomorrow!).  It is a system pieces that comes with appliers for the boobs and a butt if you have them. (In this case, I AM wearing boobs.) System clothes still exist and are still used in world and still can look fabulous. My stockings and shoes are from Gospel Voom, who includes his own stocking HUD and textures with this set. A little HUD work and silk covers my legs.

My hair is one of Truth Hawks’ newest, not for an event but simply sold at his store and darling as heck. It comes with little skelly hands, which I did not wear because, well, those would scare my Bear. My sultry skin is Sawsan Secretspy’s featured skin for District 5. Sawsan found herself in the middle of the Sin City portion of the event and has made a skin to match with seemingly innocent pink lipstick but sensuous eye makeup and a bod that won’t quit. Sometimes all a Bear wants is soft skin and warm hugs.

Hair: TRUTH HAIR Jinx by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: .::WoW Skins::.. Becky Darktan 04 by sawsan Secretspy for .::WoW skins::., available at District 5 (opening tomorrow) *

Eyes: #adored – dream eyes –  glacier by Constance Daehlie for #adored

Lingerie: MoDANNA [Sucreries Collection] Bodygarter Pink by Lisanna Lauria for MoDANNA, available at District 5 (opening tomorrow) *

Choker: *BOOM* Precious Bow Choker (neck) violet (modified) by Aranel Ah for *BOOM*

Hands: Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands – Casual by Siddean Munro for Slink

Boobs: [d] Lush Breasts 1.4 by Riann Maltese for Lush

Shoes: [Gos] Charlotte Mary Jane Pumps – Collection by Gospel Voom for Gos Boutique *

Bear: toy_bear_nomal by Sakuya Lane for =Feather=

Poses by Adorkable Peapod for Adorkable (no longer available) and Helyanwe Vindaloo for Ploom

Brrrrrr

“The cold cut like a many bladed knife.” ~ Israel Zangwill

A cold front has blown through my town and the rest of the country and we’re all huddling in for the duration. Paul Lapointe and Bastchild Lotus just released this chic pair of boots in autumn colors that include a color change for the boots, the strap around the boots and the sole. In typical L&B style, the boots are sexy down to the last detail and versatile for many looks.

SamanthaSJones proudly released this trenchcoat recently. I have seen the style in other stores but not with Sam’s unique twist on it. Rather than offering the coat in many colors, you get a coat OF many colors with her special hud that allows 120 different colors. I have to be honest—I was late on this post because I spent so much time clicking all the colors, trying to decide what I liked.

Helyanwe Vindaloo offered this blushing, cold weather skin in the KittyCats Advent Calendar yesterday. Remember that you can get previous days’ gifts in the calendar up until Christmas, so if you missed yesterday, get it today. My sleek hair is Tabata Jewell’s newest style, offering a close-to-the-head style that looks chic and fashionable, perfect for the new menswear haute couture look or for wearing short under hats (or earmuffs—these from Izzie Button).

Finally, under my gloves I sport a secret manicure. Today, Caroline Apollo offered this darling nailpolish set as a gift in the KittyCats Advent Calendar. With four different kitty motifs, you can share your KittyCat love on your Slink hand nails.

“Withstanding the cold develops vigor for the relaxing days of spring and summer. Besides, in this matter as in many others, it is evident that nature abhors a quitter.” ~ Arthur C. Crandall

Hair: Vanity Hair: After Dark-Dark Blondes by Tabata Jewell for Vanity Hair *

Skin: .ploom. Maia [Vanilla] (LB) – Frosty by Helyanwe Vindaloo for .ploom., available at the KittyCats 2013 Advent Calendar at KittyCats Winterland

Eyes: .ID. Portrait Eyes / Blue by Audrey Lamede for Insufferable Dastard

Coat: [LG] Boutique-[ FALL-13] How To Marry A Millionaire Coat by SamanthaSJones for for LIV-Glam *

Tights: {SMS} Braid Knit Tights Pulse by Irie Campese for So Many Styles, available at TDR Fusion

Ear Muffs: Izzie’s – Mesh Earmuffs teal by Izzie Button for Izzie’s

Scarf: BoHo HoBo Scarf Ladie’s Small (rainbowstripes) by Trill Zapatero for BoHo HoBo

Gloves: [VG] – ‘Brody Gloves’ in Crimson – Glove Layer by Chloris Hathor for Viva La Glam

Nail Applier: Caroline’s Kitty Nail Polish Huds for Slink by Caroline Apollo for Caroline’s Jewelry and Accessories, available at the KittyCats 2013 Advent Calendar at KittyCats Winterland

Boots: L&B S’wear “Bianca” (SM) Knee Boots Autumn Neutrals by Paul Lapointe and BastChild Lotus forLapointe and Bastchild *

Poses by Valencia Southard for Marukin

Mollena

Mollena before I met you
I’d always walked the line
I know you’d leave me
If I let you
The blame’s entirely mine
Cause I could fall into a whole world of trouble over you

~ “Mollena” by James Hunter

Remember that girl in school who got every boy’s attention just by being who she was—she exuded some energy, some spirit and life that turned boys’ eyes? I knew several girls like this. As years passed, their stories always turned out to be a sad for whatever reason. Despite being able to capture any boy’s attention, they always chose the worst ones—the bad boys—and it always turned for the worse. No one can sustain that kind of energy forever.

My Mollena here is in tribute to the beauty who captured the boys’ attention. All sorts of boys fell into a world of trouble over her. From her slinky tank top from Betty Doyle (a great separate that can span tons of looks—from retro to contemporary) to little black capris from Ivey Deschanel, Mollena has a look that’s rockin’. Accessories from Dick Wiesel (who has this belt out in color change) and Nyte Caligari make the look. And of course, high heels from Teresa Republic turn cute into sexy.

The real story here is the skin and hair. First, this skin from Helyanwe Vindaloo is fresh and pretty—youthful but not kewpie-doll. The eyeliners in this series are fantastic—I opted for this modified cat-eye, which looks smokin’ hot without being over made-up on this pale skin. My hair is from Kavar Cleanslate’s newest color set—Evolution. I love how he includes roots with the hair—we all have them as the hair grows out and lightens as it gets long. The style reminds me of that girl in school—she wore it short and feathered and sassy just like this. (She’s divorced with three kids now. *sigh*)

Cause I could fall into a whole world of trouble over you

Hair: ::Exile:: Caitrin:Roots-Stefani by Kavar Cleanslate for ::Exile::

Skin: .ploom. Maia_Cream – BL – Eyeliner 4 by Helyanwe Vindaloo for .ploom

Top: Ingenue :: Trixie Halter :: Halter :: Teal by Betty Doyle for Ingenue *

Capris: :::Sn@tch Le Jazz Hot Bodysuit Capris (Black)::: by Ivey Deschanel for Sn@tch *

Earrings: [mixxES]Hoop and feather earrings04(L) by marron Vita for Mixx Ethnic Style (no longer available)

Bracelets: Nyte’N’Day – Elle Bangles – Green by Nyte Caligari for Nyte’N’Day

Belt: :. WoE .: Nomi Leather Belt (Grey) by Dick Wiesel for :. WoE .: *

Shoes: ! haut.monde – Gossip Pumps – Silver Peony by Teresa Republic for haut.monde *

Poses by Rogan Diesel for Diesel Works Animations *

Days Away

My computer decided to up and quit the other day with nary a goodbye to warn me—it just beeped and died. Rather than arguing with it, I took it immediately to Computer Gallery and let Phil mess with it—Phil, the miracle worker. He finished it at 5 pm this evening and called and said, “Get it or it’s here til Tuesday.” I was there in a flash.

I was in a funk the entire time. While I could deal with not having access for a few days (in part because I could still read my email from my iPad), it was slowing sinking in that all the data on my computer might be lost. I didn’t care about my photos from SL as much as I cared about photos of last Christmas. My knitting patterns could be replaced; the video of my kid’s sing-a-long couldn’t. When you’re severed from technology, you suddenly appreciate what matters in life.

I had done these photos before the big crash (which is called The Crash of 2011, not to be confused with The Panic of 2010, wherein Phil did slay a virus). I was pretty psyched to show this little pantsuit from Neferia Abel, part of her new summer line. (And I was gonna be one of the first to show it… bah.) Neferia has always been known for her elegance, attention to detail and RL fashion history, and her exquisite textures. This is another I love the antiqued floral print and fluttery ruffled leg and bodice. It’s comfy, cute but also unusual—the print dresses this up quite a bit.

I show it with one of AvaGardner Kungler’s new jewelry sets. Ava first explored the “earth” and has now moved on to the “ocean” in her inspiration. She calls her work “statement jewelry,” and that’s precisely what is. This is not work for a shrinking violet or a Barbie wannabe with its piles of baubles and links. My hair is a cute pigtail ‘do from Helyanwe Vindaloo—she has fantastic blondes and my skin is an interesting look from Irishka Hotshot, offered at the Fashion Garret.

What was it? Dunno.. he reseated the heat sink and reinstalled the operating system, and I honestly think that was it. SL creates some heat in there ;)

Hair: .ploom. Eva – Dirty by Helyanwe Vindaloo for .ploom.

Skin: [IREN]-=Barbara=- for TFG by Irishka Hotshot for [IREN]

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

Outfit: L’Abel-Country chic –Summer brown pantsuit by Neferia Abel for L’Abel *

Jewelry: (Kunglers Extra) Perolas – cream necklace and earrings by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers Extra *

Shoes: I ALEIDA I Busoga ballerina by Aleida Rhode for Aleida

Edie

What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?

~ “What I Am” by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians

A casual look is what is needed this spring—something good for the change in seasons. I always loved girls who could wear their hair down and casually pull on a pair of jeans and look all put together. This wrap top from Lalu Bonetto is ideal for a casual look like this with its pretty retro floral print. Skinny jeans from Onyx LeShelle also make this look—chic and casual with a snug sexy fit. Nardya Rousselot’s sandals with their cute little toes makes this look complete.

Sachi Vixen has been making more new skins. This fresh lovely look is a new one from her with eyeshadows and lipsticks as she always provides. I opted for a fresh springy eyeshadow. My hair is from Helyanwe Vindaloo, who gives tossed locks a fresh update with this full style and bobby pins.

Don’t let me get too deep
Don’t let me get too deep

Hair: [ploom] Christy – Sienna by Helyanwe Vindaloo for [ploom]

Skin: Adam n Eve Skins – Paige Natural – Bare with Adam n Eve Tattoo Paige Eyeshadow Apple Natural by sachi Vixen for Adam n Eve *

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

Top: Puffed-Eye Shirt #2 by Lalu Bonetto for GATO

Pants: Maitreya Skinny Jeans (no prims version)  – #06 by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Bracelet: *JDD* Turquoise Moon Bracelet (Rt) by Dana Kingsford (no longer available)

Belt: MTP Ladies Los Ojos Concho belt by Jon Ree for Mustang Trading Post

Shoes: NX-Nardcotix MANA Vixie Nutmeg by Nardya Rousselot for Nardcotix *

Astrofiction

Rezzable is holding a science-fiction based show and sale on their Greenies’ sim, featuring a number of notable designers.

Tekelili Tantalus was asked to participate, and he was a brilliant choice for this show. With his otherworldly designs and incredible building skills, few will be able to surpass his fantastic ensembles. This one, one of a set of six colors, is featured at the show. In typical fashion, Tek has combined prim armor and boots with a seductive silks belt and beautifully rendered system pieces.

The beauty of this outfit, however, is that the system pieces can be removed and you still have a great outfit, especially if you want to make your avatar show a little more skin…

The skin I am showing, in this case, is one of a series of more fantastic skins from Mea Carnell. With it’s hand-drawn features, it is more illustrative rather than realistic, but it suits the graphic fantasy of Tek’s outfit. I accompany it with one of my favorite fun hair pieces from Helyanwe Vindaloo (fairy dust particles turned to off).

From another world:

Hair: Petite – Dark Purple by Helyanwe Vindaloo for Deviant Kitties

Skin: Aimesi Skin Drama Sugar Face3 by Mea Carnell for Aimesi *

Outfit: Vega by Tekeli-li – Purple by Tekelili Tantalus for Tek-lili! *

Life in Another World

There is a whole universe of people in SL: the role players, the ones who choose to draw a distinct line between their real life selves and their online selves. Refugees of WoW or Eve Online end up in our multi-faceted, flexible and very fashion-conscious universe. They bring with them their fantastic aesthetic and attention to detail. And RPers are served the goods in SL—they always get the good stuff!

Take for example, Teklili Tantalus’ work. I first got turned on to Tek when I saw some of his jewelry in an Elven sim. Then I saw his great hair pieces at Hair Fair last year. Fast forward to this year, and through a fortuitous connection, we are friends!

Tek sent over one of his latest pieces—Alecto. Based on Tek’s extraordinary imagination and artistry, his line of fantasy wear is growing. His textures are luscious, his building skills exact, his user-friendly approach ideal. For example, in this set, you are treated to multiple pieces that have been adjusted for the right attachment points. You receive 4 staffs—for left and right hands, animated and not.

The prims fit like a glove. Tek explained that he had the AV mesh imported into blender and worked on the sculpts directly on it. He provides a shape but if your shape is not to the extreme, these will fit you as well. (They fit my shape perfectly.)

Check out the details in this ensemble—the buckles, the curvy metal pieces, the gems. The bra fits perfectly, the armor needed no adjustment. The building is flawless. (If you visit Tek’s store, make sure you check out the rest of the build. There is an incredible cavernous world outside the store.)

You get a variety of armor under which you find the spectacular system pieces (notice how I am getting more naked as this blog goes on…?) I was blown away by the system pieces. Not a seam. Only the best ripples. All hand drawn artistry. Amazing!

I am wearing one of Pulse’s new fantasy skins. Lorac worked on these as a request from a customer and ended up with a brilliant set of skins—not just drow but several other colors (including a delicious Martian green). I topped this with hair from another brilliant creator, Helyanwe Vindaloo. Her extensive collection at Deviant Kitties is for the adventurous fashionista. With her incredible textures and creative and sexy hair, Helyanwe sets the bar high. This style is funky and elegant all at once.

Bringing the sexy back to RP:

Hair: Misty – Silver by Helyanwe Vindaloo for Deviant Kitties

Skin: Pulse Skin-Rebirth/The Drow 2-The Dream by Lorac Farella for Pulse Skins

Eyes: Pulse Eyes/Poe by Lorac Farella for Pulse Skins

Outfit (including staff and boots): Alecto by Tekeli-li – Red by Tekelili Tantalus for Tekeli-li!

Nightlife with DJ Jamie

I am at SLCC! Woot! It’s as fun as I could hope it would be. I am looking forward to being on a few panels for the Fashion track and looking forward to hearing others speak.

The Ciel sims, though I rarely visit them, are near and dear to my heart. Owned by Christo Larsen, the sims are a home to a group of gentlemen that have created their own family across the many miles and oceans that separate them by living together on Ciel.

Last year I had the pleasure of spending time with three of them—Xavier, Blaze, and Gellan—at SLCC. This year I am so excited to know that Blaze, Gellan, and now Jamie will be there. I have met up with them and Bri and his partner Pookie, and it’s like we never parted company last year. It’s so easy and so fun to be with these friends. If you, dear reader, ever get the chance to meet SL friends, do it!

And with this, I announce that DJ Jamie Ondeko will be spinning LIVE at the Odd Ball, Friday, August 14—8 pm PDT, Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, CA, USA. And I am gonna be there!!!!!

In anticipation of seeing Jamie, I visited him at Ciel while he was spinning a few days ago.

Christo let me rez a ball on Jamie’s booth. Jamie ignored me (not unusual :P). Jamie plays some excellent music. Check him out on the Ciel sims.

I have always loved this dress from *Punch Drunk*. Iris Seale tackled sequins—not the easiest thing to do. I always feel dressed up and glam, but not over the top.

I decided to continue the purple theme with hair from Deviant Kitties (with pixie dust ON), fabulous boots from my old pal, Storm Schmooz, and stockings from ‘nother pal, Grue Ling. (You guys never call anymore :( )

What I would be wearing that night if I could:

Hair: ::DK:: [UnNaturals I] Petite-Dark Purple with pixie dust ON by Helyanwe Vindaloo for Deviant Kitties

Skin: Pulse Skin – Timeless ll/Makeup 16 by Lorac Farella for Pulse Skins

Dress: *Punch Drunk*Glam Rock Dress (Purple) by Iris Seale for *Punch Drunk*

Stockings: GrueLing Designs – Risque Stockings – Fishnet by Grue Ling for GrueLing Designs

Boots: Storm Schmooz Bot’s Purple by Storm Schmooz for Storm Schmooz

Bangles: ::eLDee:: Line bangles (plum) by Lilyana Dryke for ::eLDee::

Music: DJ Jamie Ondeko for The Outdoor Lounge at Ciel