L’Opera

“Some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it. … It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience, whether you are the spectator in the gallery or you are listening to the voice of the world’s greatest soprano. Not everyone can be the artist. There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see.” ~ Ann Patchett, Bel Canto

I watched an opera the other night and realized I am not meant to create but just to enjoy with unveiled enthusiasm the creations of others. Seeing Renee Fleming sing moved me, and I felt that transcendence that the best art provides. I can’t create that but I can certainly appreciate it.

My friend, Tab, in a search for an SL equivalent to a RL design, found this dress from Areve and offered to get it if I would model it. We were both astonished by its architectural lines and beautiful design, rendered wonderfully in mesh and in white, no less, which is a hard one to do in textures. It’s sexy, elegant, powerful. Barely, upon seeing the photo of this dress, said, “That dress says to me: ‘Under this fabric lies the woman who will extract every last drop from you.’” Just my kinda dress.

These shoes from Nardya Rousselot from the Liaison Collaborative echo the design lines of the dress. I am so happy Nardya is back to making shoes and the sweetheart makes them for Slink, Belleza and other feet. They are so exquisitely rendered with such gorgeous design, it’s a shame to wear anything else but the shoes. However, I would get arrested showing up on the Immense sim mostly nude. I could wear the great ring and earrings from Aleida Rhode that just came out at L’Accessoires and then I would be dressed, right?

Sawsan Secretspy’s sophisticated skin is perfect for this dress. Beautifully shadowed with defined brows and beautiful eyes I highlight with a liner from Constance Daehlie, the skin speaks to the elegance of the dress. I chose dramatic locks from Catwa Clip to complete the look. I knew I needed something windblown, voluminous and curvy to match the tight lines of the dress and this was it.

Hair: CATWA HAIR Hanna by Catwa Clip for CaTwA

Skin: .::WoW Skins::. Poison Darktan by sawsan Secretspy for .::WoW skins::., available at Designer Circle *

Eyes: Egozy.Eyes (Grey) by Nicole Button for Egozy *

Liner: #adored – go to liners – triple threat by Constance Daehlie for #adored *

Dress: -Pixicat- Femke.Gown – White by Areve for -Pixicat-

Jewelry: Elysium – Denmark earring and ring – ivory by Aleida Rhode for Elysium, available at L’Accessoires *

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

Nail appliers: Ma Vie. – Les Vernis – Metals by Mavi Beck of Ma Vie

Feet: Slink AvEnhance Feet High by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: NX-Nardcotix Delila Stiletto Black (SLINK) by Nardya Rousselot for Nardcotix, available at The Liaison Collaborative *

Poses by Dahriel for *PosESioN*

Taken at AMESTATE on Immense. Build by Colpo Wexler

The Nap

“I count it as a certainty that in paradise, everyone naps.” ~ Tom Hodgkinson

Paradise sounds good to me if it includes lazy afternoons on a sun-dappled lanai on a beach. Sway Dench has created the lovely hut and Balinese parasol I show here with the sitting cushions for a lovely beach scene, now available at Liaison Collective.

With Zlyskritek’s ruffled bikini, I am enjoying the sun (including sunscreen) and taking a much needed rest from all the hustle and bustle of June in SL. I took a trip over to the Thrift Shop, where I found this bikini and the cute purple watch I wear, though really, on vacation, should I be wearing a watch at all? Senzati0n Domenitzo’s darling sandals, which she has at Fashion for Life, are an almost naked alternative to common flip flops and show off my pedicure from Zozicon nicely (which is another exclusive at Fashion for Life).

My skin is Aida Ewing’s fresh face for Collabor88, which I am loving with a blue shadow I accidentally left on from Chandra Masala (a beautiful serendipity). My hair is Mina Nakamura’s newest for Chapter Four, a casually pulled back feminine look with her special textures and texture-change HUD, perfect for a relaxing summer… and a nap.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, look to tomorrow, rest this afternoon.” ~ Charles M. Schulz

Hair: MINA Hair – Ilse (no materials) by Mina Nakamura for MINA, available at Chapter Four *

Skin: -Glam Affair – Summer skin – America 02 F by Aida Ewing for –Glam Affair-, available at Collabor88 *

Makeup: Jalwa – Meenakshi Makeup – Blue by Chandra Masala for Jalwa *

Eyes: pearl – bog wood – medium medium by Lano Ling for Poetic Eyes *

Bikini: Kaithleen’s Beach Ruffled Mini Skirt – Purple and Kaithleen’s Beach Ruffled Top – Purple by Zlyskritek for Kaithleen’s, available at The Thrift Shop *

Watch: AURORA – Mesh Ladies Gold Watch – Lilac and Tribal by X for AURORA, available at The Thrift Shop *

Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Flat Left and Slink Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1 Right by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail appliers: -{ZOZ}- Love Polish – (Slink) Fingernail and Toenail Huds by Zozicon for ZOZ, sponsor for FFL Promenade at Fashion for Life *

Feet: Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Flat by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: Essenz – Tampa (Fatpack) by Senzati0n Domenitzo for Essenz, sponsor of FFL Trek  at Fashion for Life *

Beachy stuff: Sway’s [Pantai] Beach Hut – detailed, Sway’s [Pantai] balinese parasol . blue, Sway’s [Pantai] floor cushion B, and Sway’s [Pantai] floor cushion A by Sway Dench for Sway’s, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

Thank you, Mikalis, for lending me some sand.

The Great Outdoors

“

To me the outdoors is what you must pass through in order to get from your apartment into a taxicab.” ~ Fran Lebowitz

Summer is coming. I know it is! I am ready! Tobias Convair and Tya Fallingbridge have a few outdoor accessories that I have put to good use on my parcel. First Tya has this wonderful hammock at the Liaison Collaborative that comes in two wood tones with color change pillows and single and couples poses plus some adult for romantic encounters. I set it on the front porch of my house so I could lounge by the water, reading the New Yorker on my iPad and getting some fresh air.

Tobias has made a darling cabana house in “Crayola colors,” which goes well with his Pinewood Cottage. I can imagine all the colors lined up on a beach. (Would be great accompanied by cabana boys, hm?) Tya has made these fabulous lounge chairs in four different iterations and mirrored so you can set them up as you please. They include great single poses too. These are also available at the Liaison Collaborative.

Even in the great outdoors, I need to dress up, even if my heels sink in the lawn. Mistahmoose is a new guy on the fashion scene in SL, a game/graphics designer who has decided to ply his trade in world. These shoes are an example of his work. Designed for the Slink mid foot, they include a great texture-change HUD. (And the textures are a sort of suede, which shows brilliantly in the colors.) With a sexy shape and a new look, these shoes are some of the first pieces Mistahmoose has released. I look forward to more!

Movin’ on up, I wear a great artistic dress from Bamshyl Bookmite, one of her offerings for Fashionart. She has made a series of this mesh dress with solid colors and artistic/abstract patterns like this one, perfect for fashion and art. My jewelry I found while shopping from a recommendation in Skin Addiction. Velvetskin makes this necklace and bracelet with a HUD that has several texture change options for the different pieces and also offers the necklace in pieces (so you can wear, say, just the hanging stone on the chain). The set comes with the necklace, bracelets and earrings. I chose to wear a cute little cuff from Jaycee Dover that I picked up at Kustom 9 on my other wrist. Brightly colored nail polish from Di Hoorenbeek brightens my look.

I love these low ponytails from Kimberlee Miles. With three different hair color sets to choose from, I chose the middle set which carries mostly gingers and reds and browns. I love this bright ginger as it matches the playful nature of the style. My skin is one of Inka Mexicola’s lovely pieces for the Dressing Room Fusion with peachy lips and beautifully shaped eyes and brows.

Marry an outdoors woman. Then if you throw her out into the yard on a cold night, she can still survive. ~ W. C. Fields

Hair: (Chemistry) Hair – Prairie (Rigged) by Kimberlee Miles for (Chemistry) *

Skin: Essences – Siggy TDRF03 *blonde* by Inka Mexicola for Essences, available at The Dressing Room Fusion *

Eyes: [Brixley] Spring Eyes – evergreen by Isabelle Requiem for Brixley *

Dress: B BOS -Julie Dress-Thought by Bamshyl Bookmite for B Bos, available at Fashionart *

Necklace: **RE** LUX Liana Necklace – A+B+C by Velvetskin for RealEvil Industries

Bracelets: **RE** LUX Liana Bracelet – A+B – R by Velvetskin for RealEvil Industries and L U X E – Wooden Cuff Grayscale by Jaycee Dover for Luxe, available at Kustom 9

Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1 Right and Slink Mesh Hands (av) Relaxed Left by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail Appliers: Di’s Opera – Fingernails HUD – Fruits by Di Hoorenbeek for Di’s Opera *

Feet: Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) – Mid by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: [Shimmer] Uptown Girl Heel by Mistahmoose for Shimmer *

Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose (no longer available)

In the great outdoors:

• [PM]Pixel Mode – Ocean Breeze Deck Lounge – B – Mirror by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Ocean Breeze Deck Lounge – A by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Ocean Breeze Hammock – Light Wood – Adult by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *
• +CONVAIR+ Crayola Cabana Yellow (boxed) by Tobias Convair for Convair, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

An Irrevocable Condition

“Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition.” ~ James Baldwin

Tobias Convair believes in home and he knows his stuff. His latest release, the Pinewood Cottage, which he is selling at FaMESHed at a rock bottom price, is his American interpretation of home, an arts and crafts style bungalow which would find a safe place in many neighborhoods around the U.S. With a cozy floorplan that allows for small furniture groupings and an intimate upstairs space with room for a bedroom with fireplace, master bath and office, it’s a sort of archetype of the American dream and where else but SL would one best indulge that dream?

I located the house on my parcel overlooking the Linden seas with a late afternoon light falling in the windows to match the shadows and sunlight Tobias baked in and furnished it with pieces I have collected and new furnishings out for sale right now.

Start with the casual room to the side. With flowing curtains from Isabeau Baragula that I used throughout the house, I put down Tya Fallingbridge’s darling rattan collection for FaMESHed, which would be great in a room like this or the kind of outdoor living room that is so popular here right now. With beautifully coordinated textiles, pillows and blankets, the set has a versatility with several sitting poses per chair.

The casual dining room is furnished with Cherelle Capra’s blue and light wood furnishings that she sold at the Monochromatic Fair but which are now in her main store. Coordinated with several funky accessories (the retro clock and hanging lights), the set brightens up the house, giving a casual homey feel to the kitchen.

Cory Edo has made this formal dining room set for FaMESHed, which I have accessorized with Sway Dench’s gorgeous Moroccan carved screen and one of Tya Fallingbridge’s curved chandeliers. Cory provides the full compliment for a beautiful dining room including captains chairs with several texture change options, dining chairs, a gorgeously designed arts and crafts influenced table and separate dining pieces including place settings with color change scripts. A set of candles from Spooky Mistwallow’s RP store creates an elegant ambience to the scene.

I found pieces with an East Asian influence from Kaerri Rae in my inventory to place in front of the cozy fireplace that Tobias has included with the house. Tobias’ fireplace set, sold separately at his store, fills the hearth with a warm glow while a floor cushion recently purchased from Wendy Xeno provides a space for singles or couples to cozy up by the fire.

In my own home in SL there is no reason to dress up or flounce around in ball gowns. I chose separates from Paul Lapointe and Bastchild Lotus so I could color change to make a harmonious combination and accessorized with Maxi Gossamer’s latest offerings at FaMESHed. My lovely skin is Umazuma Metaluna’s newest piece, a lovely Asian skin with freckles sprinkled across the nose and a high ponytail from Circe Ishtari, drawn up with a scrunchie, completes my look.

“After all,” Anne had said to Marilla once, “I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” ~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Hair: Tokyo.Girl Hair Suzu [ all color ] ~long flexi~ by Circe Ishtari for Tokyo Girl *

Skin: [theSkinnery] Xiao – Bare face(honey) DB CL1 by Umazuma Metaluna for the Skinnery, available at Chapter Four *

Eyes: Amacci  – Zenith Eyes – Mesh Eyes with HUD – Brown by Carina Larsen for Amacci *

Top: L&B S’wear “Bianca” SM  Camisole Cropped – Color Knit Set by Paul Lapointe and BastChild Lotus for Lapointe and Bastchild *

Jeans: L&B Jeans “Classic” (SM) (Feet) – FatPack by Paul Lapointe and BastChild Lotus for Lapointe and Bastchild *

Earrings: [MAGIC NOOK] Lasso Hoop (Silver) MESH by Ayumi Cassini for Magic Nook, available at the Dressing Room Fusion

Necklace: MG – Necklace – Riva Bow – Short by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at FaMESHed *

Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual Right and Slink Mesh Hands (av) Relaxed Left by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail appliers: Nailed It – French Manicure – Pastels Set by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *

Feet: Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Flat by Siddean Munro for Slink

Sandals: MG – Sandals – Riva Bow by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at FaMESHed *

Poses by Olaenka Chesnokov for oOo, available at Pose Fair 2014 *

 

House:

• +CONVAIR+ Pinewood Cottage by Tobias Convair for Convair, available at FaMESHed *

 

Casual Room:

• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan Chair – A by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan Chair – B by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan Chair – C by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan Chair – D by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan End Table by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Throw Rug – Straw by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Left) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Right) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)

 

Casual dining room:

• Winston Drape, M/C by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Retro Starburst Clock – Indigo by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Cafe Stool 1 – Indigo (3 pos) by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Cafe Stool 2 – Indigo (3 pos) by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Cafe Stool 4 – Indigo (3 pos) by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Cafe Stool 4 – Indigo (3 pos) by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Sofa Table with Sea Birds – Birch by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Whimsy Light Strands Row – Light Blue by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• * [CIRCA] Open Table Magazine by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Modern Floor Vase – Birch by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Tiered Crate Shelf w/ Items- 3 Woods by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Round Cafe Table with Planter – Birch by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• blue rug by Jeanie Moonflower for Bygone Days

 

Formal dining room:

• Sway’s [Shirin] Folding screen – ebony by Sway Dench for Sway’s, out for The Challenge *
• [PM] Pixel Mode  – Chandelier – Short – Pewter by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode *
• =Mirage= Candle Cluster – Magick Mix (3 LI) by Spooky Mistwallow for =Mirage= *
• Fowler Rug 3 by Eric Linden (yeah!)
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Dining Table by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Dining Chair Autumn F1 {A} by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Dining Chair w/Arms Autumn F1 {A} by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Napkin and Flatwear Neutral by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Tall Wine Glass by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya DIning Plate Neutral by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Salt/Pepper Shaker Neutral Plum by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Left) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Right) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)

 

Formal living room:

• Trompe Loeil – Cobble Hill Rug by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil *
• Saitama Ottoman by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• Saitama Couch by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• Saitama Picture by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• Saitama Orchid by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• Saitama Zen Stones by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• [we’re CLOSED] floor cushion army by Wendy Xeno for [we’re CLOSED]
• +CONVAIR+ FIreplace Tools by Tobias Convair for Convair *
• +CONVAIR+ Fireplace Grate by Tobias Convair for Convair *
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Left) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Right) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)

 

Porch:

• Sway’s [Shells] Wind Chimes – berries by Sway Dench for Sway’s, available at the Liaison Collaborative *
• Sway’s [Garrison] potted topiary – cone by Sway Dench for Sway’s , available at the Liaison Collaborative *

Downtime

“Our culture encourages us to plan every moment and fill our schedules with one activity and obligation after the next, with no time to just be. But the human body and mind require downtime to rejuvenate. I have found my greatest moments of joy and peace just sitting in silence, and then I take that joy and peace with me out into the world.” ~ Holly Mosier

I have been tremendously busy as of late with several projects in and out of SL as well as my RL, and sometimes I have said “Yes” when I should have said “No.” I am learning how to handle how I approach some of it, so it’s a good experience. Today’s blog is a mega blog because I just had to get in so many things—I hate not showing some of the awesome content I have seen lately and I want to share it with all my readers. And I wanted to create a refuge, the sort that would help me find some downtime.

I just put up Trace Osterham’s new skybox made entirely of mesh with optional radiators. The build is welcoming and camera-friendly. With warm colors and textured brick walls it has a simple, open floor plan, but the layout defines spaces. With a land impact of 36 for the build only, it’s also great for low prim usage so you can completely fill it with all your favorite furnishings (most of which I show here are also ridiculously low land impact).

Trace includes this HUD with the skybox so you can swap out textures on the walls and woodwork as you please. The accent colors give the skybox definitely different “moods” as you try them out. I went for warm and neutral, but the green, for example, could make the space look more “industrial.” The decorative “painting” you see on the walls—the modern flowers—are actually prims that Tash Porthos made to be tinted in SL. As you can see, I got kind of wild with the colors, choosing orange, red, and even a light green against the brown wall of the dining room. I love having this option to “paint” bare walls.

I filled mine with some great new furniture from Tya Fallingbridge that she has come out with this month. First is this darling bed with little attached lamps that have derby hats for shades that she has at FaMESHed. With a texture-change sheet set and tons of great animations, it’s perfect for any couple living in a cozy skybox.

This great little dining room set from Tya features texture change on the table runners and comes with animations in the benches. The lovely chandelier has matching wall sconces you could use throughout your skybox. And the rug, which I have used in several places in the skybox, also includes texture change. (See it in the bedroom, on the floor under Tobias Convair’s sectional sofa, in front of the fireplace and here in the dining room—same rug with different textures).

Tya is selling this darling little bench in several versions at The Home Show 2014 with a wall-hung letter tray in complimentary woods and a lovely scrolled coat rack. This set, mixed and matched as I did, would go great in a foyer or home entryway. I have it in the bedroom opposite the bed.

This great shelf from Cory Edo, which she is featuring at Fameshed, is great for filling a wall space, especially when you have lots of books or gacha items you want to display. (I only show the Tommy lamp from McChris Flanagan that I was unable to show the other day.) I filled the shelf with books and yarn I made myself!! (I’d pretend I made it in mesh but really, how hard is to rez a sphere and cover it with yarn texture…?)

My outfit is easy and almost hippy, starting with the midriff-tied shirt with a decorative yoke from Ivana Canieri, which she is featuring at 100 Block. I love the pastel colors, especially since the blue goes with my beaded sandals from Maxi Gossamer, who is featuring a turquoise blue on the leather portions of the sandal but has given a great texture change for the beads (which are materials enhanced natch). My awesome jeans are Kinu Mayako’s great exclusive for the 100 Block. They come with five great denim textures in a HUD so you can pick just the shade you want. I am wearing Truth Hawks’ newest braid, a darling natural look with headband that can be switched via HUD. My skin is Aida Ewing’s offering for The Season’s Story, a natural look for a great day off with downtime.

“It is important from time to time to slow down, to go away by yourself, and simply be.”~ Eileen Caddy

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

Skin: -Glam Affair – Brandi – America 01 B by Aida Ewing for –Glam Affair-, available at The Seasons Story *

Eyes: [Brixley] Spring Eyes – darkest brown by Isabelle Requiem for Brixley, available at Kustom9 *

Top: F.owl – Knotted Hipster Shirt BLUE by Ivana Canieri for F.owl, available at the100 Block *

Jeans: [ SAKIDE ] Denim Worker Pants by Kinu Mayako for [ SAKIDE ], available at the100 Block *

Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual Right and Slink Mesh Hands (av) Relaxed Left by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail appliers: Flair – Nail Hud Add On – Slink Avatar Enhancement – Set 209 by Sasy Scarborough for Flair, available at Cosmetic Fair *

Feet: Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Flat by Siddean Munro for Slink

Sandals: MG – Sandals – Ibiza Summer Beaded by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at the Monochromatic Fair *

Poses by {Imeka} Charmy – Pose Pack by NatiWilliams for Imeka, available at Pose Fair 2014 *

 

Skybox: {theosophy} Nicholaston Skybox by Trace Osterham for {theosophy} *

 

Décor:

[PM]Pixel Mode – Wire Form Coat Rack – Copper by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Home Show 2014 *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Hallway Bench – Dark Wood by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Home Show 2014 *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Stuff Holder – Dark Wood by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Home Show 2014 *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Derby Bed – Adult by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *

+CONVAIR+ Modern Leather Sectional.black by Tobias Convair for Convair *

[dirty.little.secret] :: wall stencil :: weeds 1 by Tash Porthos for [dirty.little.secret] *

[dirty.little.secret] :: wall stencil :: weeds 2 by Tash Porthos for [dirty.little.secret] *

[dirty.little.secret] :: wall stencil :: weeds 3 by Tash Porthos for [dirty.little.secret] *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Senza Tempo Table by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Senza Tempo Seat by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Gattera Ferrero Platter by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Throw Rug by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

7 – Square Frame Wall Leaners by Agustkov for Seven Emporium

Trompe Loeil – Novel Decor – Suitcase Endtable with books by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil *

Trompe Loeil – Birdcage Worn Copper Short by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *

Trompe Loeil – Round Shelf Copper by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *

DMF – Living Lamp (Tommy  – Common) by McChris Flanagan for Dew Me Furniture, available at Erotigacha

Dutchie row of books by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *

:CP: Hemmingway Book Pile by Isla Gealach for Cheeky Pea

[what next] Pile O’ Books by Winter Thorn for {what next}

{what next} Knitted Pillow (caramel) by Winter Thorn for {what next}

{what next} Laptop by Winter Thorn for {what next}

Kauri Vase 1 by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *

Kauri Vase 3 by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *

Yarn by me

Love’s in Need of Love Today

Good morn or evening friends
Here’s your friendly announcer
I have serious news to pass on to every-body
What I’m about to say
Could mean the world’s disaster
Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain

It’s that
Love’s in need of love today
Don’t delay
Send yours in right away
Hate’s goin’ round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it’s gone too far

~ “Love’s in Need of Love Today” by Stevie Wonder

Heard this on KCRW this morning and thought it was a great reminder cased in a beautiful song and luscious voice. And I felt love, true love, when Zaara Kohime came out with this dress today. In this dress you see great design and beauty combined. First start with the colors and texture—rich, textured, glorious. I can feel a million little silkworms working their magic to make the fine threads that were woven. I can feel the weight and quality of this fabric and the labor of the finest Indian artisans who wove it. I can detect the scent of the dressmaker’s perfume, the designer’s first sketch leading to this gorgeous piece. Wear it with materials turned on and you just go, “Wow!”

Lest you think I am waxing poetic over nothing here, let me point out the design. Zaara did her own mesh and did it wonderfully. She has cleverly made the silhouette of a lady with a perfect peek-a-boo at the calf, a nice simple wraparound at the bust and a form-fitting mesh that moves gracefully with the avatar. Combining the perfect alpha with great rigging is the secret here. There is no bump in the hip as it transitions from waist to hip (which I see a lot in mesh dresses) or a weirdly shaped rear-end. She even gets the transition of the fabric as is wraps around built into the mesh. I feel as exhilarated wearing this as I do driving my friend’s Audi—fine engineering and beauty give me chills.

This is why I had to style this dress with Truth Hawk’s newest hair, also a piece of beauty and fine engineering. He has finally got his HUD, his vendors, his textures down pat. Now he can send out pretty things for us to enjoy. I really have to hand it to Truth—he has never sat back on his success and let himself become obsolete as a result. H’es always seeking ways to make things better for his customers.

Izzie Button’s beautiful new skin at the Liaison Collaborative was my choice today. With several brow options, cleavage, eye makeups and lipsticks all in one pack, it’s a bargain and perfect for this elegant look. And I had to don AvaGardnerKungler’s gorgeous work again because nothing suits a beautiful dress as much as elegant and well-done jewelry. Finally, shoes with a lace overlay from Eboni Khan for Siddean Munro’s feet from Collabor88  pull it all together.

It’s a perfect moment with this look to tell you all about Harper Ganesvoort’s 5th Annual Oscar Fashion Photo Contest has started and runs until March 2. Harper funds the prizes herself and not with income from SL, so I think you would all agree the 28,500L in prizes promised so far is incredibly generous. This gown *hint*hint* would be an ideal choice for a photo.

People you know that
Love’s in need of love today
love’s in need of love today
Don’t delay
don’t de-lay

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

Skin: Izzie’s – Maci Skin sunkissed BLB CL with Izzie’s – Lipstick dark red and Izzie’s – Maci Eyeshadow gold by Izzie Button for Izzie’s, available at the Liaison Collaborative

Eyes: [UMEBOSHI] Ren eyes -Lolly- by Keiba for UMEBOSHI

Dress: Zaara : Suhina sequin gown *gold* by Zaara Kohime for Zaara *

Necklace: (Kunglers Extra) Walhalla necklace – Copper by AvaGardner Kungler forKunglers Extra *

Nail appliers: Izzie’s – Slink Metallic Nails Applier Huds (hands & feet) by Izzie Button for Izzie’s

Shoes: ::HH:: Hucci Kasos – NudeLace by Eboni Khan for Hucci, available at Collabor88

Poses by Rogan Diesel for DieselWorks Animations *

:*

Something’s Gotta Give

When an irresistible force such as you
Meets an old immovable object like me
You can bet just as sure as you live

Something’s gotta give
Something’s gotta give
Something’s gotta give

~ “Something’s Gotta Give” by Frank Sinatra

There’s something about a classic dress and shoes with pearls that makes a girl a knockout. Start with this gorgeous dress that Shai Delacroix is offering at the Liaison Collaborative. She has fashioned a sexy gathered dress with a side sash and narrow belt in a figure-flattering pencil skirt design. She offers with it this terrific HUD for changing the colors and features across four different areas plus the option to simply turn the sash off.

I love the little slit in back and loved pairing it up with strands of pearls from Maxi Gossamer and Gospel Voom’s sexy and classic slingbacks with their little peeptoe.

This entry is, of course, named after Marilyn Monroe’s last film, ironically titled. Queue Marlowe took inspiration from Marilyn with this wavy, sexy ‘do and it’s tumble of curls framing the face. And what a beautiful face it is—one of Aida Ewing’s newest skins for the grand re-opening of Glam Affair. All the creators—Aida, Marilyn, and Amberlee—have been working hard to make new content to make this re-opening spectacular and Aida has outdone herself with the gorgeous skins she is offering.

So, en garde, who knows what the fates might have in store
From their vast mysterious sky
I’ll try hard ignorin’ those lips that I adore
But how long can anyone try?

Hair: AD – norma – light reds by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: -Glam Affair – Neva skin – America 03 C by Aida Ewing for Glam Affair, available at The Liaison Collaborative *

Eyes: [UMEBOSHI] Pearl eye -Pacific Blue- (med) by Keiba for UMEBOSHI

Dress: *Shai* Terno Dress by Shai Delacroix for Casa del Shai, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

Jewelry: MG – Necklace and Bracelet – Ritzy Shimmer Pearls by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer *

Nails: Nailed It – Prim Nails – Love Donna Flora by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *

Shoes: [Gos] Paris Peeptoe – Patent Collection by Gospel Voom for Gos Boutique *

Poses by Rogan Diesel for DieselWorks Animations *