Before the Party—KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar, Day 14

“I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.” ~ Ron White

Before any party in my house, there is a period of furious cleaning, pulling out the special dishes, setting the ambience. Since the holidays are coming up, I pulled out some accessories for creating the mood. Sway Dench’s fireplace for the Liaison Collaborative is a great centerpiece without flickering fire and Trace Osterham’s collection of bar tray and other party-related items (cleverly named “Eighteenth Amendment”) create a perfect party atmosphere.

Wintery house preparations mean a cozy sweater and tights, this the wonderful cabled turtleneck Missqwerty Pevensey is featuring for Frost with a great shape and wonderfully textured cables. Tights from Maya Levane warm the look up.

But the best part of the look are the other gift today in the KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar, these custom-made boots from LeeZu Baxter. LeeZu has thought to include a darling artistic kitten on her boots with a great colorset, made exclusively as a gift to any takers. Come get her fabulous mesh boots from the calendar today!

Sawsan Secretspy has now released her golden skin tone for the Elsa line and it sure is gorgeous with a deeper tone for girls who want to shine. This set includes heavily lined eyes for a more seductive look. My casual updo with a bun at the nape of the neck is one of Mirja Mills newest and comes complete with her great texture-change HUD. And my gorgeous green eyes are from Constance Daehlie’s new set at Anypose.

Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * LOLLI * by Mirja Mills for.:EMO-tions:. *

Skin: .::WoW Skins::. Elsa Golden 03 by sawsan Secretspy for .::WoW skins::. *

Eyes: #adored – dawn eyes – hazel by Constance Daehlie for #adored, available at AnyPose *

Sweater: [AB] Sweater Dress Tan by Missqwerty Pevensey for American Bazaar, available at FROST *

Tights: (TokiD) un tights -orange 1 by Maya Levane for TokiD

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

Boots: [LeeZu!]  Mia Miu Boots <mesh,resize> /special by LeeZu Baxter for LeeZu!, GIFT available exclusively in the KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar *

Fireplace: Sway’s [Valerie] Fireplace . wood-medium by Sway Dench for Sway’s, available at The Liaison Collaborative *

Bar service: {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment by Trace Osterham for {theosophy}, available at The Arcade *

• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Bar Cart (Light) RARE
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Plates (Gold)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Plates (Moss)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Bottles (C)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Bottles (B)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Punch Bowl (Mint)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Lamp (Mint)

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

Bohemian Like You

Wait
Who’s that guy
Just hanging at your pad
He’s looking kinda bummed
Yeah, you broke up, that’s too bad.
I guess it’s fair if he always pays the rent
And he doesn’t get bent
about sleeping on the couch when I’m there.

‘Cause I like you
yeah I like you
And I’m feeling so bohemian like you

~ “Bohemian Like You” by the Dandy Warhols

I shuffled around in my inventory and put together this bohemian look today. First I start with the great sweater/tank set from Ariadna Garrigus that comes with a darling mini skirt I chose not to wear. It includes a texture-change HUD with three options for different looks. I paired it with some baggy shorts I got a bit back from Kristabel Ashmoot that include a super-skinny red belt, which provided the pop of color that inspired red tights from Maya Levane. A casual necklace with texture changes for the beads and cord from Maxi Gossamer and awesome boots from Kinu Mayako that include a great HUD and are discounted at Thrift Shop, and I am set with one of those hodgepodge looks that seems to come together somehow.

I think this cute hair with a braid running over the front from Truth Hawks kind of pulls it all together. It’s bohemian and girly and messy and dyed at the ends. And an intensely lined eye from Sawsan Secretspy, her new skin for Suicide Dollz, makes our bohemian girl ready to face the day.

I wanted to congratulate my name doppleganger, Harper Ganesvoort, on SEVEN YEARS of blogging about SL and fashion. Harper has been exploring the grid all this time with intelligence, panache and love for all this time, putting the rest of us to shame with her dedication and enthusiasm. Congratulations, Harper!

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

Skin: .::WoW Skins::. Julya Darktan by sawsan Secretspy for .::WoW skins::., available at Suicide Dollz *

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

Sweater and top: ***Arisaris AA67~Sinuous~ Cardigan&Top by Ariadna Garrigus for ArisAris *

Shorts: AsHmOoT_AW Coll_Short Puffy Pants with AsHmOoT_Acc Coll_Belt by Kristabel Ashmoot for AsHmOoT

Necklace: MG – Necklace – Bahia Beauty 1 by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at FaMESHed *

Tights: (TokiD) un tights -red 1 by Maya Levane for TokiD

Hands: Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail appliers: KOSH – Slink Applier GLOSSY FINGERNAILS #2 by Lynaja Bade for KOSH

Clutch: ::LC:: PVC Clutch Noir – Minimalist by Piinky Chrome for Lethal, available at The Gacha Mania

Boots: [ SAKIDE ] Ingenue Boots by Kinu Mayako for [ SAKIDE ], available at Thrift Shop 7.0*

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression (no longer available)

Smitten Kitten

“how can you love a little cat
so much
in such a
short
short
time?”
― Sharon Creech, Hate That Cat

Everyone needs a good friend to snuggle up to when it’s cold. I think I found the ideal friend—in the final KittyCats Advent Calendar gift. Anyone get a free KittyCat with a week’s supply of food and you can birth your KittyCat and see it grow if you get there by January 6 and grab one for yourself. I put my darling new friend on my shoulder so you can see her. She is cuddling up in my fur coat from Cecilia Blachere, which Cecilia is selling at Designer Showcase this month as a special offer. I’m wearing her sexy black pencil skirt and top underneath with red tights from Maya Levane and darling ankle boots from Pixieplumb Flanagan.

Umazuma Petaluna had created a set of lovely skins for Arcade, copies of which can probably still be found in yard sales for gacha items. I would recommend you grab them when you can because they are gorgeous, with full lips and a beautifully rendered body. My hair is one of Truth’s more recent releases, a tousled sexy ‘do with Truth’s handy texture-change HUD. Peeking from behind a lock of hair, my lovely blue eyes (matching my KittyCat’s eyes almost) are available in Keiba’s store.

“Purr more, hiss less.” ~ Linda C. Marchman

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

Skin: [theSkinnery] Maya 13 (honey) BB CL1 by Umazuma Metaluna for the Skinnery, available at The Arcade *

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

Jacket: shine by [ZD] ARIA MESH BLAZER storm by Cecilia Blachere for shine, available at Designer Showcase

Top: shine by [ZD] SIMPLE UNDERNEATH SWEATER black by Cecilia Blachere for shine *

Skirt: shine by [ZD] Alpha for HANNAH MESH PENCIL SKIRT by Cecilia Blachere for shine *

Tights: (TokiD) un tights -soft red by Maya Levane for TokiD

Boots: BM Mirari Boot  All Colours by Pixieplumb Flanagan for Baby Monkey *

KittyCat by KittyCats, available as a gift at the KittyCats 2013 Advent Calendar at KittyCats Winterland through January 6

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

:* :*

Charmed Life

When I hold you in my arms,
And look back on my charmed life
My charmed life
I hope, I hope if nothing more
That one day you’ll call your life
A charmed life

~ “Charmed Life” by Divine Comedy

When I listen to the radio, I hear about the economy struggling, the problems in the Middle East, the poverty in my own country, and it’s really depressing sometimes. But then I think, well, oppression is less in this world, more people than ever have access to food, technology, medicine, and beauty. And certainly I live a charmed life. It’s something I keep reminding my son too—we’re lucky.

I am lucky in SL too because I can see so many beautiful creations people make and wear them! Start with this darling dress from Maya Levane, which she is offering at the Dressing Room Fusion. With a lovely William Morris kind of print and a brown belt, it’s a simple shape with a great texture. I show it with shoes from Onyx Leshelle, who is having a half off sale on ALL her shoes, hair and clothing until mid-July, when they will put up a new mesh build.

Alexandra Barcelos has reopened Filthy Skins and she is back! The news was greeted with great happiness in the Skin Addiction group, and everyone rushed to get this group gift, which has well defined features and a lovely cupid bow mouth. One thing I found with her skins was they could be a little blurry at times around the features—that’s gone and I am very pleased. Check out those great brows! I pair it with one of Truth Hawks’ new-color styles—a high banged ponytail. Secret: it’s one of my favorites for every day wear.

Well I never really worried that much
About making lots of money and such
And I always seemed to land on my feet.
Though there’s been some difficult times
The good times where never far behind
I snatched all of my victories from the jaws of defeat

Well sometimes this life is like being afloat
On a raging sea in a little row boat
Just trying not to be washed overboard
But if you take your chances and you ride your luck
And you never, never, never, never, never give up
Well those waves will see you safely to a friendly shore

Hair: Truth Delta – Reds01 by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: :F: Group.Gift#1.2013 ___( Beach ) by Alexandra Barcelos for Filthy

Eyes: IKON Ascension Eyes – Sahara (ML) by Ikon Innovia for IKON

Dress: (TokiD) Mira Dress_S (raspberry) by Maya Levane for TokiD, available at TDR Fusion

Necklace: // the egg // Torus (necklace) by Yolks Resident for // the egg //

Ring: ..:: BenS Beauty ::.. Anabella Ring by Snow Martiel for BenS Beauty, available at Fi*Friday

Shoes: Maitreya Gold Shiki * Cargo by Onyx Leshelle for Maitreya

Poses by Darling Monday for fri.day

Meg

Her name was Theresa but everyone calls her “Meg,” because she is so much like nutmeg—brown, spicy and warm—and she smells faintly of spices. That’s because she works at the spice store around the block from me—one of my favorite places. She knows cooking back and forth, taught to her by her gramma, and she gave me the best recipe for banana bread that has among it’s spices.. well, what else but nutmeg.

Meg is wearing a darling retro skirt from Maya Levane, something she picked up at a vintage store topped by a comfy tank from moonbubble Gothly (whose store she loves). She loves jewelry and she has been to the Accessory Fair several times. She has a great set from Mouse Mimistrobell on—necklace, earrings and bangles. The set is as eclectic and funky as Meg herself. A pretty little ring from AvaGardner Kungler punctuates her look.

Monicuzza Babenco’s newest skin is an ideal visage for Meg with its sweet nutmeg tone and beautiful glow. The lips and eyes on this skin are sublime, incredibly attractive and sensual. Her hair is a beauty from Truth Hawks with its woven-in braid and streaks (which I changed to auburn for subtlety). Her toes are gloriously rendered by Siddean Munro in a pair of Siddean’s newest flat sandals.

Full of sugar and spice and everything nice.

Hair: >TRUTH< Clementine Streaked (Upper) – mocha by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: *YS & YS* Mary – 01 Nude by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS* *

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

Top: [bubble] Basic Top Brown 2 by moonbubble Gothly for [bubble] *

Skirt: (TokiD) le frills skirt – light flowers by Maya Levane for TokiD

Necklace, earrings, and bracelets: Dark Mouse Waves & Sun Necklace, Bangles and Earrings by Mouse Mimistrobell for Dark Mouse, available at the Accessory Fair *

Ring: (Kunglers Extra) Lotus – ring 2 by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers Extra, available at the Accessory Fair *

Sandals: Slink Cassia Sandals Choc by Siddean Munro for SLink *

I Dig Egypt

The Accessory Fair to benefit Relay for Life opened this weekend with an elaborate scene straight out of Indiana Jones. Between the catacombs and the mummies everywhere, it has the feel of a movie-set fantasy—you can feel the sand under your feet and marvel at the artistry around you amidst a “dig.” (Though an archaeologist her salt would not let you step one foot in a real dig.)

But let’s face it—that’s not really Egypt. The real Egypt is a much more exciting and interesting place. It’s the home of a 21st-century revolution—the same kind of youth-initiated revolution we saw in the US and Europe in the 60s, at the fall of the Berlin wall in the late 80s, and in Tiananmen Square in the 90s. The revolution is spreading across the area, and we should be excited for them—they are finding self-government and throwing off the shackles of post-colonial corruption and dictatorship.

A Muslim woman in Egypt won’t be wearing skimpy clothes with cats-eye eyeliner–that’s Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra in a movie from the 60s. Your average young woman in Egypt is probably wearing a hijab (which I don’t show here) and a modest but pretty outfit, consisting of a tunic and slacks. This ensemble, from Syngen Sohmers, is a perfect example (and should be because she’s Egyptian). The beauty of fabrics and fashion is not lost on this outfit—the fabric is richly textured with gold accents. Women in Egypt are just as interested in how they look—they just don’t want to show a lot of skin.

It’s the perfect chance to show the beautiful face on the newest skin from Diarmuid Miklos, which is coming out next weekend. With its subtle tones and beautiful makeups (a lot of them running in the pinks, though you can’t see it in this skin), this is bound to be a new smash for Diarmiud. He includes with this set a sculpty ponytail, perfect if you want to keep arc low and fashion high. Mocksoup Graves’ makeups suit his faces really well, and I wear a little tint on my lips from her.

I am also thrilled with Reghan Straaf’s offerings at the Accessory Fair, specifically a set with an “Egyptian theme.” They are truly a treasure to be found in their “Dig.” Reghan has been making beautiful hats forever but now she’s turned her sights to jewelry and I am blown away. I love these malachite earrings with their excellent stone and gold textures. And the bracelet is .. well charming. Each little charm represents a sign of ancient Egyptian culture and while they seem cliched, they are still powerful symbols for the Egyptians who believe in their country, their culture and their future.

“You are not a realist unless you believe in miracles.” ~ Anwar Sadat

Skin with Hair: ISPACHI Skin [ AUDREY ] Ebony ~ Hair/Nude with ISPACHI Hair [ AUDREY ] 4 by Diarmiud Miklos for ISPACHI *

Makeup: M.O.C.K Cosmetics Dark Mallow Lip Creme(Lipcolor only) by Mocksoup Graves for M.O.C.K Cosmetics*

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

Ensemble with bangles: –Sakinah– Rasha Outfit Lt Green by Syngen Sohmers for –-Sakinah– *

Earrings: {H} Egyptian Malachite Earring by Reghan Straaf for Hatpins, available at the Accessory Fair *

Bracelet: Hatpins Charm Bracelet – Egyptian Trinkets by Reghan Straaf for Hatpins, available at the Accessory Fair *

Shoes: (TokiD) gladiator sandals (brown) by Maya Levane for TokiD

Inventory Clean Up

I won’t get into the horrifying mess that is my inventory. Notecards strewn all about, pushpins from landmarks stuck in wrong places, a grossly unsorted texture folder, and my animations and poses…? Really bad.

I did a post about this heinous task before (which I call “Inventoil”) and unfortunately, I will not delight you with the oddities I found in my inventory this time (of which there are quite a few). I just want to show you that I do not always wear an evening gown (despite rumors to the contrary)—especially when cleaning inventory.

Needless to say I threw some things on but in SL, you still look gorgeous! Take, for example, this flowered cardigan from Maya Levane. With its combo of a cleverly done system jacket and sculpties, it’s an ideal over-shirt with rolled up sleeves (for getting to work). Loose fitting jeans from Alla Ruff make bending over and picking up packed up prims heavy with poses easy. I did allow myself to sneak out to Renee Harvy’s store for some comfy shoes and I hit pay dirt with these cute little moccasins (decorated with leaves). They were only 20L!

In all cases, my Truth and Tuli folders are well-sorted, so I was able to whip out this lovely skin from Tuli, which is a remake of her Eva line, and a loosely-gathered ponytail from Truth Hawks. They both make it simple to make a good looking style quickly and easily.

The question is this: how many copies of this thing called “object” do I really need?

Hair: >TRUTH< Cady – burgundy by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: [:T:] Eva / sunkissed / br :: 05 Shimmer by Tuli Asturias for Tuli

Cardigan: (TokiD) loose cardigan – red rose by Maya Levane for (TokiD)

Top: **MIS** Essential Tank – Tomato by Janie Marlowe for Mischief (no longer available)

Pants: -Veschi- Jeanius! Indigo by Alla Ruff for -Veschi-

Shoes: ::Duh!:: Women’s Brown Leaf Moccasins by Renee Harvy for ::Duh!::

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*

Jacket Weather

The chill has hit the air but not in an unwelcome way. I remember when fall started and I was SO excited to bring out my new fall school clothes—the new cute sweater, the fashionable jacket, shiny shoes.

I just got this new sweater from Shelly Toonie, who is releasing this whole set with a great set of colorways and combos as if they are knit from variegated yarn (yes still stuck on this knitting thing). The skirt is a wonderfully textured sculpty from Maya Levane, who has combined the best of of a pleated look into a skirt that moves pretty well on the avatar considering it’s a sculpty. My jacket is from last spring but does well in the fall as well as the chill comes in the air. Toraji Voom has made a very versatile piece. A little scarf around my neck to keep the chill out thanks to Milla Michinaga, and I am set to go.

What turns this outfit on its head are the striped tights from Allegory Malaprop and the coordinating flats from Fallingwater Cellardoor. Fallingwater, as long as she has been in this game, still makes wonderful content and pays attention to all the smallest details. These little shoes are lovely. Thanks to Zeerya Pyrithea for the earrings.

Finally my skin, glowing and young with bee stung lips, comes from the mind and talented digital make-up artistry of Gala Phoenix. And though the hair is named “Lost” by Lamb Bellic, I will find my way home.

Written while listening to “In the Dirt” by S. Carey.

Hair: !lamb. Lost – Kit Kat by Lamb Bellic for !lamb

Skin: :GP: Sundust Frex [Dark] June-Grass 2 for Gala Phoenix for Curio

Jacket: **DP**yumyum:mods coat (female) by toraji Voom for **DP**YUMYUM

Sweater: MS-Harvest Knit Olive by Shelly Toonie for Moonshine *

Skirt: (TokiD) le frills skirt – masut by Maya Levane for TokiD

Socks: Schadenfreude Autumn Bawdy Socks by Allegory Malaprop for Schadenfreude

Earrings: Cube Cloth Earrings [] Grassy Stream by Zeerya Pyrithea for ~< { Zeery } >~

Scarf: MichaMi: Ebba Scarf in Beige by Milla Michinaga for MichaMi

Shoes: (Shiny Things) Zimmy Flats – olive by Fallingwater Cellardoor for Shiny Things