Fiona

Why can’t I be more conventional
People talk
People stare
So I try
But can’t be
Cuz I can’t see
My strange little world
Just go passing me by

Today’s look is named after Fiona Apple because I was listening to Fiona Apple and this looks like a Fiona. In fact, this Fiona likes blossoms. My top is from Teresa Republic—a form fitting top with a panel of flowers running down the middle. I paired it with a skirt from Mikiya Alter with golden blossoms running along the hem.

I have two pieces of good news in this outfit. First, Queue Marlowe has been up to tricks, and my ‘do is from her newest line, which is a breath of fresh air from her with 92 color choices (talk about upload charges!). Queue has been working hard on this new line with new textures, new shapes and a new brand name for this line: Point B. She has more coming out soon… join her group to keep apprised.

My second piece of good news is Siddean Munro’s platform flip flops. Siddean has tried to address the same problem that Oct Oakleaf did with his sandals—trying to eliminate the “ankle join” for prim feet while making them easier to match. Her solution is smart and makes matching easy. The great thing about Siddean’s work is that she never sits back and says, “OK, I am done.” Continuous improvement is Siddean’s ethos, and that’s why she’s always one step ahead (gah, no pun intended).

So let people wonder
Let ’em laugh
Let ’em frown
You know I’ll love you
Till the moon’s upside down
Don’t you remember
I was always your clown
Why try to change me now

~ Fiona Apple, “Why Try to Change Me Now”

Hair: tavern passion by Queue Marlowe for .b *

Skin: #5 LaVie Asia -Tiffany- Light by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie *

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

Top: haut.monde – Mariska Blouse – Blue Cacarao 2 by Teresa Republic for haut.monde *

Skirt: ****em**** Bohemian Skirt(Turquoise) by Mikiya Alter for ****em****

Necklace: *HD* Bertille Pendant by Delora Starbrook for Haven Designs (no longer available :( )

Shoes: Slink Shaz Platforms Teal by Siddean Munro for SLink *

Hair

Gimme a head with hair
Long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming,
Streaming, flaxen, waxen

Give me down to there hair
Shoulder length or longer
Here baby, there mama
Everywhere daddy daddy…

I want it long, straight, curly, fuzzy
Snaggy, shaggy, ratty, matty
Oily, greasy, fleecy
Shining, gleaming, streaming
Flaxen, waxen
Knotted, polka-dotted
Twisted, beaded, braided
Powdered, flowered, and confettied
Bangled, tangled, spangled, and spaghettied!

~ from the song “Hair,” from “Hair: the Musical”

I have a quandary here because generally I do a whole avatar “look” and I eschew that multiple mugshot presentation, but I have been inundated with hair… hair in boxes, hair in packages, hair in folders.. wonderful hair! That’s because the Hair Fair is on again this year, and there are many more choices for me to show than I can do in.. a month I bet. So I will be showing some great styles here and through the week.

This post will be my mugshot showing (wherein I just show hair without content or context—just hair.. on my head.) Hair Fair opened yesterday at midnight slt. Join the Hair Fair Demo Group in world to grab copies of these as demos so you are not wandering around the Fair trying them on in a swamp of lag. (And there will be lag—don’t complain—you all want to be there so there will be lag.)

Finally, please note that I show some new skins here and I will talk more about them as the week goes on. Simply admire and purchase!!

Hair: [RA] Khloe Hair – Red Fever by Raspberry Aristocrat for Raspberry Aristocrat, available at Hair Fair 2011

Skin: :GP: Petal [Dark] Pout-Indulged 1 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Light Steel Blue (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Earrings: erratic/hoop earrings/silver by Erratic Rain for erratic

Hair: !lamb. Our Deal – Blur Ombre by Lamb Bellic for lamb, available at Hair Fair 2011

Skin: :GP: Petal Frex [Light] Airhead-Fluff 1 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

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

Hair: MINA Hair – Famke – BG05 by Mina Nakamura for MINA Hair & Bijoux, available at Hair Fair 2011

Skin: [.:Mascarade:.] Chou – Jolie – by Jahen Foxclaw for [.:Mascarade:.]

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

Note: This one includes extensions that were not right. Bubbles took the same texture and put it on the extensions so the dark was still on top so as the pieces went together they did not match. I was disappointed because I loved the long hair.

Hair: Clawtooth: Pretty Words (skull) – Soil by Bubbles Clawtooth for Clawtooth, available at Hair Fair 2011

Skin: [mock] Olivia Skin (no Cleavage) Tone 2 by Mocksoup Graves for MOCK Cosmetics *

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

Hair: Rosy mood hair / Conifer (red) by Calico Felisimo for Rosy Mood *

Skin: [mock] Olivia Skin (no Cleavage) Tone 2 by Mocksoup Graves for MOCK Cosmetics *

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

Hair: [LeLutka]-KNOTTED hair – Overcooked with [LeLutka]-HAIRBASE Overcooked by Thora Charron for [LeLutka], available at Hair Fair 2011

Skin: * LaVie * Jolie – Anemone – Sunkissed #9 [H] by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie *

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

Hair: Amacci Hair Trisha ~ Wheat Blond by Carina Larsen for Amacci, , available at Hair Fair 2011 *

Skin: :GP: Petal [Light] Summer-Pebble 2 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

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

Note: This comes with a whole fantastic outfit of … hair. Not sure I will ever find a place for the hair skirt but it was certainly fun.

Hair: ChiChickie! Godiva (Hair) – Chocolate by Chiana Meredith for ChiChickie, available at Hair Fair 2011 *

Skin: #5 LaVie Asia -Tiffany- Light by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie *

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

Hair: Magika Hair // Andarial by Sabina Gully for Magika, available at Hair Fair 2011

Skin: LAQ ~ Mini – [Nougat] – 09 by Mallory Cowen for Laqroki

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

Note: The fan changes texture on click so you can match to your outfit!

Hair: Vanity Hair: Shizuka-Noir by Tabita Jewell for Vanity Hair, available at Hair Fair 2011

Skin: :GP: Honey [Dark] Jasmine-Big Red Lantern 1 by Gala Phoenix for Curio

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

Note: This one comes with a hud to change the streaks to any color in her collection.

Hair: !!Calico Ingmann Creations!! Audrey – Light Blondes by Calico Ingmann for Calico Ingmann Creations

Skin: [.:Mascarade:.] Chou – Jolie – by Jahen Foxclaw for [.:Mascarade:.]

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

House of RFyre at Fashion for Life

Dear Readers:

As most of you may or may not know, I have worked for Raven Pennyfeather for over three years in SL. She is a personal friend as well as an employer. I rarely blog her work in my own blog because I am so familiar with it I feel I can’t speak about it coherently or “objectively.” I have seen the inside of this sausage factory, and I have to tell you, each piece is made with pure love and goodness and joy by Raven. There is no other way to say it. She puts her heart into her creations; they are her vision and her art and she wants so greatly to share this beauty and fun with others in SL.

She has been preoccupied with new vistas in RL so she has not been in SL as much. However we speak on the phone frequently, and she has been supportive and enthusiastic about Fashion for Life. She also didn’t want to see Nevar’s and Ame’s hard work be lost so she was glad when I took it on but she has not been thrilled with not having me available to her. She will be glad when I am back at RFyre (as will I).

I am very emotional about Raven; she has been as dear a friend to me, in RL as in SL, as anyone for the past 3+ years. I couldn’t possibly fit into the blog here or on the Fashion for Life website (where I really should not get mushy and personal), how I feel. So this blog is entirely poorly written, clumsy, and not nearly good enough for what she and her work deserve.

~ Harper

As Fashion for Life closes, we have to give thanks to one of our sim sponsors, for many things. Raven Pennyfeather has always supported the RFL Clothing Fair and Fashion for Life. She made friends with Nevar and Amethyst and has had them to dinner in her RL home several times, supporting their work because she knew it was important and they were her friends. However, two years ago, Raven’s father was diagnosed with breast cancer, rare but not unknown in men. While she ran her business, House of RFyre, she ran from her house to his weekly to assist him (100 miles away), logging on from his home after she had taken him to his chemo treatments, to check her business and design. Raven had always supported RFL, but once his diagnosis came, it became even more important to her. Her donation for being a sim sponsor was entirely selfless—she wanted to put RFyre’s name on this important cause as a personal endorsement, especially as she has seen her father go into remission.

Raven’s support of Fashion for Life has been long-standing, first with Nevar and Ame and now with the new coleads, Harper and Syngen. In fact, Raven sacrificed her assistant, Harper, to FFL and has suffered (supposedly) with Harper so preoccupied. Thank you, Raven, for giving me the time and room to do this.

It is a great honor to have Raven Pennyfeather be one of the sim sponsors at Fashion for Life. Her generous heart imbues all her work and her dark romantic nature translates to the vision for her work. Consider this couture offering from Raven with its leather jacket on top over a swirling translucent ethereal black skirt and topped with a smart top hat with lace veil. Raven never makes a minimal outfit—she truly wants to give her customers her best and all she can with each ensemble.

One of Raven’s newer offerings is the Hearts on Fyre series, including this evening gown. Inspired by the designs of Ed Harvy, Raven made her own clothing “tattoo” motifs and carried them to this gown and to more casual sets for men and women. Her colors are rich and luxe.

Raven has always aimed to fulfill her male customer’s needs as well. In this she has a very romantic vision as well. Her men are dressed in the finest materials—leather, satin, wool, lace. The handsome tux above from her Wintertide series can take a man from ballroom to personal Interview with the Vampire. The more formal Eduoard below with its shorter cut and tails and chained closure and romantic bow tie, can take a man to the most formal affair.

One last day for Fashion for Life. Today. Get here NOW to get some of these beautiful items and many many more before they disappear and this whole beautiful please is gone!

Photo 1:

• Hair: [e] Early – Black 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: -Glam Affair- Mary Light – E/D/A 05 by aida Ewing by aida Ewing for Glam Affair, FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Eyes: ***FFL Exclusive*** FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Silver&Blue  (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: ***FFL Donation*** ! RFyre For the Love Of… Tribute Ensemble by Raven Pennyfeather for House of RFyre, Sim Sponsor for the Stieglitz sim at Fashion for Life
• Boots: ***FFL Exclusive*** .:L&B:. “Orleans” B&W Lace Boot set by Paul Lapointe for Lapointe & Bastchild, Sim Sponsors for the Irving Penn sim at Fashion for Life

Photo 2:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * WINDBLOWN* /deepblack by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Skin: LaVie Enya Fancy Thrill normal (H) by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Steel Blue (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: ! RFyre Hearts On Fyre Couture Gown for Women by Raven Pennyfeather for House of RFyre, Sim Sponsor for the Stieglitz sim at Fashion for Life
• Shoes: ***FFL Exclusive*** Osakki // FFL Osaka Red Heels  by Kaysha Piers for Osakki, FFL Store Sponsor on the Helmut Newton sim

Photo 3:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * MARC * /black with shaved head base MARC 1 by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Skin: Antoine Medium Normal Goatee3 – Bald by Ramses Meredith for Egoisme, FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Shape: Distinctive Shapes By Gil – Lance Shape by Gil Warwillow, TBA
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Brown (L) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Outfit: !RFyre Mens Wintertide Tux Mens Black (P) by Raven Pennyfeather for House of RFyre, Sim Sponsor for the Stieglitz sim at Fashion for Life
• Shoes: .:L&B:. “Couture ” Croc Ankle Boot Set :Black by Paul Lapointe for Lapointe & Bastchild, Sim Sponsors for the Irving Penn sim at Fashion for Life

Photo 4:

• Hair: .::MADesigns Hair::. ~ AKAMI ~ SB I by Maddox Dupont for KMadd Enterprises, Sim Sponsor for the Helmut Newton sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: LaVie Savon Shaved Tan by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Shape: Distinctive Shapes By Gil – Terry Shape by Gil Warwillow, TBA
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Dark Clover Green (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Outfit: RFyre Edouard Mens Tux Brocade Black by Raven Pennyfeather for House of RFyre, Sim Sponsor for the Stieglitz sim at Fashion for Life
• Shoes: .:L&B:. “Couture ” Croc Ankle Boot Set :Black by Paul Lapointe for Lapointe & Bastchild, Sim Sponsors for the Irving Penn sim at Fashion for Life

P.S. In a totally unrelated-to-the-dignity-of-Raven-Pennyfeather addendum, I have publicly stated that I will run through the sims of FFL naked AND blog as a chicken on this very blog IF FFL reaches 4.75 million. Thousands of people wishing for laughter at my expense will thank you if you help us get there!

10 Reasons to Come to Fashion for Life: Reasons 7 and 8

7. The beauty.

Look at this beautiful dress pixivor Allen is offering in her donation vendor at Fashion for Life. It’s absolutely gorgeous with its sequined textures in silver and great flower accents. Pixivor decided to donate all funds paid for this dress to the American Cancer Society. This beautiful creation is only one of pixivor’s offerings for this worthy cause.

The Fashion for Life sims are stunning and won’t be here forever. The fashions are beautiful as well. Many items are exclusive—they will no longer be available after this fair. The ephemeral nature of these items is like life itself—it doesn’t last forever. The American Cancer Society’s work allows people to enjoy their lives through cancer and after it. It’s a huge thing—having a decent quality of life when your body is fighting cancer. Life is ephemeral—it should be enjoyable.

Feel the joy of life at Fashion for Life, going on NOW through March 22.

• Hair: [e] Details – Red 05 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: ***FFL Exclusive*** LaVie Autumn Glory Normal #5 by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Light Brown (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress (with shoes): ***FFL Donation*** (AlaFolie) Miss Philipines version 1 by pixivor Allen for Alafolie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim

8. Around the world in nine sims…. (and not eighty days).

Fashion for Life is literally an around-the-world enterprise. Designers from every continent except Antarctica contributed to the content featured at Fashion for Life. That’s why it’s always a thrill to see the many kinds of fashions that designers contribute, all going to the American Cancer Society, to help their friends around the world fight cancer.

These all deserve to be shown, first because of their beauty, but also because of their price. Vlinder is offering these four pieces as her donation items, all at 150L each. If you have ever hesitated to purchase a sari due to cost this is the time to grab them at such an economical price while helping ACS.

Vlinder travels around east Asia frequently, logging in from internet cafes with her laptop to upload textures and work on designs. She managed to get to Fashion for Life the day before we were due to open, seemingly from a red-eye flight ;)

Syngen Sohmers has also priced her items at an economical price. She is the brilliant designer behind the Irving Penn and Bourke White sims and the gracious person who stepped up to become co-lead and to design the parameters for our gorgeous sims. Per FFL rules, Syngen donated the regular amount to have a store at FFL AND she donated the required number of items. These were all made exclusively for FFL AFTER she built her sims. Whew!

I don’t think Syngen will mind my telling you all that she is Egyptian living in the US, and it was during the harrowing days in Egypt that Syngen managed to design both her sims with all their amazing textures and prims. The Bourke White sim is based on the Porto Marina in Alexandria, her home town, and a place of wonderful memories for her. It was as if in defiance that Syngen built, unable to reach her family initially and glued to the TV as well as the computer screen as she funneled her energies into these builds. She willed Alexandria’s survival and independence through the linking of prims. Her selflessness and strength during a very stressful personal time was amazing.

Syngen represents her Egyptian and Muslim heritage with pride in her clothing. Her Nefertiti was her homage to her homeland, offered generously as a donation for Fashion for Life.

Finally this gorgeous kimono from Sequanna Kidd . Despite the troubles in Japan, Sequanna managed to log on and set up her store, offering this absolutely breathtaking kimono as one of her donation items. In fact, every single one of our Japanese designers was able to set up their stores, despite the disasters in their homeland, focused as they were on this charity and the opportunity to show Japanese strength in the face of adversity.

The work of all these creators reminds us that cancer knows no boundaries, no nationalities, no races. It afflicts people around the world. The American Cancer Society does not just serve North America; it serves people around the world through outreach, education, assistance and support.

Honor these international designers by visiting Fashion for Life, going on NOW through March 22.

Photo 1:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * ISABELLE * /deepblack by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Skin: LaVie Enya Sinful Passion normal by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Dark Brown (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Sari: ***FFL Donation*** **Vlintuition Eila Sampler – Marina by Vlinder Reitveld for Vlintuition, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim

Photo 2:

• Sari: ***FFL Donation*** **Vlintuition Jahanara Sari – Moonlight by Vlinder Reitveld for Vlintuition, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim

Photo 3:

• Sari: ***FFL Donation*** **Vlintuition Naina Grande Maharani Sculpted Sari by Vlinder Reitveld for Vlintuition, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim

Photo 4:

• Sari: ***FFL Donation*** **Vlintuition Soma Sari – Merlot by Vlinder Reitveld for Vlintuition, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim

Photo 5:

• Outfit: ***FFL Exclusive*** –Sakinah– Balidance RFL by Syngen Sohmers for Sakinah, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim

Photo 6:

• Outfit: ***FFL Exclusive*** –Sakinah– Rasha RFL 2011 by Syngen Sohmers for Sakinah, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Shoes: Zaara : Ilaida Mojri *mocha* by Zaara Kohime for {Zaara}, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim

Photo 7:

• Outfit: ***FFL Exclusive*** –Sakinah—Nefertiti by Syngen Sohmers for Sakinah, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim

Photo 8:

• Outfit: ***FFL Exclusive*** –Sakinah– Latika RFL 2011 by Syngen Sohmers for Sakinah, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Shoes: Zaara : Ilaida Mojri *mocha* by Zaara Kohime for {Zaara}, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim

Photo 9:

• Outfit: ***FFL Exclusive*** *Milky Ohoku-Baikai Soushun-BL* by Sequanna Kidd for Milky House, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim

10 Reasons to Come to Fashion for Life: Reasons 1 and 2

1. FASHISM is here.

The above are Ikon Innovia’s newest eyes in Clover Green. He has added several new colors, most in 5 intensities, and all come with 5 size versions so you are bound to find one that suits you.

You will literally pull your eyes out when you see these. They are gorgeous, glimmering, realistic, and attractive. The eyes are the window to the soul… let someone find your soul with FASHISM’s eyes.

Below are the Silver&Purple, an FFL Exclusive and on sale for only 50L!

Each sale of the Silver&Purple eyes goes directly to the American Cancer Society, who helps fight the second cause of death in the world—cancer. Thirteen percent of deaths worldwide are caused by cancer annually—7.9 million.

Find out why Twisted Lemon calls them “utterly amazing eyes” by coming to Fashion for Life—only open until March 22!

Photo 1:

• Hair: [e] Rush – Brown 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: ***FFL Exclusive*** LaVie Hope Autumn Glory Normal #5 by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes: *New* FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Clover Green (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim

Photo 2:

• Hair: ***FFL Exclusive*** [e] Hye – Black 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: ***FFL Exclusive*** LOGO Infinity Divine Skin – Fashion For Life Special Edition by Maximillion Grant for Logo
• Eyes: ***FFL Exclusive***—ONLY 50L! FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Silver&Purple (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim

2. b[ELLE]issima! has almost everything priced 10-25L, including several of her FFL donation items! Men’s as well as women’s!

Elle74 Zaftig has put all her gorgeous stuff on sale, including ball gowns, men’s tweed coats, men’s vest and pants sets, a cute spring dress, and this adorable set shown above in FOUR COLORS for only 15L each!!

Elle knows that all the donation funds her items collect go directly to the American Cancer Society via no intermediary. The funds are directly sent to the avatar RelayforLife AmericanCancer, which goes to the general fund for SL Relay for Life. She has participated in Fashion for Life for several years because she knows cancer will be diagnosed in more than 12.7 million people this year alone.

Buy all four dresses donated to benefit the American Cancer Society by coming to Fashion for Life—only open until March 22!

• Hair: ***FFL Exclusive*** !VA! Crazy Horse-noir by Tabata Jewell for Vanity Hair on the Mapplethorpe sim
• Skin: ***FFL Exclusive***—Only 100! : HS : Spirit : Aura : Shamrock (MC) by Amesha Jewell for Heartsick Skins, FFL Store Sponsor, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim
• Dress: ***FFL Exclusive***—ONLY 15L! _b[ELLE] – Sequin Party Dress – Teal by Elle74 Zaftig for b[ELLE]issima! on the Arbus sim
• Shoes: ***FFL Exclusive*** N-core AURA “Noir” by Claire Messenger for N-Core, FFL Store Sponsor on the Helmut Newton sim

Nicky Ree at Fashion for Life

Nicky Ree has *always* been a supporter of Relay for Life. Every year she applies her talents to specially made exclusive dresses sold for Relay for Life with 100% of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. In the past and this year as well, she has also backed that up with a personal donation as a sim sponsor.

Nicky chose to color her RFL donations purple or pink, and we are honored to have her beautiful content grace the Ansel Adams sim. Take the Tanya Gown with its rich deep sheen, tweedy print, and gem-like colors. With its sexy plunging neckline and sophisticated silhouette, it’s a beautiful gown for a red carpet.

Nicky was clearly influenced by Frederick Lancaster’s art deco build for her sim when she did this exquisite texture on her Mara dress. Nicky has donated the Mara dress in various iterations over the years, each one more stunning than the next.

Her regular black and white version of this dress is stunning and both Mara dresses come with a long ballroom skirt and a shorter sophisticated skirt.

For women who like a softer look, Nicky offers pink and fuchsia versions of her Lana Satin and Lace and Tricia Lace gowns. With their sophisticated drama, these gowns highlight Nicky’s amazing talent and background in formal evening wear (her mother owned a custom boutique in RL). Nicky has perfected the lushness of fabrics that would be used in formal gowns, highlighting a woman’s best features and making her feel incredibly pampered and beautiful.

Dress yourself up at Fashion for Life, going on NOW through March 22.

Photo 1:

• Hair: ::DBS::Mona-black by DBS Heart for Bishwear, FFL Store Sponsor on the Irving Penn sim
• Skin: LaVie Enya Purple Heart normal (H) by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Rising Sun (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: **FFL Exclusive** DNR Tanya Gowns & Pants in Purple by Nicky Ree for Designing Nicky Ree, Sim Sponsor for the Ansel Adams sim at Fashion for Life
• Earrings: Fulo Lacey Earrings – Amethyst by Dita Tran for Fulo, FFL Store Sponsor on the Irving Penn sim

 

Photo 2:

• Hair: [e] Just – Black 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: : HS : Reverie : Ghosts (c) by Amesha Jewell for Heartsick Skins, FFL Store Sponsor, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Rising Sun (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: **FFL Exclusive** DNR RFL 2011 Mara Art Deco Collection Purple by Nicky Ree for Designing Nicky Ree, Sim Sponsor for the Ansel Adams sim at Fashion for Life

 

Photo 3:

• Hair: [e] Early – Red 08 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: -Glam Affair- Mary Light – E/D/A 02 by aida Ewing for Glam Affair, FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Silver&Blue 3 (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: **FFL Exclusive** DNR RFL 2011 Mara Art Deco Collection Black by Nicky Ree for Designing Nicky Ree, Sim Sponsor for the Ansel Adams sim at Fashion for Life
• Earrings: FuLo – "Lacie" earrings – Ruby by Dita Tran for Fulo, FFL Store Sponsor on the Irving Penn sim
• Ring: **FFL Gacha**  ::je suis::Gacha::tente::fire::ring (l) by Julia Merosi for je suis on the Helmut Newton sim
• Bag: **FFL Exclusive**  ::je::suis::insouciant::bag black(hands) by Julia Merosi for je suis on the Helmut Newton sim
• Shoes: N-core AURA "Noir" by Claire Messenger for N-Core, FFL Store Sponsor on the Helmut Newton sim

 

Photo 4:

• Hair: Miamai_Anna Bun_Blonde_PinkBow_NO Forehead by monica Outlander for Miamai, FLL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Skin: **FFL Exclusive** LaVie Hope  Autumn Glory Normal #5 [H] cleavage by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Green (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: **FFL Exclusive** DNR Lana Satin & Lace Svelte Gown Pink by Nicky Ree for Designing Nicky Ree, Sim Sponsor for the Ansel Adams sim at Fashion for Life
• Earrings: **FFL Exclusive** Alienbear’s ( Queen Maraget earrings RFL 2011 Special) by Alienbear Gupte for Alienbear’s, VIP Sponsor and FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim

 

Photo 5:

• Hair: Vanity Hair:Gala HP-Noir by Tabata Jewell for Vanity Hair on the Mapplethorpe sim
• Skin: Style by Kira – Willow Skin 01E by Kira Paderborn for Style by Kira, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Green (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: **FFL Exclusive** DNR Tricia Lace Gowns in Pink by Nicky Ree for Designing Nicky Ree, Sim Sponsor for the Ansel Adams sim at Fashion for Life
• Earrings: Zivanit Earring RFL2009 special by Alienbear Gupte for Alienbear’s, VIP Sponsor and FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim

Evie’s Closet at Fashion for Life

Evangeline Miles talent and skills soar in SL with the creation of her beautiful fantasy and evening wear. With gossamer materials floating about the avatar in an etherial dream, her dresses take you past evening wear to fantasy.

With her delicate textures and expert prim use, both flexi and sculpty, Evangeline raises the standard for fantasy wear in SL. Using bright and pale colors both, Evangeline lends a richness and depth to each item she makes. The woman who wears Evangeline’s work feels beautiful and royal but not like an overdone princess.

Evangeline decided to be a sim sponsor for Fashion for Life because she knew positively that 100% of the funds received for her donation were going directly to the American Cancer Society through no intermediary. She was delighted by the sims, especially Arbus, designed and built by Dream Resistance. She was also thrilled to find the sims were graphically low lag and fun to walk around.

With her beautiful vision and artistry, Evangeline’s work has contributed greatly to Fashion for Life.

Come share in the fantasy at Fashion for Life, going on NOW through March 22.

Photo 1:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * BREATH 2 * /black by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Skin: : HS : Reverie : Like the Angel (beautymarks/c) by Amesha Jewell for Heartsick Skins, FFL Store Sponsor, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Egyptian Blue (M) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: **FFL Exclusive** *Evie’s Closet* Coppelia Gown – (Blush) RFL 2011 by Evangeline Miles for Evie’s Closet, Sim Sponsor of the Arbus sim at Fashion for Life

Photo 2:

• Hair: [e] Alright – Black 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: Shapes by Kira – Tomoko Skin 01C Tone A by Kira Paderborn for Style by Kira, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Steel Blue (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: **FFL Exclusive** *Evie’s Closet* Milli Gown – Coconut Ice (RFL 2011) by Evangeline Miles for Evie’s Closet, Sim Sponsor of the Arbus sim at Fashion for Life
• Earrings and Bracelet: **FFL Exclusive** [K~*~S] Lilly – Bracelet (FFL) and [K~*~S] Lilly – Earrings (FFL) by Kouse Singh for Kouse’s Sanctum, FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim

Photo 3:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * ISABELLE * /darkbrown by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Skin: LaVie Enya Emerald Forrest normal by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Light Brown (M) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Dress: **FFL Exclusive** *Evie’s Closet* Amarie’s Bower – RFL 2011 by Evangeline Miles for Evie’s Closet, Sim Sponsor of the Arbus sim at Fashion for Life
• Shoes:  Zaara : Ilaida Mojri *mocha* by Zaara Kohime for {Zaara}, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim

Photo 4:

• Hair: [e] Details – Brown 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: **FFL Exclusive** LaVie  Hope Autumn Glory Normal #5 cleavage by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Dark Brown (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Hairpiece: **FFL Exclusive** *EC* Secret Garden Wreath (Double) by Evangeline Miles for Evie’s Closet, Sim Sponsor of the Arbus sim at Fashion for Life

The Eyes Have It

The eyes are the window to the soul. ~ English Proverb

For a while now I have been wearing eyes that I mysteriously tell people were a gift given to me. My eyes, up until now, have not been for sale on the grid, though a select few people have them. I am very lucky to be one of them. What was once my unique privilege will now be available to everyone.  Ikon Innovia, a professional graphic artist, has been developing these eyes for quite a while and is finally releasing his first sets at Fashion for Life.

To say that Ikon has done exhaustive research on this would be an understatement. He reviewed the placement of eyes in SL, reviewed hundreds of photos of RL eyes, reviewed the movement, the shadowing, the shape. He reviewed the eyes on over 30 different shapes, male and female, and set them against dozens of skins. From the development of the irises to the work on the sclera, Ikon has tweaked each part of the eye with his critical exactitude–for months. Each iteration he has presented to me has been more beautiful than the last. He has finally, blessedly, stopped tweaking and put them out for sale.

And what does it mean to have eyes like this? Early in my time in SL, someone gave me the sage advice that well-done eyes make the look—they are the most important accessory–and I have always followed this rule. People rarely *notice* them but they add the humanness and beauty that makes the avatar perfect. I can’t emphasize enough how important eyes really are to giving an avatar soul. Overbright eyes, oversized eyes, washed-out, pale eyes, and flat eyes all ruin an avatar’s look subtly. Once I received Ikon’s eyes, I never wanted to wear another pair. I have always felt my avatar and photos were enhanced by Ikon’s eyes.

Ikon has carefully developed his eyes so they look realistic from all angles—looking up, looking down, looking to the side as well as looking ahead. He has developed saturation levels in the eyes so that you can go from bright color-washed eyes to an intense tone. (He knows my preference is for a darker tone rather than the washed-out or oversaturated eyes I see so many wearing.) He has made them in several iris sizes so they fit your avatar just right.

After months, nay YEARS, of Harper in his IM box nagging him, Ikon is finally off the hook and I can share his wonderful talent with all of you. Please come to his opening at the Fashion for Life and then keep coming back again and again when he opens his store.

Photo 1:

• Hair: ::DBS::Mona-black by DBS Heart for Bishwear, FFL Store Sponsor on the Irving Penn sim
• Skin: *League* Amber Br Sunkiss -Angel- by Nena Janus for League
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Egyptian Blue (M) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim

Photo 2:

• Hair:  [e] Melody – Brown 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: LaVie Hope  Autumn Glory Normal #5 [H] by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor on the Ansel Adams sim
• Eyes:FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Silver&Blue 3 (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim

Photo 3:

• Hair: harper copper by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog
• Skin: [:T:] Eva / sunkissed / br :: 04 Meadow with [:T:] Eva / sunkissed / lips :: Coral by Tuli Asturias for Tuli
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Green (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim

Photo 4:

• Hair: !VA! Crazy Horse-noir by Tabata Jewell for Vanity Hair, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim
• Skin: LOGO Infinity Divine Skin – Fashion For Life Special Edition by Maximillion Grant for LOGO, VIP Sponsor and FFL Store Sponsor on the Helmut Newton sim
• Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Silver&Rust 3 (M) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim

Kunglers at Fashion for Life

Dear Readers–I know I have not blogged in a couple days. I apologize. (And I hate when people put this in their blogs but I have a reason!) Fashion for Life is in full swing for preparation and I have been terrifically busy. I can’t wait to see you all there!

The Kungler sisters, AvaGardner and Barbra, are sisters in RL. Hailing from Brazil, the sisters swap ideas back and forth from their Southern Hemisphere homes to make elegant and sporty fashions for women across the grid.

A visit to their store is a peek inside their dollhouse. It’s a home filled with sleek, elegant women wearing the latest fashions in a variety of lush prints and colors. Silk features prominently as does leather. They use some of the most gorgeous prints in the grid, carefully juxtaposing colors for the most pleasing and fashion-forward looks.

When AvaGardner learned of the theme of FFL, she IM’d me and asked if she really had to make black and white—she’s only about color. I told her the theme was about going “Beyond Black and White,” so we are guaranteed to see bold and bright colors from both sisters for the FFL donations. Their colors will reflect the support that the American Cancer Society provides for those diagnosed with cancer as well as their families. Their funding of research and programs brings color and life and to an otherwise seemingly hard situation.

Both AvaGardner and Barbra have supported RFL in the past and they join Fashion for Life for the first time this year. They will donate four items with all benefits going to RFL but they furthered their support with their donation as VIP Sponsors.

See what the Kungler sisters are offering this year at the Fashion for Life, March 12-22, SL’s biggest fashion fair on 9 sims hosted by the American Cancer Society and SL’s Relay for Life.

Photo 1:

• Hair: ::DBS::Ambrial-black by DBS Heart for Bishwear, FFL Store Sponsor
• Skin: LaVie Enya Misfit normal by Pompeja Rossini  for LaVie, FFL Store Sponsor
• Dress: (Kunglers) Cinthya Navy by Barbra Kungler for Kunglers, VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor
• Shoes: N-core SEDUCTION XtremeHeel “Silver” by Claire Messenger for N-Core, FFL Store Sponsor

Photo 2:

• Hair: [e] Alright – Black 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: :: Exodi :: Sylvan Soliel – Beloved – Dk by Ryker Beck for Exodi, FFL Store Sponsor
• Dress: (Kunglers) Louise – fucsia by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers, VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor
• Shoes: [e] Move Pumps – Burgundy by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Necklace: (Kunglers Extra) Bambu – silver by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers, VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor

Photo 3:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * AMELIE * /darkbrown by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor
• Skin: Style by Kira – Elora Skin 01H by Kira Paderborn by Kira Paderborn for Style by Kira, FFL Store Sponsor
• Dress: (Kunglers) Lisa Floral by Barbra Kungler for Kunglers, VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor
• Shoes: BM Audrey Pumps – Pinks & Purples by Pixieplumb Flanagan for Baby Monkey, FFL Store Sponsor

Photo 4:

• Hair: ::DBS::Mona-blackstreaked by DBS Heart for Bishwear, FFL Store Sponsor
• Skin: Glance-Bruna-Brown by Joakim Asbrink for *Glance Skins, FFL Store Sponsor
• Dress: (Kunglers Couture) Serina – Origami vine by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers, VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor
• Jewelry: Dark Mouse Vintage 50’s Pearl & Diam. – Copper Earrings and Necklace by Mouse Mimistrobell for Dark Mouse, FFL Store Sponsor

Stranger in a Strange Land

If you’re wondering if I know this good looking guy, I sure do. Bram Ellison has been a friend of mine for quite a while, and while his avatar’s attractive, it has more to do with his personality than how is avatar looks. Generous, kind, intelligent, and gentlemanly to a fault, Bram is the kind of guy you are honored to have in your friends list. It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eye ;)

“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.” ~ Archibald Alexander Leach, aka Cary Grant

On September 19^th, 2006, I logged in to Second Life for the very first time. Until the exact moment my avatar appeared I had never heard of a virtual world and had no idea I had just entered one. I thought I was signing up for an online class. Surprise!

Since part of the purpose of the guest blog is to talk about how we developed our persona, I thought you might want to know just how embryonic I began. I had never even been in a chat room! So the realization that all around me were 3D representations of real people talking and interacting in real time was a bit overwhelming. “Dude. You are sooo not in Kansas,” pretty much summed it up. But I decided to stick around to figure out where the heck I had landed and if there were flying monkeys involved. Turns out there were, and one of them was me.

 

My first take on the place was that you weren’t supposed to be yourself at all, and I was shocked when people kept asking personal questions. I mean look at the name: “Second Life.” It practically screams, “Try something new!” So I set out to define who I wanted to be in my second life. That was too lofty a goal, so I settled for WHAT I wanted: a boat, and to not look like I was begging for bananas.

I got a small boat to live on and was a happy lil’ Jimmy Buffett-blaring simian for a while until I began to get handy with the shape tools. There are 77 selections in 9 categories and there’s a bit of work involved in getting to know and use them well. But you have to start someplace, and the person I picked to emulate for physical cues was Cary Grant. The man just oozed style, and the better I got at shaping the more I appreciated his taste and grace. I started paying more attention to clothes, skins, accessories, and hair. (I also found out you could buy shapes! Oh well.) But through all the Cary channeling, I always came home to the boat, beach, and Buffett.

What you are seeing in these pictures is my culmination of the two styles. Flick Carlucci took these photos at very cool sim called “Virtual Decay.” She’s got a great eye and is fun to work with. No matter what I wear from tux to tennis shoes, I’m all about the best possible design and texture. (Read, picky as hell.) I like simple classic colors and styles with a casual slant and the shirt/jacket combo and the jeans from AOHARU fit the bill nicely. The boots are my favorites from Jeepers Creepers. The shape is still my own creation and I think the Redgrave skin suits it well. The hair is from Truth and I totally dig it. Oh, the sweet Rickenbacker M330 guitar is from Nortique Guitars. Now here we are four years in. I’m still on a boat and I know who I am. Jimmy Cary Grant Buffett, aka Bram Ellison. Or maybe he’s me. ;)

We are the people our parents warned us about. ~ Jimmy Buffett

Hair: Elysium, espresso by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH<

Skin: Cruz, deep tan by Emilia Redgrave for Redgrave

Eyes: Rainy Day by Pompeja Rossini for Damiani

Shape: Bram Ellison for Bram Ellison

Jacket with Shirt: Black with white shirt by machang Pichot for AOHARU

Jeans: Vintage dark by machang Pichot for AOHARU

Necklace: Stone Cross by JesseAitui Petion for AITUI

Tattoo: Northwest Spirit by JesseAitui Petion for AITUI

Boots: Oslo, black by Eponymous Trenchmouth for Jeepers Creepers

Guitar: Rickenbacker 330 Guitar by K1TTY Munro for Nortique Guitars

Photography by Flick Carlucci.

Photos taken at Virtual Decay.