Month: September 2020

A Work of Art

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Work of Art

Sorting, tossing, packing, cleaning… after so much time in one big house, it’s like a full-time job!  Which is why I’ve sadly fallen down on the job when it comes to blogging.  But I couldn’t let the month of September end without featuring this beautifully simple gown that I just find irresistible!  The gown is just a simple cascade of the finest silk; it drapes sensually from a crisscross front around the neck down to the floor, with one leg exposed up to the hip.  Beautiful in itself, but for me, what rockets this gown into the next level is this particular texture, the way the primary color (in this case green) fades into a gorgeous secondary color (blue) that really catches your eye.  It certainly caught mine! I found the sweep of color so dramatic & so sensual in this fabric that I even chose not to wear the chiffon skirt overlay!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams by Nile Karas – Tara Gown.  Includes an optional chiffon skirt (not worn).  Available in 6 colors, each with its own 7-texture HUD.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, Legacy, Perky, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the September Swank Event, which ends soon (on the 31st)!  Demo available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Estambul in Blue.  A perfect clutch for evening wear!  MY ESTAMBUL is a 100% original mesh bag that can be purchased in a fat pack or individually in 8 sparkling textures with gold trim.  All have a resizer & two alternate hand poses. Available at the main store.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Praxeda
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Makeup:  poema – mariola eyeshadow; IVES – Passione Lipstick
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Shoes:  SlackGirl – Agatha heels
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Kardia Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Prop: ChicChica – Raspberry Chammy
  • Location:  Basilique

Heat in the Darkness

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Heat in the Darkness

Now I know why after moving to this house more than 30 years ago I swore I’d never move again until it was downsizing time.  Moving is exhausting! There’s just so much involved.  And after so much time and having raised your kids in a home, it’s so emotional.  I can’t wait till it’s done, and I can start forgetting about this transitional time and all its stress.  Time is slipping by without my even noticing it, there’s just so much packed into every day. In some ways, the blogging helps, it’s a distraction, something else to do.  In other ways, it’s a hindrance and a burden, because I have commitments and deadlines and all that goes with it.  There are times I can lose myself in the creativity; there are others where I don’t feel a creative urge at all and feel like I’m just plodding along.  I just want this time to be done!!! Hopefully by the end of October, we’ll have completed the move and be swamped by the next stage… setting up our new home!  Now THAT should be fun!!!  I’m even starting to look online at furniture, making a preliminary list of things to go check out in person.  But in the meantime, my purchases will have to stay here on the grid… happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Priya.  A cropped hoodie & High Waist Shorts in 10 HUD-driven colors, together with coordinated footless socks & an urban hip bag in black, makes for a very hot, sporty, urban look.  Priya is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at The Darkness September Event through Sept 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Sneakers:  ROC – Canvas Sneaker! Tiptoe
  • Pose:  Nantra – Beep Beep
  • Location:  NOLA

Leopard Sighting

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Leopard's not a neutral?

I recently saw a t-shirt that said “To me, Leopard IS a neutral.”  It stuck in my mind because I have a friend for whom that is very very true… she’s ALWAYS wearing or carrying an animal print (usually leopard) in some way, shape, or form.  I don’t have the personality to do that in RL… I have an item here and there, sure, but it’s just not my normal everyday style.  Of course in SL, I LOVE wearing animal prints… especially when they’re designed with such creative flair as this sparkly little dress… and if anyone thinks I’m overdressed because I’m not out for the evening, well, I can just claim that in my dictionary, leopard IS a neutral! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Emerald Couture – Leona.  A photo can’t capture the shimmering sparkle of this awesome little dress.  Beginning under the bustline, it just shimmers, there’s no other word for it. EC Leona Dress comes with a color HUD of 12 different colors, or you can buy single colors for this month’s event. In the fatpack, the ruffle overlay can be worn in any of 8 colors or as clear (you feel all sparkly either way).  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, & Classic XXS-L, this outfit is EXCLUSIVELY available at the September Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open Sept 12th – 30th.  These truly stunning heels come with their own HUD to customize the shoes by changing the front fringes, the heel, the straps, & more, & as part of the birthday celebration at the event, they’re priced at just $12L! 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Poetry (September VIP Gift)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  poema – mariola eyeshadow; DS’Elles – Scandalous Lipstick
  • Nails:  ZOZ – Jungle Day Polish
  • Jewelry:  Zuri Rayna – Summer Moon Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – City Life
  • Location:  Bugatti’s

On a New Shore

Posted on by cejalaval

http://On a New Shore

It’s not easy being fae, at least if you don’t dress in the “normal” (and much more common) human style.  There just are not as many sources for quality, well-designed fantasy wear that fits your particular style of roleplay.  Every time I discover a creative and talented fantasy designer, it makes my wings go all a-flutter.  The fact that I’ve added another fantasy sponsor has opened new vistas of opportunity, and strengthened my ability to contribute even more to this blog.  I look forward to continuing to develop my look, flaunting all kinds of fantasy items (um, I mean demonstrating). It’s a whole new world (and no, I’m not letting the human sing)!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Exodus.  NEW RELEASE, 100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya, Exodus comes in 6 colors.  Each element — the top, pants, boots, armbands, & necklace — is sold separately in both individual colors & in fatpacks, so you can piece the outfit together YOUR way.  It’s EXCLUSIVELY at the September We Love Role Play for 25% OFF, open Sept 4th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Arenvie Horns.  With 5 wear styles & 40 colors in each of the 6 color HUDs, these horns can give you a customized look for every outfit, every hairstyle.  See the closeup below (I’m wearing the curl style using the gloss HUD).  Sold EXCLUSIVELY at the Black Fair, open Sept 12th.  Demo available.
  • Eyes:  Petrichor – Korin Eyes.  These are on an ALL NEW gorgeous, ultra customizable EYE SYSTEM. These 100% custom mesh eyes include 15 customizable eye shine layers, animation layers, shadow layers, pupil layers, & two HUDS – 40 COLOR & 40 FADE packs. The most customization ever! The HUD has a glow, alpha, shine, environment, tinter, & color picker for EVERY layer, & you can adjust L & R eyes separately. It’s amazingly fun & creative. See the closeup below for my 1st combination (you can’t see the animation, but the patterned ring is spinning)… Mesmerizing! Available EXCLUSIVELY at the Engine Room, open Sept 20th – Oct 20th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Maitreya
  • Skin:  Petrichor/Plastik – Styliste; includes lip stripe
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Yoli
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Pose:  Empowered – Nature Connection #3
  • Location:  Waterfalls of Dreams

Good Day Sunshine

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Good Day Sunshine

I’m usually pretty good at figuring things out.  If I put my mind to it, and keep experimenting, I can generally teach myself how to do at least a passable job at something.  However, I’m becoming increasingly frustrated with overlays for my pix.  I really REALLY want to learn because it’s those little touches I see added here on FlickR that often turn a pic from really good to WOW!  Although I’ve started adding a few things here and there, I think in many cases they’re looking a bit forced rather than just a natural result of the shot.  Part of the issue is that I don’t have Photoshop; instead I have Paintshop Pro, which has easily met all my relatively minor photoediting needs until now.  Just so frustrating!!!  If anyone sees this who is willing to share some tips, I’d really REALLY appreciate it!  I understand my limitations, and know that not every shot is going to be a winner, so it would be nice to be able to help them along just that little bit without spending hours to achieve relatively little or nothing at all…  Sighs, I definitely think I need a dose of sea and sun on the Mediterranean, but since that’s not likely any time soon, I guess I’ll go shop instead! Happy Monday!

  • Outfit:  Hawker’s House Fashion – Ladies Mesh Sherry Linen Dress, in Coral Ombre.  The texture of this dress is a standout, used on a perfectly styled casual belted dress with a slit on one side, to create a lovely late summer dress perfect for those last days in the sun! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Ocacin, TMP, Maitreya, & Classic XS-L.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the September Swank Event, open Sept 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Reyane
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Savannah Bangles & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  WetCat – ‘Shades’ Sunglasses Pose Set
  • Location:  Soul2Soul Mediterranean

A spot of warmth

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Slipping into Fall

Well I wanted to experience one last fall before I moved to Florida, and it looks like I’m definitely getting my wish!  There’s a definite feel of fall in the air; in fact, I’m finding it downright chilly in the evenings to the point where I’ve had to “upgrade” to warmer pjs and socks at night rather than my light little summer nightgown.  Brrrr!  When you find those spots of warm sunshine, you can’t help but stop and soak it in, feeling that nip all around that perfect spot of warmth.  It’s so beautiful and invigorating, it almost makes me start questioning why we chose to move… and then I try to move any joint at all, and my arthritis screams from the cold, reminding me that THAT’S why I want to get out of both the cold and the fluctuating temperatures.  As for the move, things are definitely “moving” along; should be another 4 weeks or so and we’re off!  And if I feel that tug at my heartstrings about leaving the beauty of fall behind, all I need is to remind myself that I have it here on the grid.  (And no, it’s not anywhere near the same, but it’s not as painful either!)  Happy weekend shopping!

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Lola.  A perfect jeans outfit for when that hint of fall is in the air!  The solid color tee (available in 10 colors) is tied up into a “cone”; the washed boyfriend jeans are cuffed, low-waisted & with a white belt; the jacket (available in 12 colors) is sliding off the shoulders, covering the hands… LOVE IT!  Lola is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available individually or as a fatpack at the September Swank Event, open Sept 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Graffitiwear – Patchwork Easy Mules
  • Location:  Luane’s World

Making My Escape

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Making My Escape

For the first time in what seems like ages, I took a break.  One whole day, away from packing, sorting, dealing with all the stressful issues that keep popping up.  We did a day trip… two hours away to a lovely town where we had a summer home together more than 30 years ago… our very first home together.  It was lovely to wander through a town, just relaxed with no itinerary, no agenda.  I even went into a clothing store and bought a top and wandered through an old-time candy store… I can’t remember the last time I went into a store to shop rather than just pick up some necessity.  And we ate lunch out, inside a restaurant!  It was a great meal, too, just another thing that helped make it a great day… and yes, we wore our masks the whole time (except while eating of course, though you did need to put your mask back on the moment you got up from your table for any reason) and I don’t think I’ve used so much hand sanitizer in a single day, since every store had its own pump and a mandate to use it upon entering. The break was invigorating, and now we’re working at a heightened efficiency and definitely doing so in better spirits.  I vote for more breaks and more shopping!!! Enjoy, but be safe!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Micaela.  Another outfit that blends sexy, relaxed, & stylish!  A casual little cropped blouse tied once in front adds the sex; the short wrap skirt that ties at the hip with a bow adds the “relax”; together they create a very special style!  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, the fatpack includes a 10-color HUD for the top & 7 for the skirt or, if you prefer, you can buy any of the colors individually.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the September round of the Swank Event, open Sept 7th – 30th.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My CUBA in Grey.  The texture on this unisex bag is what makes this stand out!  It’s a 100% original mesh bag for both guys & gals that can be purchased  for 50% OFF in a fat pack with a change of 6 textures and 3 different metals, or individually in one color for just $99L.  All have a resizer, a hand pose, & a no pose version.  One of two bags at the September Beauty Sales Event, Sept 11th – 23rd.  (There’s an event gift too! Don’t miss it!)
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Palma
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Summer Eyeshadows;  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Ghee – SS18 Rickrack Wedges
  • Dog:  Evolving Images– Bulldog
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Cigarro
  • Backdrop:  Unicorn – Beautiful Village

Want to be my distraction?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Want to be my distraction?

Sometimes you just need to run away and forget what’s going on, even if it’s only for a few hours.  The fact that I’m blogging is in itself a sign that my plans didn’t materialize as planned.  The car was packed, we were ready to go, when we realized that with everything blowing up and needing attention that we really needed to stay and deal with the “old” house before we took off to figure out things with the “new” house.  Costs keep escalating.  Time is getting shorter.  As you can imagine, the stress level is skyrocketing.  This is when people go looking for a short-lived distraction, something to completely keep their minds off their issues for even a few hours.  For me, that distraction continues to be Second Life and my blogging.  So even though my hands may be too full to meet my normal schedule of blogging, you’ll still be hearing from me.  Hope that’s good news lol! Keep on shopping!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Peyton Dress.  Alluring is the word I would use for this perfectly styled dress…  The blouse is a deep plunge that billows & folds perfectly as it “tucks” into a tight short highwaisted skirt.  The textures are subtle with a range of pastels for the blouse & deep tones for the skirt; matching shoes & panties included as well.  Available in a Fatpack with 10 blouse textures/8 textures for the skirt/8 for the panties/8 for the heels, or as a Slimpack with 5 textures for the blouse/4 for each of the other pieces.  All textures are 100% ORIGINAL.  The complete outfit is sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, Maitreya & Maitreya Plus.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the September Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open Sept 12th – 30th.  
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Doux – Ciara
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Fall Eyeshadow;  Anny’s Fashion – GO Precious Purple Lipstick 04
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Purple
  • Jewelry: EarthStones – Inlaid Harmony Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Gomez #6 crossed with ChicChica – Margarita
  • Location:  Buddha Bar Sky Lounge

Walking After Midnight

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Walking After Midnight

Well it’s looking like the sale on our house isn’t going through, and it means there’s a lot of work to do before putting it back on the market.  But  we’ve realized that we can’t really make some decisions about what to take with us unless we go back and look at the house we’re moving to again, taking specific measurements, etc.  After all, we only saw the house once, move than a year ago.  And now that our tenant at that house has moved on, we’ve decided we’re driving down now (NY to FL) and start that ball rolling too.  We were originally going to leave today, but as a NYer, I just couldn’t see our doing that on 9/11, so we’ve pushed it back one more day.  Our house here is in a bit of a shambles from packing, so it will be quite a shock to be in a totally empty house instead, but we think it’s the smart thing to do.  We plan on being there about a week, so we should be able to establish a beachhead of sorts for moving in, since we understand it will take about a week for the stuff we are taking to follow us down.  It’s all just so overwhelming, I’m trying to look at it as a break.  Unfortunately, one of the big things we had wanted to accomplish was to get the internet and TV set up.  No problem, right? Three days to get the equipment we were told, and I’d do a self-install,  But when I went to order it so that it would get there the same day we do, I discovered that our tenant never cancelled HIS account.  And although he no longer lives there and has no legal right to consider it his property, we can’t set up OUR account until his is cancelled.  So at this point I’m looking at about 10 days with no internet access.  Which means no SL among other things.  Not quite what a blogger (or her sponsors!) wants to hear.  But there are worse things in life, and who knows?  Maybe a blogging break will do me good…  Bottom line though, this may be my last blog for a few weeks.  So while I’m gone, be safe, be happy, and have fun shopping!  See you later in September!!!

  • Dress:  Vivacious Inc – Lace Dress “Lya” in Black.  Stunning one shoulder dress with open lace across the top except for a decent-sized modestry strip in the front (back is all lace); matching trim along the bottom of the skirt.  My favorite detail, though, is the slit sleeve from shoulder to cuff.  Also sports a bow at the hip.  Available in 7 color options or as a fatpack; sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 08/20 Girls Heaven Event open August 23rd – September 16th.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rio, worn in Caramel. Available in fatpacks of dark or light tones, EXCLUSIVELY at the 08/20 Girls Heaven Event open August 23rd – September 16th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Jade in Red.  The handle on this stunning bag is a work of art!  MY JADE can be purchased in a fat pack with a change of 9 textures and 3 different metals, or individually in one color & gold metal.  All have a resizer, a hand pose, an arm pose, & a no pose version. It’s a 100% original mesh bag EXCLUSIVELY available at the September Unik Event, open September 7th – 28th.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Hair:  Exile – Class Act
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Meringue Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Lipstick:  Livia – Bianca
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Belladonna Crystal Beaded Choker & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Photo Booth:  FOXCITY – Flutter (Black)

Child of the ’60s

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Child of the '60s

Of all the decades, there are two that always stand out in my mind — the ’60s and the ’20s.  Both have a lot of similarities in that they marked great social upheavals in terms of changing attitudes.  Of greater relevance to this blog is that both had their own distinctive  fashion trends, many styles of which are still popular today (that’s when miniskirts started).  I don’t know why but I absolutely adore those gorgeous dresses and gowns from the ’20s and have a special affinity for the fringes and bellbottoms and miniskirts and John Lennon glasses and so much more from the ’60s.  It’s just so much fun to dress in a modified hippie look.  And in today’s troubled times, the world could certainly use some additional love and peace.  It’s just groovy, man!

  • Outfit:  Brii Underground Wear – Moira Boho Hippie Style Complet Outfit.  A groovy hippie look modified for modern times! Includes the dungaree overalls in skirt form (with one strap artfully undone & a fabulous abstract on the front), a black bra in both Omega & BOM versions, wedge sandals, headband, hippie glasses, necklace & bracelet. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 08/20 Girls Heaven Event open August 23rd – September 16th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_CHAINS
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Thong:  MOZ Designs – Strapless Bra & Thong Panty
  • Nails:  Touryuumon – Smoky Mist Nails
  • Location:  Psyhippie