Month: March 2022

Going Retro

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Going Retro

So I was sadly unable to get these sets set up and blogged in time for this past weekend’s sales where they were featured (bad blogger, bad!), but they’re all such fantastic pieces the fact is that they don’t need to be on sale to grab these!  In my new home, I definitely felt it was time for some pattern and color, and what better way to introduce that than by retro vibe decorating?  For those of you who like me just love vibrancy, this will definitely get you into the mood to update your spaces, even if you haven’t just moved and bought a new house lol!

Circa Living –

  • Elska Retro Living – The “Elska” collection has a bit of a Nordic feel with its clean & simple lines, available in 3 color themes. Perfect for the retro, boho vibe as well. The seating comes with an array of quality Bento & classic sit animations for the heart chair & ottoman designs, 24 per seat for the ladies & gents. The ottomans come with 18 classic sit animations. To match there are room divider sets plus planters to help fill spaces, working floor lamps with ambient casted light, & round area rugs. These are great choices for anyone who wants some pattern & color added to their life.  Additional offerings from this collection are also available.
  • Aziza Hanging Mixed Set – I had Circa’s hanging ferns in my last home; for this new one, I fell in love with these updated versions, with the mixed flowers & the long hanging bloodroot tendrils.  Set includes three different hanging lengths.  (There are also versions with hanging ivy.  See the pic below.)  The perfect accent for ANY style decor!  

Seriously? That’s your best line?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Seriously that's your best line

It’s been an exceptionally busy few days for me in SL.  Although I’ve loved loved LOVED where we’ve been living, I’ve been so prim starved that (a) I couldn’t landscape/decorate the way I wanted, having to leave lots of empty space (tolerable outside, not so much indoors) and (b) I had to continually swap things out for similar items that were lower prim.  When I needed to rez a backdrop or skybox or even a lot of H&G items for a shoot, I often needed to temporarily delete an entire room of furniture or a landscaped area, etc., and then put it back when done.  The bottom line is that this was costing me way too much time, energy, & even money since I was replacing things I loved just to save a few prims here and there.  So, we gave up our direct access to the Blake Sea, and moved to a new lot “back home” in the estate area where we lived for almost ten years before heading out for the sailable lands.  Moving is time consuming… choosing which lot (this estate does a beautifully fantastic job of environmental landscaping) is stressful for a perfectionist like me, trying to find things in inventory when they’re named strangely (and you fail to write it down!) to rez in the new place is frustrating… looking for a new house to go with the feel of the new land is exhausting.  I finally threw up my hands, put up a temporary house that I picked up at the weekend sales (fabulous house, just too small for me), and released the old lot since no one wants to pay for two lots at the same time.  Very bittersweet… the challenge and excitement of creating something new, mixed with the bittersweet of letting something you love go.  I definitely needed to check out the local bar scene and have a drink!  Time to go collapse on the deck for a bit and just watch the sea… now where did I pack those chairs???

  • Outfit:  C.Y. Fashion – Dakota Fatpack, which includes the shirt, pants, & very high stilettos.  I love the styling of this shirt… single sleeved, cropped with a slight looseness, cut-in neckline, with an artful use of texture with alternating sheer stripes at the neck and the lower part of the one sleeve.  The pants are available not just in 5 different colors, but in three different fabrics… I just had to go for the metallic for that clubby look! Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra, & Maitreya, Dakota is EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.  The fatpack includes 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewellery – Dhoom Machalay Collection;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose (modified):  VSM Devil Inside – Smoke Like A Star
  • Backdrop:  Paparazzi – At the Bar

Running Late for Work

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Running late for work

Let me admit it right up front… I’m retired from working in real life (other than blogging that is lol!).  My closet hasn’t quite caught up with my changed lifestyle, however, though I’ve been weeding out all those office outfits slowly but surely.  After all those years working in an office (and in NYC at that!), I still have an eye for those outfits that to me are a bit more sedate than the SL norm.  These days though, I really like those that push the envelope a bit, combining the sophisticated with that sexy touch, looks that I probably would never have dared to wear “back in the day.”  It’s interesting what wearing a look like this does to your attitude… I just feel more capable, more confident… a woman in charge!  And yet, it’s sooooo very suggestive… love love LOVE that!!!! I urge you to check it out for yourself and see if you feel the same way… it’s intoxicating!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Vega Design – Deniz Jacket, Skirt & Top.  I love this outfit! In some ways, it felt perfect for work… until you notice how very short it is, just barely covering your butt cheeks.  In my younger days, I might have worn it to the office (though without the shoes!), especially if I was heading out afterwards (which is when I’d add those daring shoes lol).  What’s sexier than a corporate outfit that dares to cross the line just enough to raise an eyebrow or two? This rides that defining edge to perfection! Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, includes a texture HUD of 6 colors.  EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Shoes:  Vega Design – Eric High Heels.  OK, so maybe not the best choice for the office, but definitely for any after-work activity you’ve got planned!!!  These open shoes with thigh-high lacing are to die for!!! Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis, & Maitreya, includes a texture HUD of 20 colors.  EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra, at the Skin Fair through March 28th.
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  bonbon – Nori
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Mesh Rounded Long Cool Bento Nails
  • Jewelry:  Petrichor – Trellion Jewelry; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Nantra – Taxi (includes props)
  • Backdrop:  Infinity Poses – Townhomes SCENE

Steampunk Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Steampunk Fae

Steampunk is so interesting.  The whole concept of steam-powered technology developing in a Jules Verne-type way throughout society (I explained it to my husband as “a society built upon 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea technology”).  Online I found two definitions:  (1)  a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery,  and (2) a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features inspired by science fiction.  Years ago in SL (and I DO mean years; I’ve been inworld since 2007!!) steampunk was a definite subculture with themed residential areas, shops, and more.  Then — as did many of the other subcultures like Gor and the elves — it waned, to the point where it was rare to come across an avatar without actually visiting a defined steampunk area of which only a few remained.  As with other fantasy roleplaying communities, it appears to be undergoing a renaissance.  One signal is that steampunk now has its own ongoing event, which I just recently learned is actually a blend of Steampunk/Aetherpunk/Dieselpunk (who knew about all these?!?).  The Engine Room event has been running for a few years now, and based upon the crowds I’ve run across there appears to be gaining in popularity!  Although mixing a fae into it might not be acceptable in some communities, I’ve seen some where it would be (sure,  there are plenty of MECHANICAL wings, but natural? rare indeed). There was even a streaming series (Carnival Row) that blended the ideas of fantasy races with a steampunk like society, although it was way different than such a simple concept as that lol.  Besides, the whole backstory to my avatar is that she is the product of a rebellious romantic union between lovers from different cultures who sometimes has to struggle to be accepted, so even though the mix may be different, the concept remains the same.  In any case, visiting the world of steampunk is fun and interesting, full of “what if’s”.   I especially love the submarines and the airships, and of course being me, I spent a lot of time playing with the fashion!  I had so much fun with this… maybe you would too!

  • Gown:  Poet’s Heart – Beatrice.  Bow tie & modesty blouse are optional. Ianthe comes in three “texture” packs of 16 colors each or a fatpack of all 51.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize the main fabric, the secondary fabric, the tail (which can also be turned off entirely), the collar & cuffs, the modesty blouse (if worn), the buttons, & the bow tie (again if worn).  She is sized only for Maitreya & Petite, though since she comes with an alpha she fit my Legacy body perfectly (with no deformers).   The combinations are seemingly endless so that this one outfit can be worn multiple times & look totally different each time.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Engine Room, open March 20th – April 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Heaux – Mikaela
  • Hair:  KUNI – Minha
  • Eyes:  Samia – Lana
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows; Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Shoes:  Eudora3d – Steampunk Boots
  • Pose:  Diversion – Ice Maiden
  • Location:  Arcadia Asylum Library

Making a Statement

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Making A Statement

It’s been a horrifying couple of weeks watching the news.  Although there have been many horrors in the world throughout my lifetime, from senseless genocide to natural disasters, and seemingly endless wars, this one for some reason is just hitting me so much harder.  Perhaps it’s because of how endlessly televised it is, or because it truly raises the spectre of World War III, or maybe because both my family and my husband’s family are from Ukraine and Russia.  Who’s to say WHY it seems just so incredibly relevant, and the fact is, the reasons don’t matter.  The fact is that it IS hitting me harder, and I feel thoroughly helpless to do anything.  All I can do is show my support in whatever way I can.  And yes, it’s a teeny tiny thing that doesn’t really help anyone, but wearing the colors of Ukraine to show support is at least SOMETHING, and it IS heartfelt.  Sighs, I only wish I could do more to help these people who inspire me so…

  • Outfit:  Nala Designs – Farah Outfit.  This dress caught my eye the moment I saw it! It’s just so different… deeply cut to the navel while also deeply cut at the hip, but doing more than just showing skin.  Filling those cuts with beaded gems is just a fabulous designer accent; add the fur cuffs & fringe at the thigh cut, & the result is a resounding WOW!!!  The HUD offers 28 color options for the dress (each with two variations), plus 28 separate options for the fur front & the fur at the hands, & another 35 for the gems… I opted for a color combination that I feel is not just different & stunning but also serves to show my support for Ukraine.  Whatever color combination you choose, you’ll definitely be making a statement — a fashion statement — in this dress!  A separate HUD for the included heels (not shown) provides 27 colors for the heels plus 4 options for the metals. Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra, at the Skin Fair through March 28th.
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Tram – F919
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Mesh Rounded Long Fun Bento Nails
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Stone Point Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  KoKoLoReS – The Diva
  • Mirror:  %Percent – Danielle Mirror
  • Flowers:  Spring Up – Plant Stand
  • Backdrop:  Lustrum 7 – Boston 22 Loft Skybox

Escapist Literature

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Escapist Literature

I don’t know if you’re a reader or not; me, I read an entire novel almost every week.  In a sense, it does the same thing for me that SL does… it allows me to escape into a different world (just in a more socially acceptable and flexible way lol).  But whether a casual or rabid reader, you might have dreamed of literally escaping into the pages of a book; it’s certainly figured into a myriad of fantasy books and films and even tv shows.  This amazing piece of decor takes that dream to the next level.  Available in two sizes, Book View (shown) and Life Size.  It’s literally an open book, where the left hand page has a poem; the right hand side has the story “come alive” as it were, in stunningly realistic 3D because it’s made from miniaturized SL items (see the pic below).   The Book View  is way bigger than a normal book size… the items even cast shadows (depending on your lighting and settings of course)!  The detail is amazing, even more so in the life size view where you can totally put yourself in the picture since the chairs have built-in animations.  The owl is animated too!  This is definitely the chance to do more than put yourself in the picture… you can put yourself right in the book!  Talk about immersion!!!  Go check it out… it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the Second Life Home & Garden Expo, open just a few more days through March 20th.  You can TP directly to the vendors in their booth HERE.  Absolutely amazing in person!!!

My View – Nature Takes Back, book view.  Also available in Life Size, with built-in animations.  Both sizes are 100% RFL contribution items to help fund the fight against cancer!  (Note that other books are also available, so you can even choose to build a small library!)

Also shown:

Fae with Blue-Eyed Wonder

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae with Blue-eyed Wonder

As the real world out there grows in strife and the miasma of war, my world of fantasy is becoming even more precious.  It’s a haven to at least temporarily put those real life worries on the back shelf and distract myself with hugely important virtual decisions that really matter only to ME.  One of those critical choices is SKIN.  IRL you can only do much about the skin you’re in…  but here on the grid, there are so many choices, so many ways to be.  The Skin Fair is on, and that’s where many designers gather to show their latest.  Two sims full (and I DO mean full!!!), it can be overwhelming, to the point where (a) you give up and leave or (b) you only “hit” the huge brand names.  Both would be a shame, because this fair is an unparalleled opportunity to sample skins from the relatively smaller and/or newer skin designers to create that look which is truly your own.  For MY fae look, I LOVE Loa (which is why I became one of their bloggers!!!)… their skins just make my wings beat a bit faster.  Maybe they’ll do the same for you! Sprinkles a little fairy dust to help smooth your journey to the fair…

  • Skin:  Loa – Vega.  Just one of three BRAND NEW Loa skins for SKIN FAIR!!!  And all three are only for Lelutka EVO X heads.   You can see them all below; each is available in 7 skin tones, with each skin tone pack including 4 versions of the skin (regular, no brow, freckled, & no brow freckled), HD ears, cheek/eye/nose blushes (all of which are tintable!), shape + browfixer.  I’m wearing the no-brow version of Vega in the Tan tone with both the cheek & eye blushes (I tinted the eye blush just a wee bit blue), together with the matching body skin (body skins include 4 “textures” — shine, soft, matte, flat chest plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons — & are available for Legacy, Belleza, Maitreya, Reborn & Inithium bodies).  Note that the provided shape for Vega is for the Avalon head, I’m using my own shape & a different Loa browfixer since Gaia is MY head, but you can see how Vega looks on Avalon in the pic below.   Demos available for all three skins so you can see for yourself on whatever EvoX head you have.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Skin Fair, March 11th – 28th.  
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Farys Horns.  These stunning horns can be worn bare as shown here or with a full set of add-ons; they also include optional forehead deco (worn), 3 types of earrings (to be worn together or separately), & necklaces (I’m wearing the shortest of the three). 100% custom mesh & textures, with everything HUD controlled. I couldn’t even count how many texture options there are!
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows
  • Hair:  KUNI – Yuna
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Fairy Tale

Fae Scouting the Path

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae as Scout

Even a fae shares the human tendency to sometimes wonder how life would have been if born into another time, another place.  Based on how the American Indian culture often absorbed — in fact, in many cases welcomed — members of other races, I tend to think that they would have also welcomed members of MY tribe, letting our wings and other attributes be of benefit to the tribe.  As I have said before, I am not an aggressive warrior… I do not attack our perceived enemies.  However, I happily put my enhanced vision and flight ability to scout out trouble and will staunchly defend my people (whichever culture they might be!) if necessary.  And to me, this is the essence of roleplay… to understand your character, her motivation, her life, her story… and then live that life, in that time.  Now I think I see something  in the distance and must focus so that there is time to sound the alert if circumstances dictate…

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Shauni.  A simple outfit, perfect for scouting & other activities, with fabulous attention to detail such as the fur texture in both the top & the loincloth, the small colored beads on the armbands, the legband, & those crossing my stomach, the shading of the feathers, & so much more. 100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, the Shauni basic outfit (top & loin cloth) comes in 4 individual colors or as a fatpack, as does the matching  feathered legband; the armbands are available in your choice of black or brown.  Brand-new, Shauni is  EXCLUSIVELY at the March round of We Love Roleplay, ending March 28th. Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Loa – Clara, worn in Deep
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RUST 
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows for EvoX
  • Makeup:  Knife Party – Battle Eye Makeup; Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns
  • Tattoo:  CoCoChes – Nazca Tattoo
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Archer
  • Location:  Maplewood Peak

The Perfect Spot, Boho Style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Perfect Spot, Boho Style

If you’re a follower of my blog (& I certainly hope you are!), then you know that I just love boho styling, in fashion but especially in home decor.  This is an awesome set for that special corner of the room.  It looks so comfy & so inviting, and makes me want to arrange the pillows just so & curl up with the blanket, a cup of coffee, and a book!  Be sure to check it out… all pieces are sold separately, EXCLUSIVELY at the Infinity Event, open March 1st – 15th.

!Tylar’s:    

  • Indy Boho Chair Bento – Six color themes included by touch, for you to change the chair, blanket & pillows separately.  Includes bento single animations for male, female, & couples (it’s available in PG or Adult), plus dances.
  • Indy Boho Rug – Match or contrast with the themes in the chair, just by touch!
  • Indy Boho Small Cabinet – Just touch to add or clear the decor!
  • Indy Boho Floor Lamp – Touch on/off
  • Not shown:
    • Indy Boho Drapes
    • Indy Boho Dresser
    • Indy Boho Wall Art

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Mirror, Mirror

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mirror, Mirror

To quote a saying, true beauty can’t be seen in the mirror, but that doesn’t mean that we still shouldn’t try to look our best.  As a blogger, how I look is especially important (not quite the same thing as being a model IRL, but still lol).  And what is more key to looking good than our approach to beauty… and to me, that includes the styling of our innermost sanctum, where we do our beauty prep before facing the world!  Here’s a teeny glimpse into mine…  Happy shopping!!!!

Tirrany Designs – Gilded Vanity.  Although probably designed with more of a fantasy setting in mind, there was no way I was letting Thea get her hands on this beauty!  Every girl deserves a bit of that gilded quality in her life, & where better to have it than while doing her beauty routine!?!  The styling of this piece works in EVERY setting!!! The vanity does texture change on touch, & includes both Single & Duo Cuddle animations.  (For easy attachment of items in the vanity, just add the Avpos Experience to your land.)  The set also includes the tray of vanity accessories & the Antique Mirror & Brush, for which I’ve included a close up below of these two items.  (Please note that I added a bit more clutter to the right side of the vanity since I’m definitely not the neatest person on the grid lol!) The entire set is a 100% RFL contribution item at the SL Home & Garden Expo, open through March 20th.  You can TP direct to their booth HERE.

Spring Up – Plant Stand Set package.  I featured this in an earlier post (which you can see HERE), but am finding that these add the perfect touch everywhere throughout my house! Available with so much more at the SL Home & Garden Expo, this package includes 16 hand picked mix of tropical plants and flowers on a plant stand, plus an empty DIY stand for you to add your own plant or flower.   The stand menu has 8 pot options & 3 metal options..  You can TP direct to their booth HERE.

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