Category: Fashion

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

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

Fae with a touch of Wanderlust

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae with a touch of Wanderlust

I don’t often do blog posts for weekend sales since my time for posting not a scheduled thing.  But every once in a while some special item just makes my wings beat faster, and I just feel that I have to drop everything, create a look, and share it with the world…  as you can see, this is one of those times!!!!   I LOVE LOVE LOVE this skin from Loa!  And it’s a real lesson too… she’s not made for my head, so yes, the look is a bit different (see the ad below) but it is GORGEOUS, really capturing my essence as a fae.   Not only that, she’s on special sale for THIS WEEKEND ONLY.  My suggestion is to do what I did… fly right over, grab a demo, and see how stunning she is for yourself!  Happy shopping!

  • Skin:  Loa – Flor.  BOM Skin for Lelutka EVO X heads.   Available in 7 skin tones, each pack including 4 versions of the skin (browless & freckled among them), HD ears, 3 blushes, & shape+browfixer for Briannon .  I’m wearing Porcelain with both cheeks & eye blushes, together with the matching body skin (body skin includes 4 “textures” (shine, soft, matte, flat chest plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons).  Note that I’m using my own shape & a different Loa browfixer since I wear a different head (see below for how she looks on Briannon).   As you can see, Flor is gorgeous no matter what head you wear!!!!  Demos available so you can see for yourself on whatever EvoX head you have.  On sale in the mainstore for Wanderlust Weekend, March 5th – 6th. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Idol Collection
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Symphonia
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns

Merusine of the Deep

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Merusine of the Deep

I do love being a fae, with my horns and wings, but sometimes I love the challenge of transforming into some otherworldly creature.  It’s just so exciting  to become someone else, someone totally unique and different!  And let’s face it… isn’t that why we’re all here in Second Life to begin with?  Even fantasy folk enjoy that exploration into other parts of our imagination.  As a creature of air and land, this opportunity to become more one with the water world was one I just couldn’t resist (though I admittedly kept my wings lol).  There’s a whole event dedicated to this world of Atlantis… the creativity on display is simply astounding, whether you always role-play as a mer being or if you just want to dip your toes (or tail!) into the water, you really can’t go wrong with a trip under the sea!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Petrichor – Merusine.  Brand new, this pearl-entwined set is a combination of the artistic talents of Petrichor & Ersch, & that means one thing… both the detail & the creativity is simply magnificent; I can’t even describe the way the intricate lines on the fabric pick up some windlights (see the ads below).   100% custom rigged mesh, a HUD controls everything, from the fabric texture (40 choices!!) to the pearls (another 30 options!) to whether details are shown or hidden, so you can totally customize your look.  Sized for Legacy/Perky, Freya, Maitreya/Petite, & Reborn, Merusine can be purchased as a full set or as individual pieces (top & collar; sleeves; skirt & panty), EXCLUSIVELY at The Guild – Atlantis, open March 1st – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Fins:  Petrichor – Karkisse Fins.  Totally unique, these add on seamlessly to your ears & look like they really grew there!  Totally matches the look of Merusine!  100% custom mesh & textures, they are modify, resizable, & unisex with your choice of two HUD controls (fades or colors) offering 40 options for the membrane, 40 for the spines, 30 for the pearls, & 30 for the metals.  Materials enabled, there’s also transparency & glow control as well as a specular control add-on.  See the ad below for closeup. Amazing, truly amazing!!!  EXCLUSIVELY at The Guild – Atlantis, open March 1st – 31st. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  RAHRA by Poema – Titania
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Dragon Collection
  • Hair:  KMH – Hair F162
  • Makeup:  Petrichor – Pearedine Makeup (Wisp); ND/MD – Adinkra White Evox face tattoo
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Splash Wings
  • Pose:  Astalianda – Zodiac Air Signs Pose Set (Aquarius)
  • Location:  Mystical Isle

Fur and Lace

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fur and Lace

Is there any fashion quite so romantic as the combination of fur and lace?  I guess it’s the soft lustrous feel of the fur (though IRL, it would only be a fake fur for me!), and the visual intricacy and delicacy of the lace.  The fact is that none of it exists in my real life closet (well I do own a huge fake fur, but now that I live in Florida, it just takes up closet space lol); lace just doesn’t really fit my lifestyle.  But my virtual closet is another matter.  Fur is something relatively new on the grid… I think that’s because until more recent technology took root, fur just didn’t look like fur… instead of being soft and inviting, it just looked hard and fake.  So I don’t own much of it.  But lace!  I LOVE lace texture, although I’ll admit to a bit of prudishness when it comes to let my private parts show through, so I’m always adding things like crotch covers or nipple blurs or what have you.  But bottom line, there really is nothing like fur and lace when it’s done well, and in this outfit? IMHO it’s done about as well as the current technology allows.  It’s simply stunning, and a bit of a thrill to my virtual senses.  So I’m just going to luxuriate a little and gear myself up for another week, another month.  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  FlowerDreams – Nova.  You’ll be ready to party in this dressy, sexy skintight little minidress with optional fur jacket.  IRL so much depends on the fabric; here in SL it’s all about the texture, & Nova includes a HUD with 20 textures that range from almost solid to sequin to animal print to lace & more, plus black & brown for the fur!  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Tonic, Freya, Reborn, Perky & Maitreya, Tanya is  EXCLUSIVELY at the February Swank Event, Feb 7th – 28th (in other words, LAST DAY!!!!!!).  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  D!va– Kate
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup:  Cazimi – Dusk EvoX Lipstick; Zibska – EvoX Noir Pack Vol 2
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Zeevh Poses – Pose 186
  • Backdrop:  The Bearded Guy – Bar Peri

Getting Creative with Caffeine

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Getting Creative with Caffeine

I’m a caffeine addict.  Since I started drinking coffee (which I did in my early teens), I’ve had way too many cups starting first thing in the morning and sometimes even way late at night.  And except for the occasional Starbucks treat, I always drink it black.  I go through periods of cutting back, but somehow those extra cups always manage to sneak back in there.  I just love everything about coffee… the smell, the taste, that tiny jolt of creative energy…  and that love of coffee seems to find its way into my blogging relatively often.  It’s not surprising… I was drinking coffee when I did this shoot, & I’m drinking it now when I’m writing this post.  And since there are so many poses that include coffee & little coffee spots like this all over the grid, well, I’m of course going to be drawn to those.  So I’m going to go freshen up my cup, & take advantage of the little burst of energy to get this done!  Happy shopping! (and have a cup on me)

  • Outfit:  GuGuVaGa Fashion  (GGVG) – Cole Pants & Top, Studs Version.  Includes an optional studded belt.  Sexy, relaxed, stylish.  I’m always partial to tube tops with separate sleeves, especially with that little ruffle at the edges, & I just I LOVE studs, both in SL & IRL!  The high waisted pants Cole comes in 10 different colors, all with this amazing sheen, or a fatpack, & is sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis, & Maitreya.  This awesome look is EXCLUSIVELY at the February Swank Event, open Feb 7th – 28th, as is a hearts version sold separately.  Demo available.
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewellery – Dhoom Machalay Collection.  Necklace & earrings, includes a HUD with 12 colors for the jewels, 3 metals, & 3 for the cords, plus a built in resizer.  EXCLUSIVELY at the February Swank Event, open Feb 7th – 28th.  See the closeup below!
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Pose:  space cadet – journalin’
  • Location:  Little World

 

Echoes of Beauty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Echoes of Beauty

Have you ever noticed that talking to someone else often helps you clarify your own thoughts?  In chatting with a new blogger for our team (in addition to being a blogger, I also blogger-manage), I really came to a better understanding of my personal preferences, what to me makes a great blogging photo.  I specify “blogging photo” because a lot of fabulous pix are awesome but not good for blogging because you can’t clearly see the item that is being promoted (and let’s face it, that’s what blogging is, it’s advertising and promotion, not just photography).  So although I fave and accept plenty of straight fashion pix because they’re good at showing the design, they don’t reach the level of “great” for ME.   What does it take to reach the level for me, where I sit and study the photo, trying to learn from what someone else did? It’s a sense of artistry, of story-telling, of making the outfit (or decor or whatever) fit the scene, the lighting, the mood…  although some shots actually demand facing or looking straight at the camera with a challenging or sultry attitude, I tend to prefer more natural, candid-seeming caught-in-the-moment shots.  All the details of putting together a look of course come first, but then what you do with that is what makes all the difference.  It’s not easy; I know, I struggle with it in every shot.  Some reach my personal goals, many many fall short, but in my own mind, I’m still only in the advanced beginner stage, and I’m actively trying to learn how to do more.  Thoughts, suggestions, constructive critique is ALWAYS welcome…  And there goes my last preachiness for the month (hopefully, anyway)!!!!  Happy shopping!!!!

  • Gown:  La Feminique – Fleur.  Stunningly feminine, this sleek sequin gown stands out with elegance!  I just love the way the “straps” are done in the front, adds so much interest & kicks the style a notch or two above.  Sized for Belleza, Slink, Maitreya & TMP,  Fleur is available in red or white (worn).  There is no store; this gown is EXCLUSIVELY available at the February Swank Event, Feb 7th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RESISTANCE
  • Makeup:  Cazimi – Dusk EvoX Lipstick
  • Nails:  e.marie – Mix & Match Coffin, Merry & Bright Red
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Reign Crown Jewels Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:   Nantra – Who Are You Wearing
  • Location:  Backdrop City