Tag: Allure Couture

A Touch of Magic

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Touch of Magichttp://The Look

I love dressing up and going formal; maybe it’s more of the Barbie principle, but I always feel like a princess or a celebrity or, at the very least, like I’m celebrating a special occasion. I love it in real life too, but frankly it’s not as affordable, or comfortable, and I just don’t look anywhere near as good lol!  The gown is, of course, the crucial starting point, but to show it — and you — off to fullest effect, you need to pay equal attention to all the little details… which hair is best for THAT dress, which skin, what eye shadow (not too much, not too little), what lipstick, and what jewelry.  I see my job as a blogger is to do all that for you, to experiment and create the best look that I can, and then tell you where to find all the pieces so that you can recreate what you like.  The good news is that none of us has to worry about shoes being too high to walk in or being comfortable lol!!!  😉

  • Jewelry: Stone’s Works – Star Flower Diadem is one of those special jewelry pieces that you think you’ll never find a use for & then you realize that it adds that incredibly perfect touch to almost every gown you own. Available in gold or silver, the diadem is resizable (I sized it up to make it really stand out for this gown & because I have a relatively big head with a wide brow). Incredibly unique, a true piece of art! The best news — it’s on Creative Spark, which means it’s on sale this month for just 150L (regular price is 275L), so don’t miss this opportunity to turn your formal looks up a notch!
  • Gown: Allure Couture – Denaya is a mermaid gown of a totally different sort.  With its gold/navy pattern, gold satin piping on the corset top, black lacing on the thighs, the wrap, the collar… well, the details are just very non-mermaidlike & make this gown incredibly unique & exotic looking. Includes gold high heels perfect for dancing the night away! Sized for Tonic, Belleza F/I/V, Slink H/P, Maitreya, eBody, TMP & Classic. Available in other colors too (this is just my personal favorite)!
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Toril, worn in Butter Browless. Based on Genus, Toril has these ADORABLE little dimples that look just AMAZING!  This is a bit of a sneak peek, since she’s exclusively available at the DUBAI Event, starting a bit later TODAY Feb 20th – March 10th.
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_JEWEL B, available at Tres Chic 
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam (Marketplace Only) – Luminous Eyes, in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Makeup: LAQ – Smoky Eyes Applier;  Dulce Secrets – Pucker Up Lip Gloss
  • Pose:  !T.Z.! – Reflections (Picture 1); an lar poses – The Izzie Mini Series, pose 1 (Picture 2), Marketplace Only
  • Location:  Zathyra Love

Untamed Heart Goes Vogue

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Untamed Heart Goes Vogue

So I’m one of those bloggers who tries very hard not to just take a “fashion model” shot against a pretty background.  Sometimes those are admittedly phenomenal shots, but they’re just not the style that I’ve been working to develop.  On the other hand, I find that gowns are extremely difficult to capture in a natural type setting since many of the venues where you’d expect to find gorgeous gowns are just drowning in lag and therefore impossible for high resolution photo shoots.  So for this fashion shoot at least I decided to do what Vogue would do… shoot in an exotic locale that manages to capture the essence of the gown, which in this case is a bit more untamed and risque both for this designer and for this model! If only I could REALLY do this on location!!!! 😉

  • Gown: Allure Couture – Untamed Heart, a gorgeous & somewhat daring gown that to me whispers of exotic places & experiences.  Includes an optional sheer shawl in matching texture which just drapes beautifully over the arms, as well as fantastic gold heels. Sized for Tonic, Belleza F/I/V, Slink H/P, Maitreya, & Classic.  EXCLUSIVE available at TheEvent for February! 
  • Head: Tonic – SNEAK PREVIEW #4!!  Abbi, the brand-new bento head from Tonic, will be launched in a few days at the February eBento, which opens on Feb 8th.  This is my first time “dressing her up”, which she did beautifully IMHO! Demos available in the store.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Amina, another simply beautiful skin which just started the month at The Chapter Four on Feb 4th, with fatpacks of 7 light or dark tones available for just 500L (shape & demos also available).  I’m wearing her in Cashew browless (a dark tone), together with Modify Patches to hide my bits, which I felt were just a little too exposed with this dress.  They truly are a life-saver when you need a little help on the top or the bottom if you’re like me & prefer to keep certain things hidden; they’re just one of those items that belong in every female avi’s closet who wears 7DS skins. 
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
  • Hair:  Exile – Class Act
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – EyeBrow Series 8
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (Omega)
  • Makeup:  LIVIA – Taryn Eyeshadow & Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Zuri Rayna – Moon Set in Golden Agate; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  ROI Designs – Lalima Polish, Marketplace Only
  • Pose:  Corpus – Fashionnable
  • Location:  Mumtaz Taj Mahal

Not Enough Time

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Not Enough Time

Today is my 11th Anniversary in Second Life. Yup, 11 years, in SL with the same guy, and I know for a fact that’s a bit unusual, a rare “rose” we’ve cultivated.  During that time, we’ve helped each other through a lot of real life difficulties; we’ve both lost jobs, lost our dads, had all kinds of personal struggles, and I have to say, having someone who thoroughly understands and supports you — but is totally outside your day-to-day life with no real world connection — can do more for your mental well-being than you might realize.  Like any relationship, though, it’s not always easy.  These days our time together is extremely limited… the “thorns” if you will… though maybe it’s also why we’re still so thrilled to find time to be together, who knows?  All I know is that time seems to go both so fast and so slow… there’s never enough of it and yet sometimes I feel like all I do is wait lol!  Ahhh the paradox of time… Though thinking about time is why I purposely chose this particular gown for our anniversary celebration… in a strange way, it seems to capture the essence of time, it just has that period glamour about it, that special allure… 😉

  • Gown: Allure Couture – Bella Nouveau en Noir, a sensational back-less gown that to me blends the essence of the ’40s with the beautiful fabrics of the Beaux Artes period… includes an optional fur stole (I have it on the ground at my feet in the top picture; I’m wearing it in the closeup below). Sized for Tonic, Freya, Isis, Venus, Slink Physique & Hourglass, Maitreya, & Classic.  EXCLUSIVE available at TheEvent for January! 
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Stormy, yes I’m still wearing her! In my last pic I wore her casual, but with her highlighting under the eyebrow & shadow under the eyes, she’s a perfect skin for when you dress it up (though I did add more makeup since I’m formal).  See the Closeup Below. Designed for both omega GENUS & LAQ bento mesh heads, she’s on discount for a few more days at the Designer Circle 01/19 Jan 6th – 19th. Choose from packs of dark or light tones for just 250L (I’m wearing her in Cashew browless with added freckles).  Demos & shape also available.
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Jaily
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Makeup: LAQ – Smokey Eyes; Red Lipsticks
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (LAQ Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  PosEd – Kiss from a Rose (includes Rose prop)
  • Location:  Mystical Fae

Heart Full of Wishes

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Hearts in the Airhttp://Magic in the Air

From lazing at home to party girl to Parisian model… it’s only the first week of January, and already I feel like I’m living so many lives, at least from a fashion perspective!  My heart is so full of wishes for the new year…  and this picture captures it all!  Here’s wishing some of them come true!!!! 😉

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – Reese Dress in Black & White, a fabulous blend of modern style (the length of the skirt with that oh so sexy slit is definitely TODAY, as is the one shoulder strap & the half peplum) — with 50s glamour (the hat, the hat, THE HAT!). I almost feel like I’m channeling Audrey Hepburn or maybe the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (but definitely with a bigger hat).  To wear the hat with hair of your choice, I recommend looking for a relatively flat style that allows resizing. I also temporarily resized my head from 60 to 55; I look exactly the same with no hair popping through! Sized for Tonic, Freya, Isis, Venus, Slink Physique & Hourglass, Maitreya, TMP, eBody, & Classic (S, M, L); includes these fabulous black & white high heels & the floppy hat.  Available at 50% OFF at TheEvent for January! 
  • Jewelry: Stone’s Works – Magic Ball Black & White Necklace & Earring Set (sold separately), non-rigged, fits all mesh & system bodies; on STEALS AND DEALS Jan 4th – Jan 7th
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – NEW! Nikita, this beauty is based on GENUS but as you can see, she’s equally gorgeous on LAQ; EXCLUSIVE at The Chapter Four Jan 4th (starting 12noon SLT) – Feb 30th
  • Pose: Cara’s Poses & ELLAs (Joint Project) – Cara & Ella’s Heart Full of Kisses, GIFT at the Pose Fair opening Jan 5th; includes both Red & Pink Heart props.
  • Makeup:  Dulce Secrets – Pucker Up Lip Gloss in 6 truly awesome tints!
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Eyes: Azdesign – Reel Green V2 mesh eyes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (LAQ Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Hair:  Tram – H0904
  • Location:  Backdrop City

A Toast to SL Christmas Expo 2018

Posted on by admin

http://A Toast to SL Christmas Expo

The minute I knew I was going to blog both Chance and Miranda, the two formal holiday outfits in this photo — which are BOTH 100% donation items for Relay for Life at SL Christmas Expo 2018!!!!, I had a vision in my head… and no, it wasn’t of sugarplums dancing, it was actually pretty close to what I ended up achieving. That’s pretty rare… the vision generally morphs slightly due to necessity or ends up veering off into a totally different direction.  And I really do have to give special thanks to the sim Let It Snow! for such success in this case, because I’ll admit that I’d almost given the vision up after having completed two photo shoots at other sims when the owner gave me temporary rezzing privileges so that I could use my own couples pose here at Let It Snow! at what I felt in my heart was absolutely the one-and-only perfect pavilion for this shot. Thank you, thank you, thank you Milly!

Thanks also to my good friend Nick Patrono, who volunteered to stand in and model for Chance. I think Nick did a fabulous job, which is why the next champagne toast (yes, it’s off-camera) was to him! Thanks Nick for being my other half in this shot, and looking so good at it!!! 🙂

  • Men’s Suit: Allure Couture – Chance, sizes for Classic Mesh XL to XS. TMP, Slink, Adam, Signaure Gianni Aesthetic and Belleza Jake.  100% DONATION EXCLUSIVE until end of Expo, then will be released in a full line of different colors perfect for all your holiday & New Year celebrations. Includes shoes for Classic, Adam, Aesthetic, Belleza and Gianni (socks too for Classic avis).  Here’s your taxi to Allure at Expo!

and I’m wearing…

  • Gown: Allure Couture – Miranda, a bit of old-fashioned formal style with her cloak & gloves, but definitely an elegant yet sexy modern look. Sized for Tonic, Freya, Venus, Slink Physique & Hourglass, & Maitreya; includes gold high heels for Belleza, Maitreya & Slink. 100% DONATION EXCLUSIVE until end of Expo, then will be released in a full line of different colors perfect for all your holiday & New Year celebrations.  Would look fabulous for those cozy little sleigh rides or caroling with your beau!  Here’s your taxi direct to the store, Allure at Expo!
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Itske, worn in Butter, browless; I keep wearing this BEAUTIFUL new skin available in 7-packs of light or dark skin tones including a no-brow option for either Genus & LAQ (I’m wearing my favorite light tone for LAQ using the no-brow option); shapes & demos also available, Itske is still currently EXCLUSIVE at the Sense Event from Nov 15th to Dec 8th
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (I have to say that in this shot you can really see the effect of Tonic’s “Booty Control”, a little add-on that lets you further customize the shape of your butt… I use “up & out +1″… LOVE IT!)
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Hair: D!va – Gracie in Garnet
  • Eyes: Azdesign – Reel Green V2 mesh eyes
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Candy Cane Eye Makeup (Xmas Gift past)
  • Pose:  CKEY Poses – Cheers
  • Location: Let It Snow! A Winter Wonderland

Uptown Girl, Shining Like Gold

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Uptown Girl

I don’t often put on the glitz, but when I do, I just love it when it’s at this level.  Gold lamé is one of those things that can look somewhat trashy or really rich and elegant.  With Allure Couture, you know that you’re ALWAYS going to get the elegant side of things, her taste is always so dead on perfect.  Every little detail is just perfection, even down to the little golden apple that “holds” the gentle sweep of dark gold chiffon over the leg slit. A little bit of culture shock from yesterday’s urban grunge to today’s uptown sophisticated club scene, but that’s what life is all about, both of them! If you’re in the US, don’t forget to vote! 😉

  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Amorie, worn in Butter, browless; available at the Designer Showcase starting November 5th
  • Gown: Allure Couture – Vienna Gown in Gold includes matching Gold Mid-Heels; in sizes for Tonic, Physique, Hourglass, Maitreya, TMP, Freya, Isis, Venus, Ebody, & Standard; EXCLUSIVELY available at TheEvent for November
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Hair: TRUTH – Zoya
  • Eyes: Azdesign – Reel Green V2 mesh eyes
  • Makeup:  LIVIA – Taryn Eyeshadow
  • Nails: Encore – Glamorously Gold Nail Appliers
  • Lingerie:  Tonic – Corazon Thong (16 color HUD in three levels of sheer)
  • Jewelry: Zuri Rayna – Antique Pearls/Golden Diamonds Bracelet; Chop Zuey – CZC Panettone Earrings, & Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [KoKoLoReS] – Fashion Forward, Pose 1; Marketplace Only
  • Location:  OZ Nightclub

Queen for a Day

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Queen for A Day

I’m feeling quite royal and privileged in my look tonight! Of course it’s mostly hidden by this absolute stunner of a gown, but I’m wearing a pre-release of the new V5 Tonic body and it’s definitely giving me that inner glow. Although the Tonic body has always been my favorite, the V5 is a newer, smoother mesh that’s even more beautiful. What does smoother mean in terms of mesh (and yes, I asked the same question)?  Simply put, smoother means easier on the eyes and smoother for animating. Not only is the body itself improved, but it comes with a brand new HUD filled with LOTS of goodies that I’m still discovering — more detailed nipples, more skin tones, more neck sizes, more layer controls, built-in heel lock, more nail polish colors, and the ability to wear different colors on different nails (is that cool or what !?!).

And that’s what’s going on UNDER the gown! Once again Rene Broux of Allure Couture has outdone herself with another stunning exclusive for the now renamed and excitingly relaunched TheEvent (because it’s The event to go to!)… the fit, the texture, the GLOVES (OMG how I’ve missed my gloves, I haven’t had formal elbow-length gloves since I went to a mesh body), the little semi-transparent shoulder drape, the included gold high heels, this is another formal gown to die for… perfectly accentuated by the tiara and earrings from Stone’s Works, which give the added touch of finery, without being too glitzy or overpowering.  I had originally wanted my picture to be one of going to meet the queen at Buckingham Palace, but couldn’t find anything remotely similar here on the grid. Instead, I’m definitely fit to be Queen for a Day myself… or two… or three… so you can come and meet me… 😉

  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty, pre-release of the new V5 body
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Eyes: Avi-Glam – Lucent Eyes, Emerald
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Skin:  7 Deadly S[k]ins – Romina, worn in Apricot, Freckled Browless; fatpack of 10 skins available in Freckled or Regular (both with browless option) available exclusively for 199L at Designer Circle
  • Makeup: LAQ – Glitter Eyes Applier; Elise – Nocturne Lipstick
  • Tattoo:  Carol G – Breast Black Rose
  • Hair: D!va – Helen in Garnet
  • Gown: Allure Couture – Reign Gown in Royal Purple includes matching Gloves & Gold Heels; in sizes for Tonic, Physique, Hourglass, Maitreya, TMP, Freya, Isis, Venus, Ebody, & Standard; EXCLUSIVELY available at TheEvent for October
  • Jewelry: Stone’s Works – Diamond Star Tiara Hair Pin & Silver Star Ribbon Earrings (sold separately); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose: Artis – AE Stand Model 7
  • Location: Classy Dance Ballroom

A Killer Combination

Posted on by cejalaval

http://H A Killer Combination

It’s been a rough week. I’m so glad it’s Friday, not that it really means much any more considering that I’ve started a new online business where I work from home on the computer all day.  Still, weekend days SEEM different somehow. Perhaps it’s just mental carryover from all the years of getting dressed and commuting hours back and forth to a “real” job and then coming home to change into an outfit like this one.  (How’s THAT for a segue!?!) Just by a quick glance, you can tell it’s an Allure Couture outfit by the attention to detail — the buttons at the front of pants, the zippers at the tops of the thighs and the open ones at the ankles (I LOVE the ones at the ankles!), the inset above the knees, the splash of pattern on the back pockets, the loose folds of the top, the way the bra fits… you just feel so relaxed and easygoing yet still so sexy when wearing this.  And that’s a killer combination… both for you, and for anyone else.  😉

  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento), available exclusively at Uber
  • Eyes: Avi-Glam – Lucent Eyes, Emerald
  • Skin:  7 Deadly S[k]ins – Merci, worn in Taupe, Browless
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Tattoo: Chameleon – Motylac
  • Nails: Petit Chambre – Autumn Nail 2017 (Camouflage)
  • Hair: Analog Dog – Margaret, Dark Reds
  • Outfit: Allure Couture – Amy Jeans outfit in Olive (Bra, Top, & Jeans); in sizes for Tonic, Physique, Hourglass, Maitreya, TMP, Freya, Isis, Venus, eBody & Standard
  • Shoes: Reign – Lottie Wedges (with multi-option HUD)
  • Jewelry: Earthstones – Elena Necklace & Earrings (Citrine); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose: PO^Z – Electra 1
  • Prop: Nerenzo – Friends Circle (past Group Gift)
  • Location: My home at GlenXi Estates

La Belle Soirée

Posted on by cejalaval

http://La Belle Soiree

The minute I opened this box, I gasped. And once I put it on, I felt transported. I just couldn’t believe the detail… it looked like Rene had sat there painstakingly hand-sewing every bead to the bodice. It embodies elegance, but has enough transparency to the bodice to add a definite layer of sexuality.  This dress just needs the minimum touches of jewelry (my earrings didn’t photograph well, but they’re just simple pearl drops) and not too overpowering an updo.  And since it’s designed to be shape-hugging, when you slip it on over my Tonic curves, well, oooh la la… where else could I wear it but Paris? Special thanks here to  Zander Reeves, who helped me make my vision come true since I simply could not find the Paris I envisioned here on the grid, and was kind enough to edit it in for me after first trying to build it, and then bouncing around the grid with me a bit and sitting through my shoot.  On a side note, Champagne is just the first color of the fabulous Aria dress…  and it is EXCLUSIVELY available at the FitMesh Plaza & Event, it’s NOT at the main store. Other colors are to come, though personally, I don’t think any can possibly compare to this amazingly beautiful tone…

  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento), available exclusively at Uber
  • Eyes: Avi-Glam – Lucent Eyes, Emerald
  • Skin:  7 Deadly S[k]ins – Junia, worn in Cashew, Browless
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Makeup: LAQ– Smokey Eyes Applier; 7 Deadly S[k]ins – JUICY Omega Lipsticks for LAQ
  • Hair: D!va – Tessa in Garnet
  • Gown: Allure Couture – Aria Mermaid Dress in Champagne includes matching  Heels; in sizes for Tonic, Physique, Hourglass, Maitreya, TMP, Freya, Isis, Venus, Ebody, & Standard; EXCLUSIVELY at the September FitMesh Plaza & Event 
  • Jewelry: Cailyn Miller – Pearl Twist Earrings (long-gone designer); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  GingerFish Poses – Moonlight and Martinis, #6
  • Location: Evans Country Club & Resort, with Paris edited in by Zander Reeves

The Elusive Bird of Romance

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Elusive Bird of Romance

I’m off to a family wedding in RL this week… don’t you just love it when romance is in the air? Although not in a wedding vein, I thought this was just such a lovely little romantic look… modern, yet somehow retro at the same time. The dress is short and sassy, with enough skin to tease the imagination but without really showing anything. And it includes matching heels! Paired with the soft tresses, layered braids and floral touches of this hair by TRUTH, it just whispers “Romance me” in soft seductive tones… I can’t decide if I hear a soft sigh in the background or the strains of a romantic ballad… hmmm, why choose? 😉

  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
  • Head: LAQ – Sandy (Bento)
  • Eyes: Avi-Glam – Lucent Eyes, Emerald
  • Skin:  7 Deadly S[k]ins – Merci, worn in Taupe browless
  • Makeup:  7 Deadly S[k]ins – JUICY Omega Lipsticks for LAQ 
  • Tattoo: Pin Up – Luz del Fuego (Omega)
  • Hair: TRUTH – Bloom
  • Nails: Encore – Glamorously Gold Nail Appliers
  • Dress: Allure Couture – Issa Mini Dress in Teal, includes matching Black Gold Heels; in sizes for Tonic, Physique, Hourglass, Maitreya, Freya, Isis & Venus; on sale for 50% OFF at the August FitMesh Plaza & 50% Discount Event 
  • Jewelry: RealEvil Industries – Areah Bracelet (multi-option HUD); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose: :LW: Poses – Bloom
  • Location: Mystic Timbers Photo