Making a Statement

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

Getting Creative with Caffeine

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

 

Fae Lost in Thought

http://Fae Lost in Thought

The ancient Greeks had a very definite idea of what constituted classic beauty, that in many ways has remained timeless.  Since my lifespan as a fae is so much longer than that of mere humans, I have lived through medieval times and classic antiquity.  I have been surprised by how enduring that Greek vision has been, not just in terms of personal looks, but in architecture and so much more.  The age of The Iliad and The Odyssey is celebrated and is on display that the current round of the Enchantment Event, featuring many exceptional exclusives plus a hunt!  It’s definitely a do not miss event!!!!  The link for all the details is HERE.  And don’t forget that more general fantasy & roleplay items are still at The Narrative Event… so much fantasy shopping, such amazing fun!!! What’s a fae to do?  Well, shop of course!  May your day be blessed by the gods!!!

  • Skin:  Loa – Vita.  BOM Skin for Lelutka EVO X heads. available in 7 skintones, each pack including 4 versions of the skin (browless & freckled among them), HD ears, 3 blushes, & shape+browfixer for Avalon .  I’m wearing Opal with no brows, together with the matching body skin which comes with 4 “textures” (shine, soft, matte, flat chest) plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons, but I’m using my own shape & a different Loa browfixer since I wear a different head (see below for how she looks on Avalon).  She’s still a classic beauty!  Demos available.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Enchantment, with the theme of the Iliad & the Odyssey, open Feb 12th – 28th.  
  • Wreath:  SCHOEN – Empress Laurel. What self-respecting Greek beauty would fail to wear her laurel wreath? This stunning interpretation is stretchable &  includes a texture HUD with 10 metals plus 20 colors for both the teardrop gems & the round gems so it can be worn with just about any hair, any outfit. EXCLUSIVELY available at The Narrative Event, open Feb 1st – 20th.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows for EvoX
  • Hair:  A&A – Leeanne
  • Horns: Venge – Celest
  • Wings:  FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; ANTAYA – Bracelets Adonia (Hunt Gift at Enchantment); HOF – Kashmire Pendant Necklace

Hot Dress, Cold Beer

http://Shades of Pink

I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day.  When you’re not in a relationship, I remember it sometimes being excruciatingly lonely; when you’re in a new relationship, I recall it being a somewhat giddy experience, full of high hopes & too often dashed expectations; when you’re in a solid, long-term relationship, well, it’s just another day.  Still nice to acknowledge and be acknowledged, but beyond that, well, it truly is a marketer’s dream.  So I’m not one to make a lot of Valentine’s posts, full of hearts and flowers… but I WILL wear my heart on my sleeve (and everywhere else), look tempting, and have a quiet little toast to love… Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Hawkers House – Candice Sweater Dress Hearts.  Love the shape of this sweater dress!  So effortlessly sexy! Sized for TMP (Legacy), Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Tonic & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the February round of the Swank Event, Feb 7th – 28th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Kiara
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – LYA Lipstick & Eyeshadow
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Mesh Ballerina
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Clix – Cold One

Planning My Next Move

http://Planning My Next Move

Not all battles are fought with weapons. In fact, to me, the more challenging and definitely the more enjoyable battles are ones of wit and strategy.  In fact, all the dexterity and expertise with a weapon can only take you so far without the strategic intelligence to guide you, especially when your goal is not domination but defense. Or perhaps that’s just defensive posturing for why this fae loves games and puzzles so much.  In fact when I’m not working on a blog (shopping, putting a look together, scouting locations, doing the actual shoot, editing, and so on), I often find myself perched on the edge of my chair, playing cards inworld (Skippo is my current passion lol).  IRL, other games take over.  But it all has one thing in common… challenging the brain, learning the skills, exercising creativity in order to claim victory!  Sadly, chess has never come easily to me, but I do love those giant chessboards!  Now let me think about my next move….

  • Gown:  Viki – Catelyn.  This style dress is such a welcome addition to my fae closet! Among all the beautifully styled gowns & armor & silks & hunter’s garb, it’s important to have some more simple “week-end wear”.  But it’s not just the styling that makes my wings beat faster, it’s the textures! So detailed, so touchable! Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, Danana is available in 9 colors or as a fatpack.  100% Original & Material Enabled, she is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE for 25% OFF at the February round of The Narrative Event, February 1st – 28th. Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Nuve – Emily in Pale
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Artemis Collection
  • Hair:  Doe – Vee
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Trinket Horns
  • Makeup:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX; Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Wings:  FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose:  Astalianda – Aquarius (adjusted)
  • Location:  The Looking Glass

May My Weapon Serve Me Well

http://May My Weapon Serve Me Well in the Coming Battle

I’m lucky.  It seems that I’ve been training and fighting ever since I can remember.  As an outsider, defensive skills were necessary if I was to survive, especially after the clan that took me in was defeated in battle while I was away on a hunting trip.  I don’t enjoy battle however.  I know that there are those glory in it; maybe it’s my fae instincts, but I see it as the very last resort, one that is sadly necessary all too often.  I recognize this this is the reason why I tend to take the role of guardian, because although I am tentative in attack, I will give my all in defense of the people, places, & things that I value.  But things happen, and I often am left relying on my own resources to successfully do my job of protect and defend.  My sensitivity to the world around me helps alert me when there is need; but if that need should arise, then it is my weapon and my skill wielding it that is the deciding factor in every battle.  This is why before every shift I watch, every patrol I take, any time I actively don my role, I give my thanks to the weapon and to those who have taught me the skills to protect the fantasy life I love. May my weapon serve me well in the coming battle!

  • Makeup:  Loa – Ninsar Warpaint.  In 4 warpaint colors (Blue, Gold, Green, & Red) with 22 different tattoo layers to mix & match — the “X”, cheek dots, chin, eye shadow, eyebrows, forehead stripe, lip brush, temple stripes, neck, & full version that adds it all in one layer (I’m wearing the full version).  Exclusively for Lelutka EVO X heads. Demo available. 
  • Eyes:  Loa – Ninsar Eyes.  Fatpack includes 4 fantasy colors (see below) with Lelutka EVO appliers, omega, mesh eyes & BOM. 
  • Skin:  Loa – Clara.  BOM Skin for Lelutka EVO X heads. 4 versions of the skin including browless & freckled option, HD ear texture, 3 blushes, shape + browfixer for Gaia (I’m using my own shape).  Available in 11 tones — I’m wearing Porcelain, together with the matching body skin which comes with 4 “textures” (shine, soft, matte, flat chest) plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons.  Demos available. Skin featured in a previous post using the provided shape, which you can see HERE
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RUST 
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns
  • Tattoo:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Pose:  ART Animations – Descendent of Messalina
  • Location:  Little Moon

A Flight of Fancy

http://A Flight of Fancy

http://Fae in Portrait

I know, I know, I’m breaking one of the cardinal rules of this blog… I’m doing what we have dubbed “a double post,” or a single blog post that features two distinct photos.  They’re just both so necessary to the story… the romantic fantasy of this stunning gown combined with the dramatic fantasy of my face, a true flight of fancy demanding both the full shot AND the closeup. In this situation, you just can’t have one without the other.  So why choose? That’s the freedom of being a fae and, let’s face it, of having your own blog lol! You not only get to make the rules, you also get to break them whenever you see fit!  Let’s see where else my flight of fancy takes me… you just never know what wondrous finds await just beyond the horizon!!!! Sprinkles a little fairy dust for all, flutters my wings, and I’m off!

  • Gown:  Poet’s Heart – Shaza.   Shaza comes in four color packs or a fatpack of all 20 colors.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize the skirt (not just color, but gradient or solid!), top, & sash so you can change up the look as much as you’d like.  She is sized only for Maitreya & Hourglass, though since she comes with an alpha I have to say that she fits Legacy perfectly on me (with no deformers); in fact a small detail that I love is that Poet’s Heart always supplies TWO alphas, one with & one without feet, the latter being especially useful since fantasy footwear can be difficult to source.  Shaza was originally created for the Holiday Hunt during Christmas & New Year’s, but is now available at the main store for a regular price. Demo available. 
  • Tattoo:  Aerth – Seer Face + Neck Tattoos. NEW!  A set of absolutely fabulous face tattoos with matching neck fades.  BOM layers, for SLUV & EVOX, in a fatpack of 13 different colors (I’m wearing Klothein).  See both the closeup above & the ad below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at The Narrative Event, the fantasy event that opens today at noon on February 1st! Demo available.
  • Wings:  FAS– Bento Faery Wings.  These have been my favorite wings for a little while now, & I’m just so excited to see that they are now featured at The Narrative Event, starting today February 1st!  They’re 100% mesh, bento rigged, materials enabled, with their own special AO.  If you take lots of photos like me, you’ll love the ability to pause that AO when the wings are in whatever position you prefer, rather than sitting there trying to catch the shot when just everything is exactly the way you want it. Includes a texture HUD with 24 options. Demo available.
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Uletia Horns.  Originally developed as a minigacha, these modifiable unisex horns are available with 15 different color HUDs, each of which offers 10 horn textures plus so many options I couldn’t even count them! The “blooms” can be visible or hidden, too! See the detail in the closeup above.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Glam Affair – Snow Skin
  • Eyes:  Samia – Carla
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Lilium
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; VENGE – Selene Crystal Circlet (not used in closeup)
  • Aura:  Just Tony – Light Magic Aura
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Fay #5
  • Location:  Paradiso – Divina Commedia

 

 

En Garde!

http://En Garde!

It’s rare that someone asks, but I notice the looks when I stroll into a strange sim.  As a child of what was at the time a somewhat shocking union between elf and fae, you’d think I’d be used to the subtlety of raised eyebrows and the directness of outright stares.  But in these more modern days, it’s my warrior attire and attitude that seems to draw the more immediate reaction.  It’s sad that even today most people seem to prefer their fantasy folk in either dreamy silks that show a lot of skin or more formal medieval wear that covers it all up (both of which I love to wear on the right occasions)…  warrior garb is still cause for those ongoing second looks.  Sometimes I can even hear the unspoken thoughts about whether I’m just dressing the part or if I have the skill to wield my weapons with expertise.  And believe me, I understand those doubts. Even today, it isn’t easy for a female to become a warrior.  And growing up as an outsider, not really belonging to any one clan, I was included in the basic training given to all so that I could help defend when necessary.  But true warrior training was denied me, so it was something I had to develop the hard way (not that there IS an easy way!), watching, teaching myself, training independently for hours and hours, learning from anyone willing to teach me, whether it be as a lesson to warn me off or to truly help me hone my skills.  So yes, I understand those looks, but mixed in with the hostility and the indifference I am also beginning to note some looks of admiration when a practiced eye notes the ease with which I both carry and wield my weapons, how they are truly extensions of my body.  So as I continue to hone my skills, I’m also learning to hold my head up just a little bit higher, to meet those doubting eyes with confidence and ease, ready to defend.  En garde!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Clary.  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, the Clary basic outfit (tunic, leggings, leather corset, shoulder “armor”) comes in 6 individual colors; both the matching Clary boots & the matching armbands are each available in your choice of black or brown.  A matching black choker completes the Clary look! Originally developed for last month’s We Love Role Play, this fabulous outfit is now at the mainstore!  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Glam Affair – Snow Skin
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes, Pack 2
  • Hair:  monso – Jinx
  • Horns:  Rainbow Sundae – Aylin Horns
  • Makeup:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX; Rubedo – Ava EvoX
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Wings:  FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose:  Repose – Pack F Blade
  • Location:  Elvion

Winter Stress

http://Winter Stress

It’s a long hard winter out there.  Obviously, not so bad where I live in central Florida.  Yes, it’s cold for here (frost warnings!!!) but certainly not anywhere like it is in oh so many other places.  But the overall climate — and I don’t just mean weather! — is just so exhausting.  All the COVID, all the recurring minor shortages (of all things right now, cat litter!!! Unlike here in SL, my real life cats absolutely must have cat litter!!!), just all the stress on top of all the weather… well, I think many of us are dreaming of a break, a vacation.  I know that I was, and I even had an exceptional one on the books for April, painstakingly selected, everything booked, everything paid for (a fabulous cruise along the Mediterranean coast from Lisbon to Barcelona, with stays on both ends since I’ve never been to those countries at all), constantly questioning if we should go or not, but desperately wanting and needing to just go.  And then the cruise line writes that they are “pleased to announce” they are repositioning the ship from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, cancelling my reservation, and I’m just sitting here watching my vacation sail off into the sunset.  Now, what to do? When we booked months ago, it was so much easier to feel good about the state of COVID because it seemed so far away that everything would be fine. But now? Much more worrisome, much harder to stay positive.  And yet, I DESPERATELY need that vacation.  With all the medical stuff that’s been happening to both me and my husband, an escape is definitely called for.  So many ideas are being tossed around now… driving to nearby cities for a week; a spa vacation in the mountains; a week on a beach… but none can hold a candle to the big let’s-go-for-it vacation we were finally, FINALLY, going to get to do.  Sighs… though I will admit that relaxing in a spa looking out at the snow on the mountains has its appeal!  At least in SL, I’m ready for it!!! Happy Shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  [If Design] – Wanda.  If you want to knock them out in the boudoir, or by a pool, or at a beach party, I don’t think you can do better than this drop-dead stunner.  If you’re more daring than me (it is rather transparent), it can take you so many other places as well, especially with the optional glitter layer. Choose from 11 different colors in the HUD for the upper, the lower, & the glitter (if used), or use the included tinter to modify these shades to your own customized color. Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra, Maitreya & Petite, this amazing look is EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, open Jan 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Leg Jewel:  [If Design] – Leg Jewel.  Fitted mesh flowers for your leg, in 24 colors + tinter. Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Belleza F/I, eBody, Kupra, ebody Curvy, perky, reborn, & Maitreya, this jewel is the perfect accompaniment to Wanda & so much more! EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, open Jan 7th – 31st.  
  • ead:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Bellami
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup: Goreglam – Planetarium Lip Gloss
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Pinwheel Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  Gorgeous Dolls – Girl Hallowaii
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Sailor
  • Backdrop:  Milk Motion – Mountain Hotel Spa

Just A Little Snow Shower

http://Just a little Snow Shower

I know that when so many people are dealing with severe arctic chill, I really have no right to whine about the cold snap here in central Florida, but when I moved out of the northeast for warmth I just didn’t expect to be bundling up with a warm coat, several layers, and gloves in order to walk the dog after dark.  No, it’s not bone chilling and skin numbing, but yes, my arthritis screams and my whole body tightens up.  Last year when it kept getting down into the 30s and 40s, everyone kept saying how unusual it was, but here we are again, expecting frost.  The kicker for me is that I gave away most of my cold weather clothing (including outerwear) when we moved.  Here I thought I’d been so smart since we have such limited closet and storage space in our severely downsized home, and now I find myself having to buy new things just to survive a winter in central Florida.  Not that shopping is such a terrible thing… I do love to shop as much IRL as I do on the grid, the difference is that I just don’t wear it half as well as my alter-ego here.  And let’s face it… she doesn’t actually FEEL the cold, she just puts on the right clothes to fit the weather scene and to look good lol!  It’s the weekend… happy shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  GuGuVaGa Fashion  (GGVG) – Rain Coat & Dress.  Sophisticated, classy, edgy, this look is so stylish it can’t be summed up easily!  A mid-length modified trench coat (it looks like leather, but then it wouldn’t be good in the rain or snow, now would it?) hanging open over a sensational little tube dress.  Comes in 7 different color packs, each with a single color raincoat (black, blue, lilac, orange, yellow, red, or pink) plus 5 colors of the tube dress.  I just love the drama of bright red paired with black, especially with a bright red for my hair, but wow, was it a tough choice!  Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya, this amazing look is EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, open Jan 7th – 31st.  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:  Tram – F728
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Boots:  KC Couture – Heda
  • Jewelry:  WILD Fashion – Amore Mio Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Antonia