Spicy Noir

http://Spicy Noir

I am thrilled that August is over, it’s been so stressful and exhausting, I’m hoping that the joy of moving will soon set in.  Unfortunately, we’re still in the stressful stage.  The house was inspected for hours on Friday; now we’re in the stage where we negotiate what needs to be done so that we can get a contract signed.  Then it’s on to actually getting it done, and of course packing.  Just to make it a bit more stressful, we’re driving to our house for a week or so since we only saw it once a year ago and need measurements before we start paying to move things that won’t even fit.  Looks like it will be another tough month to get my blogging done, but it’s such a needed escape right now!!!  All I need is a few more hours each day to get it all done lol… oh well, all I can do is what I can do.  I don’t know about you, but I need a shopping break!

  • Outfit:  [MH Couture] – Veritee Sheer.  A corset waist-tied skirt & matching HUD-driven top, all in 8 sheer colors (the corset stays black).  Yes, it’s sheer, but the neck ruffle & a small solid panel on the skirt are artfully placed to help cover your bits if you care about those things (which I do).  Includes these sexy little black ankle boots.  I added a teeny thong as well, but that’s personal preference.  Veritee is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 08/20 Girls Heaven Event open August 23rd – September 16th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Alma
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Meringue Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeshadow;  LUXRebel – “LOVE Y” Group Gift Lipstick
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Hula Lula Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Thong:  MOZ Designs – Strapless Bra & Thong Panty
  • Nails:  Dark Passions – Koffin Nails, Foiled Valentine
  • Photo Booth/Pose:  FOXCITY –  City Life

Gleam

http://Gleam

You know that look he gets in his eye?  The one that makes you tingle and melt all at the same time?  All kinds of things can spark that look, including the perfect piece of lingerie (which I guess is why it’s so popular lol).  I learned a long time ago it’s not just about what the lingerie reveals… it’s about the “package” it creates.  Details that invite touch… and this bodysuit definitely has it all!  Hmmm, why do I want to cover this up at all?  You’ll struggle a bit with THAT question, too, once you see how this amazing little bodysuit flaunts your shape while maintaining a bit of that all-important mystery… Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Greta.  The gleam of satin on this lace-trimmed semi-sheer bodysuit will match the gleam in his eye!  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, you can buy it in black or any of 5 other colors or in a fatpack (HUD controlled).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the XXX Original Event, open August 13th – September 3rd.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Meringue Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Kokoro Poses – Makeup

One hot mess

http://One hot mess

OMG, selling a house in these times is EXHAUSTING.  On the good side, houses where we live are moving waaaaaay faster than they used to.  Last year, when we first started planning for this, we expected it to take up to six months. Now we’re being told it will be just a matter of weeks.  But what we didn’t realize was what that meant in terms of showing the house.  Yesterday alone we had 8 showings.  And since we’re not allowed to be “in” the house (we can be in the backyard) and we currently have two big dogs here (one who is a rambunctious 9-month-old 80-lb pitbull puppy), it means sitting in the backyard with two dogs on leashes or dragging them off for yes, another walk.  So far, today will be an off day with only two showings scheduled, but we’re being told to prepare for an onslaught over the weekend.  We’re going to need a vacation after this lol!  I’ve barely had time to go inworld what with all the prep, cleaning, and avoiding being inside, but some outfits just demand to be blogged, no matter what! Enjoy your shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Evangeline & Boots.  Talk about hot!  This outfit completely wow’d my partner & demanded his full attention!  An off-shoulder top with fishnet sleeves paired with open front shorts in 6 denim textures (HUD driven) plus black thigh-high fishnet boots & a choker, Evangeline is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  Tonic Curvy/Fine (not the boots though), & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at The Darkness August Event through August 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Tram – G0220
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Scandalous Crave Lipstick
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Mesh Stiletto Long Mongrel
  • Jewelry:  Aurealis Jewelry – Kiara Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Taxi Bento Pose Set
  • Location:  The Hood

Beer on the Bay

http://Beer on the Bay

So I’m no fan of beer, I’ve never developed a liking for the taste.  But THIS is definitely what I need…  some time on an empty stretch of beach to just be with nature and stop stressing out! Today is the day that our house goes on the real estate market… it’s been very stressful to say the least, and that stress will probably be pretty constant for months what with showings, contracts, closings, packing, and the actual moving and resettling.  I’ve been in this house for more than 30 years… it’s where we raised our kids, so leaving it — even for a better lifestyle — is definitely as much of a sad event as it is a happy one.  Starting a new chapter is great, but it does mean ending the one before.  Sighs… now where’s that beach?

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Letizia White.  As I’ve said before (& is clearly visible just by a quick look at my blogging history lol), I love off-shoulder tops, and the shoulders to this seemingly simple top are loose, way-off-shoulder, & very loopy, so that if you stretch out your arms they seem to expand.  Asymmetrical in front, with leather lacing up the slightly open sides, are added details that show it’s not just another t-shirt top. The washed jeans are long & wide bottomed, & just scream comfort.  I didn’t wear the included high heel mules because who can walk through the sand in those! Letizia is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event that’s open just a few more days till August 19th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Navy & Copper – Hannah
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Marina Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Props:  Crystal – Crystona cooler
  • Location:  Soul2Soul Bay

Full Moon Cigarette

http://Full Moon Cigarette

As a long-time ex-smoker, I have to admit that cigarettes still hold a certain allure.  Don’t get me wrong, I’d never EVER go back to smoking cigarettes… health risks aside, it’s a dirty extremely expensive habit that turns me off big-time in real life.  But what DOES still appeal to me is the mystique surrounding the act of that solitary cigarette, all alone except for your thoughts, your memories… just standing there, completely self-absorbed in contemplation for the length of that one act… and then crushing it out, and returning to your life, as it were.  Yes, it’s a romantic image, very far from the ugly reality, but it’s one that lingers, like a wisp of smoke in the air.  Bottom line, I will continue to daydream with smoking as a prop, as a tool to my imagination… but no, not ever again in real life…

  • Outfit:  Pink Cherry – Casual Outfit “Aubrey”.  I’m not quite sure as to the classification of Aubrey as a “casual outfit” (though it’s definitely not a dressy one), but I’m VERY sure that it’s got a style perfect for every closet.  The short little leather skirt buttons up the front; the belted top doesn’t belt at the waist as you might expect… instead it belts “empire style”, right underneath the deep v neckline, creating a wonderful little blousing effect.  In 9 color options (I’m wearing the red/black) & a fatpack, Aubrey is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, TMP, & Classic, & is available EXCLUSIVELY at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th. Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeliner;  DS’Elles – Scandalous Hunger Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Jewelry:  NO MATCH – NO.DIAMOND loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Scarlett #6
  • Backdrop:  MINIMAL Gallery – Omnia

Money makes the world go round

http://I'm out of lindens till bonus day, can I charge it

It constantly amazes me how quickly my monthly budget disappears.  It always seems like more than enough, and yes, there have been months that I’ve ended up with excess lindens.  Maybe because I’m a shopping addict blown away by the creativity of some designers (the stimulus behind many bloggers lol!), maybe it’s because I’m a total hair freak and always want the latest styles, maybe it’s because I’m never satisfied and get bored easily, so I like to keep refeathering my nest or even changing my nest altogether.  I still like live music events (though I go much much less than previously), and although I’m not a big tipper, I’m a consistent one.  And yes, of course I have a credit card linked to my account in order to bring in my monthly funds (and added little bits when there’s something I just can’t resist ) but that still requires me to bring in money NOW.  It would be amazing if I had a SL credit card that would allow me to buy larger purchases now and pay them off slowly over time.  On the other hand, I guess a lot of SLifers (including me) could end up carrying debt inworld rather than just stimulating the economy. All I can say is that money definitely makes both worlds go round, and I certainly do my part lol… thankfully I don’t have to pay to store all my things that I’m not currently using… I do love the magic of free, limitless inventory!  Well, all this talk of shopping has me itching to go look at this lower-prim high quality furniture I’ve been considering (the new elven home for my fantasy alt and her partner  is a Linden one, so every prim is precious!), so I’m off, “credit card” in hand!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Nimue.   Once again, it’s the stylish details that sets this denim shorts outfit apart from the crowd.   The halter-style top with strategically placed openings both front & back drapes beautifully; the frayed short shorts have artfully placed rips & lacing in the back… I simply had to include a 2nd shot to show you how phenomenal this outfit looks from behind (see below)! Comes in 10 colors for the top, 6 denims for the shorts; sold separately or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th. Demo available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Tropical in Mango.  A fun, hard box bag , together with a small padlock, perfect for the summer season.  My Tropical is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  This collection of various fruits offers 6 choices & includes a hand pose, EXCLUSIVELY available at the Bundle of Doves Event from July 20th – August 22nd.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Imani
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:   DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Sunglasses:  meisu Eyewear & Accessories – Minutiae glasses
  • Jewelry:   Kunglers – Milena Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Credit Card Poses
  • Location:  Opium Beach & Music Hall

The End of the Road

http://The End of the Road

Wow, I’ve been so busy in both real life and in SL dealing with moving!  We’ve made so much progress on our house that we should be ready to do pix and get it listed next week.  And here on the grid, I’ve been busy moving my alt & her partner to new fantasy digs because although I’d loved what I’d created for them at the back of the property, they were starting to hog all my resources, which for someone like me simply can’t be tolerated!  So with all this work, I’ve turned to what has always been my relaxing release… going for a lovely long aimless drive in beautiful surroundings.  And no, I don’t own a motorcycle IRL (though I surely do adore riding on the back of one, my arms wrapped tightly around the driver), but hey, that’s what SL is for, right? To do all the things you can’t IRL!  And on that note, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Enchtris Check Outfit & Boots.  With a belted blazer over a pair of shorts with dynamite heels, this is definitely a sexy look that can create its own heat wave!  The miniskirt has a HUD with 10 different plaids; the top & thigh-high boots are in black only.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Clover
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeshadow; LUXRebel – “LOVE Y” Group Gift Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Sofia Earrings; RealEvil Industries – Aqvila Bracelets; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Pose:  CNZ – Motorbike

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)

The temperature’s rising… is yours?

http://The temperature's rising... is yours?

Sex. In a lot of ways it makes the world go round.  After more than 30 years in advertising and marketing, I know for a fact how much it’s used to sell products and services, whether blatantly or subtly.  It might be even more true in our online world.  We all reveal much more of our bodies than we would (hopefully anyway!) in daily life.  A lot of styles IMHO are just downright slutty.  Now don’t get me wrong, dressing that way can be a lot of fun, especially considering how perfect our bodies can be in SL, it’s just generally not my style.  But that doesn’t mean that I go the demure route, either.  I’ve created almost a Marilyn Monroe-curvy body, I definitely like dressing sexy, and when you pair those with a sexy pose, I guess some would say I’ve crossed over to the slutty side.  Me, I define it more as creating a sense of temptation.   Yeah yeah, playing semantics, I know.  The bottom line is that it’s all about attitude, and that is absolutely something I’ve got a ton of lol!  Great items in the sexy vein that are available now include:

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Moxie Jacket, Shorts & Heels.  With a belted blazer over a pair of shorts with dynamite heels, this is definitely a sexy look that can create its own heat wave!  Blazer in 10 colors HUD driven, with grey shorts (matches the belt & lapels), black heels, & a black choker.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Designer Showcase, July 5th – 28th.
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo.  Tats for both upper & lower, in fresh/light/medium, both BOM & Omega. EXCLUSIVE at the new round of the 4 Seasons Event, opening TODAY July 15th – 29th.
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Tram – F728
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Cosmetize – The Charlie’s Angels Collection
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Deep Gel
  • Jewelry:  NO MATCH – NO.DIAMOND loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Po^Z – Babe 1
  • Backdrop:  irrISIStible – Backdrop Dust Spring

Show-off

http://You're showing off again!

As much as I believe that when you’ve got it, flaunt it, there are times when it really irks me that I have to work really hard for something that comes so naturally to others.  And no, I’m not getting on a soapbox today… I was just thinking how at least as humans we CAN work at it.  In the animal kingdom, it seems almost more unfair that the males of the species get to make all the exciting displays while the females tend to be rather dull, though I know it’s all in order to attract and win a female so that they can mate.  It’s kind of funny that with humans it’s more the opposite… it’s the women who don all the plumage in order to attract the males.  (And yes, I DO know that it goes both ways, but women tend to do a whole lot more, even if some would contest that men do as much, we all know what society demands!)  Bottom line though, just a fun pic with a fun message… and some great items for sale at events!

  • Outfit:   WellMade – Chilla Outfit.  Light, summery, stylish, with a HUD that includes 20 pastelly & brighter shades for the patterned top, 20 matching solids for the belt, & your choice of black or white for the skirt. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza Freya, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My COBELLI in Orange.  Awesome looking, almost a “bag in a bag” with an outer semi-translucent “shell” over the inner colored bag,  together with round, gold handles.  Such a great look!  My Cobelli is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  Available in 9 colors, EXCLUSIVELY at this month’s eBento which ends on July 30th.  Comes with both an arm & a hand hold plus a no-pose version to more easily use the bag with other animations.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Cosmetize – The Charlie’s Angels
  • Nails:  Madpea – Iconic Heat Polish
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – True Hearts Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Mosquito’s Way – Alexis
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Aya #6
  • Backdrop:  PALETO – Backdrop Civita (animated peacocks NOT included, but vendor is unknown)