Out of Africa

http://Out of Africa

I’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari. Definitely NOT because I like big game hunting, far from it; in fact, it disturbs me no end.  No my dream is more photographic in nature, to go on a camera safari, see all the animals in the wild the way they SHOULD be, and capture the sprawling beauty of the scenery.  That fantasy is even more powerful now that it no longer means really roughing it.  So many of the camera safaris are ultra-luxurious these days, with great food and deluxe accommodations.  However, since that also means that they’re ultra-expensive, my African photography adventure will necessarily be limited to what I can find here on the grid.  This sim I found is pretty fantastic… I was all set up for my shot, had even taken my first few, when the elephant wandered over and photo-bombed me!  Not that I’m complaining, right?  Here’s a list of everything that I used to create my photo…  Who knows? Maybe they’ll figure into your dreams as well…

  • Outfit:  Pink Fairy – Juicy Set.   An intensely sexy 2-piece dress (a crotch cover is ABSOLUTELY required & you  can’t be prudish in the least about half your butt showing lol!), the tribal print definitely is what set me dreaming of Africa.  It can really bring out the beast!  Available in a total of 3 textures, the dress is sized for Hourglass, Freya, & Lara. EXCLUSIVE at the upcoming round of the 4 Seasons Event, opening July 15th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:   Vanity – Jewelled
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Cashew
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Summer Eyeshadows, at The Liaison Collaborative
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Ballerina Long Tinny
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Rixa
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Boho Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Kokoro – Kesia, #5 (includes drink prop)
  • Location:  JAMBO! A Voyage to Africa

Private Enough?

http://Private Enough?

One of the things that makes blogging so much fun is the variety.  When it comes to fashion, putting the look together is obviously the most important, but it doesn’t end there.  Sometimes you want a simple look without a lot of distraction — just find the right pose and the right background and the right windlight, etc..  But other times, the “vision” really calls for you to make a scene, which means on top of all that you need to find the right props and place them “just so.”  To tell the truth, though, I have tons of fun doing that, and really admire those bloggers who do that each and every time.  I tend to lose patience, not to mention it can get costly.  That said, I had a ton of fun (I won’t mention the ton of frustration with the house that WAS in the background, ruining the shot), and ended up with some great decor items!  To me, that’s definitely a win-win!

  • Swimwear:  GGVG Fashion – Sunset Bikini & Sarong.  Let’s be honest: there are a lot of great swimsuits out there, from bikinis to monokinis & more.  It really takes something extra to make one stand out.  GGVG has done that with three different suits by adding different “somethings,” in this case a truly awesome sarong.  Don’t get me wrong, the suit itself is STUNNING… the fabric is small without being too small if you get my meaning, the straps wrap double under the breasts for added interest, the bottom straps sit high on the hips.  As I said, stunning.  The optional sarong though is what really sets it apart, it’s much more substantial than others I’ve seen, but the way it’s tied & the way it’s hung is so natural & still gives full view of the suit from the front, it’s exceptional.  And of course there’s a HUD, so you choose from any of 15 textures (solids & prints) for the top & the bottom, & 8 for the sarong.  Also available in a lace & beaded version.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya.  Both are EXCLUSIVE at the July  Swank Event, which opens tomorrow July 7th.  
  • Towel:  Freda Stylish Fashion – Rolled Beach Towel.  Includes two different holds that are completely AO & pose friendly (as you can see, I’ve combined it with a pose, listed below), plus a HUD for 8 different textures.  HUNT GIFT for $1L at the Beach Bunny Hunt 10, an Evil Bunny Production, a summer hunt from July 3rd – 31st.  The hunt’s starting point is HERE, and you can join the EVIL BUNNY HUNTS group in-world for help HERE (free join).
  • Sandals:   Blasphemic – Gothgirl Flip Flops.  Sized for Slink, Belleza, & Maitreya. .  See the ad below for a closeup of this $1L HUNT GIFT at the Beach Bunny Hunt 10.  To reiterate, the hunt’s starting point is HERE, and you can join the EVIL BUNNY HUNTS group in-world for help HERE (free join).
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  I find that the Tonic bodies are truly the most natural curves on the grid with options like Booty Control to add that extra oomph how & if you want it & others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Mabeline, worn in Almond Browless
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Melany
  • Pose:  Nantra – Beach Illustrated 2020 (modified)
  • Props:  Sway’s – Sandia Beach Bag, Summer Drinking Jar, Shell Beach Shells decoration; Dust Bunny – Beach Paddles (Group Gift)
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Ahoy there!

http://Ahoy There!

OK, so I’m still on my summer beach kick, but then again it IS summer even if I’m not at the beach enjoying it.  Perhaps I’m escaping there in my mind because the current reality is just getting tougher with the uptick in Covid cases exactly where we’re planning on moving (and I do mean EXACTLY — the county our new house is in is not doing well).  On top of that, my mom who is in a memory care facility in Florida, is not feeling well, and has just had a Covid test for the 3rd time.  Fingers crossed that she’s just not feeling well for “normal” reasons.  And here on the home front, they’re FINALLY starting with the outdoor work that is needed before we can get our home on the market, so things are progressing but still stressful.  No wonder the idea of boating or swimming or just sitting on a beach somewhere is so appealing.  Sighs… I know we’ll get there eventually… it’s just a question of how much s**t will happen between now and then…   The fact is, life goes on (and so does shopping lol)!

  • Outfit:  Apple Heart – Bonita Outfit with HUD.  This is one of those versatile outfits that can be worn in several ways.  The sarong style skirt that is tied up at one hip comes in two versions — one solid & one “net-panelled” (both with fringes).  The included HUD has 10 Colors/8 Texture & offers an incredible range of options since in addition to changing the skirt style, you can choose the color/pattern for the top, top fringe, top bow, panty, skirt, skirt fringe, sandal color, & even the color of the beads hanging from those sandals. You can even hide the bow & fringe if you choose.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Tattoo:  Apollemis Tattoos Store – Apple & Jasmine Blossom Sleeve.  A beautifully drawn tattoo made by the designer, compatible with BoM layers, OMEGA system, Maitreya & Legacy bodies. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Embers
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Nails:  alme – Dots & Squares
  • Jewelry:  Cailyn’s – Safari Noir Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Cubic Cherry – Fancy (La Vie en Pose GIFT)
  • Boat:  The Mesh Shop – Bandit IF
  • Bag:  EC – Key West
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

 

The cat’s meow

http://The cat's meow

Oh my, it’s been so humid where I live the last few days that about all I’ve been able to do is put my hair up, put on the lightest clothing, and lie around with my poor swollen leg raised up.  I’ve been watching some old classic movies (hence the use of a popular expression from before my time lol), and I did start physical therapy yesterday, so hopefully I’ll be able to start getting back to my regular schedule (well, such as it is lol) relatively soon.  I will say that this is one of those times when I really appreciate the virtual reality of the grid… no difficulties getting around (as long as SL is cooperating of course), no weather issues, no social distancing worries, plenty of things to do.  Speaking of which, I’m dressed and ready, so off I go for more shopping therapy!

  • Outfit:  Nala Design – Coren Outfit.  Great little details in this 3-piece set (top, skirt, shoes), from the braided gold chain around the neck that holds up the halter to the subtle pattern on the side ruffles of the top, to the strings on the sides of the skirt, to the perfectly natural wrinkles & the perky nipples pushing out the fabric, & the high sexy wedges. Includes a HUD with 9 colors for the top, skirt, strings, & shoes so you can mix ‘ match if you want for more contrast.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th through the end of the month. 
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My KITTY in Brown.  The cutest bag ever, with both an arm & a hand hold.  Available in 6 colors. Dare I say it’s the cat’s meow? 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Butter
  • Hair:  Doux – Melanie
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Purple Beauty – Glossiness Lipstick (Gift @ Access Anniversary)
  • Jewelry:   Kunglers – Milena Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – The Sweet Spot

Vicious and Delicious

http://Vicious and Delicious

OK, so I’ve borrowed my title from the name of two FlickR groups, but it’s just so perfect for this!  This whole pic is a bit outside of my norm, but inspiration takes all forms lol, and although there will still be plenty of pix in my “style”, I’m thinking that there will also be a bit more experimentation.  Don’t worry, everything will still be “safe” but I do want to start pushing myself a bit further.  I’ve taken on some new sponsors and left a few behind in order to help me on my journey.  I’m thinking of it as a bit of a reboot, a restart to get out of the rut I was in…  The reboot began back when I started experimenting with fantasy, and has now spread a bit further.  It’s not really a new beginning, more like an expansion pack (for any of you gamers out there lol)…  I’m looking forward to see where my journey takes me… I hope you are too!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles & Myles Harvy Couture – Signe Outfit with Peep Toe Boots. 4-piece set (hoodie, panties, bra, boots) in a black/white stripe. The banding on both the bra & pants feature a word of your choice from a 10-texture HUD (ex: Slut, Curious, Mischievous).  And the boots!!!! LOVE these boots!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, & Classic XXS-L. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Backdrop/Pose:  [VSM] devil inside – Color Your Life.  Available in 3 boxes: the unisex pose with brush (no other props); the pose set with props (including the canvas with an art change menu/easel/rugs/stool; the FULL set including props & skybox (including resize menu & on/off candles). EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th – 30th.  
  • Head, Brows, Eyeliner, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  I find that the Tonic bodies are truly the most natural curves on the grid with options like Booty Control to add that extra oomph how & if you want it & others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Anne-Sofie, worn in Caramel browless
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – GIN
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)

Time for a Tom Collins

http://Time for a Tom Collins

One of the many, many side effects of stay-at-home has been that on social drinking.  First off, there’s just no “social”.  Now, I’m not much of a drinker to begin with, but I have enjoyed the ritual of gathering at cocktail hour for a drink or two, especially to watch the sunset in a tropical clime.   Once not so long ago, there was a bit of a stigma of drinking before the appointed hour… that certainly seems to have gone by the wayside.  Yes, we must guard against the all-day drinking out of boredom or frustration or whatever, or you can end up with a much bigger problem, but if you’re stuck at home, and occasionally want a cocktail, why not?  It’s like the old joke — it’s 5:00 somewhere!  Join me?

  • Dress:  MV Apparel – Fleur Dress.  The styling of this long dress is quite a bit more than a simple sundress because of how shapely it is through the bodice, & yet it still says “sun” to me.  It also says “cocktails” (but then a great many things say that these days lol), & with a 42 pattern HUD — 42! — this dress is perfect for cocktails in a great many locales.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the May Boho Chic Swank Event, open until May 31st.  Worn with High Heel Sandals, also available at the event, with a 40-solid-color HUD, so no matter which pattern you pick for the dress, the shoes match!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Somber
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Anne-Sofie, worn in Taupe browless
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Royalty Eyes in Tropical
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Nails:  Plastik – Meore
  • Jewelry:  Earthtones Boutique (extinct vendor) – CloverClouds Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  NANTRA – Sea Breeze (includes hat)
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Decisions, decisions

http://Decisions, Decisions

It’s one of the mysteries of life (real or Second)… no matter how much you have in your closet or in your inventory, you just never have enough to wear.  Thankfully, it’s a VERY easy situation to remedy since there are so many awesome events happening and stores with new releases.  Personally, I have a VERY large inventory here in SL… one which I do clear out periodically, tossing things that I just don’t think I’ll ever wear again.  And as a blogger, I’m ALWAYS putting on new things… after all, that’s the definition of being a fashion blogger.  And yet, I’ll admit, I often feel like I have absolutely nothing to wear. I rifle through my virtual closet, unable to find the “right” thing for the moment… or conversely, I find too many and have difficulty choosing.  Either way, I just love finding new things, new looks.  I DO wish though I’d find a better inventory system for myself… the built-in one for Firestorm is great in that it has pix but they’re so small, that there are times I really have difficulty using it to make decisions.  Well, time to decide what to wear, and to get moving… I have a date!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  KIMBRA – Dahlia Set.  Includes corset, panties, & leg strap with 2 buttons.  Choose from 6 colors in a selection of texture HUDs:  cotton basics, cotton colors, floral, lace, or leopard (which is what I chose).  Sized for Hourglass, Freya, eBody Curvy, Legacy, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open May 3rd – 27th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Merry, worn in Caramel browless.  Another 7DS skin, another beauty! Available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  Also available at the Girls Heaven event, open May 3rd – 27th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Head, Eyes, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Hair:  Doux – Tyrisha
  • Pose:  Brush Animations – Lavien (GIFT)
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – My Girly Closet

Beach Blanket Bingo

http://Beach Blanket Bingo

I don’t know what the weather’s like where you’re holed up (assuming you’re staying at home, that is) but where I am, we’re expecting colder than normal temperatures tomorrow with gusty winds and hail in the afternoon.  You heard me, HAIL.  So you can imagine that my mind is totally rejecting this and has instead fixed firmly on the beach, fun in the sun, and daydreaming of better days.  I can’t quite visualize swimsuits and actually going in the water… not with winter still lingering at my door.  But on a blanket in the sand, with various things to occupy me? Yup, I could do that. Definitely.

  • Outfit:  Suga Baby – Esse Shorts Set.  Cute little cropped tank that consists of a separate front & back connected by thin straps & tied at the sides, paired with a short pair of camo shorts also tied at the thighs. 8 color sets, with two print shirt options for each color, one of which is quarantine-related & one not (I’m trying to keep everything in SL as non-quarantine as possible, since I’m living enough of it in RL, so I used one that says Good Vibes). Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at Round 3/20 of the Girls Heaven event, open through the end of April.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by MilaNEW! My CUTENESS in Blue.  Is this named perfectly or what? Simply THE most adorable see-through bag in which you’ve got all the necessities — cell phone, sunglasses, makeup brush & makeup. Also available in Teal, Pink, Red, & Yellow or as a fatpack.  Includes both a hand pose & a “no pose” option.
  • Head, Brows, Skin:   LOGO – Josie, the newest bento head from LOGO.  Once again, please note that all heads, HUDs & animations are on sale for 30% off through the end of April.
  • Lip Gloss:   LOGO – Enhanced Glosses Pack 4.  Featured in detail in my blog from 4/16 which you can see HERE.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the April eBENTO, April 11th – 30th.
  • Bodies:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Hair:  Argrace – Tokiwa
  • Shoes:  Faboo – Havana Heeled Wedges
  • Blanket:  Kaya’s Ray of Sunshine – Seashell Blanket Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)