Lover Come Back

http://Lover Come Back

I’m not a big one for Valentine’s Day.  To me, it’s always been a somewhat painful holiday.  When I was young, the pain of not having my soulmate was devastating (as all things are, when you’re young lol!); when I got older and in a long-term committed relationship, it just seemed almost like a mockery of what love really is, creating expectations that could rarely (if ever) be met.  In real life, we barely acknowledge it… maybe my husband and I exchange cards, maybe we don’t, maybe I get flowers, maybe not.  It’s all good.  On the other hand, it’s been a bigger deal here in Second Life, where I’ve been with my partner for more than 13 years now and in this relatively small intersection of our lives, the annual acknowledgement and a formal date night are most welcome.  The grid just seems to get a bit frantic about it all (as does real life!); I prefer things simpler, more heartfelt.  Which doesn’t mean that it can go unacknowledged, but I’d be perfectly happy snuggling somewhere watching a beautiful sunset or the way the moon shines on the water, with just a few words to acknowledge what it means to be in each other’s lives.  To me,  THAT’s a perfect Valentine’s!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Lover.   Beautifully simple & simply beautiful, this sexy jumpsuit just yearns to be touched, the texture is that inviting.  It just makes me feel all slinky lol! Spaghetti straps, delicate attached “harness”, with bells starting below the knees, double optional bells on the shoulderless sleeves (I opted to wear the upper bell but not the lower).  Available in 10 colors or in a fatback, Lover is sized for Slink HG/P, Freya, Legacy, Kupra, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY at the February Vanity Event, open Feb 4th – 28th.  Demo available.  Matching high heels (gorgeous shoes with “diamonds” on the strap!!!) sold separately, in any of 6 colors or as a fatpack (demo available).  
  • Head & Eye Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Alma
  • Makeup:  GOREGLAM – Cherry Rush Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Zhoe
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Pink
  • Jewelry:   Caithlin Carter Designs (CCD) – Pure – Butterfly Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  LW Luane’s World Bento Poses – Get Free
  • Location:  Backdrop Central

It’s a Cat-astrophe!

http://It's a Cat-astrophe!

Seems like I’m always admitting things in this forum of mine; today I’ll admit (and yes, not for the first time) that I am addicted to KittyCats.  I’m an animal lover in real life too; I currently have a dog, two cats, and two parakeets, but there have been times when the menagerie has been quite a bit larger.  Here in Second Life, I honestly don’t even know offhand how many cats are currently alive and running around.  Not all are still breeding, but the AI embedded in these little kitties is so adorable that some of them have very definite personalities (they talk to you lol, hold comfies when they sleep, blow butterflies when they’re happy) and you tend to get attached.  On the other hand, they “age out” of breeding at 120 days, so there is always an impetus to birth new ones and breed for new furs and other characteristics (not that you need to breed; many people have just one or two as pets; I had a special Firestorm kitty for years before I decided to breed just one… and that was sooo many kitties ago).  Sounds silly?  I’ll agree wholeheartedly, it IS silly, but I still absolutely am hooked lol…  Is it a catastrophe? Well, you’d have to ask my partner, who does occasionally complain about tripping over cats as they scamper around (which is why they’re restricted to the ground floor of our house; upstairs is a cat-free zone).  This shot is actually taken at what my bestie and I call the “cat nursery” at our shared land… cats and kittens galore!  Oh, and they love to go shopping! They even ask for it… grins and runs off to the store to buy more cat food…

  • Outfit:  Nala Designs – Cressida Outfit.   This lovely little outfit puts such a spring in my step; just see the pic below for a full vertical shot so you can see what I mean! Includes a HUD that has 12 colors for the adorable little flounce crop top, 12 color for the high-heeled matching sandals, & 7 for the low-cut, flared capris (the red rose appliques on the leg & the back pocket are consistent throughout).  Cressida is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Werwolf, & Maitreya, & is this round’s EXCLUSIVE at the January Swank event open through Jan 30th.  Demo available.
  • Pose:  Lush Poses – Come Get Me.  A set of 6 bento poses, plus mirrors (see below).  As you can see, these are great poses that are perfect not only for those provocative pix but also for those more “every day” settings.  EXCLUSIVELY at the January Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open January 12th – 30th. 
  • Head & Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; ALMA Makeup – Beauty Mark 1; Finer Threads – Suly Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Avela
  • Makeup:  GOREGLAM – Cherry Rush Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Ingrid
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Green
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cats:  KittyCatS! – Just a few of my breedable cats (they have the cutest AI!); I even have my own little store on MarketPlace to sell some of my extra kittens

Stopping Traffic

http://Stopping Traffic

When it comes to a women’s looks, I’m sure that everyone has heard the expression of “stopping traffic” . There are plenty of stories about famously beautiful women who did just that, but I actually saw it happen.  It was decades ago (and no, I won’t say how many) as a freshman in college.  There was this absolutely drop-dead gorgeous woman living down the hall from me; she looked like a young Yvette Mimieux if you know who that was.  I hadn’t met her yet, and was a bit intimidated to be honest.  But walking back to the dorm that first week I saw her coming towards me… and a passing bicyclist turned his head so much to stare at her that he rode right into a tree…  which in turn caused a passing motorist to screech to a halt… no one was hurt, she and I were hysterical laughing, and we instantly became friends.  I’ve obviously never forgotten it or the million “favors” men wanted to extend just to interact with her for a moment. Since she was also one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, it pissed her off to always be judged by her looks rather than her brain, but she learned to use that to her advantage.  The lesson I took from it was that being underestimated can be a very good thing; I love the saying “Underestimate me, that will be fun”.  Anyway, when I somehow put this pose and this setting together, it brought it all back.  I mean, seriously, if I’m running late for a party, it’s starting to snow, and I can’t get an Uber, what else am I going to do but go out and stop traffic to find a solution… how hard can it be in an outfit like this?  (And no, of course I’m not serious… no comments about the dangers of accepting rides from strangers!!!! We’re in virtual reality!!)

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks LTD (SKBW) – Knitted Dress & Leather Jacket.  This slinky little knit dress boasts a beautiful diamond pattern; the matching cropped leather jacket oozes style, with hanging zippers from the arms & the front… such wonderful detail! In 7 color options (I’m wearing the Rose Gold), this stunning outfit is sized for Slink HG & HG Petite, Belleza F/I, Legacy & Legacy Perky, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the January Swank Event, open from January 7th – 30th.
  • Head & Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles; ALMA Makeup – Beauty Mark 1
  • Hair:   Doux – Ciara
  • Jewelry:  Sn@tch – Infinity Chain Choker; Ricielli – Koko Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Sheba – Mimi Heels
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Taxi (includes phone)
  • Location:  Brooklyn

Just Horsin’ Around

http://I'm sure he was just horsin' around and didn't mean to hurt your feelings

I’m already bored with winter (yes, even here in Florida!), so I’m taking a short blogging break from all that snow (who knows, the break may be only one post, but still, a break is a break).  With Covid ramping up so, I’m spending more and more time at home, and I’m finding that means lots of conversations with my animals (a dog, two cats, and two parakeets).  I thought I’d bring some of that into my Second Life as well!  Just like the rest of the world, I’m waiting for life to get back to normal, whatever that is.  In the meantime, thank goodness for online shopping and everything else… which brings me to my standard tagline lol!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Dani Jeans Outfit.   Includes the cropped plaid blouse with several intriguing slits plus awesome fitting jeans, a belt, & little strapped booties. Dani is sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Legacy, Signature, & Maitreya, Dani is available in a Slimpack with 5 colors or in a Fatback that includes all 10 color options with separate color choices for all elements.  100% original textures, Dani is EXCLUSIVELY at the January Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open January 12th – 30th.  Demos available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Lilly Head (Christmas 2020 Gift)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica, available at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles; ALMA Makeup – Beauty Mark 1
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Aurora Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Heart Poses – Snack Time
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – Horses House Backdrop

Hello 2021

http://Hello 2021

I’ve been finding it very hard to blog for the last few days. I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by all that’s going on here in my country, threatening the very fabric upon which it’s based, blogging SL fashion has just seemed so unimportant.  But I woke up to the realization that it’s not just the big things that matter, but also all the little things that we enjoy, the small freedoms, the minor pleasures.  Collectively, they do add up to a big thing, and sometimes just one of those little things can momentarily be powerful enough to offer that small escape, that flash of a positive emotion…  not sufficient to turn your whole world around, but to at least bring a ray of sunshine bursting through the clouds, to offer that momentary respite from all the heaviness and doom and gloom. So I’ve returned to my second home and to my Second Life, and though it’s definitely quite a bit harder to escape, and forget, and concentrate, I’m back to give my blogging and my sponsors the attention they deserve.  After all, it’s a new year.  I’ve said goodbye to some old sponsors; I’ve moved one or two around from the human me to my fantasy other; and I’m welcoming some new ones too.  Here’s to blogging in 2021! (and, of course, happy shopping!)

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Mixa.   A form-fitting leather jacket, partially unzipped with no shirt underneath. Short leather shorts that lace-up the front & have an optional chain hanging across the butt.  What a pair, with such fabulous detail!!!  Also includes fishnet stockings (in BOM & Omega, together with the flat, somewhat punky non-rigged boots. Available in 10 colors or in a fatback, Marisela is sized for Hourglass, Legacy, & Maitreya.  Jacket & shorts sold separately, either in individual colors (10 individual/two-toned choices for the jacket; 4 for the shorts) or in a fatpack, EXCLUSIVELY at the January Vanity Event, open Jan 4th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Lilly Head (Group Gift)
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Niva 
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles; ALMA Makeup – Beauty Mark 1
  • Makeup:  theSkinnery – Aurora Eye Makeup (Group Gift), layered with I n’ K Original – Smokey Eyes BOM; Top1 Salon – HD Sphynx Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Slouch – Mugshot (gift)
  • Location:  Cemento Dark Club

Goodbye 2020!

http://Goodbye 2020

The world rarely agrees on anything, but I would have to guess that just about everyone is happy to see the year 2020 end.  No, things won’t magically change as the page turns on the calendar, but closing the books on the year will hopefully mean one step in the right direction.  Although most of us will be “celebrating” very very quietly, here’s a toast to better things in the year ahead!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Marisela.  Stunningly simple two-piece dress that flaunts style whether you dress it up or down.  Criss-cross straps in back & the separate arms are what to me really make this dress a standout! Available in 10 colors or in a fatback, Marisela is sized for Hourglass, Freya, Legacy, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event CLOSING TODAY (yes, I know I’m late blogging).
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Lilly Head.  FREE Christmas Gift for Group Members.  There’s a free male head too!  Both are available HERE at a special holiday site that ONLY has the two heads.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Hair:   Doux – Brandie
  • Makeup:  theSkinnery – Aurora Makeup (Group Gift), layered with Simple Eyeshadow & Waterline Eyeliner; ives – Passione lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Indulge Temptation (IT!) – Samsara Necklace – Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Belle Poses – Zoe
  • Location:  Backdrop Central

Catching My Eye

http://Catching My Eye

I have a desk!  I’m so excited, it’s so much easier to be on the computer, let alone to blog!  Couldn’t happen at a better time either with all the holiday specials popping up all over the grid.  A new FREE head caught my eye, and I’m therefore once again developing a whole new look!  Hopefully the look and what I can do with it will be one to catch eyes as well lol!  Happy shopping!!!

  • Dress:  Sascha’s Designs (SAS) – Paris Dress.  Stunning little cocktail dress, with some truly awesome customization options in terms of texture.  First choose between two different HUDs, each one offering 8 different (& really exceptional) textures that can be applied to just the top, just the skirt, or both.  Sized for Hourglass, Freya, Isis, Legacy, & Maitreya, Paris is EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Lilly Head.  FREE Christmas Gift for Group Members.   I’ve often been tempted to try LeLUTKA because it seems whenever I really love someone’s look, that’s what they’re wearing.  But with so many heads in my inventory from blogging, I’ve always resisted.   Until now.  Lily is free, so I figured why not give it a try.  I am blown away!  I’ve loved other heads before, true, but there are always issues that eventually become so annoying that I find myself tempted to move on.  My immediate impression of LeLUTKA is that Lilly is not only a beautiful head, but she also has a relatively easy HUD to work, although I’m admittedly struggling with a tonal difference between head & body (I think it’s the difference between BOM on the head & Omega on the body, so I’m working on going BOM on my body too).  I’m so in love with the range of mood animations that are built in; they not only look amazingly natural, but they keep running even when you remove the HUD,  And so far no major glitches, like my mouth constantly popping open on another brand’s head that I adore but can’t deal with because of the inability to use their facial expressions. I’m happily surprised by the tons of “extras” available out there for the Evolution line of heads, but since Lilly is BOM only (no Omega except for the eyes) I have very little in inventory that will work.   Even so, my first impressions are double thumbs up!  There’s a male head too!  Both are available HERE at a special holiday site that ONLY has the two heads.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Hair:   Tram – F919
  • Makeup:  Trend – Slayer Eyeliner & Sinner Eyeshadow
  • Jewelry:  Solange – Retro Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Reve Obscura (RO!) – Elegant Bento Pose
  • Location:  Eterea

I’m So Over Holiday Shopping

http://I'm so over holiday shopping

Enough already, right? The holiday shopping season starts so early now, and it’s already been such a tough year, I am just so over it at this point.  It’s just enough already.  Completely shopped out, and that’s saying something for a shopaholic like me.  Though I should be specific… I’m done with HOLIDAY shopping IRL… I’m NEVER done with the fabulous shopping available here on the grid.  Maybe because with unlimited space it’s not like buying something new makes me let go of something older but still loved.  On that note, a great new look to share… and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Noel Coat Outfit.   Includes the highly style coat worn alone with the cutest little matching boots (matching panties also included).  A bit steampunky IMHO, a bit military, a bit Victorian, a bit Russian in feel, Noel is sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya, Noel is available in a Slimpack. or in a Fatback that includes all color options. Complete Outfit Options are all in one hud & contain 100% original textures. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open Dec 12th – 30th, with a theme of Christmas Around the World… 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy (freckled)
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Hairbase 2 + Hairpiece F
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Makeup:  poema – Mariola Eyeshadow;);  DS’Elles – Scandalous Lipstick
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Jewelry:  Empyrean Forge – Effloresce Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Image Essentials – Holiday Shopping
  • Location:  Winter Ice Christmas Fest

It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing

http://It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

It’s funny how the past becomes much more glamorous the further it gets in the rear window, isn’t it?  Each element of this look brings to mind days gone by (long gone by lol, like before my time).  All I can say is that I feel FABULOUS in this look, so feminine, so stylish.  The movement, the SWING, is amazing… I really tried to capture that in a still pic, but the fact is that I could go on and on, but you really have to try this all for yourself, and feel it for yourself!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GGVG Fashion Store – Mistral.  Talk about style!!!  This two-piece dress evokes the fashion & glamour of the past (to me it says “40s”, but since I wasn’t alive back then, who knows?), with its silky fabric, soft folds, swing skirt, & huge polka dots.  I absolutely adore the overskirt & the way it moves (remember when flexi first hit SL?).  This outfit just makes me feel so feminine & sophisticated, I love it!  In 5 colors or in a fatpack, Mistral is sized for Hourglass, Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya, & is this round’s EXCLUSIVE at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.  Demo available.
  • Hat & Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Vivien Leigh in Brown.  The first from MY BAGS by Mila Blauvelt in its new facet of head ornaments to match the bags!  With a fabulous metal ornament on top of what I think of as a modified beret style (not really knowing hat styles I don’t know the “real” term), & paired with an adorable clutch that echoes the same shape, My Vivien Leigh is available in 7 colors (hat & bag sold separately) or in a fatpack; every color includes a Hud for metals & the bag includes an Exclusive Pose Bento for the hand.  See the closeup below for this unique look, EXCLUSIVELY available at the December round of the UniK Event, open Dec 7th – 28th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy (freckled)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Purity
  • Makeup:  poema – Mariola Eyeshadow; IVES – Passione Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Accolade – Japanese Tensha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Elaine
  • Pose (for the closeup shot):  Reve Obscura (RO!) – Lush Bento Pose
  • Location:  The Mercury Room, Owl’s Hollywood Jazz Lounge