What? I’m toasting to the end of winter!!!

http://What? I'm toasting to the end of winter!!!

OK, so it’s looking like the end of winter isn’t so far off.  Here in SL, it ends later this week on my estate (yes!!!) and it should end relatively soon here IRL (at least where I live), though of course “relative” is one of those vague words that can end up meaning just about anything lol!  That said, I’m opening a bottle and toasting to its end… and continuing to toast until it’s gone! Would you like a glass?

  • Outfit:  KiB Designs – Charlotte Suit.  Adorable ruffled jacket, multi-buttoned pants, & a matching top, with 3 included HUDs that let you not only change color but also pattern for the jacket & the top; see the ad below for example of all the different looks you can create! LOVE the quality of the textures! Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/Physique, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, Charlotte is EXCLUSIVELY at the January round of Designer Showcase, open Jan 5th – 25th.  Demo available.  Don’t forget to grab the anniversary gift!
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Doux – Bellami
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Synergy – Lagos Eyeshadow
  • Jewelry:   IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Samsara Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  Livia – Mixit Pro
  • Pose:  IDK Poses – Pack #158
  • Dog:  Foxwood – Cozy Pup
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy – Snowy Cabin View

Golden Splendor

http://Golden Splendor

Mornings.  I’m definitely not a morning person, as everyone who’s ever known me knows very very well.  (That, and don’t call me when Jeopardy is on lol!)  I do prefer seeing morning break from the other side, where it’s the end of the day rather than the beginning, but I’ll admit that THAT happens less and less often… the older I get, the more I just seem to fall asleep wherever I am… but that’s ok, I get to see all hours, all weather, all everything, here on the grid…  and in a lot of ways, it’s a lot easier if not quite as satisfying as seeing those streaks start across the sky and then reach the point where they hit my face dead on… that first warmth and brightness is delicious… but not enough to get up for every morning (maybe that’s part of what makes it so very delicious is that I experience it so rarely???)…  Well, I’m up today, and time’s a wastin’ as I sit here and prattle on…  Need to  go do some shopping!!!  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Ghee – Claudia.  Fake fur jacket & latex tube top/belted skirt sold separately.  The jacket is available in 6 colors, the top/skirt in 7 colors; both are also available as fatpacks.  Sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, Reborn, Kups & Kupra, Claudia is EXCLUSIVELY at the January round of Designer Showcase, open Jan 5th – 25th. 
  • Makeup:  CAZIMI – Opal EvoX Lips. 12 “shimmery” lipstick shades in multiple opacities (60%/80%, 100%) for both BOM & EvoX.  Sooo happy to have found dressier lipsticks like this (especially the gold, yay!!!)… soft & glamorous!  See the ad below for details.  EXCLUSIVELY at the January round of Designer Showcase, open Jan 5th – 25th.  Demo available.  Don’t forget to grab the anniversary gift with a unique color of each of the two lipstick collections created for this round!  Also worn:  Shiny Stuffs – Radiant Shimmers Eyeshadow (layered with Lelutka HUD ES)
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_STRESS
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Nails:   Le Forme – Golden Glam Bento Nails
  • Jewelry:   IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Victorian Set 1; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  NANTRA – Off the Wall
  • Backdrop:  irrISIStible – Extraordinary Garden

Ho Ho Ho and All That

http://Ho Ho Ho and All That

This is my last post of the year, and how could I end without at least one pic in a traditional Christmas or New Year’s setting?  Being me, I naturally chose the Sexy Santa outfit over the classy evening gown.  I mean how could I resist?  As much as I adore getting all dolled up in formal evening wear, this is the one and only time of year you can walk around in this kind of garb and no one thinks twice about it.  With time for just one more pic, the choice was relatively easy.  Especially when an outfit is as cute and sexy as this one…  though I also couldn’t resist putting myself in a not-so-sexy situation lol!   So Ho Ho Ho and Be Merry and all that… Happy Holidays, stay warm, and I’ll see you next year!!!

  • Outfit:  BlackBirdLace – Anteia Outfit.  Adorably styled Sexy Santa outfit, with snowy fur trimming a v-neck & v-bottom (is there such a thing??) sleeveless top, together with a VERY little belted skirt (i.e., exposed butt cheeks) with fur along the bottom, together with matching fur-topped stiletto boots.  Sexy indeed!  One of the things I love about this outfit is that it includes a HUD with 20 colors for the top/skirt/belt/boots/sole, so you can choose to be a traditionally colored Santa in red or go for some more non-traditional colors, like I did.  Anteia is sized for Legacy+Perky, Maitreya, Reborn, Erika, & GenX Curvy, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the December round of Designer Showcase, open Dec 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Tram – J0524
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Just Magnetized – Smoky Eyeshadow; IDTTY Faces – Lelutka Secret Potion 5; Lempika – 15 Lips Ultra Realistic EvoX #6
  • Jewelry:  Sage – Polly Christmas Tree Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Hat:  Inspirations – Merry Berry Santa Hat
  • Pose:  Synnergy.Tavis – Gift Sled
  • Candy Cane:  Badwolf – Xmas Candy Cane
  • Dog:  Jian – Classic St. Bernards Decor Snow Mound Pup
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy.Tavis – Night Before Christmas

Shopping’s done, I didn’t max out my credit ca— oooh! what’s that!

http://Shopping's done, I didn't max out my credit ca--- oooh! what's that!

Wow, the holidays are definitely an expensive time of year.  So many mandatory gifts to buy, plus the ones you WANT to give, and then there are always the things that catch your eye for yourself while shopping for others… it’s so much fun! Till the bills come in anyway lol!  Happy Holiday shopping, both in SL and IRL!!!

  • Outfit:  Ghee – Malva.  Fabulously versatile winter skirt set that you can easily dress up or down.  I just love the white buttons on both the shirt & the skirt, they really add so much details without going overboard.  Available in 6 colors, with each set (jacket, skirt, top) including a 2nd shirt in white. Sized for Legacy, Maitreya + Petite, Reborn, & Kupra, Malva is EXCLUSIVELY at the December round of Designer Showcase, open Dec 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_COURSE
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set; Synergy – HD Eyeshadow Lagos; Heron – Pamela Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Monterey Coachella Gypsy Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Jora Boots
  • Pose:  Sassy Sweet Poses – Sales
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy – Saks Window Display

Looking for that perfect spot

http://Looking for that perfect spot

My last week before we leave, and the panic is starting… one dog is coming with us; one is staying behind with a lovely pet sitter but at HER house… and that leaves the cats and the birds.  A neighbor who was supposed to take care of them seems to be MIA, so I’ve been busy rounding up alternates just in case, but it’s stress that I really don’t need at this point.  I’m also eyeing all those gifts that need wrapping… who ever said it’s the most wonderful time of the year must have been crazy lol!  But there’s no denying the beauty of the season… all the twinkling lights make me smile every night when I walk the dogs… although there is one person on the street who put out so many giant inflatables that it looks like a showroom, and is just so very tacky… I fantasize about casually sticking a pin in them all, but would of course never actually do anything like that (though admittedly some nights the urge is quite strong lol)… Glances at the time, which is a-wasting… time to move on!  Happy shopping and holiday prep!!!!

  • Outfit:  Evergreen – Camomile Shirt & Jeans.  Lovely casual outfit!  Shirt comes two ways… solid or with a touch of spring in the pattern (which is so much needed as the cold & maybe even snow starts becoming relentless), but whichever texture you choose, this waist-cropped long-sleeved shirt has a sexy criss-cross back (see the inset below).  The high-waist snug-fitting jeans echo the pattern of the shirt on the back pocket & at the bottom of the right leg… so cute!  The shirt duo is available in 10 colors or as a fatpack; the jeans in 4 colors or as a fatpack; & then there’s the megapack which gives you all the options!  Sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, Hourglass + Petite, Freya, Isis, & Kupra, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the December round of Designer Showcase, open Dec 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Realness
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae Eyes
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Christmas Dreams (includes the tree)
  • Backdrop:  Paparazzi – Twinkle Star

Queen of the Jungle (City Style)

http://Queen of the Jungle City Style

So half my company is here for Thanksgiving, and the house is not quite pandemonium, but with 3 large dogs and one small senior dog who is ALWAYS underfoot, it is definitely close!  So much fun though to have everyone here, pitching in, preparing for the feast…  Time in SL is definitely at a premium, but I did want to make the time to show this awesome little outfit (and of course I went for one of the animal print options!)…  not much time for more than that… Enjoy!!!!

  • Outfit:  Le’La – Bemina.   Sexy with a touch of sophisticated flair, Bemina includes dress, fur jacket, & matching heels, plus a HUD with 30 colors for the skirt, top, & heels, plus 20 textures for the jacket, so a ton of different combinations are possible.  (See the ad below.) Sized for Legacy/Perky, Maitreya/Petite, Reborn, Kupra/KUPS, & Erika, Bemina is EXCLUSIVELY at the November round of Designer Showcase, open Nov 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Emo-TIONS – Claudia
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae Eyes
  • Makeup:  Synergy – Lagos Eyeshadow;  Opulein – Harmony Collection LS
  • Jewelry: Petrichor – Trellion Jewelry; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Bag:  MOVEMENT – Fake Fur Clutch
  • Pose:  STUN – Jade

Thanksgiving Style

http://Thanksgiving Style

It’s that time of year…  our company starts arriving tomorrow, so I’ve been incredibly busy cleaning house, prepping both for our company (who begins to arrive TODAY) and for the big meal on Thursday… all while still dealing with this ridiculous pinched nerve that affects EVERYTHING.  It’s a much smaller gathering than when the kids were small, but we are still thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends.  It’s one where we’ve always gone all out in terms of food… and although the menu is necessarily smaller — I mean how many dishes can you possibly serve to a crowd of just 7 people??? — it’s still a lot to pull together.  What will be especially interesting is that this is the first time we will have 4 dogs — 3 of whom are quite large — in this relatively small house together… and they will be together for a full week.  Should be interesting and hopefully will engender a great deal of fun and laughter (though I doubt the cats will agree).   Time in SL will of course necessarily be limited, so I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone who celebrates (and even those who don’t!!!) a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

  • Outfit:  Evergreen – Birch, Fall Edition.   I really wish I had this outfit to wear IRL on Thursday…  The cut of the cropped blouse is just perfect, with ballooned half sleeves topped by a wide cuff below bare shoulders, a small ruffle around the bottom, & a surprising cutout in the back, in a satin fabric that just gleams beautifully in candlelight; the gaucho pants are low-cut & mid-calf length with a small hip detail echoing the autumnal pattern on the top.  So stylish yet it looks so comfortable & relaxed! Available in 4 fabulous fall colors, Birch is sized for Legacy C/P, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Alice, Altamura, eBody Curvy, & Kupra O/B/L, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the November round of Designer Showcase, open Nov 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  bonbon – Tame
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae Eyes
  • Jewelry:  Kunglers – Milena Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The Power Suit

http://The Power Suit

Having been born and bred in Manhattan and then having spent most of my working life in the world of NYC advertising, this entire scene feels very familiar to me.  One thing I definitely know, NOTHING is more important to either the working woman or the socialite or to ANY woman who wants to stand out and be noticed than the Power Suit.   And for those who may be confused with superhero power suits, this is definitely NOT that kind of suit, though it does indeed make you feel powerful and pulled together, ready to take charge or have your wants/needs not just heard but met.  A must have in EVERY woman’s closet, in whichever color is the color that makes you feel your best, no matter what the situation!  In this suit, you feel like you can easily go forth and conquer, whatever the goal! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Sascha’s Designs – Victoria Outfit, worn in Bronze.  Available in 13 colors (including some with patterns!), Victoria is sized for Legacy & Perky, Maitreya, Reborn, Kupra, Hourglass & Physique, Freya, & Fitmesh M, Victoria is EXCLUSIVELY at the November round of Designer Showcase, open Nov 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  D!va– Kate
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Magda
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Krystanna Heritage Collection;Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Mesh Ballerina Metal
  • Bag:  ED – Flora Clutch
  • Pose:  minou minou – Camille
  • Location:   The Terrace

Getting Organized

http://Getting Organized

Where has October gone?  It’s just flown by!  All the snowbirds are returning here to Florida (plus lots of brand-new residents fleeing the cold and taxes from elsewhere), and that means everything is getting so much more crowded… but it also means that lots of activities are picking up from a summer hiatus.  I’ve been pushing myself to spend less time inworld and on the computer in general, and more time doing “social” activities (much of which goes against the grain lol, I’m basically quite content being a home-body), but the end result has been less of a “doing so many more fun things” and more of an “OMG I’m so behind in my blogging deadlines”, which is basically the opposite of the overall intention.  Oh well, not all experiments work out the way they’re planned, but that’s what experimentation is all about!  I’m back to needing blogging charts with deadlines and requirements, preliminary choices with initial ideas.  One critical advance, however, is that I DO seem to be making definitive choices earlier in the shoot process, even abandoning entire looks if I just don’t feel it’s all coming together… I still need to relax a bit about faves/awards when a pic is posted — I’ve learned that some of what I consider my best work just doesn’t seem to resonate with others… what matters most to me (or so I keep reminding myself) is that a shoot (or more specifically, what’s coming out of it) makes me smile…  As my very first blogger-manager advised me, you can’t blog for awards and recognition (though they’re definitely very nice to receive)… you need to blog for yourself, to do what YOU want to do to exercise your creative muscle…  Although at the end of the day, I’ll admit that it bothers me when my pix don’t do well…   Enough philosophizing and self-justification!  Now let’s see, requirements are now complete for which sponsors?  And let’s not forget all my weekend shopping!!!!  Who said Sundays were for resting?

  • Hat:  Vesta Cloths – Drey Hat.  Includes a color-changing HUD of 24 textures for changing the hat itself & each of the two bows separately (see the ad below).  A very modern take on what to me is a somewhat Eliza Doolittle look! 100% original mesh.  Available at the current round of Out Shop Cancer, where every sale of this hat goes to the American Cancer Society.  Just a few days left to help support the fight & shop with a purpose… Out Shop Cancer is open through Oct 31st.  
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Mists of Avalon Collection.  Includes the necklace & earrings featuring a beautiful tree of life, plus a HUD for changing the main color to any of 8 rich choices with 3 different metal accents.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, open just a few more days till Oct 25th.  Also worn:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Net Frenchies HUDs for Mix-It Pro Nails.  NEW release, available in 4 color palettes (Blue/Green, Nude/White, Pink/Purple, Orange/White) or as a Megapak, these HUDs work with all three shapes (coffin, square, stiletto) of the Mix-It Pro Nails (base nails required), which are available for Legacy, Maitreya, Belleza, Slink, Signature, Tonic, Kupra, Ebody Reborn, & Kahlene.  You can mix & match by hand or by nail… so much fun (though I’m so boring I tend to always do them all matchy-matchy lol & I just love the style with the little bats)…  EXCLUSIVELY at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, closing Oct 25th.  See the ad below!  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Glamp
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner; Synergy – HD Eyeshadow Lagos; Joy – Baby Lipstick
  • Pose:   space cadet – Journalin’

 

Cool wind in my hair…

http://Cool Wind in My Hair

OK, so it’s not dark or a desert or even a highway, and it’s definitely not California, but still it’s the music I hear in my mind with this shot…   And if you can’t tell,  I’ll admit it… I miss the fall weather.  We’ve had a few brisk mornings/evenings here, where jeans and long sleeves and jackets are necessary, and yes, some leaves are actually falling and need to be raked, but hey, this is central Florida, and we’re still mostly getting up into the 80s during the days and raking takes maybe 10 or 15 minutes.  It’s just not the same as that crunching underneath your feet that was part of fall in NY.  On the other hand, the jeans-and-jacket weather is a lovely break, but then we get back to warm sunshine (at least for a while anyway, we DID have a few hard frosts last year).  But I digress (as I am most definitely wont to do), and the hot tub on the lanai is calling my name on this delightful fall evening, sooooo I’m outta here!!! Dreaming about that wind in my hair…

  • Outfit:  KiB Designs – Joan Outfit.  To me, Joan evokes the girl-next-door or at grabbing lunch from an office… she’s well put together with what comes across as a relaxed but individualized sense of style.  Joan includes the sweater, top, & long peasant skirt (but with a slit!), plus a texture HUD of 28 combinations in fabulous autumnal tones.  Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, she is EXCLUSIVELY at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, open Oct 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Argrace – Haruka
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Monterey Boho Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band