Tag: Designer Showcase

Goodbye, Summer

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Goodbye, Summer

I’m having an incredibly hard time this year believing that yes, summer is over.  The stores are full of Halloween and Thanksgiving merchandise, and SL has crossed that line where everything is fall colors and pumpkins.  So although a summery outfit might still make it into my blog (I’m in Florida where it’s still really HOT and of course, there’s always vacation lol!), this is my last shot in my tanned summer skin and I am going to follow the trend and start shooting in apple orchards and pumpkin fields…  unfortunately (or maybe fortunately? I’m not sure) I’m no longer living in a 4-season sim, so my land won’t switch over to full autumnal delight but knowing me, I’ll still be swapping out some trees and throwing down those autumn leaves…  for some reason landscaping has always soothed me, so it will be interesting (to ME at least) how much I take on in that regard this year…  In the meantime, farewell to summer!!! Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  PurpleMoon – Marina Set.  Perfect outfit for that end-of-summer, Labor Day Weekend feeling!  Loose, light summer linen slacks, paired with a ribbed long-bra-type-cropped top (how does one describe it lol?) plus an optional open lightweight (dare I say “floaty”?) jacket.  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, GenX Classic+Curvy, Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, Marina is available in 10 single colors or as a Megapack that includes two bonus prints for the jacket & the pants (one of which I’m wearing in the jacket).  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open today Sept 5th – Sept 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Kaari
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella Eyeshadow + HYPE – Something Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Eventyra – Nordic Summer
  • Jewelry:   Heartsdale Jewelry – Primavera Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  XTC Poses – Belle Cheri

 

Focus, the goal is IMPROVEMENT not PERFECTION

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Focus, the goal is IMPROVEMENT not PERFECTION

I watched a lot of Olympics coverage this time around… both my hands were injured (don’t even ask!), so my activities were extremely limited.  I did a lot of reading, and as much computer time as my poor hands could handle, all with the TV always on in the background and sometimes taking center stage.  One thing I learned and have taken to heart… to get really good at something, ANYTHING, you can’t compare yourself and your results to the best.  You look, you get inspired, hopefully you learn something, but comparing YOUR results to the best in ANY field is demoralizing.  Instead you need to focus on your own personal best, on improving.  I have a FlickR friend, someone whose work I admire greatly, who will suddenly fave one of my oldest pics… pics that at the time I thought were good, but when I look back I shudder!!!  But I find it so very valuable, to really be able to see where my photography has improved.  I still have so much to learn, but the Olympics helped me realize that my focus has been on the best and how my pics are lacking, rather than using them for inspiration to get to the NEXT step, not 20 steps down the line.  All I can do is my personal best, and to keep upping my game, slowly but surely.  Now to turn that attitude on my golf game lol!  And that is my message for the day… time to go shop and enjoy!

  • Outfit:  MAHOGANY Store – Aria Jeans & Top.  Not my normal style, but wow, do I ever love this look!  Big loose comfy jeans with big leg pockets, paired with an airy little top.  Both the jeans & the top come in 3 different color pallets (basics, blues, & grays for the jeans; neutrals, patterns, & solids for the top)… & of course there’s a megapack of each so you have your choice to mix ‘n match as you want with each other or other items in your wardrobe. Sized for Reborn, Legacy, & LaraX, Aria is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, ending in 3 days on Aug 20th. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WingsDG – EF0229
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Arabella Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – BOHO Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Sk8tgirl
  • Location:  Manakai Reef Break

 

 

Oooh, tempting

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Oooh, tempting

Hmmm, for someone who is a very occasional drinker and doesn’t smoke cigarettes, I seem to do a lot of shots where I’m doing one or both!  But then again, I’m wearing outfits that are not part of my RL lifestyle either… at this point, I’m a bit more of a stay-at-home and blog kind of gal lol!  But I remember what life was like “way back then” in my single days…  and that’s what SL is for anyway… doing things other than what you do IRL… otherwise, what’s the point?  Raises my glass to you… Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  JUMO Fashion – Aspen.  GORGEOUS.  STUNNING. That’s how I felt wearing this awesome 3-piece outfit.  With 3 different textures to choose from  — solid (with little metallic “chips”), print, & lace in a multitude of colors (see the ad below)– you can mix ‘n match for so many different looks.  I simply fell in love with the lace sleeves, so went a little wild mixing all 3 fabrics for a stylish & totally unique look.  And my partner was totally obsessed with the way my tummy peeked out! Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX Classic+Curvy,  Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, Kupra & Star, Aspen is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – Aug 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Linda (includes earrings)
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  HYPE – Something Eyeshadow; BNNB Makeup – Bielo Lipstick; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  Orsini – BAIA Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Fliw
  • Prop:  ChicChica – Cherrytini (includes optional cigarette)
  • Location:  Casa Agave Distillery

 

Buy me a drink?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Buy me a drink?

Wow, hard to believe that summer is nearing its end… I’m already seeing ads for fall items! Why does everyone always feel this need to rush things?  These are the so-called dog days of summer, where the heat and humidity is so oppressive, all you want to do is lie around and “pant”.  Me, I have an excuse for being less active than usual (not that I’m ever ALL that active lol; too happy being on the computer!)… I’m wounded (again, yes).  This time it’s my hands… I wasn’t even able to type for DAYS, seriously stressing my blogging schedule, and I hate to admit it, but the pain and “freaking out” also stressed my creativity.  I think the results show it, but those results vary widely… from being a little lackluster to honing things down to “THE” shot, one that I just love personally.  And as my earliest blogging mentor told me, I need to be shooting for ME, to create something that I personally am proud of and not worry about response.  And the more I blog, the more I see it’s true… sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason that I can see why one pic soars up into Golden Gallery whereas one that I think is a way better shot languishes way below my average.  My designer friends tell me the same thing… you just never know how people will respond or if something will even be seen.  Bottom line, is that you just can’t worry about it and you need to do what YOU like.  And right now, I would like to have a little fun!  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  WILD Fashion – Tina Jumpsuit.  What an amazing look! Includes fun fashion earrings (with built-in resizer) plus a 30-texture HUD (see the ad below).  Tina is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy),  & LaraX, & is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – Aug 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WingsDG – EF0401
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  BNNB Makeup – Fabb Eyeshadow & Bielo Lipstick; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Bag:  LaGyo – Thetys Shell Purse
  • Pose:  STUN – Fliw
  • Location:  Sainte Rose Sur Mer & BarDeco

 

Don’t worry, you’ll look great, I can fix any issues in post

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Don't worry, you'll look great, I can fix any issues in post

Last post before vacation… always gets a bit crazed before leaving for a few weeks, but this trip is (A) staying stateside, so if we forget anything, it’s relatively easy to replace, and (B) by car, so packing is nowhere near as restricted.  Even so, so many little things that need to be done before hitting the road.  I do want to spend as much time as I can inworld, since without a laptop, I’ll be forced to take a break from SL.   No more weekend and event shopping for a while… will I survive lol?  Enjoy Second Life for me while I’m gone, and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Ghee – Lola.  Such a cute flirty little dress for the warmer days! I just love the asymmetric straps & hem, the little slit & tie at the high part of the gathered hem, the side cutout, & the brilliance of the floral pattern.  Available in 6 single colors (I’m wearing Rainbow) or as a fatpack, Lola is sized for Legacy+Bombshell, Reborn, GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, & LaraX.  She is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Doux – Francesca
  • Eyes:  VelvetVue – Bella
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow
  • Nails:  Demicorn – Almond Nails
  • Jewelry:  no.match – NO Diamond Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Say Cheese (includes camera)
  • Location:  Cherishville

Once in a Blue Moon…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Once in a Blue Moon...

I’ve been blogging for a long time now, and though I’m constantly working on improving my skills, I do tend to follow certain ways of doing things.  But once in a blue moon (yeah, sorry, couldn’t resist lol), I decide to try something totally different, something that I see in a lot of pix that I think are great.  Since gowns always pose a difficulty in that they’re difficult to do on site (too many avatars which even derendered cause computer issues) & 360 degree-type backdrops are hard to come by, I decided to try something new with this picture & create a flat backdrop with a texture. Results are always two-fold… The first, is MY reaction… I see changes I want to do with this type of photoshoot going forward, but if I didn’t feel good about how this shot came out, it wouldn’t have made it this far, to the 2nd judgment call.  And that is how it fares in the FlickR world.   Back when I first started blogging, I was advised not to worry about my stats but to blog for ME, to do shots that I enjoyed doing and that gave me personal satisfaction.  And for the most part, I do that.  BUT (and it’s a big but!) I can’t help but react when a pic that I feel really good about just doesn’t do well.  I see it with other bloggers too… sometimes a great pic, a pic that I wished I had done, just lags behind the norm.  I can never really understand why.  Part of me thinks it’s all timing… WHEN you post, HOW MANY people see the post, HOW FAR DOWN you are in the award groups when they release a batch (which ties into TIMING)… BUT the fact remains that I absolutely love shots that other folks do using this type of backdrop  and I find formal pix extremely difficult to shoot on site (too many avatars are always around, and even if derendered my computer has difficulty because my shoots are rather lengthy).  I felt I could be much more creative if I wasn’t standing in a crowded room where I’m in the way.  And I LOVE these backgrounds… so much easier to set the scene!  But the bottom line is yet to be seen.  In the meantime, I’m taking this stunning look out for some dancing… the gown has already been partner-approved!  

  • Gown:  JUMO – Altagracia.  Includes two versions (the gown plus a mini dress, see the ad below), plus optional gloves & a diamond “necklace”.  I can’t say enough about this gown… stunning, gorgeous, absolutely fabulous detail.  And the textures!!! There are three different texture “families”… 20 satin, 5 sequin, & 5 rose…  all of which have the most fabulous lace trim at the bodice, the top of the sleeves, & along the bottom of the gown (you can see your shoes, which I love!).  I have to say it was a struggle for me to choose which one to wear!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, Erika, & Maitreya+MaitreyaPetite, LaraX+LaraXPetite, I do want to mention that I had to modify my nipples & use nipple covers for the gown (then again, I’m a bit more prudish than many in this regard), but it took all of two minutes & was totally worth it! Altagracia is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Bella
  • Eyes:  LOTUS – Bubble Eyes
  • Makeup:  I n’ K Original – “Time Eye” Eyeshadow; Heron – Mistic Lipstick
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:   Heartsdale Jewelry – Met Gala Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Martini
  • Backdrop:  SATO – 1001 Nights

Be a dear, take my bags to the hotel… I’m expected for the opening…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Be a dear, take my bags to the hotel... I'm expected for the opening...

And life goes on, though trapped at home like I am, definitely not a lot to report.  At least I’ve healed to the point where I can sit at the computer for a few more hours a day without having my foot and leg blow up to ridiculous proportions.  So I’m left to dream about all the things I could be doing and experiencing… and that is what SL is all about!!! Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Naomi Set.  Beautiful very stylish two piece set, with a lightly cropped top with slightly ballooned long sleeves with 4-button cuffs over a sarong-style skirt that hits just below the knee.  A little half-belt at the side plus a big zipper at the back of the top add just the right amount of detail. Choose between three fatpacks — leather (which I’m wearing), animal print, or floral — or grab the Megapack to avoid having to choose.  Either way, the textures are top quality, & both the leather & animal print fatpacks include additional options for the sleeves.  That turned out PERFECTLY for me, because as you might know, I absolutely love animal prints, but I can feel overwhelmed by them… the ability to partially wear animal print was the absolute best solution for me!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Naomi is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  See the ad below for details.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Barbwire
  • Eyes:  LOTUS – Bubble Eyes
  • Makeup:  Traditional Face – Aelin Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Veechi – Magnetic Gels
  • Jewelry:   Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Airport Hangar

 

A Moment’s Respite

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Moment's Respite

I have to say it’s been a bit of a rough time IRL since the end of last week.  First I found out that the reason why my foot was still bothering me after having fallen almost two weeks earlier is because I have a stress fracture… and that I need to wear a surgical boot from 2 weeks (unlikely) up to 4 weeks (hopefully as unlikely)… AND it’s on my right foot, which means that I can’t drive.  I can’t do much of anything, AND we had a family visit scheduled for a few days (which got shortened but not cancelled).   So it’s been a combination of pain, stress, frustration… been a bit hard to sit at the computer for hours in that one position, so photoshoots have been a problem, and even harder to be creative.  But some outfits demand to be seen and to have their qualities shouted from the rooftops… and this outfit definitely demanded its time in the limelight (or should I say “bodylight”?) and to take me away from my difficulties, at least for a few moments….  Happy shopping! (at least in SL, I can get around to all the sales and events without too much diifculty and with zero gimping lol)…

  • Outfit:  {Le’La} – Aurnia Dress.  What a gorgeous style!  The plungy spaghetti-strap top with a multi-slit skirt, skinny belt & built in front & back chains (LOVE LOVE LOVE those chains!), plus matching heels & an optional fur (not worn, but shown in the ad below).  Aurnia includes a HUD of 30 colors (in a stunning pattern) for the dress, belt, fur, heels, & chain, & is sized for Reborn+Waifus, Legacy+Perky, LaraX+Petite, Maitreya+Petite, GenX Classic+Curvy, Erika, & Kupra.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of Designer Showcase, open for just one more day, through April 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn + Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  WINGSDG – EF0401
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella ES
  • Nails:  Dalila – Pastel Glitter
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Baroque Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  double take – alpha PLUS ChicChica – Candy Pink Chammy
  • Location:  Blue Finch Blossoms Hollow

I thought there’d be music

Posted on by cejalaval

http://I thought there'd be music

Incredibly rainy, windy, depressing day here, complete with tornado watch and wind whistling through the window next to me (which is incredibly annoying and appears to be unfixable)… perfect time to go exploring in this glorious alternate world of ours… And, naturally, looking fabulous while doing so, strutting around in my stiletto heels and incredible-looking dress!  Aaaargh, I thought there would be music here, to drown out that wind!  Maybe I should go shopping?

  • Outfit:  JUMO Fashion – Eloise.  Incredibly figure-enhancing top & skirt with an asymmetrical bodice, & then form-fitting down to the thigh-high slit.  To me, what really stands out & knocks this look up a notch is the artful use of metal chains as straps for the top, & then again as a belt with both ends dangling right at the top of that amazing slit (one end featuring a hanging crescent moon).  Superb selection of textures in the included HUD, with 20 satin colors + 5 animal prints + 5 florals + 4 metals (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Eloise is currently at the April round of Designer Showcase, open April 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn + Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Resonate
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Lima
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Veechi – Precious Metals
  • Jewelry:  IT! Indulge Temptation – Sofia Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXit] – ShoeMe
  • Location:  Timeless Seasons

Mmmm, the scent of a wild evening to come!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mmmm, the scent of a wild evening to come

I’ve always loved the anticipation of an exciting night out, all the prep and the little touches… the bit of doubt mixing with all the possibilities of what’s to come.  Scent has always been a part of that…  subtle but distinct, teasing those pheromones!  Not too much, not too little… just like my outfit!  Mmmmm, yes, that smells like it will be a night to remember!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Farah Suit.   I just love the shape of this suit, & I honestly think it loves my shape right back!  With a neckline that plunges to the waist-to-hip buttons showing just the right amount of reveal, over flattering pants that are not too tight & not too loose.  The suit also includes matching heels, where the pattern not only goes on the insole but also on the sole itself (something I totally did NOT expect but I have to say that it looks really cool when dancing lol).  Choose between two 20-texture fatpacks, leather or animal print (you know whenever there’s an animal print that’s what I choose), or for some awesome mix ‘n match possibilities (which is what I’ve done), grab the Megapack.  Either way, the textures are top quality!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Rhea is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of Designer Showcase, open April 5th – 25th.  See the ad below for details.Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  CHAIN – Rose
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Lima
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Amacci – Saraja Ear Hoops;  CHAIN – Lana Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Vanity Pose
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Soho Loft
  • Decor:  Tirrany Designs – Gilded Vanity; Raindale – Vanity Table Clutter; Dreamland Designs – Mosaic Planters; JUMO – Alessa Bag Croco Leather; The Dreamer Creations – Heels & panties