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

Simple Elegance

http://Simple Elegance

So the mechanics of blogging have been frustrating of late.  I know that a lot of folks have been complaining about the last few rounds of changes FlickR has made for nonPro accounts, but the fact is that I DO have Pro and I’m still having loads of issues!  Forget the standard not being able to leave comments or timing out while uploading or groups spinning but never loading etc.,; that has happened off and on since I started using the platform back in 2017.  But where I’m experiencing lots of other issues have been both in SL itself — what I see on camera and what I capture don’t match AT ALL, tons of LOD issues, random crashes (always in the middle of a shoot so it takes forever to get that same angle back!) — and perhaps more infuriating, here in my blog site itself.  The underlying issue is that I don’t really understand the underlying technology of my blog… I rely on “click here, do this, add this, do that” and when something fails to actually add (like an inset I talk about below to show greater detail in the gown), I’m at a loss.  Sighs, well, there’s just so much of being a perfectionist I can stand… after that, it’s time to move on!  I think I need some shopping therapy, don’t you?

  • Gown:  Le’La Design – Atalie.  I’m so very glad that I tried this gown on!  It’s one of those items that looks great on the hangar but is so much more on the body!  Beautifully but simply styled, Atalie features a corset waist, simple straps with bows & ribbons, & a beautifully cascading skirt with an overlay of not-too-subtle but not-too-dominating glitter… The skirt has hidden depths too (I had an inset to add below but after 3 hours of trying to insert, I’ve given up… check it out on the demo, it’s totally gorgeous when dancing!), making for a mesmerizing but totally understated elegance.  Atalie comes in 20 colors, or in a fatpack with an amazing HUD that lets you choose different colors for the upper, middle, back, skirt & ribbons allowing you to create individualized looks.  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Physique, Freya, Isis, Maitreya & Classic M, Atalie is available EXCLUSIVELY at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, open TODAY Oct 5th through the 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:  EMO-tions – Petra
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Tattoo:  Kira Tattoo – Ella
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique –  Reignn Crown Jewels Earrings & Bracelet; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:   STUN Poses – Willow
  • Location:  Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Ready to put that in writing?

http://Ready to put that in writing?

Summer seems to be officially over here in the real world, even where I live in Florida.  And SL is changing too; I logged in a few days ago to find that my estate owners had changed the season to fall… I absolutely love it, all those autumnal colors, but it was still a bit of a shock.  Personally, my tanned skin has given way to a less sunkissed look,  and long sleeves have worked their way back into the front of my closet!  I’m still trying to hang on to those last breaths of summer but I know that soon enough I’ll be revelling in the crispness of the fall!  Happy shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  MAHOGANY Store – Pillow Talk Romper.  Mahogany describes it as a cozy, colorful one-piece, & it IS that.  But what I love about this romper is that depending on which of the 14 textures you choose from the included HUD — from black w/ red or white to blue w/ yellow to purple w/ pink to a leopard print w/ tan to, well you get the idea! —  you can easily dress it up or down… perhaps depending on the kind of romp you have in mind!?!  Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra & Reborn, & EXCLUSIVELY available at the Sept round of Designer Showcase, open Sept 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Pose:  NANTRA – As If pose set.  Includes 6 bento poses, plus mirrors & self-rezzing props.  I found these to be so versatile, perfect for creating whatever mood you have in mind!  EXCLUSIVELY available at the brand new round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Sept 18th – Oct 10th.  See below for ad details; then go try them out for yourself at the event!
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Exile – Peyton
  • Jewelry:   IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Sofia Earrings; Maxi Gossamer – Lucca Leather & Chain Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  FOXCITY – Photo Booth, The Agency

The butterfly effect

http://The butterfly effect

Coming back to SL after almost a week away due to visiting company.  It was the best kind of company… family that was fun to be with and who pitched in on everything rather than sitting back waiting to be entertained.  Incredible time!!!  But now I’m back, and slowly getting back into the blogging routine (it took forever just to go through all my inworld messages lol)…  Since we’ve been getting an incredible amount of truly torrential rain, it’s perfect timing… however, there’s still a ton of construction going on outside my home office window, so I’m not able to accomplish quite as much during the day as I would like.  And of course problem after problem after unforeseen circumstance after “we have to do what?” keeps cropping up, so there’s that stress, but hey, at the end of it all we’ll have something new and wonderful that will totally make our house that much more livable and enjoyable!  If only home improvement was as easy in real life as it is inworld!!!!  (Then again, you can say that about just about everything lol!)

  • Outfit:  BlackBirdLace – Cassie Outfit.  Talk about cute & sexy!  This outfit consists of a cute little tube top with sleeves & a dangling tie, adorably cut denim shorts with open side zippers, & matching heels with thigh-high straps.   Includes  a HUD containing 30 textures for the top, 20 for the shorts, & 20 for the heels. Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, & Kupra, Cassie is EXCLUSIVELY at the Sept round of Designer Showcase, open Sept 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Argrace – Haruka II
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Fern’s Trinket & Bead Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  Lyrium – Garden View – Wild Flowers