Tag: fashion

A Bird’s Eye View of Frogmore, now in PBR

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Bird's Eye View of Frogmore, now in PBR

If it’s one thing I’ve learned in my 17+ years in Second Life, everything changes.  Sometimes small things, sometimes HUGE.  Mesh was one; it completely revolutionized both your avatar and everything around you.  Now it’s PBR.  I’m still struggling with lighting, and I crash ALL THE TIME.  I TP home, dare to turn around, and BUGSPLAT.  I do my weekend shopping, and by the 3rd or 4th TP, BUGSPLAT.  It will take adjustment certainly, both in Firestorm tweaking the viewer to make it more stable, tweaking my computer to make it better able to handle the increased load, and then the learning curve for doing photoshoots.  But I can already see how it’s worth it.  First off, it’s always bothered me that mirrors didn’t reflect… now they do!  I haven’t seen too many other PBR textures yet (that I’ve known about anyway), but Frogmore has just updated itself to be fully PBR… that means PBR terrain, windlight, all of it.  And all I can say is WOW!   It’s so impressive, the difference in textures and shadows, etc. really does create a more realistic environment.  We’re not yet at the level of quality video games, but we’re getting there!  Enjoy!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Cynthia Dress.   What better way to explore a SIM than in something lightweight & airy, with so many stylish details! I love the high halter neckline & the straps in the back (no idea what that style is called, but I LOVE it & tried mightily to find a pose that showcased both front & back without standing in front of a mirror).  Add the seersucker-look fabric with open floral lace on the straps & at the waist, & this is top-quality summer look! Choose from 10 single colors or as a fatpack, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily tint the dress, so you have even MORE colors to play with!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Cynthia is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Cosmopolitan, through July 20th.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Ava
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadows; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Nails:  Demicorn – Almond Nails
  • Jewelry:  U:Refined – Melissa Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Simply Sweet Poses – Feeling Sassy
  • Location:  Frogmore

Oh, hey there!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Oh, hey there!

Second Life has been a bear of late… I have to say that while I absolutely LOVE the crispness and the colors and the reflections and so much that’s part of PBR, I’m experiencing so many challenges with lighting and those same reflections.  On top of that, I’m constantly crashing, which has created exceptionally frustrating blogging issues… Granted, my computer is over 5 years old at this point, and it was definitely nowhere the best available when I bought it (I tend to get bottom of the midrange), so it’s looking like I’m entering the market for a new one.  That’s both the good news and the bad news!  In the meantime, though, I’ll muddle through and concentrate on learning how to speed up my photoshoot process…  If anyone has any tips on PBR in Firestorm, please share!!! (You can reach me inworld, messaging on FlickR, or commenting on this post.)  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – LuluAnn Dress.  I LOVE the neckline on this stunning spring/summer dress with 8 print/12 solid color HUD (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX.  On sale as part of the Glorious Days 4-day weekend sale (Fri-Mon), so don’t delay!  Demo is available (just click for menu, then demo). 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, currently available at the Access Event thru July 8th, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Doux – Paty
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella + Madalina Eyeshadows;  JOY Store – Baby Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  no.match – NO_GLAM Earring; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXit] – Manaram
  • Props:  Littlep by Pompomina – Bouquet & Bites
  • Location:  Soul Deep

The Portal

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Portal

I don’t think I will ever get used to the joy of being a fae here in SL…  PBR has thrown me quite a few loops, but the difference in colors and detail has me flying around OOHing and AAHing at the colors and the richness of detail, while admittedly sometimes groaning at the lighting, but as more and more free (or almost free) windlights become available, things have vastly improved!  Sadly though, tomorrow marks the end of this event which I have found myself wandering again and again, finding new treasures every time… Take a look for yourself, and enjoy!

  • Dress:  Senzafine – Pythia, worn in Blush.  Simple, & simply enchanting!  Sized for Legacy, Reborn, Maitreya, Hourglass, & Freya, Pythia is available in 6 colors or as a fatpack.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  Pagan Beauty – Steph.  Includes skin for both EvoX & for Legacy+Perky, Reborn, GenX, Kupra, & Maitreya, as well as cosmetics, shapes, & more.  Steph is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Portal:  Lunaria – Butterfly Portal.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE & see it on display.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:   KMH – Hair F195
  • Eyes: Gloom – Shoujo
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Ragged Fairy Wings
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Uletia
  • Shoes:  Sheba – Cyra Sandals
  • Pose:  elephante poses – Tink
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Four Moons

 

Reflections

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Reflections

Even a fae reflects on things, we’re not just a “flighty” bunch who never think about life (and we make as many bad puns as you humans do!)…  RL has been tough of late, and it’s bled over into my fantasy world, no matter how much fairy dust I’ve sprinkled or how high I’ve flown, it has intruded day after day, even creating a nasty crash or two when the magic failed to keep me aloft (or even in SL for that matter).  That said, discovering the joys and tribulations of PBR (yes, I have a reflection! no, I can’t figure out how to fix the lighting!) has been somewhat distracting, though admittedly sometimes adding to stress levels rather than dissipating them. But as life has continued to prove out my mother’s favorite comment on EVERYTHING that everything that ever went wrong, “this too shall pass”…  and on that note, I’ve checked the mirror, ignored the snarky comments, approved the look, & I am off to explore!!!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Witch in a Box – Mystic Connection.  Cute one-shoulder cropped top & asymmetrical wrap skirt sized for Legacy, Reborn, Maitreya, Kupra, & Erika; includes a HUD with all 4 colors (see the ad below).  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available (just touch the pic, & select DEMO from the menu).
  • Skin:  PunkinBlend – Gem Grenadine Skins, worn in Peridot.  These BOM skins (EvoX Head & Ears, SLUV Body, plus alternative chest styles such as nippleless & more) include a HUD for 13 fabulous gem colors (see the ad below). EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment; you can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Mirror:  Witch&Co – Snarky Magic Mirror.  Includes two interactive mirrors, one with PBR (which I used) & one without.  See the ad below for more details.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE  where you can see it on display, check out your own reflection & hear the snark!
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  no.match – NO EXPLOSION (group gift)
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Forest Fae
  • Wings:  Horl – Bat Wings
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr
  • Pose:  Lyrium – Irisa

Like the view?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Like the view?

OK, this is my first photoshoot using the new Firestorm with PBR.  I ran into quite a few lighting issues, some of which I resolved during the shoot, some of which I resolved in edit, and most of which I’m just watching videos about to learn how more knowledgeable photographers are adjusting the settings.  That said, I absolutely love the dress and am pretty happy with the shot, despite the imperfections which are glaring to me personally but probably insignificant (if even noticeable) to everyone else.  And, after all, the lighting etc is not the purpose behind the pic, the whole point of blogging is just to show the awesomeness of the dress!  So, on that note, I’m going with the shot, then sitting down to watch more videos and play with lighting BEFORE my next photoshoot.  In the meantime, TGIF and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Suz Dress.  NEW RELEASE! Perfect little spring/summer dress with 18 summery textures (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, & GenX Classic.  You can find Suz at the mainstore.  Demo is available (just click for menu, then demo). 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, currently available at the Access Event thru July 8th, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – TZ0820
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT
  • Makeup:  HYPE – Something Eyeshadow; Heron – JADE Lipstick
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Tarentella Gypsy Dancer Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Jucy
  • Location:  Frogmore

Step into the Fairytale

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Step into the Fairytale

Enchanting moments await you at Midsummer Enchantment, an elegant yet magical dark fantasy themed event brought to you by Dark Passions Events.  Open June 22nd through July 7th, the event is full of new exclusives and hunt prizes priced between 10 – 25L$ each.  Step into the fairytale — be it dark or filled with light! — and you just might  find that special item to fulfill your fantasy!   I’m wearing a few of my favorites (more to come!); you can check out the full shopping guide HERE.   Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Petrichor & Ersch– Kairah.  Another gorgeous dress with chains, with both short & long versions included (HUD controlled).  As always, the detail is amazing… just look at the metal clasps on the dress! Available in 10 single colors or in 5 fabric packs containing 40-color HUDs for all the elements, all of which are also show/hide (see the ad below).  There’s also a Megapack so you get all fabrics, all options, so you can mix ‘n match as you want.  Maelin is sized for Legacy+Bombshell, LaraX+XPetite, GenX Classic/Curvy, Mounds, Kupra, & Reborn+Waifu.  Originally released for the recent Fantasy Faire, both the outfit & demo are available at the main store.  
  • Skin:  LUMAE – Eirtae Fantasy Tones, worn in Solaris.  EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment, 5 summery fantasy tones for EvoX (see the ad below).  NOTE:  matching body skins by body type are available at the main store.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment, for 40% OFF during the event.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Makeup:  HEXUMBRA – Soliel Sunkissed Face Paint.  Includes 3 strengths of face paint (I’m wearing the strongest) plus 3 strengths of a sunkissed blush, all with tintable options.  (See the ad below.) EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.  Also worn:  Loa – Gaia Face Paint nose contour; StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix HD Lips
  • Tattoo:  Leave Your Mark – Walk Thru Fire.  Another EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment, the artistry in this full body BOM tattoo really kicks your look up a notch! You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  WINGS – EF0208
  • Eyes: Gloom – Tirel
  • Wings:  Aii  – Fairy Wings
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Farys
  • Nails:  Gorgeous Dolls – Girl Hallowaii
  • Pose:  Animosity – Wiccan; Kokoro – Fire Halo
  • Backdrop:  The Bearded Guy – Moonlight Ritual

Oops, practice is definitely NOT making perfect!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Oops, practice is definitely NOT making perfect!

What is there to say?  Not everyone can do practical magic right off the bat… if I can really hone my skills then I can move up in rank, but I still have a tendency to get a bit distracted and blow up things nearby before releasing my magic at the intended target.  I feel like I’ve been practicing FOREVER, but obviously, no promotions are in the near future… sighs… again…

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Eliyen.  With the incredible attention to the tiniest detail & realistic textures that I have come to expect from EVERY Jangka outfit, Eliyen seems to me to have a touch of the adventuring spirit, which makes her perfect wear for so many fantasy situations.  Available in 6 individual colors or as a fatpack, plus two LIMITED EDITIONS; boots are available in black or brown, as are the shoulder pads (see the ad below). Sized for Legacy, Maitreya + LaraX, she is 100% full body original mesh.  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  poema – LUHLA
  • Hair:  Chain – Safari
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Shairi
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Shoujo
  • Circlet:  Harambee – Crescent Moon & Star
  • Wings:  Jinx – Unseely Fairy Wings
  • Pose:  Kokoro – Rosie
  • Backdrop:  FoxCity – Lost City Photo Booth

Come on in, the water is amazing!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Come on in, the water is amazing!

Just like in real life, I struggle a bit with swimwear.  Even with a perfect body (and we all have our own definitions of perfect, but whatever that is, it’s easily achievable in SL with a bit of work!), not all bathing suits are flattering.  I fell for this bikini the moment I put it on… it’s sexy and small, but adequately covers everything that I want covered, and just looks amazing!!!  If you’re looking for a new swimsuit (or even if you’re not), go try it on and see how it looks on YOUR body!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Jess Bikini.   Available in 10 single 100% Original Textures or in a HUD-driven Fatback with 20 textures.  Jess is sized for Legacy+Perky, Reborn, LaraX+Maitreya, & GenX Classic/Curvy.  She is a BRAND-NEW in-house release; demo available.  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, currently available at the Access Event, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – EF0501
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow; Heron Bodyshop – JADE Lipstick
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Petal Pinks
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Dog:  JIAN – Splashy Spaniels, Brit Gold
  • Pose:  FOCUS – The Ocean is Calling with Ocean Deck

Care to join me?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Care to join me?

Summer days (and summer heat) are here, so I decided it was time to change to a suntan skin and start sporting that summer look!  I’ll admit that I’ve been having some difficulty resisting that lazy hazy feeling from the endlessly beating sun, but what says summer more than a picnic!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Megan Top & Skirt.   Lightweight & cool, & oh so stunning! Simple but full of details, like the neck “strap” & contrast trim on both the skirt & top… adorable! Choose from 10 single colors or fatpacks for the top (including the ability to change the trim color) or the skirt; or the MegaPack for both fatpacks together!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Megan is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of uber, open through June 22nd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Haven, currently available only at the Hair Fair through June 16th
  • Eyes:  Tville Eyes Store – Afrodite
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Amalfi Summer Nights Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:   piXit – Manaram; Gnite – Coke
  • Location:  Luanes World, Le Monde Perdu

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