Tag: fashion

Oooooh, hits the spot!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Oooooh, hits the spot!

Cravings.  Strange things.  They can build up slowly or, at least from me, they’re these irresistible wants that just spring up from nowhere and take over.  I know it’s a standing joke about cravings during pregnancy, how weird they can be.  I had this ongoing craving for rice pudding of all things when I was pregnant.  Now when I get cravings, they’re still all admittedly about food but much more mundane… chocolate, or jellybeans, even fried chicken, but most often for ice cream…  all the things I want but rarely allow myself to have.  If only I craved healthy, “thinnying”  foods, but I guess I’m just not made that way! Sighs, now I can’t stop thinking about ice cream…  please, please, please let it not become a full-blown craving!!! There’s none in the house and everything is closed!!!!! Oh well, off to see what’s in the fridge!  Glad it’s so much easier here on the grid… and no matter what you eat, you don’t put on weight (unless you want to of course)… why oh why can’t we have sliders in real life????  Getting off track here, the point is that when you DO submit to a craving, mmmmm, nothing is so good… just really hits the spot!

  • Dress:  Swank & Co. –  Retro Collection – Tie Dye.  A charming little summer dress in 6 stunning tropical tie dye colors (I’m wearing Spindrift).  In addition to the textures, the wide laced corset at the waist together with the matching trim adds flair.  It all looks light, cool, & comfortable for the heat!  Sized for Slink HG/P & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Abalone
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Cashew
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Green
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Sevilla Wedges
  • Pose:  Lyrium – Bloom
  • Prop:   Dust Bunny – Sweet Tooth, Mint Chip
  • Location:  Shork Ice Cream & Tattoo Parlor

Private Enough?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Private Enough?

One of the things that makes blogging so much fun is the variety.  When it comes to fashion, putting the look together is obviously the most important, but it doesn’t end there.  Sometimes you want a simple look without a lot of distraction — just find the right pose and the right background and the right windlight, etc..  But other times, the “vision” really calls for you to make a scene, which means on top of all that you need to find the right props and place them “just so.”  To tell the truth, though, I have tons of fun doing that, and really admire those bloggers who do that each and every time.  I tend to lose patience, not to mention it can get costly.  That said, I had a ton of fun (I won’t mention the ton of frustration with the house that WAS in the background, ruining the shot), and ended up with some great decor items!  To me, that’s definitely a win-win!

  • Swimwear:  GGVG Fashion – Sunset Bikini & Sarong.  Let’s be honest: there are a lot of great swimsuits out there, from bikinis to monokinis & more.  It really takes something extra to make one stand out.  GGVG has done that with three different suits by adding different “somethings,” in this case a truly awesome sarong.  Don’t get me wrong, the suit itself is STUNNING… the fabric is small without being too small if you get my meaning, the straps wrap double under the breasts for added interest, the bottom straps sit high on the hips.  As I said, stunning.  The optional sarong though is what really sets it apart, it’s much more substantial than others I’ve seen, but the way it’s tied & the way it’s hung is so natural & still gives full view of the suit from the front, it’s exceptional.  And of course there’s a HUD, so you choose from any of 15 textures (solids & prints) for the top & the bottom, & 8 for the sarong.  Also available in a lace & beaded version.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya.  Both are EXCLUSIVE at the July  Swank Event, which opens tomorrow July 7th.  
  • Towel:  Freda Stylish Fashion – Rolled Beach Towel.  Includes two different holds that are completely AO & pose friendly (as you can see, I’ve combined it with a pose, listed below), plus a HUD for 8 different textures.  HUNT GIFT for $1L at the Beach Bunny Hunt 10, an Evil Bunny Production, a summer hunt from July 3rd – 31st.  The hunt’s starting point is HERE, and you can join the EVIL BUNNY HUNTS group in-world for help HERE (free join).
  • Sandals:   Blasphemic – Gothgirl Flip Flops.  Sized for Slink, Belleza, & Maitreya. .  See the ad below for a closeup of this $1L HUNT GIFT at the Beach Bunny Hunt 10.  To reiterate, the hunt’s starting point is HERE, and you can join the EVIL BUNNY HUNTS group in-world for help HERE (free join).
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  I find that the Tonic bodies are truly the most natural curves on the grid with options like Booty Control to add that extra oomph how & if you want it & others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Mabeline, worn in Almond Browless
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Melany
  • Pose:  Nantra – Beach Illustrated 2020 (modified)
  • Props:  Sway’s – Sandia Beach Bag, Summer Drinking Jar, Shell Beach Shells decoration; Dust Bunny – Beach Paddles (Group Gift)
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Weekend Woes

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Weekend Woes

OK, doing my blog has suddenly become very, very difficult.  Try to upload images like the close-up below? Post-processing fails because “the server may be busy.”  Try to upload to FlickR?  Panda fail.  The holiday weekend alone makes it difficult to stick to a timetable and a blogging schedule, but these kinds of issues?  Hard to stay calm and relaxed, especially considering the current lack of viewership on FlickR to begin with on Fridays and holidays.  Takes a deep breath, imagines that I’m actually relaxing by the water on a hanging chair, just like in the picture, and tries again… and again… and again…  Well, all I can say is that if you’re actually seeing this, it must have all worked out at some point lol.  What’s that saying? “Patience is its own reward”?  Well, not my strong point, never has been.  On the other hand, imagination always has been… Time for those two to battle it out.  While I wait, I’ll just go hit all those delicious weekend sales because shopping will always get me through!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – July.  I don’t ever post this far in advance of an event, but on this first weekend in July, how could I resist an outfit named “July”?  Another irresistible outfit featuring all those little details that make this designer’s outfits so special — off-shoulder on one side, awesome little “strands” covering the other, the netted lower arms (which can be worn or not, depending on your mood or taste), the frayed short shorts, the matching gladiator sandals. Comes in 9 colors for the top, 6 for the jeans; sold separately or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at The Men & Women Jail, open July 10th – 30th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Tone worn in Cashew.  A beautifully detailed skin, available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones), including both omega & BOM, regular & browless, at the 06/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.  See the closeup below. Demos & shape also available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:   Vanity – Phases
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Chair:  EVHAH – Balam Hang
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

 

Ahoy there!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Ahoy There!

OK, so I’m still on my summer beach kick, but then again it IS summer even if I’m not at the beach enjoying it.  Perhaps I’m escaping there in my mind because the current reality is just getting tougher with the uptick in Covid cases exactly where we’re planning on moving (and I do mean EXACTLY — the county our new house is in is not doing well).  On top of that, my mom who is in a memory care facility in Florida, is not feeling well, and has just had a Covid test for the 3rd time.  Fingers crossed that she’s just not feeling well for “normal” reasons.  And here on the home front, they’re FINALLY starting with the outdoor work that is needed before we can get our home on the market, so things are progressing but still stressful.  No wonder the idea of boating or swimming or just sitting on a beach somewhere is so appealing.  Sighs… I know we’ll get there eventually… it’s just a question of how much s**t will happen between now and then…   The fact is, life goes on (and so does shopping lol)!

  • Outfit:  Apple Heart – Bonita Outfit with HUD.  This is one of those versatile outfits that can be worn in several ways.  The sarong style skirt that is tied up at one hip comes in two versions — one solid & one “net-panelled” (both with fringes).  The included HUD has 10 Colors/8 Texture & offers an incredible range of options since in addition to changing the skirt style, you can choose the color/pattern for the top, top fringe, top bow, panty, skirt, skirt fringe, sandal color, & even the color of the beads hanging from those sandals. You can even hide the bow & fringe if you choose.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Tattoo:  Apollemis Tattoos Store – Apple & Jasmine Blossom Sleeve.  A beautifully drawn tattoo made by the designer, compatible with BoM layers, OMEGA system, Maitreya & Legacy bodies. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Embers
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Nails:  alme – Dots & Squares
  • Jewelry:  Cailyn’s – Safari Noir Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Cubic Cherry – Fancy (La Vie en Pose GIFT)
  • Boat:  The Mesh Shop – Bandit IF
  • Bag:  EC – Key West
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

 

Grains of Sand

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Grains of Sand

Titles, titles, titles.  Sometimes naming a photo and my blog is the hardest part of everything I do to get a post out.  I’m not sure why it’s such a stumbling block for me except that having spent most of my work life in advertising, I have this deep-seated attitude that headlines are all-important.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t a copywriter… I was the account person who helped select the headline from a list that someone more talented would create.  How I long for someone to help me now, to provide a short list of choices where I could go “YES, that’s it!”  Instead my poor befuddled brain struggles to come up with something short and perfect, and failing miserably.  I’ve thought of using quotes like a lot of bloggers do, but I need to figure out the layout for that, which is more than I feel like doing when up against the wall for posting time.  And of course, the worst part is that similar to dreaming up the perfect retort long after an argument has ended, that phenomenally awesome line will suddenly materialize in my brain too late, when I’ve moved on to other photos, other posts. Oh well, sometimes it’s just best to “borrow” a title from elsewhere, as I’ve done here from the pose.   It’s such a silly thing to obsess over, it’s time to get back to my ocean gazing!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Saretta.  I’m not generally a huge fan of ripped clothing, but something about the combination of the bra, the open sweater just starting to slip off of one shoulder, & the extremely torn jeans in front with the butt cheeks hanging out just the right amount in the back, well, let’s just say I’ve worn the outfit for two days straight now & still don’t feel like changing lol! Comes in 10 colors for the top (the bra stays white), 6 for the jeans; sold separately or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Caramel
  • Hair:  Doux – Elvia
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Purple Beauty – Glossiness Lipstick (Gift @ Access Anniversary)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Tarentella Gypsy Dance Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Pure Poison – Sea Horse Sandals
  • Pose:  Le Poppycock – Grains of Sand

The Contessina de Medici

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Contessina de Medici

Do you like to gamble?  I do, but not in a big way… I guess I’m more of a dabbler.  I’d have to say that in SL, Gachas are a form of gambling, and I definitely enjoy those but with a ton of restrictions that I put on myself… I have to really like just about everything in the gacha, not just be mad for one or two items.  I have to be able to use what’s in the gacha without having to win EVERYTHING.  And it has to be something unique, not just another cute dress or some such thing. This gacha meets ALL those requirements if not more… taken together, it’s a totally unique look; items taken one by one can all be used with other looks.  It really earns it’s name, because the moment I saw it, it was GACHA!

  • Outfit:  BamPu Legacies – Contessina de’ Medici, a 10-item gacha of simply fabulous, totally different items, & totally aligned with the event theme of Floral Fantasy. EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, June 12th – 30th.  Between the different pics in this post I’ve used all the items, if not all the colors they come in, as follows:
    • Venetian Gown, the rarest item in the gacha.  Ornately detailed, in the old Venetian style. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza Venus, Maitreya, TMP, & Standard.
    • Light Staff, rare (lights cycle through off, on, bright)
    • Floral Hat
    • Venetian Collar
    • Venetian Mask, comes in 3 colors (Fuchia, Gold, & Olive)
    • Floral Purse, comes in Pink & Gold
    • Venetian Necklace
    • Venetian Crown 
  • Flowers:  BamPu Legacies – Fluky Flowers.  Set includes 4 sizes/colors (large gold, large pink, small gold, & mini pink), all of which are copy so you can create the perfect floral fantasy setting.  Also EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, through June 30th.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Kuni – Minha
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Lipstick:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Queenie Lippies (Genus Appliers)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Filigree Wings, Gold/Crystal/Yellow

 

The cat’s meow

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The cat's meow

Oh my, it’s been so humid where I live the last few days that about all I’ve been able to do is put my hair up, put on the lightest clothing, and lie around with my poor swollen leg raised up.  I’ve been watching some old classic movies (hence the use of a popular expression from before my time lol), and I did start physical therapy yesterday, so hopefully I’ll be able to start getting back to my regular schedule (well, such as it is lol) relatively soon.  I will say that this is one of those times when I really appreciate the virtual reality of the grid… no difficulties getting around (as long as SL is cooperating of course), no weather issues, no social distancing worries, plenty of things to do.  Speaking of which, I’m dressed and ready, so off I go for more shopping therapy!

  • Outfit:  Nala Design – Coren Outfit.  Great little details in this 3-piece set (top, skirt, shoes), from the braided gold chain around the neck that holds up the halter to the subtle pattern on the side ruffles of the top, to the strings on the sides of the skirt, to the perfectly natural wrinkles & the perky nipples pushing out the fabric, & the high sexy wedges. Includes a HUD with 9 colors for the top, skirt, strings, & shoes so you can mix ‘ match if you want for more contrast.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th through the end of the month. 
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My KITTY in Brown.  The cutest bag ever, with both an arm & a hand hold.  Available in 6 colors. Dare I say it’s the cat’s meow? 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Butter
  • Hair:  Doux – Melanie
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Purple Beauty – Glossiness Lipstick (Gift @ Access Anniversary)
  • Jewelry:   Kunglers – Milena Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – The Sweet Spot

Better Together

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Better Together

Second Life couples are interesting.  No, I’m not talking about the whys & wherefores of the relationship (though of course that’s all interesting too); I’m zeroing in specifically on how they dress.  Many couples in SL like to coordinate their dress when they go out together.  I know that my partner and I do; it just makes a nice statement of togetherness and looks awesome.  Sometimes it’s as simple as using the same color (I’ll be dressed in green, so he’ll wear a green shirt); other times, we have outfits that were designed to go together.  It may be that we’re both just two old romantics, but we both love the way we just fit together visually when we’re dressed like that.  The key, however, is that each outfit has to be awesome on its own.  If the woman’s gown, for example, is a knockout but the tux is poorly done, then the whole thing just doesn’t work.  It’s just one of the many reasons why I love Allure Couture… both the women’s AND the men’s outfits have the same beautiful styling and attention to detail.  This matched set is a total win-win, with each formal more than able to command attention on its own and get that all important fashion nod, but together?  Even better!!!  Happy shopping!

I’m wearing:

  • Gown:  Allure Couture – Iris Gown.  Beautiful floral gown with sheer over the shoulders & neckline, with sparkle overlays for the skirt.  The gown is available in a 10 texture Fatpack, or as any of six separate textures, all of which are ORIGINAL.  Includes matching heels.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Maitreya, & Legacy. EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, June 12th – 30th.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Jewelry:  Luminesse – Floritza Danika Set.  Necklace & Earrings in dark blue, aqua, & gold.  This jewelry set is full of wonderful color. The chain is a triple strand of gold links that hold lovely oval gems, the deco design has two bold & richly colored large cushion cut gemstones in various color combinations that are surrounded in tiny gold flowers, pretty diamond heart accents complete the look. This set is created for formal attire and will give your gown a wonderful splash of glorious color. It can also be worn with many other styles of attire that you prefer. This design includes scripting called Options Plus to allow users to adjust the size, brightness, shine & glow!  See the closeup below. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th through the end of the month.  Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Butter
  • Makeup:  Poema – mariola eyeshadow (FREE for stay-at-home)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Royalty Eyes in Tropical
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Joy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pose:  S26 – Cute
  • Backdrop/Set:  The Bearded Guy – Whore Patio Night

Crichton is wearing:

  • Tuxedo:  Allure Couture – Andrew Tux.  Formal black slacks & shoes, with a formal jacket/shirt/bow tie with 10 ORIGINAL textures.  Andrew Tux Jacket & Shirt comes in a complete Fatpack or a Slimpack with half of the textures available. Black socks are included as both Omega & BOM style. Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, & Signature Gianni.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, June 12th – 30th.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Head & Skin:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
  • Hair:  Volthair – George
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey

Bell-bottom blues

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Bell-bottom Blues

OK, after sitting there on my butt for a few days with my leg up certainly gave me some time to think.  And I decided to make even more changes in my blogging life.  Even when you love to blog (as I do), it can easily slip into a routine that both dulls creativity and takes away the fun.  Designers obviously establish a style for their brand, but sometimes when you blog the same brand for too long, it just becomes “more of the same”… which isn’t fair to them, and is hard on the blogger too.  Realizing this, I’ve been making changes here and there for weeks.  I’ve done it before; I’ve realized I need to do even more.  I’ve therefore left two of my oldest sponsors; I’ve added some new ones.  More juggling may/may not occur because my goal is simple… to refresh my blog, my commitment, my commitment when I open boxes and see new designs.  I jumped at the chance to blog for Giulia Design… I’ve been blogging them through events for quite a while because their designs are wonderfully varied and awesomely styled, with that special Italian fashion sense, that little something that just can’t be taught.  Now I have the opportunity to sport ALL their new releases, not just those selected for events.  I’d be dancing if I could, but I’m still flat on my butt with my leg up for hours a day. I won’t let it keep me down though, not with styles this good!!!  

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – NEW!  KETY.  Maybe it’s because I’m from that generation, but I LOVE fringe!  Something about it just makes me happy.  I will admit, though, that fringe doesn’t always work well in SL… if it’s not done “right”, it hangs too stiffly & just looks “off.”  This outfit does it perfectly.  The fringe looks & hangs very realistically (not too much, not too little) from the slightly loose, flowy little crop top with cutaway arms (they’re connected along the bottom of the arm, which looks totally amazing when you move).  The jeans are big comfy bell-bottoms, for a retro look that is still totally “today.”  Comes in 10 colors for the top, 7 for the jeans. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune worn in Cashew.  A truly gorgeous skin, one of my top recent favorites — I’m even using the brows & no makeup!   Available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones), including both omega & BOM, regular & browless, at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.  Demos & shape also available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  KATE – Bohem Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band