Like the breeze blows…

http://You Can't Stop the Breeze from Blowing

And time marches on… It’s soooo cold outside, the ground is completely covered by wet, fallen leaves.  I finally did the “change-over”, putting away all the warm-weather clothes and pulling out all the cold-weather ones. One thing I’ll say about the change of seasons, it really brings home the inexorable march of time, how things continually change, but somehow stay the same. Thankfully Halloween is done (though lots of chocolate still remains, though probably not for long lol); Thanksgiving is on the near horizon (note to self: need to order that turkey!). The BIG holidays not far beyond, then the new year, and so on, and so on…  Life goes on, sometimes tedious and boring, sometimes fresh and exciting, sometimes heart-wrenching and depressing, others glorious and uplifting. That’s life! There are times it’s hard to have hope, not just personally but for the world at large, but I need to believe that things will improve… A little heavy, yes, for a Saturday morning in a little Second Life fashion blog, but hey, what can you do? SHOP! Make YOUR Second Life world better!!! And on that note, happy shopping!!!

  • Outfit:  !!smesh – Davina.   It may not be summer any more, but that doesn’t mean we’re done with the beach! This outfit — which includes the blouse, capris, & incredibly high spiky sandals —  is perfect for those post-summer days.  It boasts wonderful ribbing on the capris, snowflake cut-outs on the top, a double-tie in front, & simply fabulous wide-open cross ties in the back (see below).  Sized for Slink Hourglass, Belleza Freya/Isis, Tonic Fine, eBody Curvy, & Maitreya, this is simply one of those must-haves for your closet! Demo available.
  • Pose:  Salacity – Windy Hat Pose/Prop.  Great pose that includes the hat prop, from a store that seems to have a little bit of everything, all of it FABULOUS!
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Avela
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Beloved Jewelry – Modern Flower Set in Silver; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  my home at the Hideaway Collective (private)

All Dolled Up

http://All Dolled Up

Well it’s been a rough month for me personally (a rough few months actually), so I’ll admit that I had some difficulty getting into the spirit of Halloween this year.  So even though today is THE day, I’m avoiding horror and opting for high fashion instead, going with a look that just made me go “ooooh” when I first saw it and “aaaah” when I tried it on. It’s definitely not my normal look; in fact, I even had to adjust my body to get the boa to fit properly, but wow I think it was worth it!  And what better place to strut my little dolled-up look than on the streets of Paris? So instead of Happy Halloween, I’ll just say “Ooh la la!” and leave it there! Either way, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Ashmoot – DoLLs Coll O #44.  It may not be a formal gown, but to me, this outfit has so much style, so much joie de vivre, it reminds me of French couture.  Includes the houndstooth corset with matching miniskirt, stockings with garter, mid tip-toe heels, Alice collar bow, big hat, & fur boa.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Maitreya & Fitted Standard, in single item packs or FULL Outfit pack at promo price, EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 21/19, open Oct 20th – Nov 2nd.  Demo available.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Doux – Aysha
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Shadow; Jessy Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Livia – Deep Gel Nails
  • Jewelry: (Shiny Things) – Glass Chunk Earrings & Bracelet (extinct vendor); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Bag:  Indigo – Cleo Diamond Bodega Bag in Black (another extinct vendor)
  • Lingerie (unseen):  MOZ Designs – Tangas Thong in Satin
  • Pose:  Pose Maniacs – Olga Walking Pose 1
  • Location:  Little Paris – Orsay

Wishes

http://Wishes

Wishes. There are so many sayings and so many songs about wishes.  Wishing on a star, wishing and hoping, wishing your life away, blowing out the candles and making a wish, and on and on. And I’ve admittedly made my share of wishes, but the fact is, I honestly believe that for the most part (and yes, you’ll notice I said “for the most part”) you make your own luck.  But I’m mixing things up, because LUCK and WISHES are two totally different things. Some people are just plain lucky; others seem to have little black clouds that follow them everywhere. Karma? Who knows. Maybe I’m just mixing things up even more into one big stew. But wishes?  I think they’re great to make, because they help you focus on what you really want, even if it’s just for the moment. And if it’s what you really really want, you can work towards it. But you know the other saying too… be careful of what you wish for! Because wanting and having are two totally different things. Well, enough of a Monday morning ramble… times have changed, Jiminy Cricket has retired, so I’ll just wish upon a snitch instead!

  • Head: Tonic – NEW! Pixie, the all-new bento head from Tonic.  She’s just so cute!!!!  The HUD now includes BOM buttons for skin & eyes, a new section for controlling the ear shape (regular or elfin!) & ear angle, as well as a full range of Pink Fuel skins in freckled & regular (head only; see below for where to get matching body tones).  You can also hide your teeth if desired.  Includes several different sample shapes & brow shapes, but Pixie is fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize Pixie to be uniquely YOU.  EXCLUSIVELY available for an introductory price of 25% OFF at eBento through the end of October.  Don’t miss this special offer! Demo available.
  • Top:  Apple Heart – Kendra Blouse with Hud.  Love this wrap-style top, cut on the diagonal, held closed by a single button at the neck and then draping in a reverse v! Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody Curvy, & Maitreya.  HUD includes 14 solid colors for the top plus 8 textures & 2 metal options for the button & vertical edging.  What makes this really customizable is that you can choose to apply patterns or solids to just the arms or just the “body” of the top, as well as to the tassels. EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 21/19, open Oct 20th – Nov 2nd.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Aryel, worn in Caramel browless.  I’ve again chosen a skin with a gorgeous smattering of freckles & then added even more! Aryel looks so fresh & innocent, I haven’t added a touch of makeup!  Two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM) available EXCLUSIVELY at the Sense Event, Oct 18th – Nov 8th. Shape & demos also available.
  • Shoulder Pet:  MOoH! – Golden Snitch.  An animated golden snitch decor item & a shoulder pet that hovers & flaps its wings.  Just  199L at Magik, a small Harry Potter themed event at Muggleborn, Oct 15th – Nov 14th.
  • Pants:  MOZ Designs – High Waist Leggings, worn in linen
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  #Foxy – Tini Hair
  • Brows:  Avada – Anja Eyebrows
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Sentiments Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Carolina

Trick or Treat

http://Trick or Treat

So here I was, thinking I was almost all caught up on blogging and would actually be able to make my minimums this month. And then SL decided to act like, well, like SL.  It’s hard to blog when things don’t rez, when skin and makeup don’t apply, when your camera doesn’t function correctly.  FlickR got into the act too with an image not uploading, comments not posting, and one award group that I use a lot just not admitting images to the next level.  That’s when you start questioning if you’re having fun yet lol.  And I couldn’t even birth new kitties or go shopping to make myself feel better, lol, what’s a girl to do? (Seriously, what’s the answer? I could use one, other than go back to real life, which is what I did lol!)  Thankfully, both issues were relatively short-lived, and everything seems back to “normal” (whatever that is).  Now I’m just another photographer-at-work, a bit frantic because we’re approaching end-of-month and I’m wondering how I’m ever going to get it all done lol! And of course on top of all that, it’s Halloween!!!! Definitely trick or treat time! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Agata Dress.  This satin mini dress is cut ultra-high on one hip & low in the neckline, with a little matching tie to pull the eye exactly where it should go.  Includes a 24-color HUD as well as a bonus black choker that works with all the colors.  Sized for Slink H/P & Maitreya.  Available at the Designer Circle 21/19, open Oct 20th – Nov 2nd.  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Palma
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Shadow; Talita Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Livia – Elegant Wine Nails
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Love Surrender Earrings (past Group Gift); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Horns:  Stelloane – Daddy’s Monster Horns (a past gift from Swank!)
  • Lingerie (unseen):  MOZ Designs – Tangas Thong in Satin.  You can’t see this on, but that’s the point, isn’t it? These are cut just as high on the hip so they’re perfect for fashions like this… and since they’re satin too, if they someone DOES get a flash, at least they’ll match lol!
  • Pose:  Against the Wall (unknown provenance)
  • Location:  Puddlechurch

Dream On

http://Dream OnSo I’m generally not an animal print or animal skin person.  Don’t get me wrong, when done well, they’re awesome… the problem is that IMHO, they’re rarely done well which means they just look, well, tacky.  This is one outfit that is done EXCEPTIONALLY well.  The texture for the crocodile “skin” itself is AMAZING, and on the pants — falling just below the waist and shaped sooooo perfectly especially for a curvy shape like mine — it’s broken up with perfectly placed mesh insets that add interest, draw the eye, and keep it from being “too much”.  The sexy little open-laced top is also an unquestionable winner.  Granted, some of the colors in the included HUD were a little too far out there for me, but even so, they were still extremely well done.  And there were still several more “natural” crocodile colors — like the silver grey I’m wearing — that made this outfit go on my list of total knockouts! Not only that, but it’s an exclusive item for the Out Shop Cancer event, with the designer donating all proceeds to the cause.  You can see a directory of participating stores at the Strides office on ACS Island as well as on the Making Strides Second Life website.  Talk about a win-win! (well, except for the croc!)

  • Outfit:  in.SANITY Designs – Croc Bite.  This is an EXCLUSIVE item for the Out Shop Cancer event, and will be sold with 100% of proceeds going to support the fight against breast cancer for the duration of the event (through Oct 31st).  Includes a 10-color HUD for both the top & the bottom, with separate options for the laces on the top & the mesh insets on the bottom. Sized for Slink, Belleza, & Maitreya.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; AKHD6 EyeShadow; Amata HDLips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Winslet Boots
  • Jewelry: Beloved Jewelry – Spiral Jewelry Set in Silver; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Bluebird Cuddle Van

Standing Out on The Family Tree

http://A strange offshoot of the family tree

Like many people, I often felt like I just didn’t fit on the family tree.  I never quite fit the mold, was always a bit different, more of a rebel, more liberal, more creative, just “more” in so many ways.  And yet with the week I just had with my mom, with a fall and a broken arm sending her slip-sliding unbelievably fast into dementia to the point of not recognizing me the other morning, the thought of family and the solidity of roots of a family tree have suddenly become incredibly important to me.  My mom is now safely ensconced in memory care where they can properly care for her, but my heart is broken at the thought that the mom I’ve known and loved is mostly if not totally gone.  I’d happily embrace being the colorful witchy bitch — or is it the bitchy witch? — to have my family back, but that will never be.  The scary fact is that now I’m the matriarch of my own clan… hopefully it will be a strong, fruitful tree that can bend with the storms of life… As my mom always said, life goes on, and it’s up to us to make it special.

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Brooke Romper Outfit/Boots/Fatpack.  5 options are available for this sexy little romper, the difference being the text on the straps (shoulder & cross-straps in back) & belt loops; choose from Diva, Babe, Princess, Slut or my choice, Bitch.  All include a 24 color HUD.  Thigh-high boots in taupe that match the leather belt also available (included in the fatpack). Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Designer Circle 20/19, open through Oct 19th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Exile – Into You
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Hat: Halloween Witch Hat from inventory
  • Pose:  STUN – Cindy 2 (seems to be Marketplace & Events)
  • Location:  Comhar Photo Studio & Photo Garden

Mirror Mirror

http://Mirror Mirror

I have to admit that all of the “stuff” that goes with dealing with my mom’s situation and helping to move her into memory care is exhausting, physically and mentally.  And the fact that I’m far from home, out of my own environment and comfort zone sure doesn’t help.  Sometimes I look in the mirror and I just wonder how we got to this point.  Life has a nasty habit of just sneaking up on you in that way, doesn’t it?  I do have to say that my life here inworld and my blogging has been a true lifeline for me throughout this process.  It’s both given me another focus and provided an escape where I can forget about life for a while… lol, reminds me of that old Calgon commercial, “Calgon, take me away!”  But in my case, it’s Second Life to the rescue!!!

  • Swimsuit:   Prism by Jezzixa Cazalet – Emily Lingerie.  Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Maitreya, & Classic.  This long open semi-transparent silken robe is beautifully textured in a soft feminine pattern with contrast edging, held together by a wide sash in the contrast color.  Includes a matching thong. Available in 5 colors or a fatpack EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 20/19, open Oct 6th – 19th.  Demo available.
  • Mirror/Pose:  Poses by ALEXAMirror Pose Fatpack.  Wonderfully detailed classic-style wood-framed free-standing mirror, with 5 built in poses, one with a poisoned apple!  Available instore or on Marketplace.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Truth – Cerys
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Sentiments Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Introducing PIXIE

http://Introducing PIXIE

Unlike almost all of my posts, this one is all about a single item — the all-new, totally re-imagined bento head from Tonic.  Pixie is just such a total delight, I felt I had to devote a blog to her!  Just like her name implies, she has a spark of impish delight, youthful exuberance, and wide-eyed wonder.   I think she has a totally unique, slightly exotic look, perfect for fantasy and role-play, but also just so totally right for those of us who generally play as human.

  • Head: Tonic – NEW! Pixie, the all-new, totally re-imagined bento head from Tonic.  She’s just so cute!!!!  The HUD now includes BOM buttons for skin & eyes, a new section for controlling the ear shape (regular or elfin!) & ear angle, as well as a full range of Pink Fuel skins in freckled & regular (head only; see below for where to get matching body tones).  You can also hide your teeth if desired.  Includes several different sample shapes & brow shapes, but Pixie is fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize Pixie to be uniquely YOU. EXCLUSIVELY available for an introductory price of 25% OFF at the October eBento opening October 11th.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Skin:  Pink Fuel – Hazel
  • Hair:  Navy & Copper – Mulberry
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)

One Life to Live

http://I don't get nine lives

So I’m away from home again, back in Florida, this time on a family emergency.  My mom (who is quite elderly) fell and broke her arm.  So I flew down to help take care of her. Since it’s become really obvious that she really just can’t handle things any more living on her own, we’re also starting the process of looking for an assisted living facility. It’s really sad that we’re at that stage, but I guess it’s all part of the circle of life. It doesn’t seem like all that long ago that I was still a kid, and I’m sure it won’t seem all that long when the time comes that I’m unable to live on my own either.  That’s just how life is.  All the more reason to live it the way YOU want to, and not the way other people think you should. (Of course it goes without saying as long as you’re not hurting anyone else in the process.) Unlike cats, we only get the one life, although within that life we get to live many lives… child, teenager, lover, spouse, parent, grandparent, senior citizen, and so many others… I’m realizing the importance of making the most of each and every one of them, to own them to the fullest, rather than just surviving… I only get the one life… here’s to life!

  • Outfit:  Ghostyss – Sylviane.  To me, this is one of those genre-defying outfits… a bit hipster, a bit punk, a bit gothic or medieval even, but totally sexy & stylish.   Form-fitting, with just enough flare at the hips.  The belt is to die for!!! 6 options available, plus a fatpack. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 20/19, open Oct 6th – 19th.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Kamilla, worn in Caramel browless.  I’m continuing with my winning combination of mixing a BOM skin for the head with an OMEGA skin for my body since I haven’t yet started experimenting with BOM on my body & I’m super-happy with the result this way.  Kamilla is a simple stunner, & not just because she has a smattering of freckles on her nose — though I loved those so much I left my normal face freckles off! Available ON SALE for just 250L in fatpacks of 5 light or dark tones with both Omega & BOM skins for both classic & mesh avis at the Designer Circle 20/19, open Oct 6th – 19th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Brows/Makeup:  Izzie’s – BOM Layers Eyebrows Curved; BOM Layers Fall Eyeshadows
  • Freckles:  DS’Elles – Body Freckles (Omega)
  • Lashes:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Ferris Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cats:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats
  • Location:  Mythical Serenity Photography Sim

Team Pink, It’s a Tough Fight!

http://Team Pink, It's a Tough Fight

So anyone who even casually follows my blog or my FlickR knows that although I always keep all my bits covered, I’m definitely not shy about “rocking my rack.”  Just look at my last pic of me lol! That’s just ONE reason why I’m on Team Pink, supporting the fight against breast cancer.  One of the big events in Second Life supporting this all-important fight is Rock Your Rack presented by Models Giving Back, which is open from October 5th through the 19th.  82 designers, a 10L Hunt, 25 artists who are also in the hunt, and 55 musical performances are all part of this event, with the proceeds from many awesome items being donated to The National Breast Cancer Association.  I know I don’t need to preach about the importance of this cause; in some way, it’s affected every single one of us, if not in actual fact then at least in fear.  Today I’m featuring two of my sponsors who are among this worthy cast… Please take the time to visit this event and support the work of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and their fight for early detection services for all. Be a part of Team Pink!

  • Top:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Holly” Silk Team Pink Tank.  Limited Edition item, with 100% Donation for The National Breast Cancer Association.  It’s simple. It’s gorgeous.  It’s got the perfect little pink ribbon to signify breast cancer. What better way to tell the world that you’re on Team Pink, fighting the war against breast cancer?  Available in original Fitmesh for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, eBody, Eve, & Maitreya.  Only at the Rock Your Rack Event, Oct 5th – 19th.
  • Capris:  MOZ Designs – “Bailey” Pink Hearts Denim Skirt.  New EXCLUSIVE texture just for this event, & is it cute or what? Little white hearts on the most glorious pink denim, with three little white buttons & a little slit… & it’s a 10L HUNT item at the Rock Your Rack Event through Oct 19th.  In original Fitmesh for Tonic, Maitreya, Slink, Belleza, eBody, & Eve mesh bodies. 
  • Jewelry:  Stone’s Works –  Tree of Life Choker/Earring Diversity Set, the tree of life medallion speaks to the urgency while the colored beads signal that it’s a fight shared by all. There’s a close-up below of this stunning Limited Edition item, which has 100% Donation for The National Breast Cancer Association.  Includes a built-in resizer.   You can TP direct to their booth at the Rock Your Rack Event through Oct 19th HEREAlso worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  Doux – Pink
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Location:  Backdrop Cove