Tag: Poet’s Heart

A Gothic Tale

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Gothic Tale

I always find Gothic tales to be a bit unsettling, even the romances, everything is just so dark and forbidding.  What I also find unsettling is when EVERYTHING seems to be going just wrong enough to totally stress me out.  And yes I rarely vent RL angst in my fantasy posts, but I find that I really need to!  It’s all little stuff, but you know what they say about straws!  First, I shifted wireless carriers and bought new phones for the family, two of which needed to be shipped.  One involved tricky timing, but I was guaranteed (GUARANTEED!) that there was more than enough time.  Needless to say, that phone was delayed, information was not forthcoming, and my stress level was skyrocketing.  As soon as that seemed to be resolved after a full 24 hours of personal insanity, and I was able to concentrate on my photo shoot, I was unable to log into SL.  Then when I finally logged in, I had no body, things wouldn’t rez.  Hard to do a photo shoot.  That took several hours to full resolve.  When my photoshoot was complete, I went to start writing this post, and discovered that my website was down… very very frustrating and actually a bit terrifying since my web skills are extremely weak, leaving me with no alternatives other than a straight Flickr upload with a bit of copy (and yes, plenty of bloggers do that successfully, but it’s just not my way).  Thankfully the outage was only a few hours, and the site is obviously back up and running, but I am WAAAY behind schedule!  It’s been a bit of a horror show… so perhaps the gothic drama is pretty perfect timing!  And on we go to the next thing!

  • Dress:  Poet’s Heart – Helmiina.   Two very different looks in one package!  I’m wearing Helmiina as a gown with a long-sleeved coat but you can also choose to wear her as a strapless gown with shoulder ornamentation (see below).  Choose colors for the top, the skirt, the shoulder ornamentation, the coat, & the trim with the included HUD.  Note the texture with the bare trees… it’s stunning!   Helmiina comes in four color packs plus a fatpack; each color pack has 6 gown colors plus black & white.  She is sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available at the specially reduced price of 50% OFF at the current round of We Love Role Play, open July 4th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Windows:  Dabble – Dorian Gothic Window.  Fabulous mood-inducing gothic decor.  Includes two sizes (Wide & Regular), both of which I used; two different frames; three different window scenes (two of which I used).  EXCLUSIVELY available for 25% OFF at the XXX Original Event, July 13th – August 3rd. (Note that this is their anniversary round, so there are gifts at every booth!)
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Hair:  Oblivion – Middle Age
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:   Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 2; Rubedo – tyrilly;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Tattoo:  Petrichor – Rosalune (GROUP GIFT)
  • Wings:  Aii and Ego – Fairy Wings
  • Pose:  Black Tulip – Angel

 

Fantasy Faire, The Shimmering Fen

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fantasy Faire, The Shimmering Glenhttp://Taking in the Wonder at The Fantasy Faire

It’s here, it’s here! The most glorious time of year for anyone who plays fantasy, has any interest in fantasy, or just appreciates the incredible creativity of those who build the fantasy realms.  And yes, I’m talking about Fantasy Faire 2023, the premiere fantasy event in Second Life.  This event is so huge, so special, that it only happens once each year.  This year, the gates to Fantasy Faire opened a few days ago on April 20th, and they will stay open through May 7th.  A benefit for the American Cancer Society, its theme is Many Realms – One Vision.  Fantasy Faire 2023: Building a World Without Cancer.  Celebrating its 15th year, Fantasy Faire 2023 is literally the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers and performers in the virtual world.  It is an event filled with EVERYTHING that Second Life has to offer.  To quote from the official press release:

As always, you’ll find fantasy avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets and exclusive items available from over 350 of Second Life’s top Fantasy Creators across 22 stunning regions designed by the visionary artists behind many of the most adored spots on the Second Life destination guide… In addition to the sixteen shopping regions there will also be Faireland realms that take us beyond commerce and give us places to celebrate together as a community… Treat yourself to shopping, dance and theater performances, DJ parties, auctions, questing, our Literary Festival, fantasy art, events and roleplaying as thousands of Second Life residents and creators bring their own visions together to support the American Cancer Society’s vision of a world without cancer.

You can read more about this truly amazing event at the Fantasy Faire 2023 official site ;  since this is, in effect, a shopping blog, CLICK HERE for an alphabetical list of all 350+ stores exhibiting at this once-a-year event, with direct slurls to each.  I am so busy flitting around, trying to see and do everything, it is just staggering what creators can not only dream up but actually build.  Sadly, I’m not that talented (if only!!!!)… my passion is to mix the creative talents of several designers to craft unique characters (pictured at the Faire itself) and/or home decor/landscaping scenes.  This is just the first of I-don’t-know-how-many-I-can-create-in-time characters.  I’m having so much fun!!!! But I can’t linger here, writing all day… there are lands to explore and events to participate in and of course lots and lots of shopping!!!!  See you there!

  • Gown:  Poet’s Heart – Amaya.  Beautiful strapless gown with ribbons at the waist & at the top & bottom of the optional ballooned sleeves, all of which can be changed individually via the included HUD.  Amaya has a soft floral print, either in the special color pack shown below that’s a 100% DONATION to the American Cancer Society, or in either of two “standard” packs (or both as a fatpack).  Note that black, white, & off-white is included in all packs.  Sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, eBody, Kupra + Kups, Amaya is NEW & exclusively available at Fantasy Faire, located in the Opera Faireland; you can TP direct to the Poet’s Heart booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Hair:  KMH – Hair F227.  Lovely partially-braided style, with bows at the top & one braid looped up.  Includes two types of optional bangs.  Available in 3 color packs — natural, color, & a special RFL pack that is a 100% DONATION to the American Cancer Society.  Hairbase included for BOM EvoX.  NEW & exclusively available at Fantasy Faire, located in the Spirit’s Crossing Faireland; you can TP direct to the KMH booth HERE. 
  • Horns:  AMBIX – Geode Horns.  Amazing set of crystal-accented horns with a swirling aura that is tintable!  Available in 10 colors, a fatpack (with an exclusive mystery color), or in two special FF versions that are a 100% DONATION to the American Cancer Society. NEW & exclusively available at Fantasy Faire, located in the Dingir Faireland; you can TP direct to the AMBIX booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Wings:  FAS – Lunar Moth Wings.  These are animesh, & as much as I love my older bento wings, these are already my new favorite!  The colors, the animation — when you’re flying, they flutter very very fast which is so incredibly realistic (though it does make it difficult to catch in a pic lol!!!).  100% original mesh, materials enabled, with a built-in AO (no more having to add a separate HUD, yay!).  HUD includes 16 textures with glow marks, in 3 different sizes.  Also includes a MOD version for tinting to match any outfit/skin… I’m in love!  At Fantasy Faire in the Spirit’s Crossing Faireland; you can TP direct to the FAS booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Makeup:  Hexed – Olimpia Eyeshadow EvoX BOM.  Includes 10 shades (see ad below).  At Fantasy Faire in the Nysaris Faireland; you can TP direct to the Hexed booth HERE.  Also worn: Venge – Ear Blushing
  • Jewelry:  Schelm – Fantasy Crystal Tiara.  Unisex, unrigged & resizable, this stunning tiara includes a HUD to individually change the 3 layers of crystals plus the metal. NEW & exclusively available at Fantasy Faire, with a unique single color version available as a a 100% DONATION to the American Cancer Society.  Located in the Giggenwhirl Faireland; you can TP direct to the Schelm booth HERE.
  • Location:  The Shimmering Fen (a shopping region)
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Arcana – Raine – Blossom Fae
  • Eyes: lovelysweet – Mallory
  • Tattoo:  Jaina Shop – Roses Snake Tattoo
  • Pose:  elephante poses – Tink

 

The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring

Oh my goodness, life feels so hectic lately… so much hubbub and events and chores and visitors and doctors appointments and on and on and on… my poor human!  We’re just going to meander through the garden, picking some beautiful flowers to spread around our home, bringing that incredible scent indoors to help relax and soothe… Breathes deeply, holds, and exhales…  Now, time to enjoy the weekend!

  • Dress:  Poet’s Heart – Valentina.  A classic square-necked gown, Valentina is a perfect canvas for your medieval role play! She is sized for Legacy & Perky, Maitreya & Petite, eBody, Kupra + Kups, & includes a HUD for changing both the top, the skirt body, the front panel on the skirt, the bottom of the sleeves, & the ribbon on the sleeves.  There are so many ways to style this gown!  Pick from the 4 color packs (all of which include black & white) or the fatpack.   EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE for 25% OFF at the current round of We Love Role Play, open through March 28th; demo available.  See the ad below.
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Flower Beauty.   A pack of 5 bento poses, plus mirrors.  Includes props for all poses (basket with flowers, handheld flowers) as well as a hydrangea bush to rez as many copies as you’d like to build out your scene.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, (which means free gifts at most booths!), open March 18th – April 10th.  See the ad below to see all poses (I used #3).
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Hair:  monso –Meiga
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:   Poema – Praline Eyeshadows;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Luna Moth Wings
  • Jewelry:  Venge – Selene Crystal Circlet; Glint – Gemmed Icicle Necklace

The Rites of Spring

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Rites of Spring

Ahhh spring!  It’s when life resurrects itself, bursting forth with new energy.  That’s not always easy to do, so sometimes Mother Nature asks the light fae — like me! — to help spread new life, providing some much needed warmth and energy to stimulate new growth.  Winter has its beauty, but nothing can compare to the riotous beauty of spring in all its colors!  I’m the Green Goddess of Spring! (well, not really, maybe just a handmaiden lol, but for the moment, in this place and time, I can be whatever I want lol)!  I will say this though… I LOVE my job!!!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Lelam.  Beautiful & simple, with a scattering of stars on both front & back, Lelam is like that first breath of spring! She is sized for Legacy & Perky, Maitreya & Petite, eBody, Kupra + Kups, & includes a HUD for changing both the main fabric & the ribbons on the arms.  All color packs include black, white, off-white & grey.   At the mainstore; demo available.  See the ad below.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Arcana – Cirice, worn in Clover
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Elvina
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Varisei Headdress
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Irid Light Wings
  • Flower Headpiece:  Tentacio – Carnation Time + Garden
  • Pose:  Stardust – Rosie

Caught making my escape

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Caught making my escape

I have been locked up in my treehouse, whilst my human had a houseful of weeklong guests celebrating some strange holiday that involves a great deal of cooking and eating and a seemingly even greater amount of cleaning up.  I have finally managed to make it to the courtyard where I was hoping to make a full escape, but it seems that I’ve been caught!  At least I’ve managed to get one post out, but sadly so so late… I don’t understand these holidays and why they are so disruptive to my lovely little lifestyle… sighs… if only my magic worked on my human, but she is definitely the one in control.  All I know is that I definitely need some fae time!!!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Hecate.  Definitely a LOT more revealing than my normal wear, but how could I resist? She is sized for Legacy & Perky, Maitreya & Petite, eBody, Kupra & Kups, & includes as HUD for changing both the main fabric & the wide waist band.  All color packs include black, white, & grey.   Originally developed for this month’s We Love Roleplay, but that ended today (aaarrgh) so Hecate will be at the mainstore shortly. Demo available.  See the ad below.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_DEVOTION
  • Eyes:  Lovelysweet – Mallory
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Quell
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Sanya Horns
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Woodland Fairy Wings
  • Location:  Lost Unicorn

The Magic of Fairies

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Magic of Fairies

It’s another one of those days when I find myself in a strange place, not particularly wanting to chat about anything, just aching to return to my world and explore and create and indulge my newest passion of building (whether that will eventually become something I share overtly is yet to be seen, but my backdrops have made it into a few of my pics already, just without any fanfare).  But that is part of the magic of fairies… we say so much without actually uttering much of anything…  Sprinkles a little fairy dust, and happily goes on my way, still pondering whether I’m catching or releasing my diminutive cousin…

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Eirwen Crown, which to use a phrase I’ve used previously, can be the crowning achievement of any fantasy look.   As always with this designer, the customization options for the crown are amazing, with every element — the front “points”, the jewels on them, the back “points”, the decorative points, the beads, the forehead jewel, the hanging chains… all customizable with the incredibly easy color-coded HUD.  A definite must have for every fantasy female’s wardrobe!
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Purples.  Highly detailed, gorgeous purple-toned skins in your choice of 30 colors (see below for these awesome textures; I’m wearing Kailauma).  Both male & female versions feature all new shading & details, in BOM/default layers only plus EvoX.  Includes Vareni elf ears (worn), & new brows in 10 colors & 8 shapes for both classic & EvoX (worn in Snowqueen), plus a whole range of more add-ons.  Mainstore release, with other color sets available as well.  (I’ve previously blogged the Muted tones.)  Demo available.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Elvina
  • Eyes:  Samia – Ziyu
  • Makeup:  POUT! – Angel Cake HD Liners:  SCIAVO – Amore Liptint
  • Pose:   AAP Angel’s Art Pose – The Magic of Fairies

Fae, Interrupted

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae, Interrupted

A bit deep in thought these days; not sure why, but just not feeling particularly social.  I’m enjoying my time just wandering through somewhat wild places I’ve never seen (this sim is just awesome for that!), tweaking my home to capture more of that wild & colorful essence, and communing with nature and its denizens.  A little private time seems to be just what this fae needs, and she is definitely making the most of it! (Of course, that does NOT impact my shopping… that would be downright sacrilegious lol!!!)…  looks up startled at a sound entering the glade, before settling back to my ruminating on the beauty of the play of light on the water…

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Solar Panties & Pasties.  Definitely a LOT more revealing than my normal wear, but how could I resist? She is sized only for Maitreya, although an unrigged version of the pasties are also included  (NOTE: she fit my Legacy body with just the lower deformer).  Solar’s HUD offers an incredible range of individual choices in light, mid, & deep tones for fabric 1 (the panties), fabric 2 (the drape), metal 1 (the pasties), metal 2 (the hips), & the pastie gems. Demo available.  There is matching jewelry (necklace & headpiece, not shown) which is sold separately.
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Muted.  Highly detailed, gorgeous muted tone skins in your choice of 15 colors (see below for these awesome textures; I’m wearing Mylaela).  Both male & female versions feature all new shading & details, in BOM/default layers only plus EvoX.  Includes Vareni ears, & new brows in 10 colors for both classic & EvoX.  Demo available.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Ghoul
  • Hair:  Lamb – Heart, with Roses & Crown
  • Horns:  not a peep – Lilian Horns
  • Makeup:  Loa – Ninsar Warpaint  (cheek dots, forehead stripe, lip brush stroke)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Irid Light Wings
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Hopeful
  • Location:  The Wylde

There’s a Lot to Learn in Fairy Tales

Posted on by cejalaval

There's a lot to learn in fairy tales

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. 

If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” 

Albert Einstein

Being a fae might seem (in some ways and to some people, at least) a bit like living in a fairy tale.  After all, I have wings and can fly (not to mention horns, but then, that’s not particularly fae-like lol).  Of course, everyone in SL can fly (unless you’re somewhere that the powers that be decided that no, you can’t).   What I take issue with is that “living in a fairy tale” is said derisively, as an insult.  The fact is that there’s a lot of what is called “folk wisdom” combined with pure morality in a place that both good and evil dwell side by side.  Sounds a lot like real life when you look at it that way, no?  You can learn a lot from fairy tales, especially the original Grimm stories, if not necessarily the cleaned-up Disney versions.  I don’t understand why people have so many issues with how others choose to live their lives, ESPECIALLY in this second life that is virtually a fantasy world for all of us… some of us just take that word “fantasy” a bit more literally than others.  So for those of you who put down my fae existence and make snickering comments, well, I’ll just keep on keeping on, doing what I’m doing, living MY fantasy.  You can go stew in your judgments rather than living the life that comes when you accept the personal choices that others make for themselves.  (And yes, you can extrapolate that into the real world as well.)  Me, I prefer the fairy tale, where we all get to choose who and what we want to be.  And one thing I definitely choose is to look FABULOUS!!!!

  • Gown:  Poet’s Heart – Elise.  I’m finding it very difficult to put the style of this dress into words… it has medieval elegance but with what I consider a very modern touch in the openwork on top.  With the big hip billows (I have no idea what the proper term is for those!) & the huge bow at the back, it has a young feel… but again that openwork adds a definite touch of maturity.  I’m going to dub it as “informed innocence” (she IS reading a book after all).  Whatever the style moniker though, Elise is a beautiful addition to any fantasy closet!  Do note that the lace top is BOM only; two different lace patterns are included in both black & white versions.   She is sized only for Maitreya & Petite, though she fit my Legacy body with just the top deformer.  Elise comes in different color packs — all of which include black, white, grey, & off-white — or as a fatpack.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize the gown color, the sleeve & collar edge, & the color for that huge bow in the back. See the ad below for some examples of what other looks can be done.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of We Love Role Play, opening tomorrow July 4th. Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Arcana – Raine, worn in Blossom
  • Hair:  D!va – Iris
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Artemis
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX; Demicorn – CandyHearts Eyeshadows; GoreGlam – Superlove Gloss
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Bridal Lace Wings
  • Pose:  Amitie – Library Poses (modified)
  • Location:  The Lost Unicorn Gallery

Fae’s First Look at Fantasy Faire 2022

Posted on by cejalaval

http://First Look at Fantasy Faire Part B

 

http://Fae's First Look at Fantasy Faire Part A

http://The Clouded Mountains at Fantasy Faire

“The Fairelands have returned from the Mists; twenty fantasy worlds forming a circle of lands, a chain of people across the many realms. Welcome home, Fairelanders!”

I can’t tell you how my heart soared when I read these words on the Fantasy Faire 2022 website!  As a fae, this is the most absolute best event of the year.  So many designers, so much creativity, the sheer breadth of what these artistic souls create first in their imagination and then in all its virtual glory, it’s staggering.  As an official blogger (yay!!!!) I started seeing a few items this past week; we had early access in the fairelands ONE day early… I spent my entire time just visiting every one of the 20, yes 20!!!!,  Fairelands… it seems like each one elicited a heartfelt “wow, this is my favorite”.  A taste of 20 different worlds, staggeringly different…  To me, there’s nothing like creating a character or scene with just a few of the amazing things items available at the Faire… and to think that as a Relay for Life (RFL) event, the whole impetus behind it is to help bring another fantasy world into being, a world free of cancer.  I am so thrilled, so honored, so humbled, so proud, to be even the teeniest part of this fabulous event.  The Faire just opened April 21st and the portals remain open through May 8th…

To quote from the website, “The Faire has long been considered the premier annual shopping event for fantasy-themed merchandise in Second Life, showcasing fantasy avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets, and exclusive items by 250 of the grid’s top fantasy creators. In addition, Faire visitors enjoy dance and theater performances; attend auctions, art galleries, and a Literary and Film Festival; and share in an interactive quest and roleplaying events and classes.”   For anyone who spends time in this virtual environment of ours, whether you play as fantasy or “reality” it doesn’t matter, seeing the imaginations at work here is an absolute must… I’ll see you there, but I can’t say if you’ll recognize me!!!!  And I’m off, back to the Faire!!!!

  • Outfit:  Petrichor – Togruah.  NEW! at Fantasy Faire, Togruah is a leather huntress outfit designed with dark, rich silks & embossing.  All parts (the vest, bodysuit w/belts, arms, legs, & boots) have individual HUDS with seemingly a zillion choices for each detail & are show/hide.  Sized for Legacy, Lara, Jupra, Freya, & Ebody, Togruah can be purchased as a full set or as individual pieces (top & collar; sleeves; skirt & panty), EXCLUSIVELY at Fantasy Faire open April 21st through May 8th.  Demo available. TP direct to their location in the Carnelian Archive (which they’ve sponsored!!!) HERE.
  • Accessories:  Poet’s Heart – Lunar Staff & Jewelry.  The staff includes a version with a hold animation, another for the back, & one “as is”.  The jewelry set includes earrings, crown, halo, necklace (not shown), & armbands (not shown).  There are two different versions of both the staff & the jewelry, with different HUDs to change all the elements (one of each is an RFL edition; see the ads below).  The version of the staff I’m holding is an incredible Quest Hunt Gift.  EXCLUSIVELY at Fantasy Faire open April 21st through May 8th.  TP direct to their location in Mythspire Ridge HERE.
  • Skin:  Soul – Lianna – Dantela.  Stunning skin with darker shading on the head (including the forehead & by the eyes), the shoulders, down the sides of the neck, as well as the outer arms & legs.  Full skin set & tattoos includes BOM versions for EvoX & classic heads with Legacy, Belleza, Chai, Maitreya, Slink & Universal body skin as well as several ear versions + brow/no brow, muscled/toned, & more.  The pink version I’m wearing is the RFL EXCLUSIVE at Fantasy Faire,  open April 21st through May 8th (there’s a male version for the guys as well).  Other skin tones for both male & female available at 25% OFF.   TP direct to their location in Atheneum HERE.  Demo available.
  • Location:  at the Fantasy Faire, Faireland – The Clouded Mountains (the Fairelands Quest Region)
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel
  • Hair:  KMH – Hair F177
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose:   Black Tulip – The Ice Queen

 

Steampunk Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Steampunk Fae

Steampunk is so interesting.  The whole concept of steam-powered technology developing in a Jules Verne-type way throughout society (I explained it to my husband as “a society built upon 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea technology”).  Online I found two definitions:  (1)  a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery,  and (2) a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features inspired by science fiction.  Years ago in SL (and I DO mean years; I’ve been inworld since 2007!!) steampunk was a definite subculture with themed residential areas, shops, and more.  Then — as did many of the other subcultures like Gor and the elves — it waned, to the point where it was rare to come across an avatar without actually visiting a defined steampunk area of which only a few remained.  As with other fantasy roleplaying communities, it appears to be undergoing a renaissance.  One signal is that steampunk now has its own ongoing event, which I just recently learned is actually a blend of Steampunk/Aetherpunk/Dieselpunk (who knew about all these?!?).  The Engine Room event has been running for a few years now, and based upon the crowds I’ve run across there appears to be gaining in popularity!  Although mixing a fae into it might not be acceptable in some communities, I’ve seen some where it would be (sure,  there are plenty of MECHANICAL wings, but natural? rare indeed). There was even a streaming series (Carnival Row) that blended the ideas of fantasy races with a steampunk like society, although it was way different than such a simple concept as that lol.  Besides, the whole backstory to my avatar is that she is the product of a rebellious romantic union between lovers from different cultures who sometimes has to struggle to be accepted, so even though the mix may be different, the concept remains the same.  In any case, visiting the world of steampunk is fun and interesting, full of “what if’s”.   I especially love the submarines and the airships, and of course being me, I spent a lot of time playing with the fashion!  I had so much fun with this… maybe you would too!

  • Gown:  Poet’s Heart – Beatrice.  Bow tie & modesty blouse are optional. Ianthe comes in three “texture” packs of 16 colors each or a fatpack of all 51.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize the main fabric, the secondary fabric, the tail (which can also be turned off entirely), the collar & cuffs, the modesty blouse (if worn), the buttons, & the bow tie (again if worn).  She is sized only for Maitreya & Petite, though since she comes with an alpha she fit my Legacy body perfectly (with no deformers).   The combinations are seemingly endless so that this one outfit can be worn multiple times & look totally different each time.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Engine Room, open March 20th – April 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Heaux – Mikaela
  • Hair:  KUNI – Minha
  • Eyes:  Samia – Lana
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows; Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Shoes:  Eudora3d – Steampunk Boots
  • Pose:  Diversion – Ice Maiden
  • Location:  Arcadia Asylum Library