Tag: SL Fashion Blog

Everyone is Special in Their Own Way

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Everyone Is Special in Their Own Way

The holidays can be a tough time for so many.  It shines a spotlight on the differences between the haves and the have-nots, but it goes far beyond material possessions.  What it really highlights is the chasm between those who have family and loved ones to gather near, and those who are struggling through life more on their own.  And even for those WITH family, it can stress the sometimes fragile ties, the competition, the one-up-man-ship.  It’s important to remember not just for yourselves but for those around you that we all have our special unique gifts, some might be more overt, more obvious, more “flashy”, but we are all unique individuals and that uniqueness alone is invaluable.  This is all jumbling around in my brain because somehow this pic made me think about how Rudolph’s bright nose leading the pack might have given rise to feelings of inadequacy on the part of the other reindeer (even though they were the ones who had originally teased and ostracized him for his uniqueness).  We all share the same doubts and fears about our “gifts”; we all look at what others have and feel inadequate in some way.  And yes, these are pretty broad assumptions, but it’s a good reminder for myself when I find myself slipping into comparison mode…  which is sure to happen as I head home for the holidays this year.  My sermon is done lol… now off for that last-minute holiday shopping!!! Happy holidays and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GuGuVaGa Fashion  (GGVG) – FIA Sweater & Pants & Belt.  This outfit so effortlessly combines style with comfort that I feel about it the way I feel about most from this designer, namely I wish it came in my size IRL.  The cowl neck hi-lo sweater has a relaxed fit with fabulous “double breasted” lacing; the jeans are perfectly lo-cut (not too low, not too high), flaring below the knee, with an optional belt.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya, both the pants & the tops are EXCLUSIVELY at the December Swank Event, open Dec 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Besom – Aidia
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Clix Poses – Reindeer Games

All I Want for Christmas is You

Posted on by cejalaval

http://All I Want for Christmas is You

Are holiday songs and jingles stuck in your head yet? I’m certainly not spending a lot of time in stores shopping (I can’t even remember the last time I was at an indoor mall, definitely pre-COVID), and yet I seem to be surrounded by holiday music.  It’s at the market, the pharmacy, tv commercials, telephone on holds, and, of course, all over Second Life (and there I DO spend quite a bit of time at events, which are the equivalent of online malls!).  I haven’t had my traditional watching of Love Actually yet; I’ll probably do that with my daughter when visiting in upstate NY for Christmas, but I definitely have its music on the brain…  so much of SL just puts me in that holiday frame of mind, especially when all dressed up in what definitely feels like winter finery, although it’s certainly appropriate for any formal occasion (or non-occasion) year-round.  Well I’m off to the weekend sales!!!  Happy shopping!!!!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams – Bella Gown in white.   Sophisticated glamour with perfect fit & style!  A drop-dead gorgeous back, optional fur bolero & separate fur sleeves (all subtly moving when you do) that create the most alluring shoulders, small skirts for that romantic swirl around the mermaid bottom… & the SHINE!  This gorgeous gown includes a shine material effect that is just so stunning, you need to see it in action as you move & it catches the light.  Also includes the crown & a tattoo of pearls down that stunningly exposed back.  Sized for Hourglass, Legacy, Belleza F/I/V & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  D!va– Helen
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set; LuxRebel – Elmas Eyeshadow
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Kardia Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Bibi
  • Set:  T-Spot Home & Garden Center – The Christmas Path

Wondrous Winter

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Wondrous Winter

It’s been just about a year-and-a-half since I awoke from my deep slumber and was reborn as a blogger of fantasy.  Although it’s definitely taken some adjustment and lots and lots and LOTS of trial and error, resulting in repeated revisions and updating, I have to say that this fae has finally reached a place of happiness.  Yes, yes,  there will still be lots of changes in the future, a fae needs to change and grow and evolve just like everybody else.  The fact is, though, I still find this world of SL fantasy so wonderful and exciting, I enjoy agonizing over every detail, every search for the perfect accessory or pose or setting.  And fantasy in SL seems to be growing and growing…  years ago, its popularity was in a steep downward spiral, especially after the elven migration to Inworldz (I went too for a little while), and I had lost my will to live in that diminishing space.  But now!!!!!  The love of fantasy seems to be growing by leaps and bounds, which you can see just by looking at all the new fabulous designers making totally unique creations… and this in turn has given birth to several events dedicated to this world we love.  I am soooo very thrilled that I have been accepted as a blogger for one of the newest events centered around roleplay, The Narrative.  Filled with fabulous fantasy finds (giggles at the triple alliteration), it’s definitely a don’t miss event for everyone who can appreciate the beauty and wonder of fantasy in this second life we share.

  • Gown:  Viki – Danana.  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis, Venus, & Maitreya, Danana is available in 8 colors or as a fatpack.  100% Original & Material Enabled, she is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE for 25% OFF at the December round of The Narrative, December 1st – 30th. Demo available.
  • Facepaint:  FORMME – Rothvid.  Includes two layers that separate the yellow & green paint so that they can be applied together or separately.  Made for EvoX + BOM.  EXCLUSIVE at the December round of The Narrative, December 1st – 30th.  See the close-up below for the stunning detail!
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel Collection
  • Skin:  Heaux – Mikaela
  • Hair:  KMH – CP008
  • Horns:  A*S – Laure (includes laurel leaves)
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX
  • Pose:  Black Tulip Poses – The Ice Queen
  • Location:  Peaceful Moments

First Snow

Posted on by cejalaval

http://First Snow

Snow is one of those things that when you get it, you don’t want it, but when there isn’t any, you yearn for the romance of it, especially that very first snow of the season.  In my family, I had established a tradition of making beef stew whenever the first snow falls (later snowfalls are optional, but the first of the season is MANDATORY).  Now that I’m a Floridian, snow will never be in our local weather forecast, so I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to it on the web.  We are heading up north for Christmas, so fingers crossed that we get enough snow to make it beautiful (and to get my beef stew!) but not so much that our flights are delayed.  At this point though, I’m struggling to look forward to ANYTHING… I got my COVID booster yesterday, and I am just soooooo sick.  It’s taking all the fun out of everything… hopefully this will be short-lived and I can return to holiday shopping!  Enjoy!

  • Dress:  Blackstone – Beatrice Dress.  I LOVE the cut of this little dress with bolero (not separate), the cut-outs at the chest & on the arms accented with buttons, & how it shows off my curves while still maintaining that touch of class. 15 color options, mix & match only in the fatpack for the top of the dress, the body of the dress, & the buttons. Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, & Reborn.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December round of Swank Event, open Dec 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Molichino – Dixon
  • Pose:  Lyrium – First Snow Series

As the Sun Sets on Autumn

Posted on by cejalaval

http://As the Sun Sets on Autumn

We’ve been having such a glorious spate of weather here in Florida.  Sitting out on the patio this morning, drinking my coffee, watching all the birds on the pond, reminds me of one of the major reasons behind last year’s move.  The regret of not being surrounded by all those brilliant the autumnal colors has been greatly ameliorated because it’s been everywhere here on the grid, not the least at my SL home.  I went a bit overboard (as usual I suppose) and made it an autumn showplace… it’s a good thing I didn’t have to actually rake up all those fallen leaves that almost covered the ground lol!  But now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, snow has overtaken Second Life, seemingly overnight.  I’m winterizing my own land… it’s my first winter at this lot, so it’s a lot of trial and error to see what works, especially since I have way fewer prims than previously.  But it’s definitely time to say goodbye to all fabulous fall colors and backgrounds, and move into the new season…  I’ll miss you autumn!!! But I know that I’ll see you again next year… now for snow!!!!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Teagan Pantsuit.   What a fabulous fall outfit, perfect for the fabulousness of the season!  Larke includes the cropped jacket with ruffled lapels & buttoned wrists, high waisted pants with large double button deco, a tube top, & matching heels… all of which you customize color for separately (including the metal on the buttons).  Sized for Legacy,  Freya, Isis, Tonic, & Maitreya.  She’s available in 5 individual colors, in a 5-texture Slimpack (tube top is 6), or a Fatback of 10 (tube top is 12), all with 100% Original Textures.  EXCLUSIVELY at the December 2Much event, Nov 29th – Dec 16th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Bellami
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup:  Heron – Jade Lipstick
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Mesh Rounded Long Cool
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Samsara Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Autumn Moments

A light in dark places…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Light in Dark Places

OK, so it’s not quite the light of  Earendil, but then I’m no hobbit… just a fae wondering what’s making that noise out there in the dark.  I’ve been noticing that I feel a bit defenseless when not in warrior mode, missing my sword or bow or magical weaponry.  But it’s not always appropriate to walk around armed, so instead I need to rely on my senses to protect me from whatever might want to harm me or those under my protection.  But this is life in medieval times… weapons need to be at hand, or we need to stay near home for even a modicum of safety.  And we always ALWAYS need to stay somewhat alert and on guard.

  • Dress:  Poet’s Heart – Earl Ingstad.   I have to admit that I shied away from this outfit when I first saw it, as not being fae enough for my style.  Wow, was I ever wrong!!!!  Yes, it’s more medieval than fae, & it’s more high-necked than I generally wear, but it’s such a uniquely wonderful look with elven detailing along the bottom edge of the dress, the sleeves, & up the front, & I totally LOVE the fur stole!!!  It really fits medieval life when that chill is in the air & central heating hasn’t been invented.  Earl Ingstad comes in four color packs or a fatpack of all 19 colors.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize the dress, the waist banding, the front, the fur, & metal for the fur chains separately, so you can change up the look as much as you’d like.  She is sized only for Maitreya & Hourglass (though she fits Legacy perfectly on me), & is available in the Casual Fantasy room at the mainstore. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel Collection
  • Skin:  Heaux – Mikaela
  • Hair:   Fantavatar & Moonstruck Oblivion – Costanza D’Altavilla
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Trinket Horns
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Splash Wings
  • Pose:  Black Tulip – The Ice Queen
  • Prop:  Strelka x Clover – Imperial Beacon
  • Location:  Defiant Empire

Sitting Pretty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sitting Pretty

Sighs, my wings are drooping, I’m so tired from all the holiday shopping… the “standard” weekend sales are often exhausting, but all these Black Friday sales???  Not to mention that SL had to throw it’s own brand of action into the mix, making it extremely sloooooooow to attach/detach anything, so trying on demos (which is a must, since no amount of fairy dust will fix something that just doesn’t work on my head, my body, my shape, and so on).  I’m just going to sit pretty for a bit, relax and unwind with a bit of nature and some furry friends to replenish my spirit and my strength.  I see more shopping ahead, but for now, a much needed break to enjoy some of my recent fantastic finds.  May a little fairy dust brighten your shopping excursions in the days ahead!!!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Mya.  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, Mya comes in 5 individual colors in a choice of two variations — solid colors vs print.  Whichever you choose, the outfit consists of what I’ll call an enhanced bralette with big metal accents, an optional stole, a loincloth with a fabulous metal studded belt, & a legband. Matching armbands & boots are sold separately to complete the look.  Brand-new, Mya is  EXCLUSIVELY at the November round of We Love Roleplay, ending soon!  Demo available. See the ad below for a full-length shot.
  • Skin & Eyes:  Petrichor – Vyrian Galaxy Skin in Elldoris.  Highly detailed, simply GORGEOUS marked skins featuring a “skin splash” & crystal sparkles for a totally different fantasy look.  Available in 25 (!!!) colors in both female & male versions. Includes applier & BOM versions together with mesh Goliryn Eyes for a totally out-of-this-world look. Demos of all colors are at the main store.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RUST 
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows Eyeliner; Zibska – Saro DK eye makeup (Group Gift), Olek Makeup, Kharis Lips
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; Angelicus Collection – Blue hearts jugendstil jewelry
  • Pose:  Angel’s Art Pose – Sitting Pretty!

It’s Time to Give Thanks

Posted on by cejalaval

http://It's Time to Give Thanks

The night before Thanksgiving… I’m exhausted, my back aches, my feet are throbbing.  We’ve been hosting for decades, and although it’s gotten easier in some ways, in others it’s always as overwhelming as ever.  This is the first time hosting in our new home (well we did it last year, but we’d just moved in and it was only four of us, so it kind of didn’t count).  That means that a lot of the old ways of doing things just don’t work any more, necessitating a lot more “figuring it out” rather than following the tried and true… creating added stress.  That said, I want to acknowledge how very much I have to be thankful for…  yes, it’s been a tough year, my mom’s severe decline and subsequent death were a large part of that, as have several health issues.  I’m still sitting here waiting for some potentially serious results; my husband has surgery coming up in January.  But we love our new home, we’ve made some wonderful friends (some of whom are coming tomorrow!), and we’re both keeping active and busy (modified by the aforementioned health issues, but what can you do).  I know that we’re in much better shape than so many others, and I am truly thankful for all that we have and all we enjoy.  We try to give back, and will continue to look for new ways in which to do that.  But for now, it’s time to put my feet up… still hours of cooking and cleaning and setting up to look forward to tomorrow.  But Turkey Day is my favorite holiday, so the aches and pains feel good in a strange way, since they are all for the best cause in the world — friends and family.  Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Meghan Beaded Dress.   This stylish little dress with a plunging v-neck has open beading along the neck edge, at the waist, & just above the elbows.  It comes with matching heels & a c-string.  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra, & Maitreya, she features a subtle floral embellishment & comes in 5 individual colors, in a 5-texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 10, all with 100% Original Textures.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Black Friday Bazaar, an Evil Bunny Production, open from Nov 21st through Dec 1st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Limerence – Camila
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner; Synergy – Lagos HD Eyeshadow; Goreglam – Pantomime Gloss
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Harmony Heart Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Madelaine
  • Decor:  Aphrodite Shop – Thanksgiving Buffet; Oddfish – Simple Fall Bunting & Banners

Let’s Take This Party Somewhere Private

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Let's Take This Party Somewhere Private

I find putting together looks to be so interesting.  I guess that’s why I’m primarily a fashion blogger.  It sometimes amazes me how changing a hairstyle or adding different jewelry can completely change not necessarily the look of an outfit but definitely the feel.  Take this outfit for instance (which to me is simply to die for!)… I almost went with a more sophisticated, more classic sideswept updo… it looked lovely BUT the outfit was calling out to me to be a little bit edgier, and for me the pixie cut added that touch of rebel.  Then that evoked thoughts of parties, and meeting people, and so on, and so on…  and a new photo shoot is born!!!  Well, I’m scrunched for time in the pre-Thanksgiving cooking madness, so I’m off for some last-minute shopping inworld (LOVE the weekend sales for all those little things that help a blogger out!), and then back to dealing with the real world… Happy Shopping!

  • Outfit:  zOOm – Sylvanas Outfit.  Sized for Legacy, Freya, & Maitreya, this awesome 3-piece outfit — Lace Top, high waist pants with tie belt, & open, cropped jacket with a dangling tie in back — includes a 3-texture HUD for each piece.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the November Swank Event, open Nov 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles:  WOW Skins – Evo-X Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Orli
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Jewelry:  Zibska – Emma Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Reve Obscura (R!O!) – Mood (modified)
  • Location:  New York – Manhattan

Always Time for Wine

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Always Time for Wine

I often find myself wondering how much time other bloggers spend editing their photos.  I actually lack the skills to do more than cropping, basic enhancing (adding clarity & contrast), & then maybe blurring the background a bit to make the subject stand out more.  Where I struggle at times is with white balance and with brightness… not enough brightness overall or in the highlights and the pic is dull; too much and all you notice is the light.  I know that I often see pix on FlickR that I think are fabulous EXCEPT that they’re too washed out, or too dark, or too bright, and I don’t want mine to suffer from any of those issues.  I wish there was an easy tutorial, and in fact there may well be one… I THINK that what I need to learn how to use are masks, but I’m not sure, and what I’ve seen has confused me and made my head spin.  And I don’t use PhotoShop, which probably doesn’t help matters.  That said, I’m trying very very hard to get away from hours in post-editing since I spend a ridiculous amount of time DOING each photo shoot, between setting up a shot, playing with angles, and then experimenting with a gazillion windlights with/without body lights.  Bottom line though, if I’m not happy with the final result, I very very rarely will publish, but will instead throw it in the trash and start all over (one reason why I’ve had to cut back on sponsors… I’m too much of a perfectionist and simply refuse to put out a blog just to meet numbers.)  And on that note, I think I’ll finish my glass of wine and then get back to some holiday shopping! Happy shopping!!!

  • Outfit:  GuGuVaGa Fashion  (GGVG) – Aki Pants & Tops.  Sold separately, this is one of those outfits that fits both my SL & my real life style (if only it came in my size lol).  One of the things I love about GGVG is that each piece doesn’t just come with a color HUD but you also get to choose what fabric texture you prefer… I’m wearing the sleeveless tank in Knit & the pants in Twill, & of course chose autumnal colors.  Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Classic TMP, & Maitreya, both the pants & the tops are EXCLUSIVELY at the November Swank Event, open Nov 7th – 30th.  Demos available.
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Flor Set 2.  Wonderful way to incorporate a tiny bit of floral into your look, this set is HUD driven with 10 metal versions & 2×8 gem options (choose separate textures for the center gem & for those on the rim!), 100% resizable mesh.  Available in 6 different color sets (see one example below) or as a fatpack. EXCLUSIVELY available at the November Swank Event, open Nov 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles:  WOW Skins – Evo-X Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Tram – F919
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Pose:  Diversion – Wine O’Clock Poses