Tag: SL Fashion Blog

Sandcastles

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sandcastles

It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged male fashion.  To be honest, there’s just not as much male fashion out there as there is for women, so finding the gems that make me want to blog this instead of that is pretty difficult.  That said, this shirt just made me do it!  It’s not easy finding Hawaiian-style shirts with that casually relaxed masculine vibe. This shirt definitely made me take more than a second look, and it absolutely demanded to be blogged.  I’d love to come up with some clever line tieing it in to sand castles, but it’s testing my creativity at the moment… it’s early and I need coffee, so I’ll let you create your own metaphors…  Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  AnaSTyle – Alessio Tropical Shirt.   In 6 tropical & floral textures, available individually or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, & Signature Gianni.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Skin:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Justin
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey
  • Pose:  IDK Poses – Pack #88, pose 5
  • Sandcastle:  Careless – Sand Castle

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)

A Poet’s Heart

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Poet's Heart

I get so excited when I have the opportunity to blog something that falls under “fantasy,” although I guess some would argue that EVERYTHING in Second Life fits under that headline.  But for me, there is a very obvious difference… the world of fantasy is one that doesn’t reflect modern life, so it includes all the fantasy creatures (fairies, elves, mermaids, centaurs, furries, and more), as well as medieval, steampunk, and futuristic genres. I’m sure there are more that aren’t coming to mind, but the point is that they all represent things that just don’t fit into our everyday existence.  As I’ve said previously, many years ago I had created an alt to play in SL as a fae, rather than “dress up” my regular avatar.  Doing fantasy as Ceja felt like wearing a costume; dressing in my fantasy clothes as Thea felt more “real” and part of every day because it’s just who she was.   Back when the Fantasy Faire was happening, I was excited to revive and update my fae existence, and now really yearn to blog more fantasy.  I’m SOOO thrilled to have a new fantasy sponsor, Poet’s Heart, that will truly help me spread my wings and fly!  Just the first post of what I promise to be many more!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Jane.  A simple but beautiful gown, with optional sleeves & a HUD that offers total ability to customize the look, by changing the not just the color of the gown, nut also your choice of solid & patterned textures for the corset, colors for the laces on the corset, the lace edging, & even the metallic details.  See the pic below for a full-length shot of this stunning outfit.  It’s sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available in a Floral Pack, a Goth Pack, a Happy Pack, a Virginal Pack, a Lively Pack, or a full Fatpack.  So many looks from one outfit, it truly is a fantasy!
  • Accessories:  Melt – Peony Necklace in Plum; Fae Headdress in Purple (gacha items)
  • Shoes:  Rogue Echo – Vita Light Heels
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  Soul – Jalyn, Ranitormeya V2 Skin, in the FF20 tone
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Symphonia
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr Horns Fatpack
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Lipstick:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Nightmare Lippies (Genus Appliers)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Floral Lace Wings
  • Pose (full-length shot):  Stardust – Aurelia #5
  • Location:  Farhaven

The temperature’s rising… is yours?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The temperature's rising... is yours?

Sex. In a lot of ways it makes the world go round.  After more than 30 years in advertising and marketing, I know for a fact how much it’s used to sell products and services, whether blatantly or subtly.  It might be even more true in our online world.  We all reveal much more of our bodies than we would (hopefully anyway!) in daily life.  A lot of styles IMHO are just downright slutty.  Now don’t get me wrong, dressing that way can be a lot of fun, especially considering how perfect our bodies can be in SL, it’s just generally not my style.  But that doesn’t mean that I go the demure route, either.  I’ve created almost a Marilyn Monroe-curvy body, I definitely like dressing sexy, and when you pair those with a sexy pose, I guess some would say I’ve crossed over to the slutty side.  Me, I define it more as creating a sense of temptation.   Yeah yeah, playing semantics, I know.  The bottom line is that it’s all about attitude, and that is absolutely something I’ve got a ton of lol!  Great items in the sexy vein that are available now include:

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Moxie Jacket, Shorts & Heels.  With a belted blazer over a pair of shorts with dynamite heels, this is definitely a sexy look that can create its own heat wave!  Blazer in 10 colors HUD driven, with grey shorts (matches the belt & lapels), black heels, & a black choker.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Designer Showcase, July 5th – 28th.
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo.  Tats for both upper & lower, in fresh/light/medium, both BOM & Omega. EXCLUSIVE at the new round of the 4 Seasons Event, opening TODAY July 15th – 29th.
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Tram – F728
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Cosmetize – The Charlie’s Angels Collection
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Deep Gel
  • Jewelry:  NO MATCH – NO.DIAMOND loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Po^Z – Babe 1
  • Backdrop:  irrISIStible – Backdrop Dust Spring

Show-off

Posted on by cejalaval

http://You're showing off again!

As much as I believe that when you’ve got it, flaunt it, there are times when it really irks me that I have to work really hard for something that comes so naturally to others.  And no, I’m not getting on a soapbox today… I was just thinking how at least as humans we CAN work at it.  In the animal kingdom, it seems almost more unfair that the males of the species get to make all the exciting displays while the females tend to be rather dull, though I know it’s all in order to attract and win a female so that they can mate.  It’s kind of funny that with humans it’s more the opposite… it’s the women who don all the plumage in order to attract the males.  (And yes, I DO know that it goes both ways, but women tend to do a whole lot more, even if some would contest that men do as much, we all know what society demands!)  Bottom line though, just a fun pic with a fun message… and some great items for sale at events!

  • Outfit:   WellMade – Chilla Outfit.  Light, summery, stylish, with a HUD that includes 20 pastelly & brighter shades for the patterned top, 20 matching solids for the belt, & your choice of black or white for the skirt. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza Freya, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My COBELLI in Orange.  Awesome looking, almost a “bag in a bag” with an outer semi-translucent “shell” over the inner colored bag,  together with round, gold handles.  Such a great look!  My Cobelli is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  Available in 9 colors, EXCLUSIVELY at this month’s eBento which ends on July 30th.  Comes with both an arm & a hand hold plus a no-pose version to more easily use the bag with other animations.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Cosmetize – The Charlie’s Angels
  • Nails:  Madpea – Iconic Heat Polish
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – True Hearts Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Mosquito’s Way – Alexis
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Aya #6
  • Backdrop:  PALETO – Backdrop Civita (animated peacocks NOT included, but vendor is unknown)

Down the Rabbit Hole

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Down the Rabbit Hole

I’ve always had a special affinity for Alice in Wonderland.  In elementary school, I was often called Alison Wonderland (meant derogatively, of course), but it never bothered me because I secretly liked it.  (I didn’t like it as much when they called my best friend and I Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, but hey, it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as what some other kids got). I loved the story and its drug-fueled imagination (of course, I didn’t understand the drug angle until much later), falling through a hole into a new world, kind of like Dorothy landing in Oz.  Alice was never my favorite character though; I always loved the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat.  So when I saw this outfit for the Down the Rabbit Hole event — which is a really fun theme, and no, you don’t have to drink anything or shrink small to go! — I knew it was mine to blog.  And I do mean MINE, not my alt who does the fantasy blogging, but MINE.  I mean come on… the provided hair is RED, and that means it’s MINE.  What a relief knowing that I definitely have the perfect outfit all set for Halloween!!!

  • Outfit:  BWC – Mad Hatter.  A totally unique, adorably sexy creation, that includes absolutely everything you need for a complete outfit — the jacket, the corset, panties, thigh high stockings, leg garters, heels, hat, choker, even the hair!  Lots of great little touches, like the card in the hatband & the pocket watch sticking out. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Tonic, eBody, Ocacin, TMP, Maitreya, & Fitmesh. You should note that not all items come in all sizes, but by using my alpha & the fitmesh for the corset (there’s no HG for that), it fit perfectly! But since all bodies are different, be sure to try the demo first.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Down the Rabbit Hole, an Evil Bunny production, open from July 11th – 21st.
  • 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 Cashew
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Pose:  Diversion – Urban Girl
  • Location:  Enchanted Fantasy (awesome store for Fairytale Landscapes & Decorations)

Out of Africa

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Out of Africa

I’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari. Definitely NOT because I like big game hunting, far from it; in fact, it disturbs me no end.  No my dream is more photographic in nature, to go on a camera safari, see all the animals in the wild the way they SHOULD be, and capture the sprawling beauty of the scenery.  That fantasy is even more powerful now that it no longer means really roughing it.  So many of the camera safaris are ultra-luxurious these days, with great food and deluxe accommodations.  However, since that also means that they’re ultra-expensive, my African photography adventure will necessarily be limited to what I can find here on the grid.  This sim I found is pretty fantastic… I was all set up for my shot, had even taken my first few, when the elephant wandered over and photo-bombed me!  Not that I’m complaining, right?  Here’s a list of everything that I used to create my photo…  Who knows? Maybe they’ll figure into your dreams as well…

  • Outfit:  Pink Fairy – Juicy Set.   An intensely sexy 2-piece dress (a crotch cover is ABSOLUTELY required & you  can’t be prudish in the least about half your butt showing lol!), the tribal print definitely is what set me dreaming of Africa.  It can really bring out the beast!  Available in a total of 3 textures, the dress is sized for Hourglass, Freya, & Lara. EXCLUSIVE at the upcoming round of the 4 Seasons Event, opening July 15th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:   Vanity – Jewelled
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Cashew
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Summer Eyeshadows, at The Liaison Collaborative
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Ballerina Long Tinny
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Rixa
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Boho Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Kokoro – Kesia, #5 (includes drink prop)
  • Location:  JAMBO! A Voyage to Africa

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)