Tag: SLPhotography

Should I get two?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://How many should I get?

Aaaargh! Thanksgiving is less than a week away; my company arrives day after tomorrow (eek!), Black Friday sales have started, and I have so much blogging to do!  Breathe, breathe, breathe… one step at a time… It can be so hard to make even simple decisions when fixated on dwindling time.  But if it’s one thing I’ve learned both in blogging AND in real life is that rushing simply does not work out well.  How many times have you thought you didn’t have time to do something but somehow you always find the time to go back and fix it (or at least try to)?  So, deep breath, relax, and go escape into my wonderful fantasy world, and create another look, another character, another scene… it’s a phenomenal way to escape all the stress.  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:   Ghee – Paola.   What a great little set for the fall! A three-quarter-sleeved jacket with a matching mini skirt over the softest-looking ribbed sweater (velour?)… I love the way the sleeves show!  It all looks so comfy yet totally stylish.  Available in 4 colors (black, purple, blue, & brown), each of which includes 4 colors for the sweater (black, white, pink, & red), or as a fatpack.  Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Hourglass, Physique, Freya, Isis, Venus, & Tonic, Paola is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Nov round of Designer Showcase, open through Nov 25th.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  Monso – Pink
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Hype – Something Eyeshadow; Sequoia – Madalina Eyeshadow; Top1Salon – Nataluxe Lipstick
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Mesh Ballerina Long Soft
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Valencia Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Bag:  DDL Accessories – Rule
  • Boots:  KC Couture – Heda Boots
  • Location:  Backdrop City (Tropix – Ikusa Vending Machine)

Missing You

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Missing You

So I’m afraid today is going to be a bit of a rant.  What is it about baring your breasts on Flickr lately?  And I don’t mean as part of a shot, but as the only purpose of the shot?  I post my pix to a lot of award groups because just like many posters, I like to get faves and awards, and as a blogger, it’s almost mandatory.  When I first started blogging back in 2017, I took those awards way too seriously, getting depressed if faves or awards didn’t happen.  My first blogger manager taught me something exceptionally important, that I needed to be doing photoshoots for ME… I was the one who needed to like my pix, and that I needed to shoot for MY tastes and to create a personal style.  Then sponsors could decide if that style worked for them or not.  Awards would happen or not.  Followers would happen or not.  But as long as I was happy with my work, then all was good.  And there are plenty of totally awesome bloggers and photographers and artists on Flickr who are truly inspiring, where I study their shots as to exactly WHAT it is that makes me go “WOW” and try to incorporate that if it melds with my own style.   BUT, and it’s an increasingly big BUT, those awesome pix are being too often buried under a ton of pix that are submitted to “artistic” and “blogging” award groups when it’s just a straight snapshot of partial or total nudity. Granted, everyone has their own taste, but taking off your clothes and standing there in front of a colored screen just to show off huge boobs does not constitute art… and unless you’re blogging skin or a body shape or  nipple add-ons etc., it’s not blogging.  There are some groups I actually had to leave because I was struggling to find anything I could  award.  I don’t want to resort to giving awards WITHOUT FAVING the photo, but that’s what it’s coming to.  There are plenty of groups for flaunting your body parts, and yes again, your taste is not necessarily my taste, but come on folks.  I moderate two groups (one fashion and one for wings) and I can’t even begin to tell you how many fully naked shots are submitted to both.  What a waste of time denying them all.  OK, rant ended, and I’ve gotten this pet peeve off my chest (no pun intended)… Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Le’La – Lowri.  Personally I find that blazers modified slightly into a dress are exceptionally sexy.  It must be something about the modification of a “businessy” look into an outfit that definitely suggests getting busy in a totally different way!  Lowri is a beautifully styled blazer dress with matching open toed stiletto ankle boots.  She includes a 40 color HUD (solid & ombre, like I’m wearing), all with a beautiful sheen. You can set the color for the blazer itself, the blazer collar & pockets, the shoes, the shoe straps, & the metallic buttons (see the ad below).  Sized for Legacy+Perky, GenX Classic + Curvy, Maitreya+Petite, Kupra, Erika, & Reborn+Waifus, Lowri is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Nov round of Designer Showcase, open through Nov 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  tram – F728
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Nuve – Faith Eyeshadows
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Nails: Dalila – Gyda Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  IT! Indulge Temptation – Victorian Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXIt] – Mona
  • Backdrop:  FOXCITY – Photo Booth Cozy Lobby
  • Dog:  JIAN – Corgi Sable Sleeper
  • Man:  DisturbeD – Alfie Businessman Sitting

Coffee-flavored daydreams

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Coffee-flavored daydreams

I run on coffee IRL, and that addiction has certainly crept into my SL existence as well.  Coffee just fits so well into just about any situation, any setting, coordinating with any outfit.  However, there is definitely a side effect to doing a photo shoot with a cup of coffee… and that is how it almost mandates that I have its twin sitting within easy reach on my desk!  Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a problem, no issues whatsoever, it just is what it is lol!  Though here I am long finished with my shoot, and just looking at the pic and writing about it, well, you’ve probably guessed it… now I’m having a definite hankering for a cup!  In fact, it’s definitely a good idea, and I am off to go brew a cup.  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Maeve. Such a relaxed easy look! Includes a HUD with 12 options for the striped top & 12 for the solid skirt (see the ad below).  Sized for Legacy+Perky, GenX Classic + Curvy, Maitreya+Petite, Kupra+Khara, & Reborn+Waifus, Maeve is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Nov round of Designer Showcase, open through Nov 25th.  
  • Setting:  Dreamland Designs – New & exclusive items for the current SOS  SleptOn Sale, this weekend only from Nov 9 – 12th:
    • Wooden Forest Bench – available in adult & PG bento animations with self-rezzing props on singles sequences (one of which I’m using in the pic); adult animations include facials & speed control
    • Woodland Fire Pit – with sparks, crackling wood sounds & animated flames/smoke
    • Forest Pine Tree Scene – material enabled, the scene of pine trees & more is easily modified to shift trees, etc. as needed
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  WINGSDG – ES1101
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Nuve – Faith Eyeshadows
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Jewelry:  No.Match – NO_Diamond Loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Jora Boots

 

I have a confession to make…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://I have a confession to make

I messed up.  All it took was a small little vacation — a long weekend actually — to throw me off schedule.  Throw daylight savings time into the mix just a few days later (not to mention all the urgent pre-holiday meetings that are suddenly cropping up everywhere), well, all I can say is that I’m hanging my head in shame.  I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it, and I have to admit that I haven’t taken it off since.  Unfortunately, that helped contribute to my losing track of the date, and I am sadly very late to be showing you this amazing dress.  Please forgive me, but no delays, run off and try this for yourself, without delay!!!  While I go sit and think a while about schedules lol… Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Cristina.  What a look!  It’s so deceptively simple but the mock turtle on a slightly curved yoke on a tight ribbed knit minidress worn with a wide belt results in anything BUT a simple look. Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack (even the single textures include a HUD to change the color of the belt & there’s this amazing subtle sheen in certain windlights… rivets the eye!).  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Cristina is sized for Legacy, Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy), Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, & Love Momma.  She is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Reborn Event, through tomorrow Nov 7th, & then at the mainstore.  See the ad below; demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1;  Sequoia – Madalina BOM Eyeshadow
  • Tights:  friday creations – Heathered Tights
  • Jewelry:  Earthtones – Journey Circle set; Heartsdale Jewelry – Kumari Bangles; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  XTC – Belle Cheri

Crossing the Waters

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Crossing the Waters

It’s a mystery.  Once again, my total look, my “activity” is not what I had planned when I first put on what I feel is a truly awesome outfit.  Neither is my overall look for that matter.  Initially, I went with a greyish-green skin & some facepaint.  But it just felt “off”… the look was just not right for the feel of the outfit, and I couldn’t put my finger on it.   So I did what I generally do when stuck… I went shopping!  When I tried on this skin color,  the outfit screamed YES! Everything became clear… the facepaint was gone because this gorgeous outfit was not for actual fighting… it brought visions of socializing between engagements, off-duty, or peacetime. I was actually searching for something like having a tankard in an era-appropriate pub, when the outfit pulled me into stronger off-duty waters and then suddenly it felt RIGHT… like I was on a diplomatic or secret assignment that turned into a beautiful moment of diversion. .. and thus another “character” is born.  I’d love to write her story (as I’ve seen some bloggers do), but I sadly lack the time and the confidence to do so.  So on that note, I will continue my slow crossing of the waters to my mission(personal or professional? hmmm I wonder) on the other side.  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Legend.  I love this outfit, once again so different, so detailed, it’s like it just walked out of a historical setting!  Designed (& sold) in 3 pieces — the outfit (shown in the ad below) complete with the jacket & the shoulder ornamentation; the armbands (in matching colors to the outfit); the boots (in black or brown).  Available in 5 colors plus a LIMITED EDITION. Sized for Legacy & Maitreya, she is 100% original mesh; demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Guapa – Elvira in Phyton  (Velour Body Skin)
  • Hair:  Wasabi – Fiji (currently at the Fallen Gods Festival)
  • Horns:  Venge – Celest
  • Eyes: lovelysweet – Hunter
  • Ears:  Venge – Ear Blushing
  • Jewelry:  KUMIHO – Alary Jeweled Circlet
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose & Backdrop:  FOXCITY – Calm Waters

The Reckoning

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Reckoning

Tis the season when I can travel the grid without getting “those looks” from non-fantasy avatars.  It’s also the season when I sometimes go beyond my “comfort zone” in terms of my fantasy expression.  Although I rarely feel drawn to a wearing a dark skin (all kinds of colors, yes absolutely!, but dark? not so much), that’s exactly where I went with this highly versatile set from my brand-new sponsor, Art&Ko.  I’m so excited to have their awesome styling to play with!  If you read this blog regularly, then you know that detail and texture are extremely important to me.  When a set includes that creative spark — as does this amazing dress — my character seems to spring into being almost on her own… I just follow the outfit’s lead.  And with Halloween just over a week away, choosing the red picked up on those vibes as well, creating my devilish wizard.  I can’t wait to see what other characters evolve from Art&Ko creations.  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Art&KO – Black Wizard Set.   Set includes the awesome little dress, sleeves, leg belts, & a pendant, all of which have a choice of 6 colors (or in a fatpack).  Sized for Legacy+Perky, Maitreya+Petite, GenX Classic+Curvy, & Reborn, the Black Wizard Set is EXCLUSIVELY at Hallow Manor Oct 13th – Nov 1st.  Demo available. See the ad below.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Gloom – Calin Fantasy, worn in Devil (Velour Body Skin)
  • Hair:  KMH – CP007
  • Eyes:  Velour – Luly
  • Horns:  Celeste – Neira Horns
  • Makeup/Tattoo:  Nuve – Acolyte & Nyx
  • Wings:  Horl – Bat Wings
  • Nails:  zhu – Kissed long nails
  • Pose:  [piXIt] – the Reaper
  • Pets:  JIAN – Ghost Buddies
  • Backdrop:  The Bearded Guy – Dark Escape

Searching for the perfect pumpkin

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Searching for the perfect pumpkin

It’s pumpkin time! They’re everywhere, in decor, in food, in coffee drinks, on clothing…  It’s actually becoming a bit of an overload (as does everything in today’s over-saturated world), but my favorite part is almost here… the carving of the pumpkin.  This is when the search for “the perfect pumpkin” begins… the right size, the right shape for the right design…  all leading up to that amazing moment when your (hopefully!) artfully carved pumpkin is lit for the first time… I can’t wait!!! But for now, the hunt for the pumpkin is on! Happy shopping (and happy hunting)!

  • Outfit:  KiB Designs – Anais.  Rapidly becoming one of my favorite brands, I just love the way KiB mixes style & “recognizable” textures with artful little touches like the off-shoulder, slightly “skewed” cropped top in this outfit (I’m noticing that I definitely have a thing for off-shoulder lol).  Anais includes separate HUDs for the top (20 solids, 10 in each of two “fabrics” as shown in the ad below) & skirt (30 textures split between 3 different plaids)… that’s a lot of different looks & they all say casually sexy comfort!  Sized for Legacy, GenX Classic + Curvy, Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Reborn, Anais is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, open through Oct 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  Doux – Peach
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1;  Sequoia – Anabella; IDTTY Faces – Secret Potion 5
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Lory
  • Jewelry:  KUNGLERS – Kara set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  BuY ME – Pumpkin Pose set
  • Location:  Fall Pumpkin Patch

Save Me

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Save Me

Save me… it’s been a rough couple of days.  My website went down, which to someone who knows the absolute minimum of WordPress etc is a bit chilling, with visions of an overly daunting challenge starting to make my heart beat a bit faster.  Luckily, once I was able to reach customer service on live chat (not as hard as I feared; the challenge was in finding my password lol) the solution turned out to be quite simple… my account had been suspended for nonpayment since for some reason I had failed to update my contact info with my new address/email when I moved almost 3 years ago and bills had therefore never reached me.  Although they told me it could easily take up to 10 days for my site to be restored, I was back up and running in a matter of hours.  Crisis averted!  Still feeling a bit stressed when I started my photo shoot, I was a bit lost as to what I wanted to do.  And then the song “Save Me” (K.D. Lange) started playing, and I   immediately envisioned one of those parties where you MUST make an appearance and stay for a reasonable amount of time, but all you wanted was someone to rescue you…  And on that note, I am off and running, making up for lost time!

  • Outfit:  Sascha’s Designs – Elleisse Outfit in Blue.   I absolutely love the somewhat edgy attitude of this outfit!  Leather & feathers… what could be better?  How about TWO OUTFITS in ONE?  Choose your color (there are 9) & then relish in both a blouse with optional feather sleeves & a turtleneck with optional shoulder fur (which also makes a great option with the blouse  as I accidentally discovered when exploring the different looks) to wear with a leather miniskirt with optional waist chain… see the ad below for details.  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, & Maitreya, Elleisse is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, open Oct 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Hair Orli
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1;  In’K Original – Deep Desire ES; Lempika – Ultra Realistic EvoX #74
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Essentials Collection:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXIt] – Fumer
  • Backdrop:  FOXCITY – Photo Booth Lobby

They said the party would be hot, but this is NOT what I expected

Posted on by cejalaval

http://They said the party would be hot, but this is NOT what I expected

Three weeks till Halloween and the season seems to be in full swing.  I have rather mixed feelings about it all… I do have a fantasy-playing alt who fits right in without costume change, and I definitely love dressing up as a sexy spook of some sort or another without crossing over into what I consider “fantasy role-playing”.  It’s the dark side that bothers me… some of it is fun, for sure, but others just go too far for me.  It stops being fun and becomes uncomfortable or even revolting, and that is (to say the least) rather off-putting.  That said, it’s easy enough to avoid and ignore those things inworld… not so much in the real world where there’s true horror occurring  every day, without the fantasy element.  But then that’s what SL is all about, isn’t it?  Avoiding those things in RL that we would prefer to forget about for just a little while while we enjoy those things that we do.  And on that note, I’m taking my sexy witch look out to do some shopping and exploring of all these Halloween themed sims and hunts and events…  happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Samantha Gothic Witch.   You can be “be-witching” in this sexy little strapless striped mini-shift.  With black roses at the hip + optional black roses at the chest, thigh-high matching boots, matching panties, & a black witch hat with a matching ribbon, you’ll be ready to cast your spell!  Available in 10 complete sets (Dress, Boots, Panties, Hat Ribbon) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 options, all 100% Original Textures.  Samantha is sized for Legacy + Perky, GenX Classic + Curvy, Maitreya, Khara, Kupra, Reborn + Waifus, & is EXCLUSIVELY at POSH Event, open Oct 1st – 17th  (& then at the mainstore).  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  EMO-tions (now MIRJA)– Ruth
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  SAXO – Witch Face Contour & Unisex Hand Fades; [theSkinnery]  Cat Eyeliner;  CAZIMI – Opal Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Rise Design – Hallstat Necklace & Earrings
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Syssy
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Jisoo
  • Dog:  JIAN – Sugar Skull Pup
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Underworld

Alone with My Thoughts

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Alone with My Thoughts

Wow, autumn has arrived RL, with a vengeance. Even here in Florida there’s a slight nip in the air…  I’m wearing a sweatshirt (at least in the mornings and the evenings lol) and outdoor activities are so much more pleasurable.  I do miss those changing leaves and the crunch underfoot, although I definitely do NOT miss all that raking when they fall.  Here on the grid though, I can enjoy all those beautiful colors and autumnal settings without having to do all that backbreaking maintenance.  I’m off to see all those gorgeous sims that exemplify the glory of autumn (be sure to check out Sonder, where I did this photoshoot… it’s definitely a wonderful example of autumn splendor).  Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Evangeline.  I love this fall dress! A simple long-sleeved lightweight knit with a sweetheart neckline edged in white lace, gathered lightly & tied off with a bow, falling with a natural drape to the very tops of your thighs (but covering your butt, which is definitely my preference lol).  Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Evangeline is sized for Legacy, Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy), Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, & Love Momma.  She is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Cosmopolitan Event, open through Oct 14th, & then at the mainstore.  See the ad below; demo available.
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Banjaran Collection.  What a beautiful necklace & earrings, interesting but not overpowering, the true definition of “accessorizing”!  Banjaran is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, open Oct 5th – 25th.  See the closeup above & the ad below for details.  Also worn:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles; DeeTaleZ – Makeup & Addon, Moles Pack
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1;  Sugarose – Davina Eyeshadow;  Fontaine Cosmetics – Sweetheart Lips
  • Pose:  [piXIt] – Dertia
  • Location:  Autumn in Sonder