Ruins & Roses, Blossoming into Romance

http://Ruins & Roses, Blossoming into Romance

IMHO, the whole key to being a successful designer in Second Life (or for that matter, IRL) is having an artistic eye.  And no that doesn’t mean that every item of clothing and every object has to look like an objet d’art, but the style, the form, the colors & patterns, the textures, it all takes that certain something.  Most brands here in SL are for clothing, or for decor, or for whatever; it’s unusual to find one that excels in multiple fields.  But when they do (as in this case), they can work together in amazing ways.  I have to wonder if these gorgeous formal clothes were designed with the setting of the rose-covered ruins in mind, or did the idea for the ruins come after the  clothes were already created… or is it all just some happy accident that they work so perfectly together to create a romantic scene?  The fact is that it doesn’t matter in the slightest, just some mental meanderings; both the clothes and the scene are fabulous each on their own, or together.  Happy shopping!

The look:     

  • Gown:  Swank & Co. –  Blossoming Couples Gown.  A truly exceptional gown, combining a stunning black sequin sheath with what I can only describe as water colors for the bodice & bottom of the gown.   Includes 6 different colors/flower patterns.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Altamura, & Maitreya, this is called the Blossoming Couples Gown because there’s also a coordinated men’s tuxedo.  Both the men’s & women’s versions are EXCLUSIVELY available at the February round of the Swank Event, open until the 28th.  
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  Still the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt, perfect for a slinky gown like this!  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body & not only look fantastic, but also look the way YOU want to!
  • Head, Eyes, Eyeshadow:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Exile – Full of Grace 
  • Lipstick:  theMARS – Classy Night Lip
  • Jewelry:  J&W Jewelers (extinct vendor?) – Arturo Black Diamonds Collection; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The scene:     

Swank & Co. –  Romantic Rose Covered Ruins w/Light Effects.   It’s really hard to describe the magic of these 4-sided ruins (with each side being somewhat different).  They include controllable light effects; there’s swirling mist rising from the floor; shafts of light; faerie lights, & so much more.  Although best viewed at midnight, it’s not the easiest to show these details when photographed in that light, so you’ll just have to see the how incredible these ruins are for yourself.  EXCLUSIVELY available only at the February round of the Swank Event, open until the 28th.  See the full shot below.

Celebrate Love

http://Celebrate LoveYes, Valentine’s Day is over, but I wanted to make the point that love isn’t about a single day… Love is something that we should celebrate every day.  It’s a nice thought, right, but of course the rest of life gets in the way and we get buried under all that minutiae and aggravation of daily living.  Not to mention that love is messy… to use a well-known saying, love isn’t all lollipops and roses (or hearts!!!), it takes a lot of work and commitment and can easily be pushed into the background while other more immediate feelings take dominance.  All it takes, though, is something big — like getting ill — to bring love back into focus.  I often wonder how many people do a big hoopla for Valentine’s Day only to go back to what I’ll call “less loving behavior” the very next day.  It’s sad, it’s frustrating, and it’s just the way life is. That said, I wanted to at least draw attention to the fact that we must all make an effort in our daily lives (and yes, I’m including myself in that!!) to show the ones that we love that we truly do care.  It’s really not that hard… it can be just a touch, a look, a few words, whatever, but it’s definitely worth it when you see/feel the reaction from your loved one.  That’s what strong, long-term relationships are all about, and it makes that hard work just a little bit easier.  So on that note, let’s all celebrate love and have some fun going shopping lol!

The Look:

  • Outfit:  Essence – Metropolitan Girl.  Adorably sexy outfit, with a cute, striped off-shoulder tube top, banded in one color with bright stripes of another down the arms, with a laced back; a high-waist tulip denim skirt; & the cutest sneakers for “high” feet. Includes a 12-color HUD for the crop top, 16-color HUD for the denim skirt, & 4-color HUD for the sneakers.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, the outfit is available EXCLUSIVELY at the February Swank event open Feb 7th – 28th.  
  • Head & Eyes:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Doux – Peach @ Equal10
  • Makeup:  theSkinnery – Aurora EyeShadow (Group Gift); Top1Salon – HD Rebellious Lipstick
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Lory
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Boho Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The Scene:

  • Heart Decor – (AZ) Studio – Celebrate Love.  A collection inspired by vintage florals, this party set includes a backdrop (shown), 3 different resizable topiaries (shown; sold as a set in either red or blush), ground floor coverings (shown; includes both red & blush options), art object (shown), garlands, balloons, strings, & a wreath. All items are sold individually, & are EXCLUSIVE at the February Swank event open Feb 7th – 28th. 
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Bike Ride

A Red, Red Rose

http://A Red, Red Rose

It is definitely getter harder and harder for me to get a blog done and posted.  I always try to get it done in the morning, somewhere between 8:30A and 11A my time, which as worked relatively well for me in the past.  But now that I’m in Florida, no longer working, and the weather is improving, I’m out doing things in the morning.  This morning I had a tee off time for golf at 9:44A, which meant I left my house right around 9A; I just got back after playing golf and having lunch.  I’m not as concerned as I would have been a few months ago when I had tested and found that views/faves declined if posted after 11A, but I’ve been finding in recent weeks that all of that has declined anyway, so why bother worrying about it and twisting myself around trying to meet some arbitrary self-imposed timetable.  Enough stress in the world and in life without adding on more, right?  In any case, it’s all about the fun of blogging, not about the amount of acclaim (or lack thereof as the case may be lol), though I think we’d all agree it’s better to be liked than not!  That said, I had fun putting this one together, where I wanted to do something Valentines-y without crossing over into overly sappy or romantic.  I’m happy where I landed, and hope that at least some people viewing it “after hours” will think so too!  Happy shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  Anny’s Fashion – Hailey Pantaloons & Corset Denim.   Pantaloons!!! Who would have thought pantaloons could be so cute & sassy!?!  These are just so adorable, & paired with the perfect corset top to turn sassy into sexy!  I just love this totally different look, which includes a HUD of 8 colors for the corset (one of which has the pattern worn) & 8 for the pantaloons.  Hailey is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody Curvy, Alice, Altamura, Legacy/Legacy Perky, & Maitreya, & is an  EXCLUSIVE at the February Swank event open Feb 7th – 28th.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Lady
  • Makeup:  GOREGLAM – Cherry Rush Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Sara
  • Shoes:  Chic & Shoes – Monna
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  EMOZIONE – The Feeling of Forever (modified)
  • Backdrop:  Heart Poses – The Florist

Morning Glory

http://Morning Glory

Sinners or Saints is an interesting question, is it not?  One described quite clearly by Billy Joel when he said “he’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints” (a song I’m sure I’ll use in another blog for this event lol).  Which you’d rather be probably depends on your definition of each, the circumstances, and so much more, but I know that at least here on the grid, I tend to be more on the sinners side, at least when it comes to dress (although as anyone who has ever looked at my blog or FlickR knows, I am definitely PG in my pix ).   To my thinking, very few of us are one or the other; we’re all a blend, with some leaning more to one extreme to the other.  One of the beautiful things about Second Life is that you can experiment with all kinds of “sin” and do so safely because let’s face it: none of it is real.  What you do in your real life is, of course, something else entirely.  That said, go out, shop, and have fun!!! It’s a game after all!

  • Swimsuit:  LOoLOo & The Platypus – Strapped.  Wow, just wow!  I guess common thought is that itty bitty bikinis are the sexiest, but I have to say that I find one-piece suits with this kind of sensational style & cut are way sexier, not just in how they look but also in how they make me feel (& that’s a large part of how you look, isn’t it?)  Curves just really stand out in a cut like this! Strapped comes in 4 individual colors or in a fatpack, sized for Slink HG/P, Freya, Legacy, & Maitreya/Maitreya Petite.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Sinners and Saints 2 Valentine Edition, an Evil Bunny Production, from February 6th – 28th.  Coordinated men’s swimsuits also available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Exile – Talia
  • Makeup:  GOREGLAM – Cherry Rush Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Dela
  • Jewelry:   Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  WetCat – Shades

Lover Come Back

http://Lover Come Back

I’m not a big one for Valentine’s Day.  To me, it’s always been a somewhat painful holiday.  When I was young, the pain of not having my soulmate was devastating (as all things are, when you’re young lol!); when I got older and in a long-term committed relationship, it just seemed almost like a mockery of what love really is, creating expectations that could rarely (if ever) be met.  In real life, we barely acknowledge it… maybe my husband and I exchange cards, maybe we don’t, maybe I get flowers, maybe not.  It’s all good.  On the other hand, it’s been a bigger deal here in Second Life, where I’ve been with my partner for more than 13 years now and in this relatively small intersection of our lives, the annual acknowledgement and a formal date night are most welcome.  The grid just seems to get a bit frantic about it all (as does real life!); I prefer things simpler, more heartfelt.  Which doesn’t mean that it can go unacknowledged, but I’d be perfectly happy snuggling somewhere watching a beautiful sunset or the way the moon shines on the water, with just a few words to acknowledge what it means to be in each other’s lives.  To me,  THAT’s a perfect Valentine’s!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Lover.   Beautifully simple & simply beautiful, this sexy jumpsuit just yearns to be touched, the texture is that inviting.  It just makes me feel all slinky lol! Spaghetti straps, delicate attached “harness”, with bells starting below the knees, double optional bells on the shoulderless sleeves (I opted to wear the upper bell but not the lower).  Available in 10 colors or in a fatback, Lover is sized for Slink HG/P, Freya, Legacy, Kupra, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY at the February Vanity Event, open Feb 4th – 28th.  Demo available.  Matching high heels (gorgeous shoes with “diamonds” on the strap!!!) sold separately, in any of 6 colors or as a fatpack (demo available).  
  • Head & Eye Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Alma
  • Makeup:  GOREGLAM – Cherry Rush Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Zhoe
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Pink
  • Jewelry:   Caithlin Carter Designs (CCD) – Pure – Butterfly Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  LW Luane’s World Bento Poses – Get Free
  • Location:  Backdrop Central

It’s a Cat-astrophe!

http://It's a Cat-astrophe!

Seems like I’m always admitting things in this forum of mine; today I’ll admit (and yes, not for the first time) that I am addicted to KittyCats.  I’m an animal lover in real life too; I currently have a dog, two cats, and two parakeets, but there have been times when the menagerie has been quite a bit larger.  Here in Second Life, I honestly don’t even know offhand how many cats are currently alive and running around.  Not all are still breeding, but the AI embedded in these little kitties is so adorable that some of them have very definite personalities (they talk to you lol, hold comfies when they sleep, blow butterflies when they’re happy) and you tend to get attached.  On the other hand, they “age out” of breeding at 120 days, so there is always an impetus to birth new ones and breed for new furs and other characteristics (not that you need to breed; many people have just one or two as pets; I had a special Firestorm kitty for years before I decided to breed just one… and that was sooo many kitties ago).  Sounds silly?  I’ll agree wholeheartedly, it IS silly, but I still absolutely am hooked lol…  Is it a catastrophe? Well, you’d have to ask my partner, who does occasionally complain about tripping over cats as they scamper around (which is why they’re restricted to the ground floor of our house; upstairs is a cat-free zone).  This shot is actually taken at what my bestie and I call the “cat nursery” at our shared land… cats and kittens galore!  Oh, and they love to go shopping! They even ask for it… grins and runs off to the store to buy more cat food…

  • Outfit:  Nala Designs – Cressida Outfit.   This lovely little outfit puts such a spring in my step; just see the pic below for a full vertical shot so you can see what I mean! Includes a HUD that has 12 colors for the adorable little flounce crop top, 12 color for the high-heeled matching sandals, & 7 for the low-cut, flared capris (the red rose appliques on the leg & the back pocket are consistent throughout).  Cressida is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Werwolf, & Maitreya, & is this round’s EXCLUSIVE at the January Swank event open through Jan 30th.  Demo available.
  • Pose:  Lush Poses – Come Get Me.  A set of 6 bento poses, plus mirrors (see below).  As you can see, these are great poses that are perfect not only for those provocative pix but also for those more “every day” settings.  EXCLUSIVELY at the January Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open January 12th – 30th. 
  • Head & Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; ALMA Makeup – Beauty Mark 1; Finer Threads – Suly Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Avela
  • Makeup:  GOREGLAM – Cherry Rush Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Ingrid
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Green
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cats:  KittyCatS! – Just a few of my breedable cats (they have the cutest AI!); I even have my own little store on MarketPlace to sell some of my extra kittens

Uh-Oh, you set the redhead off!

http://Uh-oh, you set the redhead off

I’m sure you’ve heard all the stereotyped sayings about redheads and their fiery temper.  Although I’m not as much of a redhead in real life as I would like (and yes, I add some coloring to enhance it lol), I would have to say that for the most part, it’s pretty true (hence the stereotype!)… redheads tend to be quick to anger, but their anger is also relatively quick to die out… the fast flare-up and burn as opposed to a long slow smolder (brunettes? I have no idea lol).  I like to think of the red hair as a warning sign for all to see… don’t piss off a redhead!!!  And if you ignore that flashing danger sign, well, look out when you set a redhead off!  Now, go enjoy some shopping (wink)!

  • Top:  Guguvaga (GGVG Fashion Store – Asha Jacket & Top.  Choose from 9 color jackets; each includes a HUD of 42 choices for the turtleneck sweater.  As you can see, the fit & detail is superb, & the jacket/top looks equally awesome with pants or skirts.  Asha is sized for Hourglass, Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya, & is this round’s EXCLUSIVE at the January Swank event open Jan 7th -30th.  Demo available.
  • Jeans:  Guguvaga (GGVG Fashion Store – Mid-belted Capri Jeans (Hi-belted version also available).  Wow, what a fit! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody Classic/Curvy, Legacy, Alice, & Maitreya; includes a 10-color HUD for the separate belt.  Available at the January Swank event open Jan 7th -30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; ALMA Makeup – Beauty Mark 1; Finer Threads – Suly Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Doux – Cyanna @ Equal10
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Leila
  • Boots:  Moz Designs – Sweetwater Western Boot
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Chianna Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  minou.minou – The Camille Set
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – Escape Route

Stopping Traffic

http://Stopping Traffic

When it comes to a women’s looks, I’m sure that everyone has heard the expression of “stopping traffic” . There are plenty of stories about famously beautiful women who did just that, but I actually saw it happen.  It was decades ago (and no, I won’t say how many) as a freshman in college.  There was this absolutely drop-dead gorgeous woman living down the hall from me; she looked like a young Yvette Mimieux if you know who that was.  I hadn’t met her yet, and was a bit intimidated to be honest.  But walking back to the dorm that first week I saw her coming towards me… and a passing bicyclist turned his head so much to stare at her that he rode right into a tree…  which in turn caused a passing motorist to screech to a halt… no one was hurt, she and I were hysterical laughing, and we instantly became friends.  I’ve obviously never forgotten it or the million “favors” men wanted to extend just to interact with her for a moment. Since she was also one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, it pissed her off to always be judged by her looks rather than her brain, but she learned to use that to her advantage.  The lesson I took from it was that being underestimated can be a very good thing; I love the saying “Underestimate me, that will be fun”.  Anyway, when I somehow put this pose and this setting together, it brought it all back.  I mean, seriously, if I’m running late for a party, it’s starting to snow, and I can’t get an Uber, what else am I going to do but go out and stop traffic to find a solution… how hard can it be in an outfit like this?  (And no, of course I’m not serious… no comments about the dangers of accepting rides from strangers!!!! We’re in virtual reality!!)

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks LTD (SKBW) – Knitted Dress & Leather Jacket.  This slinky little knit dress boasts a beautiful diamond pattern; the matching cropped leather jacket oozes style, with hanging zippers from the arms & the front… such wonderful detail! In 7 color options (I’m wearing the Rose Gold), this stunning outfit is sized for Slink HG & HG Petite, Belleza F/I, Legacy & Legacy Perky, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the January Swank Event, open from January 7th – 30th.
  • Head & Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles; ALMA Makeup – Beauty Mark 1
  • Hair:   Doux – Ciara
  • Jewelry:  Sn@tch – Infinity Chain Choker; Ricielli – Koko Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Sheba – Mimi Heels
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Taxi (includes phone)
  • Location:  Brooklyn