Round Midnight

Some lovely new things have been passed my way this last week (which has a been a rather busy one for me in RL). A stand-out was the latest release from Myllie Writer, who recently opened her fabulously revamped Persona store, covering a huge range of fashion needs from eyes to poses.

Clothing is the mainstay, but Myllie's jewelry line is also rapidly expanding and she is a real perfectionist in everything she does. The emphasis is on classic separates that feature solid prim-work and lovely hand-drawn texturing.

Midnight blue and aubergine have featured strongly in RL couture collections for this Fall/Winter and are colors I've always enjoyed. Here I've added charcoal gray in a polka dot print to complete what is a really classic look.

The flirty skirt, together with bows on the blouse and shoes add a little touch of femininity to what could otherwise be a rather austere look.

A rear view shows prim bow detail on the blouse..

Outfit Credits:

Arabella blouse and Polished Stone jewelry (amethyst) - all new at Persona

Dot mini-skirt (part of a dress) by Honey Soul, a free gift I learned of at Beanie Canning's blog

Diana bag from BareRose

Kavika shoes, new at Pixel Mode

Seamed stockings by Alaska Metropolitan

Lya hair from Kin
Manicure by Myllie Writer

Poses from Reel Expression and Dorcas

Office Affair

Don't you just love those business outfits that push the boundaries of professionalism just a tiny bit? Hot enough to have male colleagues reaching for the air con controller... to help warm up frosty client relations... even to risk melting the glass ceiling!

I for one am so glad we've moved on from the days of power suits and shoulder pads to put some feminine charm back into workplace attire.

I've always loved the combination of grey and red. This dove-grey dress from Icing combines elements of Yin in the soft, curvy lines with a Yang pinstripe. Such a nice balance! And I love how the classic mood created by pearls is given a fun twist by these new cute shoes from Aoharu.

In the second outfit, I think I'm probably flouting minimum skirt length standards, but the "I mean business" glasses and slightly severe hairstyle help tone down the sexiness just enough to keep productivity at an acceptable level.

I wonder why my boss always insists I take his notes in long-hand?

Thanks to Alaska Metropolitan for the use of the very funky business facilities at Metro Models HQ.

Outfit 1 Credits:

Pinstripe Princess dress by Miko Omegamu

Bubble Pearl shoes in red from AOHARU

Double string of pearl beads from Ume Mode

Earrings from Chicoco

Outfit 2 Credits:

Shirt and gilet from Alessia outfit by Giusia Ethaniel

Michima Dawn black patent shoes from Maitreya

Stockings by TaP

Grazia earrings from Earthtones

Tank Watch from Muse Fine Jewelry

Classic Frames from VintageWear

Additional items:

Hair by Aden Breyer

Office clipboard/pencil and electronic organiser both from Cluster

Manicure from Persona

Skin by Belleza

Poses from Ladybird (new L$20 set!)

Flipside of Fashion

I got slightly burned in SL some months ago (long story), but lately I've been putting myself out there a little more and I was inspired by a couple of random inworld IM sessions today to start blogging the other bits of what I get up to.

I'm not sure how it will go, but if you're interested, you can find it at my other blog.

Monday Mourning

Did you know that most suicides occur on a Monday?

Sorry to open on that miserable note, but today I have been contemplating the more complex and difficult aspects of relationships (and was even reminded of the term "funeral sex" that someone once told me and at the time seemed quite appropriately melancholy). I apologise, but that's kinda my mood today, and I'm certainly not one to shy away from examining the darker sides of experience.

But you know what...? It is such a great excuse to roll out this dress that I have been pining for an occasion to wear. The idea of making something beautiful out of sadness is the essence of melancholy and is something that is cherished in some cultures - gaelic comes to mind most readily.

"I spoke of a milder melancholy because no man could wish not to feel it. It is expressed simply tho' boldly in two Gaelic words as the joy of grief, which may be softened to - the memory of joys that are past, pleasant and mournful to the soul". From Gaelic to Romantic by Fiona Stafford

Hmmm - something to be relished I'd say!

The dress is Marguerite by Ginny Talamasca and that, in itself, brings a tiny tear to my eye. As I've said before, I can absolutely never bring myself to ditch any Last Call inventory, tidying junkie though I may be, and the picture seems quite complete with this little cloche hat called Dead Dreams which was a gift from the wonderful Toko Voom at Vain Inc. In fact, all the items I am wearing were created by what I would call stalwarts of the Second Life fashion design community.

I actually had a hard time stopping taking pics as I think my avie looks very cute in mourning. Please click for a better look.

Did someone say "Get over it!"? OK look, - just hand me tissues, cabsav and chocolate and I may just make it.

Outfit Credits:

Marguerite dress by the late and much-missed Ginny Talamasca

Worn with shirt layer from the Maxie jumpsuit by HSC as a "modesty layer"

Dead Dreams cloche by Toko Voom

Gloves and opaque stockings from TaP (now Fleur)

Open-toed stiletto ankle boot by Tes Miles

Hair from Waka + Yuki

Bracelet by Caliah Lyon

Poses by Luth Brodie

Softly, softly

Well, here I am again in my comfort zone - blogging SL fashion. This and some therapeutic shopping have provided a bit of a cure for a few challenges I've faced today.

It's a bit weird to start blogging "Fall" fashion from here in Australia, where the days are getting longer and the sun is beginning to find it's warmth again. So because my mood was on the warm and sensual side today, there's a still a little of summer lingering here in the form of my first outfit.

If it is possible to be in love with an item of clothing then I have got it bad for this delightful little top+babydoll from Twosome, with the equally delightful name ~Frilly Summer Thing~. As with all Twosome goodies, it comes on all the clothing layers, with a simple little white bikini included for those times when you're feeling a bit shy. And the prims popped onto my avie as if they had been made for her - no modding needed anywhere!

I've teamed it up with these amazing new Gaucho pants by BettiePage Voyager and an asymmetric waistcoat also from Twosome which features the typically awesome hand texturing of Visa Volare. If Lindens are an issue (aren't they always?), there are several great freebies at the store so don't let that stop you!

Outfit 1:

Frilly Summer Thing and Leatherish Vest, both fromTwosome

Gaucho pants, new item from *BP

Venus Sandals from the Hub

Hair - Marina from Uncleweb

Yummy Feather necklace from Nylon Outfitters

Cross earrings from Escape (now Hexed)

My second outfit is a bit of a snuggler! I bumped into Rei Gully of Zero Style buying the same thing and although there's a language barrier, we had to laugh! At least we went for different colors. I came over a bit spooked when I saw these pics because this look is so reminiscent of my RL style, hair and overall coloring and the deep chartreuse is a firm favorite of the real me. Starley is such a perfectionist and her experience really shows in the fact that all the details in this ensemble are perfect including the slim belt which is in itself probably worth purchasing the whole outfit for.

Finally I had my excuse to get those Real Toe sandals from J's! They are such excellent value at L$400 in spite of the fact that the toe prims don't photograph too well and I was too lazy to PS them, sorry. Just pretend you didn't notice and I can owe you one!

Outfit 2:

Phoenix set, new at Celestial Studios

J's Real Toe Wedge sandals by JB Gazov

Hair, necklace, earrings as before

Double acrylic bangle by Mezzo

Poses by Reel Expression, Myllie Writer and Dorcas

Let's Play Chasies!

I've moved back over to my old blogging home. Mainly because there is more scope for widgets and stuff here and also the posts seem to save quicker - just a few little bonuses like that.

I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but to make up for it I left all my really old posts from when I lived here before so you can go back and have a look at my previous avie shape if you are exceptionally short of something to do. I also shifted over a handful of my most recent posts from wordpress to give this place a cosier feel.

I'll be contacting Carissa to get this new url linked up with the Fashion Feed but I know she is very busy *notes sadly that her personal blog has died or is at least resting very soundly*.

Oh and I hope you enjoy tuning in to my play-list ♫ New Feature ♫ which I may even add to from time to time!

Chanelling Chanel

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

So said Coco Chanel and I think that in Second Life, the accessibility of fashion and especially haute couture gives us so much opportunity for experimentation and self-expression with our apparel that her words are especially relevant here. In fact it's one of the main things that keeps me interested in this "game".

Coco also stated that "Elegance is refusal". I love that! And today I guess I must be particularly elegant, as I turned down a pretty tempting offer that I won't bother going into the details of here and now. Trouble is, I'm not sure whether I can hold out, and refusal followed by giving in to temptation probably doesn't count.

This new ensemble from BareRose Haute Couture sent me off hunting for Chanel-style bits and pieces and I'm quite pleased with the result, especially in terms of the contrast with my last post. It's good to mix things up a bit and that's yet another of the delights of Second Life - the ability to explore different roles and possibilities in a relatively safe and accepting environment.

So today I'm doing elegant and sophisticated with two Chanel-inspired looks one for daytime, one for evening. And tomorrow? Well, who knows?

Outfit 1 Credits:

Anastacia outfit from BareRose Haute Couture, worn with

Gladiator sandals (shoe part only) by Stiletto Moody

Black opaque stockings from TaP (now Fleur)

Lucky Horseshoe bag from BareRose

Front Closure pearl necklace from Paper Couture

Diamond Bee ring from paper Couture

Fi Umo sunglasses from Gisaci

Davina hair (nickel) from ETD

Outfit 2 Credits:

Mignouette dress from Icing, worn with

The Dictator shrug by Digit Darkes

Long satin gloves, part of the Rebecca set from Last Call (no longer available)

Sheer lace-top stockings by Alaska Metropolitan

Natasha ankle strap stilettos from Tesla

Soft Clutch silver from Glitter Girl

Moda Onyx earrings from Glitter Girl

Riverstone necklace from Paper Couture

Claris bracelet from Muse Fine Jewelry

Sophia hair in Dirty blond from ETD

Poses by Luth Brody of Reel Expression

Last Butterflies of Summer

Posted 3rd September 2008

Got a call this morning through one of my most enjoyable groups - Vain Inc. The latest discovery? A cutesome hair in the Lucky Chair at ::69:: I had not visited this store in a while so I flew over to take a look and within 10 minutes the letter flipped to A and I walked away with this delightful ringlet & butterflies confection that rendered me instantly nostalgic for Summer.

I craved flowers and colour to say farewell to this glorious season of scented gardens and I had just stumbled upon these pretty platform sandals by Sven Olbers, so I was off on yet another fashion quest.

24hrs later and this is the result - I riot of folksy colour for an Indian Summer that I hope many of you are enjoying! Why not have a last fling with colour before the muted hues of autumn hit town?

Having fiddled for ages with the bouquet, I became a little impatient with my rebake button so apologies if these are not quite as crisp as usual - you get the picture :)

Outfit Credits:

Butterfly Dolly hair from the lucky chair at ::69:: (blonde version slightly tinted)

Happy vintage top by +Mudshake+

Circle skirt from Raja set by Ivalde

Sash (tinted) from Persona

Curl clog turquoise by Sven Olbers

Naturaliste bracelet from Swallowtail

Double acrylic bangle from Mezzo

Bunch of Gerberas (heavily modded) from Mikan Flower Shop

Poses by Myllie Writer, Torrid Midnight, Misty Waves, Sai Pennell

Hair Fair (and not fair)

I'm back! RL did not completely swallow me and I've even had the chance to dash around the Hair Fair sims during the last 24 hours. I don't know if there were big crowds at the beginning but I have certainly found things pretty quiet down there.

The Expo does provide an easy way to check out new hair makers and there were I few I was not familiar with. I was impressed with Find Ash amongst others, but did not include them here as I got on a bit of a roll with my bangs theme!

Cuteness is my new fave thing and it's pursuit has guided my choices here. It's also an opportunity to show you some of the new things I've acquired for my wardrobe since the last post.

I kind of wish there was more exclusive/limited edition work at Hair fair - Torrid Midnight's Fedora styles are an example, but I have to say I found it enjoyable nevertheless and was really impressed with the organisation that went into making demos available in advance and providing such a reliable bank of SLurls at the website - congratulations to all involved!

I was a little disappointed that some of my favorite designers were absent - mainly the Japanese kind such as Waka + Yuki who currently have most dos on sale for L$30 at their store. I've thrown one in here as an example to encourage you to take a look in spite of possible "hair fatigue".

Ok - time for the visuals!

Gorgeously unusual braided updo with texture-change bow and a touch of flexi by Wilted Rose.

Worn with:

Scully Argyle turtleneck minidress from Riddle

Cable kneesocks also from Riddle

Gothdamn customizable stilettos from Canimal

Lego Muertos earrings from Pushbutton Industries

Ever-so-cute messy chignon with chunky bangs by BP*

Worn with:

Tweetie Pie tube top (group freebie) from Dutch Touch

Lemon soda dirndl skirt from DP YumYum

Bangles and Earrings from VG Republic

White ballet flats from Lassitude & Ennui

Petite Leona sculptie bag in blush from Glitter Girl

Softly fanned chignon with loose strands by The Alice Project

Worn with:

Limestone veil in green by Waka + Yuki

Baroness outfit in Seamist from Last Call (recently acquired at a yard sale)

Chocobloo bangles from Turnstyle

An example of hair I love from Waka + Yuki. This also comes with a long hair version.

Worn with:

Oldschool T-shirt and Plaid Shorts both from Riddle

Simple scarf black from Aoharu

Tintable crochet tights from Veschi (part of an outfit)

Mishima Dawn black patent heels from Maitreya

Audio Wire bracelet from Kari

A Breath of Fresh Hair

Posted 22nd August 2008

Well, I'm about to go AWOL for at least a week as RL work gets the better of me. Before I log off from SL for any period of time I always like to clear out my inventory and this time is no exception.

Whilst doing so I found I could finally bring myself to trash several of the gowns and formal outfits that I never ever wear once I've done the blog post/photo-shoot. It was a great relief, although I still cannot part with my Last Call outfits no matter how impractical they might be.

As a result of this purging process, I realised it was time for a bit of an overhaul of my general look. I really have a hankering lately to bring it more into line with the RL me.

So here I am, casual and a little bit dorky. A honey brunette with somewhat sad-looking, rich brown eyes (my best feature) and a tendency towards the ethnic and the grungey. Now she really is like a cutesied up version of ME. And I'm quite pleased about it!

When I return in a few days time, it will be with a bunch of new hairstyles fresh from HAIR FAIR '08 which cranks up tomorrow. I hope you won't be completely over it by then :)

I'll miss you! ~Waves~

You'll need to flit over to my Flickr stream for a better look at the fab detail in the earrings and bag.

Outfit Credits:

Flower Bag from Five Minutes After

Floral Tank from Slow Kitchen

Puff-sleeve Blouse from AnnaH Couture (treasure hunt freebie)

Denim skirt from *BP

Pornstar Xtra Hi-Top Sneakers from UBU

Hair from Uncleweb

Fruits Earrings from Slow Kitchen

Clothes peg texture-change bracelet from Kari

Poses from Persona and Dorcas

Deco Blue

Posted 20th August 2008

So much about this outfit seems reminiscent of the Art Deco forms of the 1920's and it all happened by accident as I tracked down and rummaged out pieces to mix and match with these sensational new shoes by Tesla Miles. Please check them out as the color choices are wonderful.

There's a superstition that peacock feathers are unlucky, especially if brought into a house and mythology tells us that the peacock hates gold and will not go near it, so I may be breaking a few taboos here, but I think it is worth it!

The combination of the rich clay brown and chinese blue is one of my very favorites. I wouldn't usually add in white as a third color but I think it works OK and the vibrant gold tones sprinkled throughout help to hold it all together.

Outfit Credits:

Marie Blue heeled T-Bar pumps, new from Tes Miles

Circle skirt white from Artilleri

Jeweled Moonlight bustier from Chic Boutique

Sheer shrug from AnnaH Couture (treasure hunt freebie)

Yummy Feather Necklace (colour modified) from Nylon Outfitters

Tintable metallic tights from G.L.A.M

Bangles from Turnstyle and Gisaci

Art Deco earrings (heavily modded to downscale some elements) from P.C

Hair by Kin

Poses by Alaska Metropolitan, Dorcas and Glanz (who have a new skin line out)

Retro a go-go

Posted 19th August 2008

Just a quickie! I've had these retro glasses on my wish list since I spied them at Mariya's blog recently. And then it happened! I came across this fabulous hair at Sugar Cube. It was desperately trying to be an EGL style do complete with a little crown and veil, but I could instantly see another side to it's personality. In fact I think it's got incredible versatility and I really love it although I don't often buy black wigs.

Here it is showing the beehive aspect of it's nature along with a classically monochrome ensemble with strong retro overtones, spiced up with a few little touches of bright true red.

I also ran across a bunch of crackpot poses in a freebie AO and managed to salvage about 3 for future use here. The last pic uses a pose called (obviously) "Regency Elf Flight" made by Ulrika Zugzwang (whose profile is rather intimidating). It's pretty awful from the waist down but celebrates the slightly dorkish undertones of this look quite nicely I figure.

Outfit Credits:

Felicidade Peacock Pie wig from Sugar Cube

Chic Coat, houndstooth from Muism

Bustier from Michami

Cropped pants from Milla Milla set by Armidi

Tintable stockings from Veschi

Stiletto Pumps from Tesla

Moda earrings and Soft Clutch from Glitter Girl

Bangles from VG Republic

Glasses from Vintage Wear

Manicure from AnnaH Couture

Poses by Tuli, Luth, Sai Pennell and Ulrika Zugzwang

D-vine Skins

Posted 17th August 2008

Pink is rapidly becoming my SL signature. Ironic since its one of the hardest colors for me too wear in RL. I did say that I may be a little quiet on the blog front but I just had to let you know about the Japanese Skin Fair going on until midnight tonight at HarajukuBox.

You will find some really unusual skins alongside awesome exclusives from Mina Jun, DynamiteTanaka Payne and others. It's a while since I wore D-Skin (I think #28 was my last outing), but I instantly fell for the pink flushed cheeks and Mona Lisa-esque smile on #47. I guess this is soon to be available in-store, but I picked it up at a very good price at the Skin Fair and had lots of fun with some other "out there" demos!

Hope it's not to late for you to head on over!

Who wouldn't love that cute face? lol

Outfit Credits:

Bolero by FTV

Mini shift from Last Call

Boots by Lyanis Sin (I actually prefer them to the SM Gen2 Tall Boots)

Neck bow and tights from Veschi

Belt from Ume Mode

Manicure from AnnaH Couture (Treasure Hunt freebie)

Hair, Cadey by ETD

Earrings from Persona