* Dirty Ego *

Tra la la Boom De Yay!

2009-06-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

The most adorable Aranel Ah over at Boom is getting a lot of press these days as well she should. Every release gets better and better, I'm always looking forward to them. I've been traipsing the grid in her Tahiti sarongs for days. Aside from all the other groovy stuff she has, I am lovin' these jeans and I thought I'd show 'em off.

By the way, my computer blue screened on me the other day. I wiped the HD and started over and EVERY file was restored thanks to Carbonite. I know I should be backing up my system every day on some thumb drive, but I like the backing up continually to an offsite server via Carbonite. It's seriously hella cool.

Top - Cynful - Chequered Love - White (RFL Item)
Jeans - Boom - Gettin Low V2 blue
Bracelets - Zaara - Nizam Choodiya (bangles) *white*
Shoes - J's - Real Toe Cross Belt Sandals Pearl White
Hair - Exile - Dominique
Skin - Curio - :GP: Sundust [Dark] Vixen-Mink 2

Naughty'n'Nice

2009-05-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

Darmin Darkes and BaileyMarie Princess have come up with the naughtiest, most fun pull-down skirt ever. They're a team that owns DP Fashions, soon to be re-branded to Seriously!. I've had some scripted clothing before, but soooo much thought and planning has gone into this skirt set. It can be worn plain like this with lace color change options with your heinny hangin' out. Available in many different styles and colors, the texture work is very well done.

Or it can be worn with or without these tintable handprints available on each layer because the skirt is all primwork. The script allows you to decide who can pull your skirt to your knees, or no one, or EVERYone. There is another feature that allows you to show off by seductively spanking yourself with the skirt up or down...you get the idea below.

The set comes with a copy/transfer spanking HUD so you can share the fun. PSA here, please don't be one of those annoying tools that spanks every damn person in the place, okay? In fact, you should only spank one or two people a day...anything more than that is just douchetastic.

Speaking of prim work, the skirt also has a scripted option to show toys. The teddy bear's eyes blink which is so adorable. There's a Sharpie and an old skool Nintendo you can use for those boring conversations. Yeah, you know what I mean.

I was so thrilled to see Cynthia Ultsch of CnS Poses fame open a clothing store, Cynful. These camisoles come with SO many options and are already a classic staple in my faves file. Her designs are edgy and naughty, you HAVE to go check out her Body Tanks. Again with so many options and available in yummy flavors, sheer and opaque.

I'm really digging Naith Smit Designs Rock'n'Rolla jewelry, it lends itself well to the finishing touches of certain outfits. He's put such attention to detail and I really appreciate the resize scripts in the jewelry. Indulgent yet classic, I can't wait for new releases.

In my tounge-in-cheek mantra, New Day New Hair, Momo Foulon of Tekuteku has set me up for a week! I'm wearing my new favorite hair, Naughty. Loose and messy, I can dress it up or dress it down. Again, the resize scipts are genius, the hair textures don't distort or repeat in changing the size.

Skirt - Seriously! - Plaid & Lace Pull-Down Skirt
Cami - Cynful - Neckholder - Black Sheer /Optional Black lace
Jewelry - Naith Smit Designs - Hand Rosary, Rock'n'Rolla Crown Necklace, Rock'n'Rolla Bangle Set, Black Luck Ring
Hair - Tekuteku - Naughty, Dark Brown
Skin - Curio - Sundust [Dark] Vixen-Merlot 1

Kim's breezin' into town soon...

2009-05-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a little preview of the "Kim" spring make up Hart Larsson over at PXL is working on. Be still my heart, LOOK at these new lips and that classic beauty nose! Foam is my new favorite hair shop for a dramatic vixen look. And I HAD to add Carissa Crimson's Babydoll eyelashes for emphasis.

It's gonna be a HOT weekend!

Skin - PXL Creations - Kim, Natural, Spring Siena, Beta - Release TBD
Hair - Foam - The Drifter
Eyelashes - Silhouette - Babydoll

We Shall All Eat Cake

2009-05-13T02:11:00.000-07:00

Stumbelina over at Cake is back at it, one of those designers that you don't even look at the notice, you just scamper right over there to see what's what. Afterglow is her latest creation, a romantic loose bun. New day, new hair...this has been a pretty good day.

Adam N Eve released this great casual dress called Mandi I couldn't live without. Easy to wear, easy to accessorize. I put on Miriel's Classic Necklace in Antique Gold/Amber. If you want to see the best vendors in game, you must go buy something from Miriel, I'm so impressed how efficient they are. Not being a matchy-matchy girl I also put on Stiletto Moody's Heart Charm Bracelet for fun.

Hair - Cake - Afterglow - Chestnut - Flexi Hair
Skin - Curio Sundust [Light] Vixen-Mink 1
Dress - Adam n Eve - Mandi Jade
Jewelry - Miriel Everyday- Classic Necklace - Antique Gold/Amber, Stiletto Moody Heart Charm Bracelet (Group Gift)

Not a Hot Pink Girl

2009-04-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

I definitely blew my wad at Axel. Niki and Lila Axel have always made trendy offerings that I like for mixin' and matchin'. They've definitely upped their game to a whole new level with some great new sets and rebuilt their store, which is simply stunning.

I had to show off the displays which are excellent on so many levels. I can see each piece on a model as well as just the item and what items come with each purchase. They've grouped everything by color scheme, which is perfect because I'm not a hot pink kind of girl, you know?

Axel - Main Store
Boots - KK Gogo Boots - Kakaue Designs (Kakaue Yoshikawa)
Necklace - Broken Long Strand Black Pearls - Caroline's Jewelry
Hair - Alicia - Truth
Skin - Curio - Petal Vixen Roxy2

Apologies for the last post :/

2009-04-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

I missed the pile of DMCA's that are flooding in to LL regarding SaWoDe. Just like law suits, we should be able to look these up.

*shakes head*

Hogarth Designs

2009-02-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

I like to wear jewelry I can dress up and dress down with. Karl over at Hogarth Designs has done just that with his diamond choker and diamond earrings I'm showing off to you now. He's got a great shop started over at the Khatara sim you might want to go check out. Keep the landmark handy as he adds new items - or to see if he's implemented any design ideas you might have sent him - shhhhh - I didn't say that. Seriously, he's one of the greatest guys in SL, you'll love him.

I know this hair designer isn't new, but Sola Meili of Fascino is fairly new to me. I stumbled in there today and they are having a sale and retiring the older designs. So nice for my "new day, new hair" motto.

Jewelry - Hogarth Designs - Diamond Choker & Diamond Earrings

Dress - Nyte'N'Day - Floret

Skin - PXL - Linda G2, Light Tan, Hearty Makeup

Hair - Fascino - Arime

What's in Shelby's Bag?

2008-12-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

I just got a new bag for Christmas, so I didn't have any wrappers, receipts, or lint...I left all that in my plate at Blue C Sushi because I couldn't wait to get home to transfer everything. Iris over at SCD had a fun idea, so I thought I'd chime in. I've discovered I have a Burt's Bees fetish...actually a lip product fixation.

- Kate Spade wallet - it's lime green on the inside and still full of Christmas money

- Creme deMenthe Altoids - my daughter used to call them Alfatoids when she was little...so that's what our entire family still calls them to this day

- Watermelon Orbit gum

- OmniPod PDA case - that tells my bionic pancreas what to do

- Wet n Wild file - got that at the women's expo

- LV zippered pouch - from my old bucket bag but perfect for receipts, medical cards, Aveda card, AAA card, insurance cards...

- Cell Phone - that is for me to text and call out on but not answer ;)

- Pen - from the Bone and Joint clinic when my youngest broke his wrist

- Burt's Bees - LOL Watermelon lip shimmer, replenishing balm, honey lip balm, and regular beeswax lip balm

- Bobbi Brown make up bag

- Benefit De Groovie lip stuff

- Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss

- Eyeglass tool

- Bobbi Brown mirror

- Hand Lotion - in the form of a bar of soap I got at the fair

- Bobbi Brown pencil sharpener for my lip liners that are in the bathroom

- 3 barrettes

- Bobby pin

- 2 safety pins

- $2 Peso coin

- Dental toothpick thingies

- Glasses - the case is in the car

- His and Her car keys

- Inquisitive dog - when I grab my purse she thinks it's GO time

Frozen

2008-12-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Many of our beloved designers are beyond generous with their group members and Hart Larsson of PXL Creations is definitely at the top of my list in my Second Life. This Frozen version of the Linda skin inspired me to get artsy while being snowed in tonight.

To get your own Frozen gift, make sure you join PXL Creations and post a favorites pic in your profile for the ability to get this at Hart's store. They won't last long, but it may take 48 hours for the server to recognize the add in your profile. Also, stay tuned for more skins coming up... I saw the new male skins...and...O.M.G...the man is seriously talented.

Serenade, Moonshine Style...

2008-12-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves the Black Swan events for all sorts of reasons. The stunning artwork that we get to wear as clothing is one of the things that makes SL exciting. I have quite a few pieces from previous events, but I don't wear them often. I'm sure there are people that wander aimlessly in formal gowns most of the time in world, but for me personally that's overkill.

This little number I'm wearing I will be wearing again...heck, I may wander aimlessly in it for days. It's called Serenade, by Shelly Toonie of Moonshine Designs. It features a velvet overskirt edged with ruffles and lace with black lacy petticoats peeking out underneath. Topped with a black satin camisole adorned with lace and pearl buttons, and finished with black velvet gloves with lace trim and a velvet scarf edged with fringe. This assemblage comes with two skirt versions -- long and flowing or short and sassy -- and in two colors of overskirt -- icy blue or pale gold -- with GOBS of attachment points!

Don't wait until the last hour of the last day like I do, go check out what these talented designers have in store for you here before January 9th.

Skin - PXL - Linda G2, Light Tan, Hearty Makeup - Soon to be Released!

Hair - Zero Style - Pompadour

No More Cankles!

2008-12-15T23:55:00.000-08:00

I am so READY for no more cankles!

This just in from the Stiletto group notice and the press reception invitation:

Stiletto Moody BARE © Is more than just a new season, its an evolution of shoe design in Second Life. The fully sculpted foot-in-a-shoe eliminates the need to suffer the “… Flintstone foot, that ungainly lump at the end of my avatar’s leg,” as Stiletto Moody puts it.

Here's the schedule:

Monday 15, December – Midnight slt – SIM closes for inventory setup
Tuesday 16 December - 4pm slt - Press Preview ( by invite)
Tuesday 16 December – 5pm slt – Members only launch & sale

I'll be there early for the reception with my camera!

Woman of Intrigue

2008-12-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

As soon as I saw Zerlinda Boucher's new hair called Anika, this entire outfit just blazed through my mind. Zerlinda has opened up shop over at PXL Creations, and has quite a collection going so far. Very good texture work and now this sexy woman of intrigue hat that is scripted. Zerlinda has quite a few styles and I will say, I really like the ones with bangs on my avatar. She's just getting started and I'm looking forward to seeing what else she comes up with!

I'm wearing Artilleri's Kat's Meow coat for the cold weather, another classic wardrobe item I would NEVER part with. Sheer's black fishnet stockings and gloves sass this outfit up a bit. Redgrave's Black Leather boots, again another classic must-have. I'm all ready for some up-town shopping, or a part in the next Get Smart movie.

Coat - Artilleri - Kat's Meow

Stockings & Gloves - Sheer - Black Fishnet Set

Boots - Redgrave - Black Leather Boots

Hair - Zerlinda's - Anika

Skin - PXL - Chloe SunKissed - Natural Lips Glossy - Smoke Eyes

Kellie Kellie Kellie Kellie Kellie....

2008-11-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

Most of the time I am at a loss for what to wear. Yes, it's true. There is nothing better than jeans and a cami for those of us that have burgeoning inventories of 25K plus and can't find one thing to put on.

In fact, I have a folder that I call ::Always On::. It has my personal default skin, shape, Huddles, MystiTool, Hair, Baldy, Shorts, Top, Akeyo Low Tops, manicure, pedicure, eyelashes, etc. If I decide to sport my Aunt Esmerelda avatar, I can do a quick presto-chango and be back to my normal self in a folder drop. Yes, dragging Aunt Esmerelda on your avatar when you're being sexually harassed by a tattooed, muscle-bound 3 month old noob is highly effective. Especially when you strip her down to her old lady foundation wear and do sexy dances as she flings her cane in the air.

CKS Designs owner-designer Kit Maitland's new cami called Kellie is now going to be in my default folder...it's soooo perfect. The hand drawn detail and the shading is delish. I'm really impressed...I want to learn how to do this so I am paying much closer attention to all that detail these days. I do believe I shall stalk her for lessons.

Camisole - CKS Designs - Kellie Tank

Aunt Esmerelda Avatar - DarkDharma Avatar Isle

Earrings - HCT - No longer available

Hair - Mirai Style & ::69:: - Rika & J. Lo

Cozeh

2008-11-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

Funny how SL translates to RL. Sometimes I just want to wear casual clothes and not spend a half an hour deciding what to wear. Ms. Shelly Toonie over at Moonshine came up with something perfect for days such as these with her Nexus offering.

A cozy shruggie type hoodie with both fuzzy and fuzzless trim versions as not to donnybrook with your prim hair. Impressive sculpt work with textures that blend well. Drawstring trousers, again with great sculpt and prim work. I added the MichaMi Glam Tank in gold because it looks great and to cover up my new PXL nips. Threw on my Maitreya Desert Boots for extra comfy-ness. Last but not least my yummy new PXL goodness...I have much more to say about that, but I'm savin' up...stay tuned.

I'm all set to stand on my dock and IM everyone...lol.

Hoodie & Pants - Moonshine - Nexus

Tank - MichaMi - Glam Tank

Boots - Maitreya - Desert Boots

Hair - ETD - Vasha with extra bangs

Skinnnnn - PXL - Linda Gen2 Light Tan - Hearty

Happy H-Day from Dirty Ego

2008-10-31T09:13:00.001-07:00

The Cosmo

2008-10-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

Cos`mo`pol´i`tan - a sophisticated person who has traveled in many countries.

Yeah, this outfit is something I'd wear while I jettison around the world. Kit Maitland's Essential Wrap Sweater is my new favorite item from CKSD. I can't even make a tee shirt and she tells me she did this with a mouse and not a Wacom...I'm so impressed. Well worth a fat pack that she cleverly calls the Kit & Kaboodle. The teal color group gift is soooo worth taking up a slot in your group list.

I could not WAIT to blog these booties. JB Gazov at J's has upped the standard once again with the J's Real Toe 2WayShort Boots. I personally love the prim work that goes into these, but for those of you that don't care for the primmy piggies you can wear them with the toes closed. Brilliant. Available in many colors and all sorts of scripting goodness to satisfy the most fickle.

Sweater - CKS Designs - The Essential Sweater

Pants & Belt - Celestial Studios - Jeans (I wear these all the damn time)

Boots - J's - J's Real Toe 2WayShort Boots

Glasses - Role Optic - Eternity

Earrings - Shiny Things - Ruma

Skin - PXL - Chloe Sun Kissed Natural Lips Glossy Smoke Eyes (soon to be released)

Hair - Aden - Tammy II

The Many Faces of Fleur

2008-10-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

We've all been waiting for Roslyn Petion and CJ Carnot's latest skin release "Allure" so named in a contest won by both Umbra Lunardi and Ran Garrigus.

Fleur showcases glamour and elegance, but being made with such care amongst the throngs of us begging for a peek, these skins look gorgeous no matter what you're wearing...if anything at all.

This brings me to some of my personal skin purchase points beyond the stunning makeup options that Ros is so famous for. The nips! CJ definitely makes the most attractive buds in all the land. Research much? The kitty purrs perfectly, not over done, but not scant in artistic expression if you know what I mean. The option of matching pubic panties is just the chocolate truffle on the pillow of skin purchases. My personal favorite feature of this series is the masterful collarbone. Designed and shaded perfectly it catches the light and maps exquisitely in SL's environment.

The Allure skins will be available Sunday at Noon SL Time at the Fleur sim for $L 1,200 each and $L 3,000 for a 3 Pack. Six new skin tones and 18 new make-ups. The dark skins are beautiful and reflect the light instead of soak it in. Here are a few of my personal faves:

Sweater & Pants - World Wide Industries WWI - LS Lifted & Drianpipe Plaid Pants

Skin - Fleur - Allure (Available Sunday the 19th Noon SL Time)

Hair - Magika - Emo

Mirai Times 2

2008-10-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

It's funny how new releases come in waves. Maybe all the designers' muses start working their magic simultaneously. Mirai Jun's muse over at Cubic Effect has been pulling down some serious over time. This Bulky Knit2 sweater dress will be a hold-over for next season I'm sure. In my book, the hallmark of good design is wanting to wear items more than one season or even more than once. I intended on my regular boot fare, but thought better of it knowing I could tint the socks with Maitreya's Boot-alicious boots in green suede.

The same thing goes for hair lately, I'm afraid to do a hair count in my inventory. Mirai Shan is a house on fire with her new releases. I have literally not taken the Pulu hair off in days. A huge testament to Ms. Shan's talent since my motto is new day, new hair. I appreciate the ability to copy/mod these designs. I move strands around and change the shades most of the time. A must for taking good photos.

And I HAVE to tell you about the most beautiful sim I found. Vitrail Illios of New Trails has designed an enchanting place to loiter and take beautiful photos. He sells his eye-filling creations you find on the sim, and I'm considering an island redux since I found his work. We have to talk him into selling us the table set for tea, the sculpty work is amazing!

Dress - Cubic Effect - Bulky Knit2

Boots - Maitreya - Boot-alicious

Bangles - DeLa - Aida Bangles

Hair - Mirai Style - Pulu

Skin - PXL - Linda LightTan CatEyes DarkLips Gen2 - Available Soon!

New Trails

Jewelry Expo Flickr Contest Winners!

2008-10-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

After much scrutiny, watching the contest slide show hundreds of times, and counting the votes, here is the list of your winners.

Those judging are four content creators that don't have photos in the contest, Miriel Enfield and myself. Consideration for composition, creativity, style, and quality were carefully considered in each entry. It was NOT easy since we all have such diverse taste.

Grand Prize:
Freyja Nemeth - Fairy Tale

First Place:
Green Dream - Fierce

Second Place:
★Berry★- [LAP] Poses No. 2861778554
Ryker Beck - Princesse de La Mer

Third Place:
Grazia Horowitz - Serendipity
Trixie Bumbo - Seduction
Kristi Maurer - Beauty in the Breakdown

Honorable Mentions:
Brandy Rasmussen - For the Evening
Green Dream - Magpie's Treasure
* Fallacy * - Fairie
★Berry★ - I Love My Blowpop
Emacha Yokosuka - For Your Precious One 02

I will be contacting you in world with prizes from your generous vendors within the next week.

We want to thank all of you, this has been a great Expo!

Win-Win

2008-10-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Fundraisers in SL are usually a win-win. Shopping goodness at a great price for a good cause. That's exactly what's happening over at The Starlust Motel. Crystyl Bukowski of Pudge has been stuck by 'The Man' and her talented friends have come to the rescue with some really fun things to buy with "Operation Bukowski".

Noam Sprocket's Hair from Gritty Kitty looks like Crystyl's in real life and is soooooooooo stinkin' CUTE! If I cut my hair, I am so doing this. The scripted barrette is editable so you can play with the colors all you want. The Angel of Your Plaid Nightmare coat by Apatia Hammerer of Thimbles is a funky must-have for SL even if it's always 70 degrees and sunny.

I started off the whole spree by seeing that Juliette Westerburg from Tres Blah had some new casual tops I couldn't live without. Lots of colors and layer options...perfect. More, more, more, Juliette...we misssss your designs!

Get the Following at The Starlust Motel :

Coat - Thimbles - The Angel of Your Plaid Nightmares Coat - Bruise

Top - Tres Blah - Vintage Floral Thermal

Hair - Gritty Kitty - Crystyle

Other:

Pants - Armidi Limited - Kogo Skinny Pants

Shoes - Maitreya - Female Desert Boots

Skin - PXL - Chloe SunKissed Natural Lips Glossy Smoke Eyes - Available Soon!

Sweater-y Goodness

2008-09-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

Oooooh, soft sweater-ness. Being such a tactile person the fabrics of the impending cold weather just sennnd me. I know, it's the small things, right? Kit Maitland of CKSD has just released THE Essential Sweater Dress in 21 colors, of which I am sporting in "Toast". There's a gorgeous Teal color for her update group you don't want to miss out on either. It's amazing how sexy you can look being completely covered up!

This dress being perfect for scarves and coats and all around everything in your accessory folder, I reached for NovaStar Shilova's Dark Brown Leather Belt from Nova. Mesh designs in gold or silver metal on the jacket or pants layers. Perfect. I found ALL sorts of great things over there at Nova...cute sweaters, basic pieces, I had a good time throwing $Lindens around in there.

Sweater Dress - CKSD- Essential Sweater Dress

Boots - Redgrave- Smokey Brown Boots

Belt - Nova - Dark Brown Leather Belt

Tights - G.L.A.M - Tintable Metallic Lycra Tights - No Longer Available

Hair -Refuge - Beth

Skin - PXL - Chloe SunKissed Natural Lips Glossy Smoke Eyes - Available Soon!

Getaway

2008-09-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

One of my mantras is 'new day, new hair' and when I saw Kumii Yoshikawa's newness I was thrilled! I have a lot of hair just for modeling, like Damselfly's Akili. Kumii's Model Hair 1 & 2 is so perfect for amazing pics. The shading and the blur is very realistic and saves some time all cramped up in Photoshop. She has included poses to go with the Model hair and they are soooo much fun! I'm conviced though about the 'lucky' chairs never coming up with the letter S...I stood there and IM'd for a reeeeally long time and pouted when I saw all the X's and the B's run off with the cute Butterfly Hair Kumii has up right now.

Now that Fall is officially here I'm dragging out the cozy stuff even though we live on a beach and I'm usually running around in a bikini top and cutoffs. Iki Ikarus of Dutch Touch fame has graced us with some cold weather fare called LoNDOn that is still sexy and looks great with Fallingwater Cellardoor's Stripe Knit Thigh Highs and Chunky Ribbon Boots. I love the detail and layer options in all Iki's work. Honestly, if there were a company I'd like to see go real life ready-to-wear it would be Dutch Touch.

We shot these pics at the beautiful sim, Lostaria. You'll find hidden, romantic spots all over the place with photos in mind. I saw some 7 Seas fishing in the river which I'm looking forward to. The whole place is set up to relax and enjoy your sweetheart and friends. Be sure to throw some tip-love in the jars set about, we want to see talented creators like this keep developing these getaways for us!

Outfit - Dutch Touch - LoNDOn

Boots & Socks - Shiny Things- Chunky Ribbon Boots & Stripe Knit Thigh Highs

Earrings - *EMJ* - Multi-Metal Hoops - Custom

Necklace -Miriel Everyday - Classic Necklace - Silver/Malachite

Hair -::69:: - Model 2 & Still

Skin - PXL - Chloe SunKissed Natural Lips Glossy Smoke Eyes - Available Soon!

Location - Lostaria

The Money Shot

2008-09-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I was at DeLa's buying shoes. In front of the shoe display was a pose ball, that I promptly clicked on. Sooooo perfect for taking shoe pics, I IM'd Kuranosuke Kamachi to ask (beg) if she sold that pose. She told me she was working on some poses and she'd let me know as soon as they were available. Welllll, I had no idea she was making hunnerds of poses!

How many ~~little black dresses~~, ~~hairs~~, ~~shoes~~, poses can a girl have? How different can one pose be from another? VERY different I found out! The hands, the angle of the head, unusual placement of all extremities kept me scrolling through each pose and animation with anticipation. When I'm snapping pics, I always know when I get the "money shot". I have to say, with each of Kuranosuke's poses, there are a few money shots with each pose depending on your camera angle. It was easy to burn a couple hours playing with them.

Not only poses, Kuranosuke has some amazing animations too. Reeeally cute sits and a few gems to load into your Huddles. There is a little model-spin animation called Brava that I am so tempted into loading into my AO...just for a day or so.

Dress - M * A * ii * K * I - Strapless & Patent Scarlet Red

Shoes & Poses - DeLa* - Stella Pumps

Bracelet - *EMJ* - Elegance Simple Bangles

Ring - *EMJ* - Shelby's Engagement Ring Multi-Metal/Gem Exclusive

Hair - Truth - Trisha in Java

Skin - PXL - Crys Fashion Eyes & Natural Lips

Covert

2008-09-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned a couple days ago, Simone Stern of Simone! and Style Starts Here has been in a production frenzy of late. I couldn't wait to see what else she was coming up with for my favorite season of the year, so I covertly found my way into her studio and found this AMAZING sweater she was working on. I think my very first faux-fur trimmed dress was from Simone! and I absolutely love the look especially when it's well done...check out this detail pic:

I could see some drawings for a little dress to go with it, but I'm thrilled with this little shrug that I managed to snag. In all seriousness, when I did talk with Simone to tell her I wanted to share this little sweater with the blogosphere, she said she was thinking something the lines of "tea at Harrod's" as far as the accompanying dress and I immediately thought of Audrey Hepburn. Keep your eyes open for this versatile little release which will most likely be available at the Simone! store soon.

Little Black Sweater - Simone! - The Yet-to-be-Released Little Black Sweater

Pants - Frangipani Designs - Belted Wool Trouser

Shoes - DeLa* - Stella Pumps

Bracelet & Earrings - *EMJ* - Gunmetal Moon of Jupiter Pearl Set - Soon to be Released

Hair - ETD - Sofia

Skin - PXL -Chloe - SunKissed Natural Lips Glossy & Smoke Eyes - Soon to be Released

Style Starts Here

2008-09-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season, the clothes, the food, the smells, the weather, everything. I still get the urge to go school shopping to hunt for the best sweaters ever. Simone just released the yummiest Black Cable Sweater that I simply had to have from her Style Starts Here line. Well known for her beautiful gowns, I am really enjoying this casual line from Simone. Scamper over there, she has a boat-load of newness this week.

I married my sweater with Nessinger Loveless' Betty Skirt from T..a..R..t. This is another little black dress you can't live without, I mix and match this miniskirt often. It's hard to see the detail on the skirt, trust me, it's pure class. There is a big sale going on over there, you won't be disappointed in all the sexyness to choose from! I am also wearing Kaysha Sion's fishnets from Wrong that came with an outfit I've had for over two years and are still the best I've found on the grid...unfortunately they are no longer available. A close second for fishnets is a pair that comes with Redgrave's Brown Glitter Clubbing Dress...and they are tintable! Stiletto Moody's Black Croc Tall Boots matched perfectly, the hue of the blacks in both the sweater and the boots as well as the patterns just pulled this hot little outfit together!

We had a great time taking these pictures at Dolphin Designs by Jordy Ishnoo. These are some of the best prefabs I've seen lately. I looked at every build only to be surprised at each turn with all sorts of fresh idea features. He has mastered Second Life lighting and that's evident throughout his creations. Jordy has filled each home with smashing sculpty furniture that can be purchased with our without his homes. The shadowing is unique and showcases his texturing beautifully. I have sculpt talent envy...I WILL master ZBrush...lol. Shown is the Hawk's Nest, please check out all the builds, you won't be disappointed. To visit Jordy's sim, click the pic!

Sweater - Style Starts Here - Black Cable Sweater

Miniskirt - T..a..R..t - Betty

Earrings - Shiny Things - Ruma Earrings

Hair - Dernier Cri - Natasha

Skin - PXL -Chloe - SunKissed Natural Lips Glossy & Smoke Eyes - Soon to be Released

Location - Dolphin Designs - Prefab & Custom Architecture, Furniture, All Around Coolness

Do Not Try This at Home

2008-09-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Please leave the shapemaking to the professionals...and just be mentally prepared when you try on the demos. Okay, I confess. I've had the same shape for some two and a half years with some minor tweaking here at there and don't really give shapes much thought. I was having a looksy at Foxy Innis' shiny new store, Foxy Curves and thought I'd try on a demo.

I almost had a heart attack, I thought something was drastically wrong with my over-taxed graphics card when I saw my avatar rez the demo. I snapped a pic and sent it to a friend of mine in a total panic. "Something is REALLY wrong with Foxy's stuff!" He said, "well, legs are legs. Hands are hands. You really buy the shape for the face and bewbs, I would imagine. Its a way for you to see how it looks without getting the actual item. Obviously still in shock and not wholly grasping the concept I said, "good thing she's not making penors".

Okay, nowwww I get it, and yes Foxy's shapes are beautiful. Each face is very distinct in its own style as well as the rest of the shape. I think this is a fabulous idea for modeling, more focus on the things being modeled and less on the identity of the model. This is Model Pose 009 and I'm wearing the "Ella" shape. There are two types of shapes, one is Copy-Mod-No Transfer for $L750 and the other is Copy-No Mod-No Transfer, this version comes with a dress shape so you can still look sexy in skirts which is L$400. Clear as mud? IM me, I am an expert on shapes now!

Foxy also has poses! I am a posefiend and was thrilled to find this new, fresh stash...for the amazing price of $L50. While I was there one of the pose vedors was not working, but at $L50 each I took the chance and bought them all! If you need a new look, or know someone that does go on a spree at Foxy Curves on the beautiful Southern Paradise sim. If you reeeeallly want to have some fun, don't tell your friends what happens when they try on a demo ;) Click the pic below to visit.

Iz In DAHaus Jumpin' On Yer Bed

2008-08-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

I was looking at Daedalus Brink's furniture at DAHaus and got invited to a party last night. While I was there I saw the most interesting avatar. She had a M*A*ii*K*I dress on with the best accessories I have ever seen...enter the Cyber Doll, Neko style. Using the inspect item on the edit menu I found the maker, Aoimizuno Meili. It's hard to get the names sometimes in that window, but I was fairly certain there was only going to be one Aoimizuno in the search. I can't remember the party-goer's name and I didn't get any photos because SL was being very mean to me...gah!

Logging out and logging back into Aoimizuno's region and finding her store, *LPP* "Le Petit Prince" I stood there in total amazement. There are so many insanely creative things I had to look at each and every item. Exquisite attention to detail, this prim-work blew my mind. I didn't even get to teleport to the skins since I was so enthralled with the main store. Typically I dress in SL much like I dress in RL, but every now and then I like to shake it up. Consider me shaken today!

Aoimizuno offers clothing, jewelry, accessories and body parts in Japanese, Steam Punk, and Cyber Doll styles. You really have to go see the rest of her offerings, like the Cyber peg leg and the bionic shoulder just to admire the wild ideas. You could either go all out with a costume or just wear one memorable signature piece. Considering the skill and craftsmanship that has gone into LPP's inventory, the pricing is very reasonable, my Doll Eye Patch at $L 160 for example.

I did make my way back to Daedalus' store all decked out in my sexy-cyberness to look around, take some pics, and jump on the beds. Dae tells me he likes the modern and retro combined...the sense of clean lines they share in common and the fact that it looks comfortable and believable. I agree, I really like the look and feel of his furniture and the ability to mix and match my selections. The perfect place to deck out your SL home.

Outfit and Accoutrements - *LPP* "Le Petit Prince"

Hair - BooN - HNB27

Skin - PXL -Chloe - SunKissed Natural Lips Glossy & Smoke Eyes - Soon to be Released

Location - DAHaus - Furniture and Accessories

Oops!

2008-08-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

"Ever heard Victoria's REAL secret? Too much support hurts."- R. Stevens

It's a great thing we don't need foundation wear with 87 hour support in world, that would be unsightly...although funny...okay now I'm imagining the photo oppty's! I digress. Of course I had to get the new Lucky Lingerie offered by Stiletto Moody knowing everything I purchase there pushes my happy buttons repeatedly. There's nothing better knowing what you have on underneath your date night clothes just in case. Not disappointed, I bought the entire set so I could mix and match to my hearts content. I haven't taken off the new Stiletto Moody Pinup Pythons, for a couple of days, excellent quality and so many options you can't go wrong with these humpable shoes.

Finally deciding on Dernier & Cri's new hair was a daunting task since Hair Fair has glutted my inventory with so many options, I have to say...these textures are rich and the Color Dye HUD is brilliant. Again, I get paralyzed with so many options I have to take notes, ha! I added the just released *EMJ* Heart Tag bracelet and earrings, with metal changing options...I LOVE that. Go figure that I've been spending most of my spare time making jewelry getting ready for The Jewelry Expo and I hardly wear a lot of it. This little set that comes with a necklace, choker, and anklet as well, looks like it will be a staple to put in the "Always On" folder even if Elexor said he was cutting my card when he found out I was a jeweler, ha!

Last but not least I am proudly wearing the not yet released Chloe skin from Hart Larsson over at PXL. I had a good talk with him now that he's back from vacation and I will say I'm so glad I stuck to my principles of hearing both sides of any controversy. I'm still flyin' the Hart flag for sure. You can read his statement here and make up your own mind. For me, I'm glad I didn't take the torches and pitchforks because they were free and just because everyone was doin' it. I always hope my friends would do the same for me.

Lingerie - Stiletto Moody - Lucky Lingerie

Shoes - Stiletto Moody - Pinup Python

Jewelry - *EMJ* - Multi-Metal Heart Tag Set

Hair - Dernier & Cri - Natasha (at Hair Fair now)

Skin - PXL -Chloe - SunKissed Natural Lips Glossy & Smoke Eyes - Soon to be Released

Eat Your Heart Out Ladies...

2008-08-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

You can't have me...because It's me, Shelby *grin*. Tommy Fairplay and Shylah Honey of DragonFly Outlet have done it again. I saw Tommy wearing his new skin and I was so impressed I donned my best male shape and got to snappin' pics. This adorable real life/second life team has everything you can think of over at their compound. They offer clothing, hair, shoes, jewelry, animations, poses, tattoos, and fairies!

While chatting about the new skin line, I learned that the faces are very detailed yet still have that edge to them and not overly done with a smoothness. They are more of a high fashion type of skin rather than rugged. Tommy says, "I concentrated this time on the face getting it to the right style I have been looking for, and I made several (holy cow, I only posted my faves!) different facial options for all the different preferences men may like or what their partners may like". Now that's some forward thinking! I wonder how many male skin purchases are driven by female suggestion...I know I've already dragged some of my friends over there to do some serious right-clicking.

I noticed the torso and the abs were so different than most male skins I've seen and Tommy said, " I just tried to make them look different from any other skin out there giving just as much detail to the body as I did the face. I spent many hours going pixel to pixel fixing imperfections that I thought would make it better, the main concept of this skin is to make sure they could be compared to no other and have a very original look". Ummm, I think mission accomplished on that objective, don't you? Okay, my personal favorite part..the LIPS...they are soooo...yummm.

Here's the low-down on what you'll get:

Each single pack comes with 4 skins: 2 bald 2 with hair on the head, they also have 2 different body hair options. They also come with a starter shape, eyebrow shape, eyes, and black nail polish, so its like buying a full avatar at one price! Men, that means you can afford to change your skins as often as we women change our boy-shorts.

4 packs: 1800
16 packs: 4899
40 packs: 14899
All 160 skins: 45899

I also heard that Shylah has some female skins she's working on too...I can't WAIT! So drag those epidurmically challenged men in your life to DFO and set them straight. If you're a man reading this blog you most likely have a high fashion IQ and won't be needing to book a female sherpa shopper. If in fact you ARE one of those men that needs assistance, send me an IM ;)

DragonFly Outlet

Jewelry Expostion 2008 Updates

2008-08-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, here's a little inspiration for the Jewelry Expo 2008 Photo Contest by Terry Toland. She's definitely gone out of the box with her creativity. We're looking for all YOUR jewelicious talent posted on the stream!

To all you jewelers and accoutrement designers, we're putting together a list of those who are donating to the prize winnings with both cash and stash. Just IM or send a notecard to Shelby Ziskey in world, or send me an email to shelby.ziskey@gmail.com and I'll contact you. We'll periodically post the list on the blogs and all your names and businesses will be proudly displayed at the Expo. I think mayhaps we should have the winner shoot a pic wearing ALL the winnings.

Post your work at the Jewelry Exposition 2008 Official Photo Contest Here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/jewelryexposition2008/

So Many Options, So Little Time

2008-08-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Doc Eldritch of DE Designs is another one of those long time residents that keeps churning out the quality content for the voracious shopper types like me. The sim is filled to overflowing with well made wearables. Pace yourself if you haven't been there.d

I appreciate the diversity of Doc's clothing so we can mix and match his hand-drawn goodness to our Barbie heart's content. I still wear things he made over two years ago which shows you the staying power he has in such a fickle industry.

This latest release, Onyx comes with 2 button down options, a vest, a jacket, and matching pants. So many options and so little time to wear them all. Priced at $L 395 you can easily buy the ensemble for yourself in world, or buy as a gift at SLExchange.

Ensemble - DE Designs - Onyx

Necklace - Tuli - Gunmetal Cross Necklace

Boots - Redgrave - Black-Leather

Skin - Curio - Lumine Sienna

Hair - Damselfly - Payge

Jewelry Expostion 2008 Official Photo Contest!

2008-08-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the preparation for the Jewelry Exposition 2008 we’re hosting a photo contest here! We want to see you wearing your jewels in all your glorious splendor. We’re looking for the jewelry to be prominent in the photo, and your talent and creativity in showcasing it.

There will be one Grand Prize Winner, one First Place Winner, two Second Place Winners, three Third Place Winners, and five Honorable Mentions. The winning works will be on display at the Jewelry Exposition for the duration of the event. The photos will be judged by the Jewelry Exposition 2008 committee. Prizes will be listed in a post to this group at a date yet to be determined.

RULES:
1. In the description of your entry include:
Your Second Life avatar name:
Model:
Photographer:
Jewelry Item(s) and Store:
2. Post processing is allowed and encouraged.
3. Photos sized at 512 x 512 pixels.
4. Limit 10 original entries, the person posting the photo will be the entrant.
5. All photos must be entered by midnight SLT on September 28th.
6. Winners will be revealed at the Jewelry Exposition.

In joining this group, you agree to all the terms and conditions listed in the rules. The committee has picture veto power if the photo is inappropriate in any way. Jewelry Exposition 2008 has the right to reproduce, edit and use submitted images.

If you have any questions or would like a copy of these rules and regulations in-world, contact Shelby Ziskey.

Grab your friends and join here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/jewelryexposition2008/

Stuff Your Drawers

2008-08-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

You can never have too many little black dresses and you can never have enough jeans. Zoe Llewelyn of Boneflower fame is definitely going to stuff your drawers. I never tire of the creativity of Second Life and these are the coolest jeans I have ever seen. Buying is peculiar on the grid, we all want unusual and unique, but would we really wear or buy some of the things offered? Are your purchase triggers the same in world as they are in RL? Looking at these, I would really like to order up the frayed black Tink jeans to wear every day.

Zoe will be offering 50+ designs sporting flames, flags, Tink, and miscellaneous that include Relay for Life, Fleur de Lys, Joker, Pirate...and PLAIN! I don't know what her pricing will be, but considering Zoe's track record they will be really reasonable. These are perfect for just grabbing when you have no idea what to wear or if you want to build an entire look around them. I'm not sure of the exact release date, so mayhaps you could sign of for the update group, Boneflower Designs. I always find the easiest way to find groups is to look up the designer, scroll down the group list and double click the group...and then beg for a Subscribe-o-matic.

Another little fashion fave of mine is the NanoGunk FIX Skin Color Pants & Sleeves. When you're wearing pants and tops without prims, your skin bleeds to the inside of the garment. This is a handy little fix that hides that unsightly skin. I'm sure there are others out there, but the Nano Gunk set is $L10 the last time I looked. I wish they were transfer so you could give them to your friends. Skin in the pants in SL is like a booger in the nose in RL. I'm just sayin'.

Jeans - Boneflower Designs - Coming Soon

Shoes - ShinyThings - Chunky Ribbon Boots

Skin - PXL -Linda - Fashion Eyes & Coffee Lips

FIX Skin Color - NanoGunk

Hair - Damselfly - Akili

Ultimate Skin Wars v.3.7

2008-08-10T23:08:00.000-07:00

I'm no expert on skinning that's for sure, I'm just learning Photoshop. While Mallory Cowen's presentation is compelling, I wanted to see for myself. Pictures are worth 1000 words and now I'd like to add a few words to my verbose picture and play devil's advocate.

Skinners who are inherently adept at Photoshop can spin anything the way they want to spin it. These two pictures of mine were taken at the same time in the same pose with the same lighting with no post processing. The base does look similar and Hart named his source in the IM exchange posted on Mallory's blog. Personal opinion here, chat logs can be changed and knowing LL's TOS doesn't reach blog postings, posting private instant messages is just bad form. The timing of the post seems hinky to me as well. Why didn't Mallory post it the day the Crys skins started showing up in the blogs instead of waiting until Hart went on vacation?

In looking at just the top half of these two skins side by side, I like the lighting, the shading, the make up, the lips, the nipples, and the lack of seams in the PXL skin much better. When I look at the Laqroki skin, I don't like the lips, the shading, the color and the smudged ring around the aureole of the nipples. These features are nothing like the PXL skin. Another thing I noticed about the Laqroki skin is that the faces are a different skin tone than the rest of the bodies...the face has a blue/pink undertone and the body has an olive/orange undertone. I would not purchase a Laqroki skin based on this alone. While everything is personal preference, I think the Laqroki skin is cute, but I feel it is sub-par work. I think the PXL skin is beautiful and to me it looks like a true artist put it together. I don't know, if I didn't know any back story and seeing these skins side by side, I might think the Laqroki skin was the below standard copy.

I've been wearing PXL skins since before the last skin show-down between Minnu and Hart and it turned out they showed each other their sources and there was no further debate. If the Linda and the Crys skins were in violation of the DMCA, why are these skins still available?

I'm going to wait until the fat lady sings on this one...there is always two sides of the story. If it does turn out that the charges are true I'll be looking for a new skinner. Until then I am going to wear my PXL skins, I look beautiful in them.

Fab.Pony

2008-08-09T00:40:00.000-07:00

There's a fun store I want to share with you owned by the charming Tatiana Faulkes called Fab.Pony. I showed up there yesterday and found out that Tatiana has 10 years of RL design that she brought into SL last November. She is offering everything but hair, she said she has to have something to buy. The girl's a house-a-fire of productivity.

Tatiana says this first dress is her current favorite because it's girly, great for cleavage and doesn't make you look preggers! Tatiana said she is always in game and she does custom fittings for her customers...how refreshing is that?!

It was so hard to choose from the outfits and the mix and match. I could not resist the Boyfriend Skinny Jeans and I paired them with the top from the Sexeh Dress and added the Maitreya pumps. There was a pair of Glam Metallic Leggings that didn't make it into this post that I really liked as well...they come with an illuminator and bling...super cute and they lit my face from underneath.

I wanted to pull Damselfly's new hair in this post, Shylah Honey has released some excellent new hair designs the past couple weeks that are hovering in the top 5 spots in my hair folder. I am so loving this look and resisting the urge to buy some hot rollers.

The Panther Babydoll caught my eye first and it's fresh and easy to wear. Tatiana was right, I look far from preggers in this outfit.

The Fab.Pony store is soooo cute and laid out very well. Skins and a gallery upstairs and clothes, shoes, and accessories downstairs. For being here for nine months or so, the show pony of Fab.Pony is an astute study of content creation in SL.

First Outfit:

Dress - Fab.Pony - Tie Dye Sundress

Shoes - Stiletto Moody - Pinup Pumps

Bangles - Frangipani Designs - Mystic Beaded Necklace and Bracelet

Skin - PXL -Linda - Fashion Eyes & Coffee Lips

Hair - Damselfly - Chantyl

Second Outfit:

Jeans - Fab.Pony - Boyfriend Skinny Jean

Top - Fab.Pony - Sexeh Dress

Shoes - Maitreya - Slinky Stilettos

Hair - Damselfly - Bijoux

Skin - PXL -Linda - Fashion Eyes & Coffee Lips

Third Outfit:

Dress - Fab.Pony - Panther Babydoll

Shoes - Periquita - Funny Girl Flats

Necklace, Earrings, & Bracelet - Earthtones - The New Grazia Set

Skin - PXL -Linda - Fashion Eyes & Coffee Lips

Hair - Damselfly - Taliyah

The Trolls are Talking

2008-08-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't wear the same thing today because I was out all night partying! I wore the same thing today for two reasons, the first being that I don't want to take this Haute Style & Co. dress off and second because I was out all night...waiting for the Stiletto Moody store to open. I went to bed considerably early compared to all those East Coast combat shoppers. It was pleasant enough to walk in there today and leisurely pick up my coveted new shoes and boots. I heard we have to wait until tomorrow for the lingerie and the group bracelet. Speaking of bracelets, I keep reaching for the new Shiny Things Ruma set. Coming in both gold and silver they go with anything. The art and talent in Fallingwater's work makes me fan myself. Okay, the squid hat she gave me doesn't quite do that, but you know what I'm talking about.

Back to HSC. Typically these mini dresses don't fit well and I'm constantly adjusting the prim attachment and the tinting so it doesn't look like I have a radioactive netherland issue, but I haven't had to do this with the Grandma's Curtains dress. If Grandma knew how hot I looked in her curtains I wouldn't have made it out of the house wearing something like this made out of them. The bodice looks fantastic with the shirring and little bits of lace demurely peeking through. I don't know if women dress for men or other women, it's hard to tell wearing this. I've had compliments from both camps today...even the trolls were talking.

And the shoooooes! I seriously considered plunking down L$ 4,999 or some crazy price for all 12 colors of these Pinup Pumps with gold and/or silver chains, AO walk, bling or no bling, sound or no sound and multiple sizes. I opted for my typical neutral colors but I'm sure if I have a photo shoot that is in dire need of some off-beat color I won't bat an eye at paying for another pair. Good lawd, how much do you spend on just the right picture? *covers her eyes*

Dress - Haute Style & Co. - Grandma's Curtains

Shoes - Stiletto Moody - Pinup Pumps

Bangles - Shiny Things - Ruma

Skin - PXL -Crys SunKissed Fashion Eyes & Natural Lips

Hair - Aden - Annyka

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Membership DOES Have Priveledges

2008-08-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in managing my measly 25 groups I feel like I'm playing a game of chance. There are some groups you simply can not sacrifice and Stiletto Moody is definitely a keeper.

There is newness coming today at 5:00 this afternoon over at Stiletto Moody shoes. Not only shoes, but lingerie! The sim is closed right now and will open at 5:00 for group members who will be treated to a 40% off sale of previous season stock. You had to have joined the group before today and I'm not sure when the non-members will be able to get into the store for the new releases.

During the sale, wear your group tag, buy the item and you will receive an immediate 40% refund. Another thing I learned during the last stampede, there is a kiosk near the door that will re-send your purchase if it doesn't make it into your inventory immediately. Brilliant.

Stiletto says, "Stiletto Moody Generation 2 (SMG2) is not just a new season, it's an evolution". Here's what we can look forward to in the Fall '08 release:

STILETTO MOODY – TALL BOOT
Introducing a knee-high boot in patent leather and crocodile, with full ranges of both and colour-changing packs. Possibly my most requested item. It’s a boot of the moment with lots of yummy fall browns and large colour range to make it an all-year-round boot. This classic has a ‘Vargas-girl’ inspired shape, with a towering straight-drop heel. You will discover SMG2 features by playing with the menu – Hint - removable accessories, changing stirrup-chain colours.

STILETTO MOODY PINUP
The Pinup is a sexy “high-toe” pump with hidden platform and beautiful deeeep curve heel. The cute little stirrup-maryjane-chain is going to make you smile...trust me. Sensual, elegant, powerful - the cleanest shoe in the range in a whole range of patent colours and colour changing all-in-one set.

STILETTO MOODY d’ORSAY
Drop-dead-sexy pointed strappy heels. Some say until you’ve had a pair of “Fxxx-me red shoes” you haven’t really ‘worn’ high-heels. We call them Lipstick-Red but I think they deliver - wink. Juxtapose elegance with danger by just removing the heel cup chain or toe strap.

MORE - MUCH - MORE
It doesn’t end there. SMG2 is a many weeks launch, with cute little additions tottering out continually to surprise and delight we hope. I’m not going to reveal all but look out for our PYTHON PATENT PINUPS coming next with a brilliant “redstripe” patent. We are creating a whole new generation of exquisite, cutting edge and dramatic Stiletto Moody fashion. I hope we hit the mark.

Let's synchronize our watches and I'll see you at 5:00 tonight at Stiletto Moody Shoes!

Marvelous Malcontent

2008-08-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

Our dear, sweet Kit. Who would have thought she had THIS in her design repertoire?! I am a fan of CKS Design for sure, but Domina is my favorite so far. Attention to detail and quite a few options, this outfit is visionary for sure. I'm hoping Kit will add a new department to her store for more of this malcontent-wear that makes misbehaving oh so fashionable. Available late tonight, or early tomorrow, you'll have to add this to your HOT folder in your inventory. You do have folders, right?

The beauty of Second Life is being experimental on so many levels. I'd bore myself into a lather if I wore in SL what I wear in RL every day. Check out the sexy back of this set! The booty shorts blend perfect without compromising the design integrity of the piece. There are nipple and non-nipple version, of course I chose the high-beams. Miss Maitland, you've outdone yourself this week, bravo!

Outfit - CKS Designs - Domina

Shoes - Redgrave - Black Leather Boots

Stockings - Sheer - Black Fishnets

Earrings - Shiny Things - Pyra

Sunglasses - Role Optic - SG-60 Princess

Skin - PXL -Crys SunKissed Smoke Eyes & Ice Lips

Hair - Shop Seu - Pompadour

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

I Want Your Pants!

2008-08-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

Zoe Llewelyn asks us who read the fashion feeds if anyone wants her pants, and I answer with a resounding yes. These rich Brocade Low-Rise Slacks are classic with an edge. I was in total shock that Zoe offers eight colors on both underwear and pants layers for L$ 195. I checked twice to make sure. I definitely would have paid much, much more for these. The rear view is perfection, makes me want to up my workouts in RL.

I started flipping through my inventory and found the ::69:: Succubus Pumps and Sheer's Black Fishnets that were perfect. If you don't own every set of stockings from Sheer, you are certainly missing out. Actually, without a top I looked reeealllly hot, but for blogging modesty I donned Tori Heart's Kala top from Barerose Tokyo in white and tinted it to match my shoes. Okay, you designers that let us modify our purchases, I kiss your face!

Then on to the sim owners that allow build, I also kiss your face. I knew that taking pics at the new Curio sim would complete my theme today. I was able to rez a gaze point and a pose stand to do mah thing.

Pants - Boneflower - Brocade Low-Rise Slacks

Blouse - BareRose Tokyo - From the Kala Outfit

Shoes - ::69:: - Succubus Pumps

Stockings - Sheer - Black Fishnets

Pendant - * Dirty Ego * - Available Soon

Skin - PXL - Dark Eyes & Coffee Lips

Hair - Damselfly - Amaleen

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Are You Hot Enough Challenge

2008-08-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

This is so hot I had to tell ya'll about it. Lexi Morgan definitely keeps her eye on the prize. She is a virtual machine pumping out new content constantly. I amble over to Stellar Designs when I'm feeling a little feisty and her latest release, Soaking Wet filled my feistyosity for sure. This smexy number comes in a few colors and Lexi says, "normally the tanning oil is worn underneath the clothing layer, but in this case if you would like an extra slick look in your clothes, wear a layer of tanning oil under your clothes layer and over your clothes layer".

I've noticed that photo contests are all the rage lately, and Lexi is offering the goods with the "Are You Hot Enough" ongoing challenge. Take a picture of at least one Stellar Designs offerings, clothes, skins, shoes, jewelry, etc., submit it to the Stellar Designs Flickr Pool, and join the Stellar Designs group in world so Lexi can hunt you down and shower you with prizes. Be sure to check the rules for all the particulars.

Dress - Stellar Designs - Soaking Wet

Bangles - Shiny Things - Ruma Bangles

Skin - PXL - Dark Eyes & Coffee Lips

Hair - Damselfly - Amaleen

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes - Cake - Bedroom Lashes

The Chocolate Room

2008-07-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed, I love taking pictures in SL. I find myself once again at the Black Swan sim wanting to snap as many keep-able pics as I can.

The lovely Lokum Shilova pointed my attention to another Black Swan inspired designer, Eshi Otawara of Chambre du Chocolat. Her Black Swan Ballerina Outfit simply has to be worn, it's an experience. The attention to detail is perfect, I especially like the shading on the pants layer to pop the ethereal skirt design. Eshi includes ballet shoes (not shown), earrings, necklace and a bracelet to match. If that's not enough, there is a ballerina Animation Override! Be sure to pick one up before August 4th at the Black Swan sim.

Not being familiar with her work other than the famous Fish Hook Dress, I checked out her shop which I found in her profile. Once I got there, I was hyperventilating. She has sooooo many unusually creative offerings I couldn't contain myself. I have a few I can't wait to take pictures with, but here's one that could NOT wait:

Okay, I haven't met Eshi yet, but I already LOVE her sense of humor.

Dress, Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet - Chambre du Chocolat @ Black Swan - Black Swan Ballet Dress

Shoes -Adam & Eve - Lotus - Black

Skin - PXL - Natural Eyes & Red Lips

Hair - ETD - Sophia - Smoke

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes - Cake - Bedroom Lashes

LBD - It's not an STD

2008-07-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

LBD. Every woman looks great wearing it, and every woman has her own mega collection of them. It is the default date ensemble when it is one of those "I have nothing to wear" days. In fact, it is so popular, so necessary, and so much an institution in women's fashion that we have to thank Coco Chanel for giving it to us in the roaring 20's.

Today I'm thanking Kit Maitland for designing the Monica dress from CKS Designs. Classic lines and a flirty skirt is the foundation of what Second Life was built on and this is primo. Kit's clothes are always so much fun to wear because I can interchange them with so many options. This dress comes in more colors, I always begin with black and if I like it I buy the rest! I think next I'll wear this top with some white jeans and the HUB Venus Sandals, a pony tail and some sunglasses.

I've also purchased more phalanges! J's has come out with another pair of anatomically correct shoes. I really, really want all my open toed shoes to have these...in SL of course.

I was exploring at the Musa Artis interactive exhibit 'Temptation & Revenge' that just opened a couple days ago. Take someone with you for a fun, photo opportunity.

Dress - CKS Designs - Monica

Earrings, Bracelets & Clutch - DeLa - Earrings 'Claudia' Bangle 'Aida' Clutch bag 'Zazu'

Shoes - J's - Real Toe Cross Belt Pumps

Skin - PXL - Natural Eyes - Red Lips

Hair - O Style - Pompadour

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes - Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Unleash Your Inner Girly-Girl

2008-07-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

It's funny, I'm not much of a formal girly-girl, but these new releases are impossible to resist. Nicky Ree's newest design is always my favorite, and the Black Swan Vintage Glamour Gown has made its way to the top of her loooong list. I found it at the Black Swan sim and after August 4th it will be available at Nicky Ree's store.

The trip to the Black Swan sim is a virtual treat of stunning talent. It is free admission until the 4th of August, so you better skedaddle over there to take some pics! While you're there, be sure to check out Melodious Source's "Dagger Eye Gallery". Not only is Mel one of the top 5 premier photographers in SL in my not-so-humble opinion, the exhibit is interactive and I completely enjoyed myself going through it. Click here for the Rezzable Locations Directory website.

I thought I'd put in a shameless plug here for the *Dirty Ego* Diamond Studded Pendant Set. I am busy in my studio making a jewelry line to debut at the Jewelry Expo in October. Send me your inspiration list whilst my muse is here, she's a fickle thing.

Gown - Designing Nicky Ree - Black Swan Vintage Glamour Gown

Necklace & Earrings - * Dirty Ego * - Diamond Studded Pendant Set

Skin - PXL - Crys Sunkissed - DarkEyes & PassionLips

Hair - W&Y - Yuki Hair 37

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes - Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Diva Maker

2008-07-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is a dress I want to wear to a RL function this fall...it will make me an instant Diva. No, this isn't a dress, it's the Diva Goddess of gowns.

So many times while reading the Fashion Consolidated notices in world, I see the promo pics of items and when I go to check them out they can be somewhat of a shoulder drop in disappointment. Even then, sometimes you do the left-click purchase, then excitedly try everything on only to be let down.

Chili Geer at Chic Dimensions didn't let me down today. I put on everything in the folder and didn't have to do any pressing, dry cleaning or prim adjusting. The alpha texturing works, none of that annoying shifting with so many layers. The gown itself makes such a statement I didn't want to wear much jewelry to compete with it...the dress would definitely win that contest. There are a pair of sexy, glitzy shoes to go with it as well. I'm wearing this to bed tonight...sans the shoes of course.

I didn't have much time to look at everything in her store, but I will definitely be going back. Where do these people hide? Her store is packed!

Gown & Shoes - Chic Dimensions - Sparkle

Earrings - Dex's Jewelry - Flowered Vine Earrings

Skin - PXL - Crys Sunkissed - Fashion Eyes & Natural Lips

Hair - Gurl 6 - Precious

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes - Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Curiously Cute

2008-07-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

Typically I find a top or a camisole that I can't live without, then I struggle with what to wear with it. Not today. Ameshin Yossarian over at Curious Kitties came up with the Kanoluk (can of luck?) top and I ran over there late last night to get one. It comes with a frill for the front hem that matches the sleeves that didn't make the cut for my outfit today.

Curious Kitties was my first foray into Japanese design when I first started in SL. Ameshin has somewhat of a goth approach, but makes many pieces that transition into whatever style you want to create. I never tire of looking at her builds, she is out of control creative.

I paired the Kanoluk with Armidi's Kogo Skinny Pants and Shiny Things shoes called Belles. Being in a particularly relaxed mood, I put on Maitreya's Sculpted Anklets and they pulled everything together.

To accessorize, I put on part of Myllie Writer's Mighty Heart Collection from Persona. Right now in my hardly-humble opinion, she is the mensch of jewelry creators. The necklace with a chest AND spine attachment, which is common sense brilliance. Also ALL the options, bracelets galore! I haven't made my way over there to get her new set, but it looks SO wearable.

Top - Curious Kitties - Kanoluk

Pants - Armidi Limited - Kogo Skinny Pants

Shoes - Shiny Things - Belles

Bangles - Persona - Mighty Heart Collection

Necklace - Persona - Mighty Heart Collection

Skin - PXL - Crys Sunkissed - Fashion Eyes & Natural Lips

Hair - Muism - Cheryl

Eyes - Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes - Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Poses - Long Awkward Pose [LAP]

98% Faithful

2008-07-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that Hart Larsson makes me beautiful and I am just about 98% faithful to him. The wearers of his Crys skins have been clamoring for a Sunkissed version for a while now. With much talent he blends photo sourced parts with hand drawn details that make not only the faces beautiful, but the bits pretty also. Crys now comes in two skin tones, Light and Sunkissed along with an Emo line with Messy Eyes and Deep Eyes. I thought I'd show you a close up of the freckle version that's shown in the last photo of the montage. They are very well done and not the first thing you notice when you see a PXL freckle face in world. The freckles aren't continued down the chest, but now that I think about it I only have freckles on the bridge of my nose in RL.

The faces are detailed and sophisticated. The lips are simply kissable and the nose blends perfectly. The make up choices are diverse and I find myself wearing the Natural Eyes quite often when I didn't think I would. PXL's skins are modifiable, so if the Light is too light and the Sunkissed is too dark, there's a happy medium with your finger on the slider trigger.

Click Here for Nekkie Pics

The body on these skins is smooth, buttery, goodness. The shading is immaculate particularly around the collarbone, the elbows, and the knees. The nips are perfect and seem very natural with realistic looking aureole and the light reflects naturally. The derriere is scrumptious and the shading on all skin tones is fantastic. I think the PXL skins have the most gorgeous backs in all of SL. The shoulder blades are perfectly placed and the muscle tone around the spine is yum. The kitty has just the right elements with the shading and coloring and shows just a hint of the goodies peeking out. The skins come with a tasteful landing strip, but no shaved (or waxed for the brave!) version. I really like the beauty mark on the pelvis.

For a single purchase at 1,500L you get 4 skins really, black eyebrows with, and without freckles, brown eyebrows with, and without freckles. Of course there are the multi-purchases there is somewhat of a discount. All eyes in one lip color, 5,000L and All lip colors in one eye make up style, 6,000L.

You can check out PXL Creations in world here, the PXL Creations blog here, the store Flickr stream here, and the group Flickr stream here.

Birthday Suit
PXL - Crys Sunkissed - Fashion Eyes & Natural Lips

Hair
ETD - Lynne II - Smoke, Burnt

Shining Gleaming Streaming Flaxen Waxen

2008-07-19T12:25:00.001-07:00

Are you singing the Hair song yet? I've been singing it all day thinking about the Hair Fair 2008 Official Photo Contest.

I just had to talk about Cake's hair. Obviously my favorite feature is the ability to photograph it well even though it took 2 copies, some texture magic and a lotta coffee to make it happen. Stumbelina has mad skills and a great eye for something just a little different - which I always embrace. I don't quite understand my hair addiction, but not a day goes by that I don't sport a new do. You can always tell a good design when you keep coming back to it time and time again.

What are your inventory faves that are tried and true?

I also heard Mr. Larsson over at PXL is releasing new Crys skins, come back here in a day or so for a looksie.

Here are the where's and the what's:

Lingerie
LoveLace~ Applique: Black

Shoes
Periquita - Funny Girl Flats - Black

Skin
PXL - Crys - Cat Eyes & NaturalLips

Hair
Cake - Faith - Black

Eyes
Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes
Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Pose
Author's Own

Stool
LostDog Designs - Antarctica Stool (modded)

Where'd You Get Those Eyes?!

2008-07-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

I wear sunglasses all the time, but not so much in SL. What caught my attention to Role Optic, a store dedicated to sunglasses only, was the astounding quality of their advertisements. They definitely perked my interest, so I went to check it out.

In my pursuit of new shades, I was sidetracked by the store itself, and my pictures do it no justice. The build is very good, the textures and the colors flow well. Many stores in Second Life are pedestrian in layout and arrangement and lack dimension, but these displays had my "alt + left click cam" going nuts - it just feeeeeels good in that store. Beautiful transparent fractals in multiple layers embedded inside the display windows showcased the vendors. One of the main display windows has poses set up inside it for photo opportunities - what a GREAT idea! I had to try them, then I had to look at everything again. After my visual feast, I got to shopping - finally.

As well as being uber-glam hot, the scripted features with these glasses are intuitive and easy to use. Hundreds of options *click*click*click* I decided on the original style options for colors, textures, lenses etc. Again, attention to detail, the primwork is prime. Many different styles for both males and females, I just didn't have time to inspect them all. I'm looking forward to seeing everything that comes from Leeza and Rohal at Role Optic.

I also just had to use the new Poseframes from Lost Angel Poses Store - another GREAT idea. I enjoy using poses and items made by people that are spending so much time doing amazing photography in Second Life which is a serious obsession of my own...the photography part...learning to be amazing...

Shorts
Iki - Rolled Up Shorts Belted: White

Tank
MichaMi - GlamTank in Gold

Shoes
Periquita - Funny Girl Flats Brown Peach

Bangles
VG Republic - Resin Bangles with Color-Change

Necklace
VG Republic - Circle Charm Necklace with Color-Change

Skin
PXL - Linda SK Fashion Eyes Coffee Lips

Hair
SHOP SEU -Pompadour Hair

Eyes
Miriel - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes
Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Pose
Lost Angel Poses - Poseframe

Exclusive Sexy Beachwear

2008-07-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

There's a new fashion trend on the grid, and it's exclusive. I was obviously living under a rock and missed the 7 Seas Fishing Game. One of my friends who shall remain nameless showed up at a party wearing all this fishing paraphernalia. She's nameless because she has completely and totally wrecked my life. I am besotted with this latest fixation and it's all her fault.

I've fished all my life but never did I look this good on a charter boat. The clothing items you can win in this game are...exciting. I couldn't WAIT to get the UltraRare Left Boot to match the Common Right Boot. The bikini's are very well made, the board shorts come with 2 layers so your avi legs won't distort. The Ultra Rare Gold Fishing Hat speaks for itself, it's the only bling I own that I like. Truth's Jennifer hair works perfectly with it...I shan't take it off.Not only are there hard-to-come-by clothing items to wear, but fish. Yes, scripted fish. They swim around your avatar and blow bubbles and can be named as pets. They are collectible which explains the hundreds of people on the 7 Seas group chat that stay up all night. One more cast...one more bucket of bait. I've decided not to gauge my time by how many more casts but by bait buckets which yield 100 casts. I know, I don't think this will pass soon.

Meissa Thorne and the 7 Seas team has put together an amazingly scripted game, well built prizes and a fantastic website. I talked with Meissa and she told me she's a scientist in RL, and works in microbiology. That explains the amazing detail of the fish we love to catch and wear.

I have a fish server at the end of our dock, but it's a blast to go to the public fishing holes and meet new people. Enamabala Towradgi was one of those that captivated my attention. I commented that my Poseidon could kick arse on his Devil Rays. To my astonishment he attached all the SuperUltraRare fish he had collected to which I informed him he was now my 7S Idol. After you've been in Second Life for over 2 years, you don't make a point to go meet new people, 7S has reminded me how much fun that is.
Jean Shorts
Cupcakes - Jean Shorts (Longer) - Group Gift

Shoes in Main Photo
Jeepers Creepers - Fuscia Groks

Remaining Clothing
7 Seas Fishing Game

Skin
[PXL] - Linda SK Fashion Eyes Coffee Lips

Hair
*Truth* - Jennifer Noir

Eyes
(Miriel) Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes
Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Pose
Boudoir Rouge

Piece of Art

2008-07-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

As far as gowns go, the Le Mystique from Haute Style & Co. is wondrous. Moxie Polano has executed her talents well with this piece. Or should I say pieces – this purchase is loaded with options. The usual layer options are included as well as a pair of scripted shoes and a shape to make the dress fit exquisitely. A shape! Can you believe it?! Two more unusual additions are the dress adornment and that fantastic mask. I can’t imagine how long it took to create this.

I didn't have to do any editing, the dress flows flawlessly, I am impressed how the prim attachments move, very natural and not “rubbery”. The only thing I would change would be a photo included in the folder. It’s so helpful when you’re overwhelmed with all the choices in a piece of art like this. Item posters included is appreciated in general for those of us with ginormous inventories. It makes it easier to go shopping in your own inventory when you’re low on Lindens. Here's a non-artsy pic of the details:

I set up the main photo on the Japan Tempura Island . I didn’t have a whole lot of time to explore today, but the build is absolutely phenomenal. This is a perfect place for romance and taking pictures. I’ll definitely be spending some time here. In fact there was a couple inside the building as I was shooting for this post – I won’t be posting the chat log. Let’s just say they must have been very inspired by the beauty of the sim ;)

Gown

Haute Style - Le Mystique Gown

Skin
[PXL] - Linda SK FashionEyes Coffee Lips

Hair
Sky Everett Designs-Temptress Revisited, black.

Eyes
(Miriel) - Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes
Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Main Picture Pose
Reel Expressions - *Luth* Fashion S3 09

Mmmmmargeaux

2008-07-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

Annette Voight over at Decoy has outdone herself with the Margeaux jackets. Prim attachments can be frustrating to photograph, I just 204'd them and they behave perfectly in all my Windlight settings. 204'd you ask? I tint the prim attachments with 204 for R, G, and B thanks to a tip from Miriel Enfield - it's supahh!
Cute store! Easy to see everything, great displays, and best of all, lag free. I especially like the divider/displays that showed different ideas for wearing her designs.
Where did JB Gazov come from?! The J's Real Toe Tassel Wedge Sandals have not come off my feet for a few days. With or without the ankle straps, they are irresistible. I don't know how many times I've given this landmark out. Maybe we can buy toes ala cart? Don't take that last sentence out of context, that's just wrong.

Jacket
[Decoy] - Margeaux Jacket - Peach

Jeans
Armidi Limited - Kogo Skinny Pants [Charcoal]

Sandals
J's - Real Toe Tassele Wedge Sole Sandals BLACK

Jewelry
[VG Republic] - Resin Bangles

Skin
[PXL] - Linda SK Fashion Eyes Coffee Lips

Hair
ETD Hayden - Black & ETD Long Bangs Right - Black

Eyes
(Miriel) Eyes - Sepia (Big)

Lashes
Cake - Bedroom Lashes

Pose
Boudoir Rouge - Naughty - Enticing