After a year of being away I made my way back into the social scene with a shopping spree.  Not really a spree… more like I dipped my toe into the current fashion pool.  I wanted to make an outfit that said that I am still a beautiful woman with style and a head for what’s new.  I felt great mingling in this outfit, and turned quite a few heads.  It was a great night and an awesome first time back into the swing of things.

Store links:

Truth Hair Paper Couture Jewelry Imabee Skins The Secret Store Maitreya

Note: Most of these links are to their online stores.  This is the way I shop most of the time.  If they don’t have an online store, I will provide the in-world location.

This pose is free from Olive Juice at the Pose Fair on Shisei.  The skin is Laqroki’s newest creation, Elena.  I have to be honest and say that though this skin is impressive, I did notice one flaw and that is that while the body has the typical Laq pigment, the face has a lot less yellow in it which makes face and body subtly mismatched.  Of course this is no issue considering I bought all ten makeups for under $2000L.  It’s still stunning!

What I wear when I’m dancing with myself…

LAQ ~ Elena – 02 [Milky] Glow skin

fri. – Scarlett – Happy Blond

::SUGARCUBE – HASU – one sholder dress ( blanche )

DC~FishyTopbyDevilishCupcake

Canimal - Torn socks – white

J’s Real Toe Cross Belt Pumps SILVER

A&A FAshion Extrem Necklace Gold (The Dressing Room special)

fri. – Wide Waist.Belt (Bright.Pink) – Med

bMc! Zebra Bangles, STACKED [R] -(Luc) boutique

::GBf::white rose Boquet

First came the new hair from Fri.day, Scarlett.  This mussed up-do frames the face magnificently and you can get it either half up or mostly up from behind.  I prefer the mostly up version as there are tender tendrils left hanging to soften it.

Then I saw that Surf Co. had new wedges and when I went over to sample I was surprised by this new dress!  Beautifully done with shadow and multiple prims.  The skirt also attaches to both legs and I don’t know if this was on purpose, but it looks perfect while sitting.  I got it in pale blue to coordinate with my red hair.

The image I was trying to construct was of a rural farm girl; quiet and introverted whose head is always in the clouds.  She’s got big dreams that takes her away from her prairie town.  On early spring days like these, she takes long walks in the fields, watching the grass and weeds grow before it’s time to plow.  She’ll fiddle with her mother’s pearl necklace around her neck and imagine the day when she will pack her suitcase and move away to find adventure in the world.

It’s a little outdated, I know.  These types of things only come from Steinbeck novels, but I was reminded of the song by Reba McEntire about an eighteen-year-old put out of her impoverished home by a mother who only wanted the best for her.  That song has always stuck around with me, now twenty years later.

Worn:

[ATOMIC] Skin Winter_Porcelain – Spice Cookie

(Caroline’s) Graduated White Pearl Necklace (copy)

**DP**yumyum Shoes ———- Flattie Tiltil

[SC] Surf Couture – Sway Sundress – Robin’s Egg

fri. – Scarlett – Passionate Red

This time I am referring to the online marketplace for Second Life, XStreet.  Three years into the game and I flat out refused to use the thing.  I have always loved using the search algorithm inworld and going from store to store in order to get that vibe that comes with shopping.  However, even I change my mind about most things and XStreet is no different.

My turning point was when I was planning my wedding.  I was getting so frustrated going from one wedding store to another and not seeing what I wanted.  How do you search for burgundy flower arrangements and sculpted prim bouquets?  I must admit that a lot of things I used for the wedding was either found or purchased on XStreet.  It was just so… convenient.

If ever I need something obscure or specific, the search usually does a good job sifting through the tens of thousands of items sold on XStreet.  I use it to find costumes and scripts.  I even found my house on XStreet and even though I still like to buy things in SL (I tend to choose XStreet items that are also sold inworld and then go there) I am increasingly finding myself relying on XStreet.  Now I will visit almost everyday even when I am not looking for anything particular; just like I used to do inworld.  There are no rez times, no lag, and the deals are amazing.  I have bought beautifully crafted shoes for under 50L and furnished skyboxes for under 100L.  I truly never know what wonderful thing will be sold next and I can spend days browsing.

And the convenience just got better now that all linden transfers do not have to be done at a kiosk in Second Life but in your XStreet account online.  So today’s post features some of the things that I have bought online.

The motif today is clubbing.  I enjoy the music scene and put on something that’s fashionable, sexy, and moves well.  The Xstreet items that I bought on a whim because they were so inexpensive were the red boots and the black dress.  I also bought Truth’s Brit hair online because of the almost guaranteed crowd that always shops inworld.

Outfits from left to right:

[LeLutka]-EclatPale-makeup6(DARK BROWS)freckles, !lamb. Ghost – Rotten Carrot, Cake - Deco Lashes – Tintable, +*CC*+ T-Shirt (Black), AOHARU_BT_Leggings_Black, :+*U&R*+: LE.LOOK! la femme – Earrings, MIEL VIV NECKLACE, Vida red suede buckled ankle boots  v1.02, belt from middle outfit

Lara Skin-Adina smokey1-nude lips pale, >TRUTH< Brit – cocoa, Cake – Bedroom Lashes – Tintable, NADAS*MINIDRESS LAURA*, Ms.O.Lei-ny “Swirling Heart” necklace / choker / collar, Anthrax (Cyanide), BAX Prestige Boots Black Leather

LAQ ~ Blondie 08 [Milky] Glow skin, ((JUNWAVE))LoosePony*GOLD*, Cake – Vamp Lashes – Tintable, Canimal - Body Graffiti (black magic), {SMS} Tweed Corset White BF, (Elate!) Betsy (Cobalt), winter blue bangle (Argyle), Maitreya Frenzy – Retro

pose from Meya

The outfit for today is inspired by the country, particularly country music.  I don’t listen to popular country; I appreciate more folk country and bluegrass.  I pictured what a new, up-and-coming country star with a deep lilt and indie charm would look like and wear.  She would embrace modernity, but love traditional pieces from both her mother’s and father’s closets.

Girl Next Farmhouse Door

What you’ll find in the country:

:GP: Petal [Light] Winter-Cashmere 1 [for that sweet looking yet beautiful complexion]

fri. – Jasmine – Anxious Blond [because you go blonde for country]

*JC* STEAM PUNK necklace [rustic charm that goes well with the patched jean skirt]

Armidi - Sheer Ribbed Tank Top – Blue 1 [I love that the bright blue sets off the gray of the vest and brings out the blue in the skirt]

fri. – Halter Vest (Gray) –  Jacket [that traditional piece that I wanted to dress up the otherwise very casual ensemble]

*League Frayed in Blue (skirt) [something eclectic and interesting that imbues that spirit that lies in the country that says that everything old and worn can be kept and remembered in something new]

EarthStones Destiny Bridal Set – Platinum (my wedding ring)

Photo taken on Vague

On my wedding day I was nervous.  I had spent two months planning this and everything was set up, but where was my groom?  Where were the guests?  I had a hard time reaching my fiance all day, and the time for the ceremony to start rolls through and crippling lag is keeping the attendees from teleporting in.

But 45 minutes later, and we were done.  It goes by so fast!  A week later and all the anxiety I had is a distant memory and what I am left with is the memories of a BEAUTIFUL wedding.

Here’s a closer look at some of my favorite pics:

My dress was from Evie’s Closet.  What I originally had in mind for my wedding was a high waisted gown, something simple and antique.  Evie’s Closet had a nice selection and I just casually picked up the demo for this dress.  What I did not expect was for my jaw to drop to the ground the second I put it on.  Whimsical ball gown was my only choice after that, heeheehee.

My bride style isn’t sexy or bombshell.  Simple, subtle, and understated beauty is what I have always been.  For my February wedding, I picked Curio’s winter skins.  They are adorable and appropriate for an outdoor wedding.  Everything else plays into the uncomplicated elegance from my simple Caroline’s pearl necklace, to the minimally coiffed Fri.day’s hair.  What I did play up was my eyes, with Cake’s flutter lashes.

I must admit, I really accomplished something special with Airwin and I’m not just talking about my love for him,  I was very picky about the tux.  I wanted a prim coat AND collar AND white prim tie.  It wasn’t easy, but then I found this masterpiece from Rabbit Kiss.  For well under 1000L you get interchangeable ties and a wonderfully crafted outfit.  Airwin’s wearing the only skin he owns from Belleza, but I did get him to dress up his hair; something we picked up at KMadd.

All in all, I couldn’t be happier about how things went and now I have the rest of my second life to enjoy what Airwin and I have,

Additional credits:

Wedding decorated by Fairey Weddings and Heart Garden Center.  Poses by Fairey Weddings, Inaka, PondLife, Pose Paradise, and Glitterati.

So I wanted to share with you some of my favorite looks and gowns.  I am always looking for the next best thing, and my aesthetic has always been (and will always be) simple, graceful, romantic, and natural.  The same skins I wear for casual wear are invariably the same skins I use when in formal attire.  To dress them up, I change lashes to something more full and dramatic (hint, hint).  Shoes aren’t in this post, because they are usually hidden by the long gowns, but when dancing, the skirt often reveals the footwear so here is some advice:  get open-toed heels in at least two colors, black and white; while pumps are okay, they aren’t dressy enough.  Keep it simple; a ball gown is supposed to be about accentuating the waist, bosom, and visage, not your feet so always match as close as you can to your gown and please, no bling.

I guess it’s the little girl still within me that loved to play dress up, put on mama’s jewels, put some Vivaldi on, and dance around the living room with my biggest teddy bear, but I can never resist the urge to slip into something silky and exquisite, go to the more popular ballrooms and dance the night away.  I recommend the indulgence, even if you don’t like to dance; what better way is there to see what everyone else is wearing! XD

SySy’s is a top priority for me when it comes to gowns.  I subscribe to the updates and own at least a half-dozen of SySy Chapman’s gowns.  They are classy and well made.  I am a woman who, above all else, prizes versatility and economy, so Redgrave‘s pale Jennifer skin in smoky is a staple of mine.  The dramatic eye and pale lips go with everything in my wardrobe, and the ample cleavage provides the sex appeal where the dress demands it.  Aden‘s Suri hair goes perfectly with its flirty and romantic curves.

With Spanish flair, this gorgeous gown is from Son!a.  I saw this on another dancer at a ballroom I frequent and had to have it  The lace is beautifully done (with options that allow it to be opaque or see-through for those more brazen), the color rich and the applique detail at the bottom very graphic and modern.  League‘s Misty skin is just as detailed as Redgrave’s, but you get different cleavage options.  I enjoy how bright this skin is and its refinement.  The style of my hair has seen a trend recently, and that is that it usually has something to do with Truth Hawk’s ever-growing collection of delicately coiffed dos.  Here I am wearing Rosa, an àpropos title for an up do that comes with three different colored roses that you can interchange to match your outfit.  This picture doesn’t do them justice, they. are. gorgeous.  The attention to detail is absolutely, completely, and masterfully crafted.  I want a whole dress just out of the roses, heeheehee.

I told you I keep it simple, lol.  This SySy Chapman gown is as basic as they come; a rich velvety brown that drapes off one shoulder.  But how many times have I gone to the dance halls and all I saw was red, pink, and boobs?  Brown might be earthy, it might be neutral, but it stands out in a sea of color.  I always pair this dress up with Maitreya hair, because both are realistically made and go well.  I’m using the dramatic lip option that Curio skins come with, which is a blessing, because I would never buy them on my own.

Another important dressmaker that I have visited for years is Nicky Ree.  This woman has always put out a stunning gown and she’s been one the best in the business forever and a day (SL time).  This gown I’ve had for almost two years (I just realized that number and gasped; I had no idea I was that old lol) and I love the rich brown, but also the fun stripes in the top that make this unique.  Atomic‘s winter skins have been good to me this season; I love the shading on the cheek and the brows are the perfect shape for my face.  Fri.day‘s Quinn makes an appearance in this blog, being the more styled long length in my inventory.  The color and delicateness goes wonderfully with the skin and gown.

Kungler’s is relatively new on my list, and this is the only dress I’ve bought from there so far, but I am very impressed by their elegance.  This is actually a more avant-garde piece; with these almost wreath-like wrappings going down the back and up around the front of the dress, but I think the colors are amazing.  The wine tulle is brought out even more by the taupes and blue-greens of the straps.  To me this dress is very earthy and so I usually wear leaf earrings and a more natural hair style (in this case Maitreya’s Dylan in almond)

This gown is new to me and it’s from Skin Flicks, purveyors of fine formal and semi-formal wear.  I love the draping and light lavender color of this dress.  I feel pretty and ethereal when wearing it.  Going with that idea, I used a loosely gathered hairstyle from Fri.day, Jasmine2.  Tendrils frame and cover my face just as romantically as the dress drapes my body.

If you noticed, I started out dark, with the deep tones of passion and sensuality.  We end here with lighter shades of romance, bringing elegance and discernment to the forefront.  This dress is one of the few in my closet that comes from the same designer that I get my haute couture.  I must say that Lelutka has crafted a piece of the highest quality in this gown.  It’s just drooling with sophistication and realism from the sash around the waist to the structured bodice.  If I want to make a statement to all those I come across in the dance halls, I wear this beauty.  I usually wear Lamb!‘s bumped ponytail because for me it equals the simple splendor of the gown.

And there you have it!  My secret pastime is exposed!  Though I can’t say I didn’t enjoy immensely this article.  My jewelry choices here were from Luc (formerly Earthtones when I bought them) and I didn’t vary from this because I usually don’t vary in real SL.  I like jewelry to be complementary, not the focus, so I make them small accents in my ensemble (another good hint).

This month I was lucky enough to sample the new releases from Fab.Pony and I must say that I am happy to see Tatianna Faulkes is still ahead of the curve.  Her greatest addition this season?  Unitards, which should be the first fashion trend for the new year.  Leggings have come back in the last few years and now that same lycra magic can spread all the way up the torso.  Accessorize a unitard and you have created a perfect outfit for a party or event where trendiness is imperative.

Ringing the New Year in with:

FAB.PONY Confetti Dress, Froo! Dress, and Unitard

[ATOMIC] Skin Winter_Porcelain – Spice Cookie

:+*U&R*+: LE.LOOK! la femme – Earrings

Hair left to right:

!lamb. Say – Sunset

(VW) Pushed and Shoved – Blonde Tones

.:[ Tiny Bird ]:. Girl Anachronism – Caramel

Shoes left to right:

Maitreya Neyya * Patent Leather Black

*ordinary design* -Jaguar-

ANEXX_TripleFringePumpus

Left outfit finished with:

(Madsy) Blazer – black

MichaMi: Carmela Belt in Black

This year I started blogging and I have to thank everyone who has made it a success.  My fellow fashion bloggers, readers, and developers have responded with such positive comments that I count myself very lucky to be a part of such a dynamic industry!

I also have to be thankful for meeting the man who will soon intertwine his second life with mine.  I have always been a woman who was always whole and happy on her own, discovering the world by her own voice, but after three years I have found out that having someone along for the ride and listening to them can bring even more understanding and appreciation to an already plentiful experience.

So here’s a toast to this year and the next: go out into the world and do well, but more importantly go out and do good!

This little gem is nestled amongst the bustle of the mainland and provides a very intimate scenery.  Plenty of nooks and crannies for peaceful reflection or for couples.  With the snow gently falling, I thought it was the perfect time to experience some new, wonderful designs by SL’s hottest designers.

Angel Wood

What I use to keep warm:

:GP: Petal Frex [Light] Winter-Sniffles 1 (the new skins from Curio are so cute and are perfect for exploring the outdoors.  Just the right amount of red nose and cheeks means fun in the snow.  If you want to theme it up this season, winter skins should be on your Christmas list)

fri. – Cassie – Passionate Red

Zaara : Anaya cluster earrings *onyx*

*COCO*_CheckSwingCoat_Blue (I love plaid, and this new coat from Coco is just so natural looking.  It drapes beautifully and flatters the figure.  I can’t imagine leaving the house this winter without it)

*PERSONA* Dita knit blouse – white  (for the plaid coat, I thought a knit would be best for underneath.  Just so happens that I stumbled upon this sweater that I have had for just about forever.  Always important to coordinate your textures and prints.  Knits and plaids have had a centuries old love affair with each other that can’t go wrong)

*COCO*_SlimJeansBelt_Brown (it’s the little details that really tell the world that you are smart about your appearance.  In other words?  Wear belts!)

[LeLutka]-WOOL PANTS-gray

Black Lace Gloves from *{JB}* Ariadne IV

Ring black saphire / oversize  / R *REDGRAVE*