Boppin' High School Baby

Since my blog-mate Nikkita has being working overtime, and doing me proud, I figured it was high time I hopped back in and did a long overdue post. This look is all about the Rockabilly, right down to the title of the post, a song by Don Willis, a Rockabilly icon. I have been all wrapped up in the Rockabilly for ever-so-long, pretty much since my earliest days in-world, and it is still my most comfortable look. This one came together effortlessly, particularly when I opened my gift from Antonia Marat when she recently added a Subscribe-o-matic to /artilleri/. This great Marion Cardigan sweater was part of that gift, and it is so dang cool. I pair it up with a perfect Black Pencil Skirt from Ingenue.



I went to town with the accessories here, starting from the top down with a gorgeous sculpted Rose Hair Flower from /artilleri/, and also Antie's fantastic scripted color change Bead Hoop Earrings. The necklace is a simple favorite go-to piece from Decollage, the Bubblegum Pearl Necklace which is hand tintable, therefore endlessly useful. I went with some great bangles, starting with a Black & White Checkered Messy Bangles stack from [Woo's] on the left wrist, and a Gem Jelly Donut Bangle in Silver from ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~ on the right wrist, colour changed by script to match my look. Also wearing my Caroline's Jewelry Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring. The final touch, are the J's Real Toe Ankle Belt Sandals in Black. Whether you are a fan of the real toe look or not, they really work for a Rockabilly vixen look.



Any Rockabilly chick would be proud to show off her tats, and I love mine. The upper body Maggie Tattoo is from /artilleri/, while the sexy leg tat is called Damage from AITUI TATTOO. My favorite big wig when going Rockabilly is [Aden]'s Amy in Black, it is Amy Winehouse beehive fabulousness and so much fun to wear. The skin is my favorite Canimal Essence Skin, this is the Pinup make-up, and I love the arched eye-brows that have a penciled in look. Thora Lashes are from MMS, but may be available at LeLutka now, eyes are from Freak Fantasia.

Shopping Details:
Sweater - /artilleri/, Marion Cardigan (Jacket Layer) *pink* [Previous Subscribe-O-Matic Sign-up Gift]
Skirt - Ingenue, ~The Pencil Skirt~ (Black)
Shoes - J's, Real Toe Ankle Belt Sandals (Black)
Necklace - Decollage, Bubblegum Pearls (Tintable)
Bangle - ~*FBG*~, Gem Jelly Donut Bangle Silver (R)
Bracelets - [Woo's], Black & White Checkered Messy Bangles (L)
Ring - Caroline's, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Earrings - /artilleri/, Bead Hoop Earrings! *color change*
Upper Body Tattoo - /artilleri/, Maggie Tattoo (ushirt)
Leg Tattoo - AITUI TATTOO, Damage =socks=
Hair Flower - /artilleri/, Rose Hair Flower *pink* (mouth)
Hair - [Aden], Amy (Black)
Skin - Canimal, Essence (Grace)... of Pinup
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Current Location]
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

Born To Be Wild

When things get a little "Wild" at PIN UPS, and it is time to bring out the animal prints, I can never seem to find what I am looking for. I know I own a lot of animal print clothing, but it is rarely named as such. To save time, I simply searched for "Zebra" and up came this /artilleri/ Zesty Zebra Dress, a gift from the amazingly generous Antonia Marat during her Christmas daily group gift event. I threw it on in a hurry, and was instantly smitten, there is little that I don't love from Antie. As it is still freezing up here in Canadia, I wanted a little more coverage, and searched for a jacket layer shrug to bundle up in, I was thrilled to find a match in this Stich by Stitch Magic Little Teal Shrug, which had exactly the right retro flavor for this look. Stitch by Stitch has some really unique and adorable items, and they have a real hand crafted look to them which I find particularly appealing.



I decided to go with a basic black retro-inspired shoe from Maitreya, the adorable Sassy shoe, which has the feel of an stacked sandal with a cute peep toe. The accessories are in a bright contrasting cherry red, starting with favorite /artilleri/ bead hoop earrings that are scripted to colour change with a click menu, and a Decollage Bubblegum Pearl Necklace, that can be hand tinted to any colour. I also threw on a WRONG Beads and Bangles bracelet, a little attitude goes a long way. I also am wearing a basic dual ball brow piercing from ITF. The Clutch Bag is another great find, from Bare@Rose Haute Couture's Lucky Chair, it comes in a variety of colours, I managed to snag this great golden Yellow one. It has a great vintage look to it, and reminds me of some of the treasures I used to find in my grandmother's closet.



The hair is /artilleri/ as well, the Sarah Jane style in Black, a really adorable vintage and rockabilly wig. Antoher wonderful -AnaLu- Skin from her *In Rainbows* mods, I simply adore the smooth soft glow of these skins, and the colourful make-up is right up my alley too. This is the NAT 10 .greenish. version, I haven't stopped wearing these skins since Ana Lutetia sent them my way, they are fantastic. Eyes are from Miriel and lashes are from the former MMS.

Shopping Details:
Dress - /artilleri/, zesty zebra dress *neon teal* [Christmas Group Gift]
Shrug - Stitch by Stitch, Little Teal Shrug
Bag - :::B@R:::, Clutch Bag, Yellow (L Hand) [Lucky Chair Gift]
Shoes - Maitreya, Sassy (Mixed Black)
Earrings - /artilleri/, bead hoop earrings
Necklace - Decollage, Bubblegum, Pearl Necklace (Tinted)
Bracelet - WRONG, Beads & Bangles (Red)
Brow - ITF, Brow Dual Ball Piercing by Lyric Meiji [No In-World Location Found]
Hair - /artilleri/, Sarah Jane (Black)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *In Rainbows* NAT 10 .greenish.
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Location Currently]

Meat The Pin-up

Had a blast tonight at the PIN UPS "Eat Me!" Event, an edible costume contest. I was stumped as to what delicious designer duds to wear, when Apathia Hammerer, designer of Pig, reminded me she had sent me over copies of her Hamkini and Bacon Wrap suit. I had forgotten her sending them, and had a good giggle at the time, so I tried on the Hamkini and it was an instant yes, in the way that only meat garments can be. I felt a little exposed in nothing but ham steaks, and felt it was a little close to my skin-tone to look entirely wholesome, so I threw the Bacon Wrap suit on underneath the Hamkini, and viola, we have the vintage meat pin-up look of my dreams! It's a lot shocking, and someone commented that it looked like I was wearing my insides on the outside, but I thought it was entirely hilarious, and the absolute height of edible fashion. Never has an ensemble so far from kosher looked so delish!

Shopping Details:
Swimwear - Pig, Hamkini & Bacon Wrap
Shoes - Kitties Lair, Peep Mules Kewt! Aqua Gold
Earrings - /artilleri/, bead hoop earrings
Necklace - Decollage, Bubblegum, Pearl Necklace (Tinted)
Brow - ITF, Brow Dual Ball Piercing by Lyric Meiji [No In-World Location Found]
Hair - /artilleri/, Sarah Jane (Black)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *In Rainbows* NAT 10 .greenish.
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Location Currently]

Party Girl

It's one of my favorite movies of all time, 1995's Party Girl starring Parker Posey the all-time it girl of independent film. Parker Posey plays a savvy and sassy party girl, with a wardrobe to die for, and a great collection of fantastic friends, but she needs to get real and get a job in order to keep a roof over her head. If you have never seen it, you are missing out on one of the best fashion mash-up wardrobes I have seen on the silver screen, all set against a gritty New York backdrop. This Dagmar dress from ~~Ivalde~~ Couture, paired with a messy wig and heavily lined eyes, made me feel every bit the "Party Girl", arriving home after a heavy night of partying. Neferia Abel used sculpted roses on the bodice and gloves, and the skirt has a really great transparent sculpted layer that gives it the look of organza. I love the juxtaposition of a glam cocktail dress and gloves with the mussed up-do wig, Pamela, from Exile. It has that night after the party look, as does the PXL Creations skin with the fabulously dark and smudged lined eyes. The eyes look more dramatic with Cake's Separated Lashes over Freak Fantasia Glassy Mustard Green Eyes.



I decided to work the amazing copper brown colour of the dress with a delicious hit of Mint in the form of (CREAMSHOP) Plain Tights. I love wearing coloured tights, and the soft mint makes the great (Shiny Things) Tuli Pumps really stand out. They are a perfect match to the dress, and I couldn't have planned it better. I opted for some big uncut Turquoise baubles from Swallowtail, including the great Uncut Gems Necklace and the Natural Stone Earrings. I really like the raw look of the gems next to the polished glamor of the dress. I picked up another great Paper Couture bag, this time opting for the almost casual carry-all look of The Tasty Bag in Bleu. Also wearing my Caroline's Jewelry Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring.



Shopping Details:
Dress - ~~Ivalde~~ Couture, Dagmar Brown Dress
Tights - (CREAMSHOP), Plain Tights (Mint)
Shoes - (Shiny Things), Tuli Pumps (Brown)
Bag - Paper Couture, P.C., The Tasty Bag (Bleu)
Necklace - Swallowtail, Uncut Gems Necklace (Turquoise)
Earrings - Swallowtail, Natural Stone Earrings (Turquoise)
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair - Exile, Pamela (Blackberry)
Skin - PXL Creations, Crys_DarkEyes_CoffeeLips_BlackEB
Lashes - Cake, Separated Lashes
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

Black Orchid

I have a serious hair addiction, this will come as little surprise to most people who see my blog, I rarely wear the same wig twice. But the moment I spotted this adorable Piggy Moffitt wig at PUDGE, it was love at first 'cam'. I think I wore it for about four days in a row, and was really hesitant to take it off, it is really an adorable do, with the great little stray tufts of hair. PUDGE makes some great wigs, they also have sales on from time to time, and a few days ago I notices that this Piggy Moffitt style was part of this week's sale, so now is the time to go explore PUDGE on Floyd for yourself.



This sweet Lyan Dress from Curious Kitties was a surprise find in my inventory, I think I must have purchased it on my last trip there during the Summer 2008 CSR Rally. I must have spotted it and snapped it up when I was collecting up stamp cards. I forgot about it entirely, a very bad habit of mine, but when I was looking for a classy and fun party dress, I rediscovered it and was glad to have it. It is an adorable sleeveless dress, with a sculpted collar, and a prim corset tied waist. The skirt is comprised of three prim part, which gives it a really nice fullness, and I love the crisp white trim on the edge as well. It made choosing shoes particularly simple, as I opted for my Black pair of Maitreya ChiChi Pumps and used the white rims, pulling in a plain pair of (CREAMSHOP) Black Tights to give the white details a little pop. When ever I accessorize in a hurry, I find myself going for favorite bangles from ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, they are scripted, so I can match them with anything. I chose a nice feminine bag from Paper Couture, The Blossom Bag, to work with my little party dress look.



Another stunning make-up from -AnaLu- *In Rainbows* mods, this one is the rosepurple version, very pretty and femninine. I am also wearing lashes from MMS and eyes from Freak Fantasia. A pretty and pulled together party dress look that I wore to a very special party for fellow blogger and absolute sweetheart Hethr Engel's in-world RL baby shower. This is one of those looks that I wish I could pull out of my virtual closet and own in RL.

Shopping Details:
Dress - Curious Kitties, *C:K* Lyan Dress - Pink
Tights - (CREAMSHOP), Plain Tights (Black)
Shoes - Maitreya, ChiChi Pumps (Black)
Bag - Paper Couture, P.C., The Blossom Bag (Blanc)
Bangle - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Gem Jelly Donut Bangle (Silver) [Left]
Bangle - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Sculpted Sugar Silver Gem Bangle [Right]
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair - PUDGE:, Piggy Moffitt (Black)
Skin - -AnaLu- *In Rainbows* NAT 05. rosepurple
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Location Found]
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green

Sun Green

I hate to see talent go to waste. It is one of my biggest pet peeves really, people who have skills that I would kill for, not using them the way I wish I could. It is not a secret that my RL sister Anessa Stine is the one behind the alt Pin Upshaw, designer of PIN UP DOLLS Boutique. She is a trained graphic artists, and has amazing skills in Photo Shop, but is so busy raising her little guy and doing a million other amazing things, she rarely produces anything for her shop. When she does, I am always her biggest fan, she lets me make colour suggestions, and I love watching her work out the kinks in a design, and I love seeing the finished products for sale in her shop. I asked for a Lime green version of her newest release, the Really Rosey dress, and she obliged. I usually don't blog my own work, and it feels somewhat strange "reviewing" my sister's creations, but I have to say this dress is my favorite release of her so far. She loves details, as I do, and the amazing beaded roses on the bodice, the asymmetrical skirt, and the optional hair flowers make this dress so feminine and fresh. It comes in four coloured versions, as well as a black version, and makes me think of the type of dress I would love to wear to a spring wedding.



The hair flowers, which are included with the dress look as if they were made to go with this stunning Trisha up-do from TRUTH. I went with a simple versatile scripted Stud Earring from Sian Birke Jewelry, and picked out some Pearls in a knotted Necklace and a double Bracelet that I have had in inventory for a very long time. I couldn't discern the shop name, but the creator of these pieces, part of a set, is Irelyn Christensen. I am also wearing my Caroline's Jewelry Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire engagement ring. I choose a basic dark green pump from =DeLa*=, the "Helia" Pump, to echo some of the darker tones in the dress, and to ground the look a bit.



I have been playing around with my skins lately, trying new ones, and looking for some fresh make-ups. Ana Lutetia has recently released an amazing line of skin mods called *In Rainbows*, and I have to say that I adore them. The -AnaLu- skins have a beautiful neutral lip, and some lovely coloured eye make-up, but I love the shape of the brows in particular. The nose is also very pretty. I find these skins work really well with the lighter and fuller look of the MMS Thora Lashes. Eyes are from Freak Fantasia.

Shopping Details:
Dress - PIN UP DOLLS Boutique, Really Rosey (Lime)
Shoes - =DeLa*=, Pumps *Helia* (Green)
Necklace, Bracelet - ~SP~, White Pearl Set by Irelyn Christensen @ Industrielle
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Earrings - Sian Birke Jewelry, Stud Earrings
Hair - TRUTH, Trisha (Night)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *In Rainbows* NAT08.greyish
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Location Found]
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

My Blue Heaven

I love system skirts, and I know I am not alone. I hear people complain about the flaws in the system skirt mesh, and I know that they are by no means perfect, but there is just something so classy about the silhouette of the system skirt that no prim attachment can match. I think a lot of it has to do with the issues around the reshaping of the body, the "break" in the skirt in some poses and while walking, and the skill of the texturing in the actual skirt. These are very separate issues. If you create a "skirt shape", or buy a shape with this option, you can eliminate one of the issues for the most part. I have a skirt shape, smaller hips and buttocks, but I don't always wear it. Sometimes I just love the curves. The skirt looking broken in some poses or while walking is another issue, but you could go as far as working with an AO that is meant for system skirts, and choosing poses carefully. The other issue is the skill of the designer to texture the skirt to eliminate the separation that you can sometimes see at the waist. It really is a matter of tricking the eye, and that is a skill. Case in point, this amazing basic Pencil Skirt from Ingenue. It is so well done, it looks flawless at the waist, and the high-waisted jacket part eliminates the problem with the broken mesh. Betty Doyle has this skirt in a rainbow of colour options, and I have gone back to buy it in more then one colour, it is that great.



I wanted a great sweater to pair with the skirt, and found this great Alice Sweater from *BOOM* sitting in my review copies folder. It worked well on a shirt layer, and the attachment collar and arm parts make it look really lush and comfortable. I am really a fan of sculpted pieces that have purpose, not merely for the sake of being there, and the cowl neck and sleeves work so well here. I pulled in a pair of Navy Silk Stockings from OPIUM Everyday Intimates, since I don't do bare legs during the winter months, it's a Canadian woman's habit I suppose. Satiny Helia Pumps from =DeLa*=, and a Velour Clutch from *Muism* are the added touches that give a sophisticated polish to this look. I went very minimal on the accessories, going with a favorite necklace and my engagement ring from Caroline's. I am not certain that the Miriel Tree of Life Necklace is still available, I bought it several years back, and I believe it was a Relay For Life charity item, but it indicative of the exceptional work that Miriel Enfield produces, so it is definitely worth a trip to see what she has in store.



Maitreya has been releasing some wonderful hair lately, and I have nabbed some that will be showing up soon, but perhaps my first style that made me sit up and take notice of Onyx LeShelle's wigs was this Mica style. I love the shine of the texture, and I have always thought it was a great flattering cut. Another favorite Celestial Studios skin from the Charmed Line, this make-up is called Red - Dusk, and it looks particularly great with big voluminous Bedroom Lashes from Cake. Eyes are Glassy Mustard Green from Freak Fantasia.

Shopping Details:
Sweater - *BOOM*, Alice Sweater (Navy) [Review Copy]
Skirt - Ingenue, The Pencil Skirt (Black)
Hosiery - OPIUM Everyday Intimates, Silk Stockings (Navy)
Shoes - =DeLa*=, Pumps "Helia" (Black)
Bag - *Muism*, Clutch (Black Velour, Right Hand)
Necklace - Miriel, Tree of Life Necklace (Black/Morganite) [Limited Edition]
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair - Maitreya, Mica (Black)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Red - Dusk)
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes
Lashes - Cake, Bedroom Lashes

Geek In The Pink

I am an unabashed geek, I rather take pride in this fact. I can dress myself up to look rather together and chic in my virtual life, but in actuality, it is not something I am capable in doing in everyday life. It's more like knowing the theory, but being unable to put them into practice. Case in point, this particular look. Polished, classic, easy, and using things that have been in my inventory for ages. Oh well, at least I can pull it off somewhere. This look started with this fabulous jacket from Bare@Rose Tokyo. The Anastasia jacket is part of a complete set, including a skirt and the jacket in several colours, just another reason that June Dion ranks among my all-time favorite designers. It almost goes without saying that the prices are beyond reasonable, so you can indulge practically guilt-free. It is a really great jacket, the use of sculpted pieces it done skillfully, and the texturing and shading on it is really nicely done. Small details like the buttons on the cuffs make it really special.



I wanted to let the jacket be the focal point of this look, so went with classic basics, a white shirt and dark denim slacks. Both of these elements are treasured pieces from *LAST CALL, no longer available, but you can certainly find similar items in a number of shops around the grid. I can't stress enough my appreciation of designers who put their system items on all possible layers. It is such an added value piece, and really makes a sale an easy choice as a consumer. I love jeans on underpants and pant layers, regardless of whether it has prim cuffs or not, and I love long shirts to have an underpants layer and shirt/undershirt option. The more conscious I am of making my money go further, the more important these options are, and though time consuming for designers to create, I hope more start to do it. This look only works because the blouse can be worn tucked in and not on jacket layer, without my bare belly hanging out. The shoes are a favorite pair of TESLA 'Diva' Heels, a great clunky and stylish laced oxford style pump.



Accessories include the amazing Paper Couture Shell Statement Necklace from their latest collection, as well as the Princess Ring, something I have had for over a year now. I must say, along with options in system layers, I appreciate designers who offer chest and spine options for collars and necklaces, as well as attachment point options for prim skirts. But if that is not always available, the ability to copy items and choose my own attachment points are highly appreciated. I also pulled in a fabulous bag from Bare@Rose, the Atropus bag is fun and pretty, and yet another one of the must-have bags in the Haute Couture section of the store. The Bare@Rose bags come with several hold options, like hand or forearm, or even shoulder holds, always a bonus.

Essentials start with this great [Aden] wig, called Tori, it is another one of the reasons I love short hair in-world. I love the edgy shaggy look of this cut, and used it recently for my Vain Inc. Magazine Look Of The Month when I needed the perfect rocker cut for my Joan Jett look. Skin is Celestial Studios Charmed Line, always my favorite comfort skins, it is the colourful make-ups that really have my heart. Likely a product of growing up in the 80s' when make-up colours were exploding, I love to have options. Eyes are from Miriel, and Lashes are Cake's Bedroom Lashes.

Shopping Details:
Jacket - :::B@R:::, Anastasia (Pink)
Shirt - *LAST CALL: Celine [No Longer Available]
Jeans - *LAST CALL: Frida (Autumnal) [No Longer Available]
Shoes - TESLA, 'Diva' Heels (Black)
Bag - :::B@R:::, Atropus (Pink, Hand)
Necklace - Paper Couture, P.C., Shell Statement Necklace
Ring - Paper Couture, P.C., Princess Ring
Hair - [Aden], Tori (Black)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Purple - Sunset)
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - Cake, Bedroom Lashes

Vain Inc. Magazine Issue 19 Now Available!

This month's Vain Inc. Magazine "Look Of The Month" had me living out my dreams of Rock N' Roll Diva-tude, recreating album covers and iconic promo shots for some of my all-time favorites. Joat Jett And The Blackhearts "Fake Friends", Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie and the Banshees circa 1982, and Blondie's "Parallel Lines" with Debbie Harry and The Band. Read more about this month's "Look" in Issue 19 Online, or In-World. Rock On! Full outfit credits available in the magazine, or can be found here. This month's look was inspired by the amazing Schadenfreude Siouxsie skins by Allegory Malaprop, they are too wonderful!





Check out the original inspiration photos in my Flickr Stream! Joan Jett, Blondie, & Siouxsie Sioux.