COLLABOR88 - The Fates: Lachesis

This month marks the three year anniversary of COLLABOR88, and it is a shopping experience of truly epic proportions. The theme is Odyssey, and it is entirely evocative of Greek Pantheon Gods and Goddesses. I opted to evoke the three Fates, or Moirae, with three looks to match these three stunning Goddesses. 

Lachesis would measure the thread spun by the younger Clotho, and the length of the thread was said to determine the length of a life.The Moirae were the personification of destiny, but ultimately were considered blameless since humans had free will and ultimately they could be held responsible for their own failures. I wanted to put my modern version of Lachesis in this most fabulous watch combination from [MANDALA], which is utterly breathtaking in it's detail and realism. An entire mortal lifespan is but a day to an immortal, so I placed Lachesis in the bright light of day. This stunning skin by -Glam Affair - is also available Exclusively at COLLABOR88, and I selected a natural unadorned fresh face since it will take make-up layers well. The hair, gown, and sandals are also COLLABOR88 Exclusives.

Credits: 
Hair - ~Tableau Vivant~ Legend Hair - Persephone & Persephone Crown - Winter **New@COLLABOR88**
Skin - -Glam Affair - Artemis - Asia 04 D **New@COLLABOR88**
Brows - -Glam Affair - Artemis Brows - Tintable (New) **New@COLLABOR88**
Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer
Eyes - [Buzz] Ardent Eyes - Umber
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement - Flat Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from -Glam Affair -]
Lashes - MMS-Thora Lashes [No Longer Available] & *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - Flair - Fingernails Applier Slink A/E - set 219 **New@My Slink Obsession**

Shoes - Maitreya Gold * Taupe * Antheia Sandal Slink-Flat **New@COLLABOR88**
Dress - (fd) Elysian Fields Dress Opaque - Bruise **New@COLLABOR88**
Watch -  [MANDALA] BILLIONAIRE_New-Rich(GOLD) (complete/LEATHER) **New@COLLABOR88**
Bangles - MG [Maxi Gossamer] - Bangles - Damasc - Combo 3 - GOLD - R

Poses - 
*PosESioN* Illusion Set
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Location -
MELITA INSULA ~ [Ancient Greek Roman Role Play sim], Isola Atlantide (72, 126, 30) - Moderate

Pretty Life

 [Full Credits At The Bottom of Each Post]

So much has changed in the 4 years I was absent (by choice) from SL, and yet some things never do. Great friends that have welcomed me back have made it so nice, and new friends make it a new adventure too. As a Blogger, it is a huge challenge, not to mention an expensive proposition, to start anew. There are new features to learn about and showcase, new designers, new and really exciting changes to fashion in general, but then there are the things I missed. 

As always, I blog items I love, and I try very hard to be sure that I blog original content. I am mindful of copyright and IP rights, and I want to fall on the right side of the line in what I choose to showcase. However, there is going to always be the back story that I am missing, and even if I ask old friends and fellow bloggers a thousand questions, there will always be some drama that I have missed. So please feel free to comment, drama free, if any of the items I am wearing are from suspect sources, and I will apply due diligence to be sure that I cover my bases too. I want to celebrate the best and the most wonderful things about SL, and that means getting a little help from my friends to be sure that I am living a guilt free "Pretty Life".

Credits:

Top - *ionic*, My second hand cardigan (black & white)

Pants - *Fishy Strawberry*, Tapered Cargo Pants (Grey, No Belt Version)

Boots -  Maitreya, Stagioni Xtd Leather (Artichoke)
Necklace - MG Maxi Gossamer - Necklace - Wicked little Heart (Short Version, Texture Change Gems)
Hair - Magika, [Hair, Un-rigged Version] Plenty

Skin - *League*, Jen Pale Bloom

Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R, Flat L

Shape - My Own (with help from the fabulous Anessa Stine)

Eyes - .ID., Real Eyes - Hazel
Lashes - MMS - Thora Lashes by Minnu Palen (No Longer Available)
Poses - **KoumB** by Koumia Bellah (No Longer Available)

Song In My Head: Jakalope - Pretty Life

Hold On To The Things You Love!

There is one thing I know for certain about my Second Life®, is that nothing is for certain. By that I mean that one day you discover a shop that has precisely your style of clothing, the kind of stuff you wish you could yank through the screen and wear out in your everyday life, and the next day, it is simply gone. Sometimes there is an explanation, a warning, a rationale, others, they simply disappear one day never to be seen again. Sometimes it is a matter of time and trends, people lose interest in the game or the product, and others it is the difficulty of keeping a business afloat in an over-saturated market. If you can't make enough to cover your rent, it is difficult to keep creating, and even more difficult to imagine that the situation will get better in the future. In my three plus years in Second Life®, I have seen a lot of fabulous shop disappear for a number of reasons, and it never gets easier. That is why I hold on to the things I love and treasure, and why my inventory is nearing the 45,000 items mark. How can I part with the items that are irreplaceable?



This look is what I call "Typical Kets". I love this sort of grunge, relaxed, cozy look. A lot of my favorites, some old, some new, and some irreplaceable. The top is from *Sprawl*, Pushbutton Skolnick's now near-defunct shop, and perhaps one of my all-time favorites. It is The Darko Tee, a little homage to Donnie Darko, as a film buff, I couldn't resist. I love that Pushbutton has always gone to the trouble of putting everything on every possible layer. The jeans are the uber adorable Surf Couture Hot Cocoa Stained Jeans in Grey that include the Blue Steaming Mug of Cocoa, and the cozy Parker Knit Boots in Black are also from [SC]. I adore this wrapped Soon Scarf from my girls at *Thimbles*, it is adorable and really cozy looking, and it comes in 5 different great knit colors. The Grey Knit Arm Warmers are from Argyle, another shop that seems to have vanished from the scene. The belt is one of the amazing masterpiece works from Maitreya.



The earrings are the first I ever purchased in-world, so their availability is somewhat unclear, and I didn't have enough time to hunt them down, they are from Drifting Sands which was a shop found under The Body Politik banner. I remember when I bought them I had no idea how to manipulate linked objects, and it took me forever to position them in my ears. The Uma Nose Stud is from Tickled Pink, a shop that has been gone for some time and is well missed. The adorable ring is a little bit of kitsch from Canimal, something I can never resist. The Bear Hug Novelty Ring has been referred to as the "Poo" ring by friends who think that is what it looks like from afar, I think it is hysterical!

Hair is from the newly re-opened WAKA and YUKI, which I could not resist visiting yesterday not just to scoop up the fab opening weekend gifts and try the lucky board, but because I couldn't remember shopping there before. I picked up this adorable NEW116 style while I was there, I think it is perfection in a messy casual up-do, my favorite. The skin is Emma Tan from *REDGRAVE*, my most realistic looking skin perhaps, and one I would have never tried if not for Anessa's urging. The Lashes are from MMS, now LeLutka, Thora Lashes, which I love, and the eyes are the stunning Miriel Realistic Muted Hazel Eyes. Again, I am most sad to say that we are no longer able to purchase Miriel's amazing work in-world.

So on Valentines Day, the day we celebrate love, show a little love by re-visiting your favorite shops and supporting your favorite content creators, before it's too late. They are too valuable to lose, and too precious to be taken for granted for even a second. Thank goodness for my messy but full inventory, and blog feeds, Plurk, and Avatars United, that lets me keep up with so many of my friends and on top of the news. If you haven't heard of Avatars United as of yet... you are missing out! It is the Facebook for avatars, recently acquired by Linden Labs®, that focuses squarely on your avatar, not on your RL identity, and therefore keeps your privacy to yourself while allowing you to make friends and network with avatars from SL and other MMOs. Find out more about it here http://www.avatarsunited.com . The add me to your friends list! http://www.avatarsunited.com/avatars/jhuzen-ketsugo . Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Shopping Details:
Top - *Sprawl*, The Darko Tee [Limited Items Available - Small Outlet Only]
Scarf - *Thimbles*, Soon Scarves (Grey Gold Blocks)
Arm Warmers - Argyle, Grey Knit Arm Warmers [No Location Found]
Belts - Maitreya, Old Leather Belt (Black)
Jeans - [SC] Surf Couture, Hot Cocoa Stained Jeans (Grey) - Includes Blue Cocoa Mug
Boots - [SC] Surf Couture, Parker Knit Boots (Black)
Earrings - Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set Ear Piercing [By Poly Pavlova, The Body Politik]
Ring - Canimal, Canimal Novelty Rings (Bear Hug)
Nose - Tickled Pink, *Uma Nose Stud [No Longer Available]
Hair - WAKA and YUKI, New116 "TypeA"
Eyes - Miriel, Realistic Eyes (Muted Hazel) [No Longer Available]
Lashes - MMS now LeLutka, Thora Lashes
Skin - *REDGRAVE*, 08Emma Tan Skin *old rose*

A Trip To Moscow.

It is no secret that I love shoes, but just as in my RL, it is boots that really get me going. When I was in high-school, I lived in heeled boots, cowboy boots, or fryers. I was such the bad-ass rocker chick. I still love boots, and when I received a gift of these amazing review copy boots from *REDGRAVE*, the Moscow Boot I had to log and try them on. The minute I had them rezzed on my feet I was in love. The amazing fur texture, the buckles, and a perfect fit from minute one. I decided to build a whole outfit around them. I chose the Pure Black pair, although they come in at least 5 variations.



I have been hanging on to this great coat from :bijou: since last season, as I often do, I hadn't even tried it on, but when it matched the boots so perfectly, I knew I was on to something. This is the Avanti style in Black Rabbit. Rather then try to layer the look up, I simply went with a great pair of Tartan Tights from Maitreya. I couldn't resist pulling on *KessKreations* Festivus Ring, the name makes me laugh, and a great pair of Art Deco Earrings in Onyx from Bliesen & MaiTai. Both are scripted to customize metals and gem colors, something I adore in Jewelry. I found the bag in my Review Copies folder, have no idea how long I have had it, but Wanda's 'Tania' Handbag was a perfect match as it is scripted to ting, and I matched it to the Jacket with a click.



I have a folder full of hair from the last Hair Fair, which was just before my 'break' from Second Life. I dove in and found this amazing (fd)Dorothy's Morning wig, it has a sleek look, but is soft and has a very realistic strand texture. I loved pairing it with this Fleur Vivant Blush Dig Ophelia 3 Skin, the beauty mark made me feel a touch like Dita Von Teese. I wore my favorite [Detour] Love Lashes and the fabulous but no longer available Miriel Realistic Eyes in Muted Hazel.

Something about the whole combination of soft fur textures and the lovely softness of the wig just worked for me. It is a simple look, but it is really sleek and refines. The tights add just enough colour to keep it from being too monochrome. Yesterday, when I logged to blog, I did something I haven't done in over 6 months in SL, I shopped a little. It was just a little, but it felt strange and kind of good in that people watching, waiting for things to rez sort of way. Maybe I will see you out on my next trip, if I can muster the nerve to brave the lag again.

Shopping Details:
Coat - :bijou:, Avanti {Black Rabbit)
Tights - Maitreya, Tartan Tights (Wine)
Boots - *RG* REDGRAVE, Moscow Boots (Pure Black)[RC]
Bag - Wanda's, 'Tania' Handbag - Silver/Blue (Script Tinted) [RC]
Ring - *KessKreations*, Festivus Ring (Right Hand)[RC]
Earrings - Bleisen & MaiTai Art Deco Earrings Onyx [RC]
Hair - (fd), Dorothy's Morning (Earth Pack) - Nothingness
Skin - Fleur, Vivant Blush Dig Ophelia, 3
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Realistic Eyes (Muted Hazel)[No Longer Available]

The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?

It's been ages since I blogged, but now all moved in to my new apartment. I am finding my way back in-world when I can, although not often, since my internet connection is finicky when it comes to logging into SL. I have been toying the idea of giving up on blogging all together, but I find I have been using it more as a personal journal lately, and that is a valuable thing. Once again, I am going to let a song do the talking for me today, since it has been in my head, it is Metric's Gimme Sympathy.




Get hot
Get too close to the flame
Wild open space
Talk like an open book
Sign me up
Got no time to take a picture
I'll remember someday
All the chances we took

We're so close to something better left unknown
We're so close to something better left unknown

I can feel it in my bones
Gimme sympathy
After all of this is gone
Who would you rather be
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
Oh seriously
You're gonna make mistakes you're young
Come on baby play me a song,
Like "Here Comes The Sun"
Come on baby play me a song,
Like "Here Comes The Sun"



Don't go
Stay with the all unknown
Stay away from the hooks
All the chances we took

We're so close to something better left unknown
We're so close to something better left unknown

I can feel it in my bones
Gimme sympathy
After all this is gone
Who would you rather be
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
Oh seriously
You're gonna make mistakes you're young
Come on baby play me a song,
Like "Here Comes The Sun"



My favorite lyric of this song has got to be "Who would you rather be The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?". Think about it, The Beatles are legendary, their break-up, the loss of genius like John Lennon, all of it. They burned bright for a short time, but while we had them, it was perfection. The Rolling Stones are still pumping out the music, some great, some merely good, but they seem to go one forever, no matter what tragedy or the years seem to bring them. I look at my recent break-up a lot like this, would I have rather been the Rolling Stones type of relationship, going on forever? Maybe. But we were The Beatles in a way, because we had it all, but it is gone now, there is still something left over, and a deep friendship and sense of accomplishment, and that will be the our legacy. Maybe we are better off this way. Better to have ended when things were still good, then to continue on and risk losing the specialness of what we had. Either way, I had no choice, so it is easier to think of it this way for me.



Shopping Details:
Shirt, Jeans - :::B@R:::, Toy Shop Girl (Pink Shirt Option, Prim Detailed Collar, Denim Pants)
Belt - Maitreya, Old Leather Belt (Black)
Earrings - PERSONA, Silver Circle Earrings
Ring - Caroline's, Free (A Right Hand Ring)
Shoes - Stiletto Moody, Pump & Anklestrap (Baby Pink Patent)
Hair - TRUTH, Romy - Balck & Whites (Night)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *In Rainbows* NAT 08 .greyish.
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel (Big) [No Longer Available]
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes (Now LeLutka)

Sick & Tired

I am having trouble composing my thoughts lately, but I am listening to a lot of music, which I find helps. I am moving to a new place (RL) on Monday, so I may be scarce in the next few days. Today's look was inspired by a song that is stuck in my head now, so rather then ramble on about the clothing, I thought I would give you the lyrics to ponder. The song of the day is "Sick And Tired" by Anastacia. Shopping details and credits follow the lyrics.



My love is on the line
My love is on the line
My love is on the line
My love is on the line

(Punjabi Lyric) Dil laa liya be-parwa de naal

A little late for all the things you didn't say
I'm not sad for you
But I'm sad for all the time I had to waste
'Cause I learned the truth
Your heart is in a place I no longer wanna be
I knew there'd come a day
I'd set you free
'Cause I'm sick and tired
Of always being sick and tired



Your love isn't fair
You live in a world where you didn't listen
And you didn't care
So I'm floating
Floating on air

Oh.. yeah...

No warning of such a sad song
Of broken hearts
My dreams of fairy tales and fantasy, oh
Were torn apart
I lost my peace of mind
Somewhere along the way
I knew there's come a time
You'd hear me say
I'm sick and tired
of always being sick and tired



Your love isn't fair
You live in a world where you didn't listen
And you didn't care
So I'm floating
Floating on air

Your love isn't fair
You live in a world where you didn't listen
And you didn't care
So I'm floating
Floating on air

My love is on the line
My love is on the line
My love is on the line
My love is on the line

My love is on the line

Your love isn't fair
You live in a world where you didn't listen
And you didn't care
So I'm floating
Floating on air

Music: Sick & Tired by Anastacia (Listening to the actual song gives it a whole new meaning to me, so give it a click!)

Shopping Details:
Sweater, T-Shirt, Jeans - Church of Luxe, Naomie Barley Outfit
Belt - Maitreya, Old Leather Belt (Black)
Shoes - [Armidi Gisaci], Sasche Flats [Bole]
Ring - Paper Couture, P.C., Spring Multi-Stone Ring
Necklace - (Caroline's), Satin Ribbon Mermaid Cameo Necklace (Jewelry Expo)
Hair - *REDGRAVE*, Sakura Curly Bob (Brunette)
Skin - []::TULI::[], Kalista Fair ::21
Eyes - Miriel, Standard Eyes - Sunlit Tree [No Longer Available]
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes

Green Hope: Hair Fair & Bandanna Day Post 1/2

Today is Bandanna Day in Second Life, the day we shed our vanity and out wigs to show support for those we hope to help through our donation to the Locks of Love Charity, the annual fundraiser associated with Hair Fair. Bandannas are for sale throughout the Hair Fair with 100% going to the charity. There are a nice variety of bandanas from hair designers, other designers, bloggers, and every day residents of Second Life, and they are only $50LaLas a piece, so grab a few! They are transferable, so grab some for your friends while you are there. They make a great club event, and it's a great way to promote the cause.



This is the first of the two bandannas that I picked up this year, designed by the ever talented *MIASNOW*. I simply had to grab this one in the green version, since it is my favorite colour, and also symbolizes hope to me. I don't know about you, but I would be thrilled so sheer of my RL hair if it meant finding a cure for Cancer, it's treatment, and Alopecia, two of the leading causes of baldness in children.



I went with an all green palate. Starting with this fabulous Chenille Sweater from PIG, and pairing it with a pair of Green Leather Pants from ::Pink Cadillac::. Shoes are the amazing Slinky Stilettos from Maitreya in Pine Green. The bag is another great one from [LeLutka], the GLEN bag in a sweet Olive Drab print. I am wearing a great freebie necklace from PixelDolls, it may still be available in the shop, but I am not certain. The bangle is from =DeLa*=, I adore these Bellini Bangles, here in the Deepforest Green.

Shopping Details:
Bandana - Hair Fair 2009, (Women's) MIASNOW 1 Green
Sweater - Pig, Cozy Chenille Sweater (Spring Green)
Pants - ::PC:: (Pink Cadillac), Leatherpants (Green)
Necklace - (PD) PixelDolls, Stone Pendant Necklace (Jade) [Previous Free Gift]
Bracelet - =DeLa*=, Bangle "Bellini" Deepforest (b, L)
Bag - [LeLutka], GLEN Top Handle Bag (Olive Drab)
Shoes - Maitreya, Slinky Stilettos (Pine Green)
Skin - *REDGRAVE*, 04 Emma Tan Skin *icegrey*
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big) [No Longer Available]
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes

If You Want To Be Happy For The Rest Of Your Life... [Ivalde/L'Abel Day Post 2/4]

What is ~~Ivalde~~ the brand best known for? Capturing Vintage and Retro looks and making them appealing, fun, and oh so feminine. I knew I wanted to blog at least one of my hundreds of ~~Ivalde~~ retro looks today, and so I decided that the one that best captured Neferia's attention to detail was the Kassandra Blue Dress. It includes the adorable rubber gloves and the apron. This dress makes me smile for so many reasons, not all entirely innocent. I wore it to a "Dysfunctional Family Dinner" event at PIN UPS, I wore the blue dress alone for a date night on Retrology with Draco, and I did one of my first Photo Shoots for my own pleasure with this look, doing a "50s' Demo Kitchen" look. That was before I even started blogging. I even wore just the apron and gloves with heels to make some very sexy pictures for Draco's birthday that year.



I love Nef's attention to detail, going so far as to make colour and fabric choices that suit the era of the design, combining both hand painted and photo-sourced elements seamlessly, and always making it almost impossible to choose any outfit in just ONE colour. I decided to go Stepford Wife and added in this fabulous feather duster from BLONDE, stockings from 1-800-Bettie's, and shoes from Maitreya. Jewelry includes the perfect pearl necklace from Decollage, and opal earrings from (Yummy). Skin is from Celestial Studios and hair is from Retro-rific Ingenue.

So, as the Jimmy Soul song says "If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife, Go for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you". Well, I think there are going to be a lot of unhappy husbands, because any woman wearing ~~Ivalde~~ is simply beautiful. Thanks Nef, for making my retro dreams come true.

Shopping Details:
Dress - ~~Ivalde~~, Kassandra Blue Dress [Includes Apron & Gloves]
Stockings - 1-800-Bettie's, Stocking By Bettie's (Taupe)
Shoes - Maitreya, Antie's Enchants (Black)
Necklace - Decollage, Bubblegum Pearls [Tintable]
Earrings - (Yummy), Opal Studs [from Opals & Pearls Set]
Duster - BLONDE, Feather Duster [Spring Launch Preview Gift]
Hair - Ingenue, Lamour (Blue Black)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Skin (Tone 20, Blue-Sea)
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS (Now LeLutka), Thora Lashes

Om Shanti Om

There is little doubt about my absolute favorite event to DJ at PIN UPS, it is the Bollywood Night Event. We had one recently, and I get so excited just getting dressed for the event, I have to try to contain myself. I almost always wear a new costume for each event, with my inventory now filling up with all manner of Saree, Salwar Kameez, Cholie and Lengha, Dupatta, and Bangles. This time, I was doubly lucky, as the day before the event, both Maitreya and Zaara: and new co-release, including this exquisite wig by Maitreya, called Amber, which worked perfectly with some of the hair jewelry I already owned from Zaara:, including in the Suvarna Set, here in White. The hair is parted particularly smoothly, which lets the forehead gems show off to best effect, and also works with the nose piercing, the necklace, bangles, and anklets. This is a good time to remind all of you that Zaara: is having a big sale right now, so get there before June 1st to take advantage of the sale prices, I may just see you there!



The costume is also from Zaara:, it is an absolutely stunning Choli and Lengha, in a Nude, almost gold, colour. The Frawla set comes with two versions of the top, on short and one longer version. The longer version that I am wearing has the deliciously sexy ties in up the back, it is just amazingly well textured, and wearing it feels so much like stepping into the leading role of a Bollywood film. The skirt is lovely layers of silks and lace, I adore Zaara:'s handpainted details. The wrap around the upper arms is part prim and part system layer, entirely ingenious, so it really feels like it is wrapping the body and move beautifully when dancing. I need to purchase some new Henna, but this set was on hand, a gift from the Halloween "Ghost Busters" Hunt from Sari's, the Aubergine Henna, it is a nice compliment to this lovely skin tone. I am also wearing a Pearl Ring from Caroline's Jewelry.



The skin was another free gift, received many months ago via the Bianca F. Subscribe-O-Matic Group. The QS Skin, in the appropriately named Darjeeling skin tone, is by Rachel Delgado, and I own several of her skins. Hazel Eyes are by Miriel, and Thora Lashes are from MMS (now LeLutka).

I will be heading over to the Zaara: sale shortly, in search of more amazing costumes and accessories to wear to future Bollywood Night Events. I always play a cool mix of Bollywood hits, modern Hindi and Punjabi tunes, some Bhangra remixes, and other surprises that get the crowd going. It always makes me giddy hearing the music, dancing, and sharing my love of Indian culture with friends old and new. All the hot kids put your hands up and sing Om Shanti Om! Hope to see you there!

Shopping Details:
Costume - Zarra:, Frawla (Nude)
Jewelry - Zaara:, Suvarna Set (White)
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Pearl Ring
Tattoo - Sari's, Aubergine Henna (Hands & Feet)[Grid Wide Ghost Hunt]
Hair - Maitreya, Amber: Blacks Pack (Pitch)
Skin - QS Skin, Darjeeling - Acceso (additional make-up, Freebie)[Past Group Gift from Bianca F.]
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS (now LeLutka), Thora Lashes

Adam's Ribs

Adam and Eve, it's the most interesting of biblical stories, and even though I am no biblical scholar, I have always been fascinated by the story of how woman came to be. It seems particularly hard to accept, as a feminist of sorts, that women are the product of a piece of "Adam's Rib". As an Obstetrics nurse, I was always deeply offended by some religions explanation that the suffering of women in childbirth was as a result of Eve's actions, taking the forbidden fruit, and therefore damming us all to pain unlike any other. I am not a religious person, more spiritual, but it seems like something that a patriarchal religion would use to keep women in their place, constant reminder of the folly of the first woman. We think of ribs and bones and skulls as gothic and macabre, but they are the very frame on which we carry ourselves, and they have meaning too. The Schadenfreude Black Ultraviolet Skelebeater tank was a freebie I picked up at the very first opening of the Starlust Motel, over a year ago now, and wearing it makes me feel strong and fierce. Paired with a great {Gisaci} Black Leather Brindisi Slack, it is a simple and sleek look.



A great belt from Maitreya adds a little more metal to my look, so to speak. The Old Leather Belt in Black is really nicely shaped, and fits my curves perfectly. I pulled on a pair of stacked Jelly Bracelets in Black from [Od], and a great Black Triple Layer Necklace from what is now Luc Jewelry, with colour change scripted crystals. A little brow stud from ITF makes me feel a little more edgy, something also achieved with the fabulous Oldskool Tattoo from TRUTH INK. The boots are the bases of the ever sexy Black Dune Boots from Maitreya. The great chunky Bellissima Black Bag from Bare Rose is a real winner, looking sturdy and ready to carry all my worldly goods.



I love this sleek, long and relaxed Faye wig from Maitreya, it is really well made, the texture is extraordinary, and the flexi movements fluid and realistic. Another delicious skin from -AnaLu-'s *InRainbows* line of mods, this is the .girlypink. version. These skins look great with the Thora Lashes from MMS (now LeLutka), eyes are from Miriel.

Whether you are religious or not, or even a would be biblical scholar, I say it's time we celebrate the story of The Fall in the Garden of Eden. Eve was one gutsy babe, and think of how boring life would be if we were all still wandering around the garden, unclothed... *gasp*, without fashion!

Shopping Details:
Top - Schadenfreude, Black Ultraviolet Skelebeater, Men's [Previous Starlust Gift]
Pants - Armidi, {Gisaci} Brindisi Slacks (Black)
Belt - Maitreya, Leather Belt, Old *Black*
Boots - Maitreya, Dune Boots (Black) [Bases Only]
Bag - :::B@R:::, Bellissima 09 Black (L Hand)
Necklace - -EARTHTONES- now (luc) Jewelry, Triple Layer Necklace Black/Multi
Bracelets - [Od] Pbp, Jelly Bracelets, Black [No Location Found]
Piercing - ITF, Dual Ball Brow Piercing [No Location Found]
Tattoo - TRUTH Ink, Oldskool Tattoo (Full)
Hair - Maitreya, Faye (Pitch)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT11 .girlypink.
Lashes - MMS now LeLutka, Thora Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)

The Heart Of The Matter

Sorry for giving the appearance that I fell off the virtual map, I just had the worst case of Food Poisoning and/or Norwalk Virus, complete with several hospital visits, and am only now feeling like I have the energy to do anything productive with my time. Basically, I now have a rather fast heart rate, and they aren't sure why, but it seems to be normalizing on it's own now too. This "Look Of The Day" has been sitting in waiting since March 5th, and it's about time it got it's due attention. It is somewhat amusing that this look includes the adorable BareRose Key of Heart Bag in Red.



I love coats, particularly ones that make nice use of prim pieces and have some nice appropriately sized prints on them, like this AOHARU Red Check Short Trench Coat. I really love the collar and waist tie on this coat in particular, and the red plaid is really fresh and spring like. I paired it with a simple pair of black jeans from *AnnaH* (now .:Storin:.), this pair was part of the Heart of Love Limited Edition Laura set. The shoes here are a perfect matching red from Lya, the Sakura platform wedge pump was a gift from one of the Retrology event hunts, and are a really fantastic basic shoe. I loved the way the open collar of the coat looked with the [Armidi Gisaci] Gunmetal Niama Necklace, a great layered look adding a lot of impact at the throat. Other accessories include the adorable Kandy Kitty Mod Love Ring, and a simple ITF Dual Ball Brow Piercing.



This amazing wig is from Maitreya, the Piper II is soft fresh perfection, with a bobby pin tucked on one side, and it's smooth silky texture. It is a remarkable wig and looks particularly realistic. I have been wearing the -AnaLu- *InRainbows* skins almost exclusively since Ana dropped a review pack of them on me when she first released them. I love the soft lips, the lovely brow, it is a luminous and unique looking skin. The lashes are Thora from MMS, but might now be available at LeLutka, while the eyes are the amazing Miriel Hazel Eyes. A soft and sweet look, getting to the heart of the matter, which is that I have actually missed all my friends in the online community and blogging for you all very much.

~ Ketsy

Shopping Details:
Coat - AOHARU, BT_CheckShortTrenchCoat_Red
Jeans - *AnnaH* (Now .:Storin:.), from Laura HoL *Limited Edition* Set
Shoes - Lya, Sakura (Red)
Bag - :::B@R:::, Key Of Heart (Red, Hand)
Necklace - [Armidi Gisaci], Niama Necklace - Gunmetal
Ring - Kandy Kitty, Mod Love Ring
Brow - ITF, Brow Dual Ball [No Current Location Found]
Hair - Maitreya, Piper II - Blacks Pack (Pitch)
Skin - -AnaLu- *InRainbows* NAT13 .brownish.
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Current Location]

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]

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

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

Happy 2nd Birthday PIN UPS!

Well it looks like the Bunny Blogger fun continues, and since I am still deciding what to wear to PIN UPS 2 Year Anniversary Event tonight, I figured it was time for some Retro Bunneh! I am having a blast with my *DP*yumyum* Story of a Bunny avatar. Greatly inspired by Achariya, I decided to go Retro this time.



I picked out some of my favorites for my Retro bunny, going with the Peek-A-Boo Cha Cha Cha Dress in Red from Ingenue, such a fabulous bright and fun frock. The wig is also from Ingenue, the first I ever purchased from Betty Doyle when she had a little booth in the upper gallery of PIN UPS early on. The Grable is just such a classic style, the blue black sheen and texture are perfection. I paired it all with my absolute favorite pumps, the Maitreya Enchants in Antie's Black, named for the queen of Rockabilly Fashion in-world, the amazing Antonia Marat of /artilleri/.



I hope to see you all out in your Retro best at PIN UPS Night Club tonight from 7-10PM SLT. It is going to be quite a bash. DJ Draco Tatsu and myself will be spinning a set that takes us through the best of Rockabilly, 50s', 60s', 70s', Disco, and 80s'. We are having a best with a Retro costume contest which means you can wear any Era you dare and party with us. A minimum of $1000 LaLas go to best guy, gal, and staffer in costume. With big sploders, some trivia, great music, and a relaxed attitude, you can't help but have a great time! See you there!



Shopping Details:
Hair - Ingenue, The Grable (Black)
Dress - Ingenue, Peek-A-Boo! Cha Cha Cha Style - Red
Shoes - Maitreya, Enchant Antie's - Black
Bunny Avatar: CSR Winter 2008, CSR:DP*yumyum*stoory of a bunny:gray(BOX)[CSR Winter 2008 Campaign Ended Jan. 18/09]

Happy New Year...

With 2008 securely behind us, I am ready to make some new resolutions of the practical sort. I want to say I will be a more consistent blogger once again, and will try to blog daily, but the fact is that I have learned a little something about balancing priorities in the last year, so I will not make promises I know cannot be kept. I want to promise to showcase things new and fabulous and undiscovered, but as I am still on my no-shopping diet, I can only promise to work with what I have and highlight new ways to interpret things already in my wardrobe. But what I do resolve is to be constant, to be fair, and to be honest. I have and will always blog the things I love and treasure, and find value in. I blog as a personal exercise that I am happy to share with anyone who might be interested.



Last night I DJd for a total of four hours, a marathon of two amazing back-to-back New Year's Eve parties at PIN UPS surrounded by my friends and the people I love. I wanted to wear something I could actually see myself stepping out in to a RL party in. Something elegant and comfortable, stylish and timeless, and something I already owned. I was thrilled to rediscover this amazing Paper Couture Silk Gypsy gown. It is from a previous season, and may no longer be available, but it is so amazingly well done. I love the puddle of the fishtail train, the corset style waist, and the billowy sleeves. There is nothing more classic then a great black gown. This one will stand the test of time, and is a treasured piece of my wardrobe.



I went with simple accessories, notably the ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~ Jujubes Gems Antique Silver Earring and Bangles that I am also wearing in this month's issue of Vain Inc. Magazine's Look Of The Month. I choose to wear the Onyx stones here, but they are scripted to offer a choice of twelve gem tones, and I love the chunky big gems that are really classic yet a real hot trend this season in particular. I am also wearing my Caroline's Jewelry Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring, which of course most know is my engagement ring and I am rarely without it. The bag is a fabulous freebie from (Yummy), and if it hadn't been free I would have bought it in a heartbeat, I love the look of this amazing Vintage 1920's Black Bead Bag. I am a true handbag addict, and as I count the days till I will shop again, I have a growing list of purses I will be buying first. The shoes are the absolutely impeccable Maitreya Virtue in Patent Black that were a treasured find at the Shoe Fair this year. They are spectacular, stylish, and very chic.



This Glamour hair has been in my inventory for well over a year, and is an elegant favorite of mine. I hope it is still available at Panache, though when I purchased it the shop was called Hose Queen. It also comes with some jeweled combs that are really spectacular as well. Skin is my special occasion favorite from Celestial Studios, as are the amazing Lashes. Eyes are simply stunning Hazel Eyes from Miriel.

Wishing you all the very best in the coming year, in both your real and virtual lives. Most importantly, be true to yourselves, be honest about your opinions, and don't be afraid to step away from the herd. Dance to the beat of your own drummer, and do it like no one is watching. Oh, and one more resolution, I need to stop taking myself so darn seriously and have more fun! Happy 2009!

Shopping Details:
Gown - Paper Couture, p.c.; Silk Gypsy [Previous Season Release, Possibly No Longer Available]
Shoes - Maitreya, Virtue - Patent Black
Bag - Yummy, Vintage 1920's Black Bead Bag [Freebie]
Earrings - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Jujubes Gems Antique Silver Earrings
Bracelets - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Jujubes Gems Antique Silver Bangles
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair - Hose Queen [Panache Island - Zyrra & HoseQueen], Glamour (Black)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Silver 2 + Body Glitter)
Lashes - Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes, Club 1
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)