In The Trenches.

There is nothing more exciting then discovering forgotten purchases in your inventory. Six months away from SL has made this a new trend for me. I may be showing items that have been available in-world for a long time, but they are just as good now as ever, and maybe more-so, they may remind you of some of the hidden gems you haven't worn since last season. This AOHARU Simple Trench Coat is a perfect example. I pulled it on, and just adore the almost gunmetal steel blue color of it, it got me working to pull a great look together around it.



I picked up a great black shirt at Surf Couture yesterday, and decided to add a dash of something new, it is the "I'm A Little Bit Country" top, which comes in too many great colors, but I chose the black one on a whim. I pulled on the amazing (Kari & TW) Black New School Jeans, and a simple pair of stockings from Petit Ange in Black. Both wardrobe staples for me. When I went looking for boots, I was thrilled to find these ETD Shoes Kristen Booties in an almost perfectly matched color to the Trench Coat. Instead of going with a necklace, I opted for this amazing *Sprawl* Dotty Scarf, just a nice detail, and scripted for color change. I heart me some *Sprawl*.



Pulling in some other accessories, I went with a great bag from Baiastice, a ring with scripted color change stone from (Luc) Fashion Jewelry, and a fabulous watch from (Caroline's). The (Caroline's) Jewelry Rock Candy Watch has 3 band color options, including a hot pink, three metal options, and the ability to turn brightness on and off. It actually functions, the hands turning and ticking through the hours. I really love the way it looks on, and it is jazzy enough to be a great bracelet substitute.

Another wig I loved at first sight has been waiting for me to wear since the Hair Fair. Sari's Hanami Dreads come in a beaded and un-beaded version, I chose the plain version this time. It is adorable, not too crazy big, and I love the loose dreads, so funky. The skin is a favorite from -AnaLu-, the lashes are Lelutka's Thora Lashes, and the eyes are the brilliant but no longer available Miriel. So now I am back to rediscovering what is actually hiding in my giant *NEW* folder, and you never know what I am going to come up with next. Back to the trenches folks.

Shopping Details:
Coat – AOHARU_BT_Simple Trench Coat (Gray)
Shirt – [SC] Surf Couture, I’m A Little Bit Country (Nighttime)
Jeans – (Kari & TW), New School Jeans (Black)
Scarf – *Sprawl*, Dotty Scarf (Scripted Color Change)
Socks – *an* Petit Ange, knit_tights_black_socks
Shoes – ETD Shoes, Kristen Bootie (Steel Blue)
Bag – Baiastice by Sissy Pesoa, Borsa 21 (Hand)
Watch – (Caroline’s), Rock Candy Watch (Scripted)
Ring – -EARTHTONES- now (luc), Solitaire Ring Multi/Silver
Hair – Saris’s, Hanami Dreads Black (Plain)
Skin – -AnaLu- *InRainbows* Nat13 .brownish.
Eyes – Miriel, Realistic Eyes (Muted Hazel)[No Longer Available]
Lashes – MMS/Lelutka, Thora Lashes

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)

Golden Years [Ivalde/L'Abel Day Post 3/4]

It has been amazing watching Neferia Abel's skill and range grow over the two plus years that I have known her. She has gone from making reproductions, to branching out and making "inspired" looks. She looks at the fashion of a particular era, seems to be able to distill the flavor of that time period down, and then make a look that is not only classic and familiar, but also timeless and unique. This ~~Ivalde~~ Ranka Gold Dress is a perfect example. It has the flavor of the sixties, but is also incredibly trendy and fresh. I adore that Nef includes stocking with so many of her looks, as she does with this look. The details are also spectacular, look closely at the tiny round buttons on the back of the collar, things that she could have easily skipped and would have gone unnoticed, but her inclusion of them just makes the outfit all the more perfect.



I pulled in some adorable ETD boots, and a bag from [gisele] to round out the look. Accessories includes a great Bangle from [Armidi Gisaci] and a ring from (Caroline's). Hair is by TRUTH, with skin by -AnaLu-. I just think this look is perfection, great for any party occasion, or a day of shopping in the city.

This look makes me smile, largely because it makes me see Nef's talents in a new way. These are truly her golden years, she is now producing on a whole new creative level. She has gone beyond mere reproductions and has become an entirely different sort of content creator, creating what is new and innovative, catering to her customer base, and making herself happy in the process. Nef has always struck me as a wonder woman of sorts. She is a mother of six, a devoted wife to her amazing husband Brumm, her RL work has been in a caring and often selfless vocation, and she is unfailingly generous with her time and talents. I have seen so many pictures of her family, including her dog, that I have lost count. I have spoken to her about the pressures of owning a SIM and managing a SL business, and we have shared our love stories. We live in entirely opposite time zones, so we rarely got a chance to get together, but when we did catch each other, our conversations would go on for upwards of an hour, and cover all manner of topics, always ending with hugs and kisses and "I love you". She calls me her "Ketzmin", and she is my Nefmin, my dear Nef.

Shopping Details:
Dress - ~~Ivalde~~, Ranka Gold Dress
Shoes - ETD, Kristin Booties (Natural)
Bag - [gisele], bag/maman ecru (front)
Bangle - [Armidi Gisaci], (Left) Healing Giraffe Bangle - Brown
Ring - (Caroline's), Natural Gold Bead Ring
Hair - TRUTH, Linda - Black & Whites (Night)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT13 .brownish.
Lashes - MMS (Now LeLutka), Thora Lashes
Eye - Miriel, Standard Eyes - Sunlit Tree

Back To Black

Today is one of the hardest days I have had in so very long. Heartbreak is never easy, and no one seems to be able to escape the feelings of loss, anger, sadness, loneliness, and hurt that comes with risking your heart. I risked my heart, after being destroyed by a relationship in the past, and after two years of what I though was the best thing in my life, I am alone again. I can't deny the feelings in my heart, I don't know how long I will feel this way, but I am so very lost. It's hard when you still are in love with someone, someone who was your best friend and who you knew was your soul mate, and see them move in another direction, whatever the reason. Today I am mourning the loss of what could have been, for I had let myself dream of the future, and all those dreams are now dead. I wore this dress this past weekend, when I acted as a fill in DJ for a UVogue Fashion Show featuring Stiletto Moody shoes and LeeZu fashion designs, among others.



This dress was in my inventory, and I threw it on for the event, the LeeZu Betty Flexi Dress in Black is a very sexy number indeed, more so then I anticipated, so I slipped a lovely Black Sheer Desire camisole from **Battered Boudoir** on underneath to make it more modest for a daytime event. The shoes are Stiletto Moody Pinup Pumps in the Patent Color Set, with colour change versatility that I always find helps when pulling together a look in a hurry.

As I was DJing, I didn't need a handbag, so I went with some great jewelry looks. Starting with a simple pair of Claris Black Pearl Earrings from ~Muse~. The necklace is also in Black Pearls, from *kraftika, No.129, as is the Black Pearl Bauble Flower Ring from Caroline's Jewelry. I also grabbed a pair of spectacular Jujubes Gem Antique Silver Bangles from ~*Freah Baked Goods*~, with colour scripted gems set to Black Onyx.



Hair is a simple loose pulled back look from ETD, the beautifully sculpted Yvette style in Black, one of Elika's newer styles, and so nicely textured. The skin is -AnaLu- *inRainbows*, natural complexion, and a neutral toned make-up with subdued .greyish. shadow. Hazel Eyes are from Miriel, and Thora Lashes are from MMS (now LeLutka).

I know I will be OK, eventually, right now all I know is I need time. I have dear friends, I have close family, and I know that time heals all wounds. I have to get over the anger, the disappointment, the hurt of a broken heart, but I know that there is no other path for me. I simply have to move on and come back to being OK with myself, find my strength, and find my way out of the very dark place I now find myself in.

Shopping Details:
Dress - LeeZu, Betty Flexi Dress/Black
Camisole - Battered Boudoir, Sheer Desire Black Top
Shoes - Stiletto Moody, Pinup Pump (Patent Color Set)
Necklace - *kraftika, No.129, Black Pearls
Earrings - ~Muse~, Claris Black Pearl Earrings in Silver
Bracelets - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Jujubes Gem Antique Silver Bangle
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Black Pearl Bauble Flower Ring
Hair - ETD, Yvette - Naturals I Pack (Black)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT08 .greyish.
Lashes - MMS (now LeLutka), Thora Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)

A Certain Shade of Green

It's no secret that green is my favorite colour, it is my mother's favorite too. I was visiting my parents yesterday and went out into their amazing backyard, complete with Koi Pond and Waterfall, Fairy Garden, fruit trees, and an amazing array of wildlife. While there, I saw some colourful birds working away at the feeders, a groundhog scuttling across the lawn, and several fat green frogs sitting on the rocks beside the Koi Pond, catching all those annoying mosquitoes. The frogs are pretty spectacular, brilliant green and it gives me hope that we haven't entirely destroyed the environment as of yet. My parents live just north of Toronto, still in a busy Suburb full of the urban sprawl that is taking over and leaving less green space and more animals homeless. They live in close proximity to a creek, and I think that is where their many visitors are coming from, this includes a pesky mink that ate more the half my fathers expensive huge Koi fish last year, and wild rabbits that have made a home under the deck. Not to mention a pair of Racoons that regularly visit in the night. Green is the colour of that backyard right now, and it is so nice to see after the long Canadian winter. Green makes me feel like that new grass, the leaves on the trees, reborn in a sense. When I wear it, I am happy.



I loved this DP*yumyum Candy Pop top in Green the minute I saw it, it comes with three options for the prim attachment part, this is the longest, and can be a perfectly sweet mini-dress, but I decided to pair it with some spectacular Zaara: Jewelled Jeans in Indigo. Speaking of which, Zaara: is having a sale as we speak, it lasts till June 1st, so get shopping! The shoes are the adorable ETD Heel-Strap Platforms in Emerald, I picked them up for s song at the last ETD sale, the Leather Bag is from Pampered Princess, in this great golden Honey colour.



I was waiting for a chance to wear this amazing Pansy Stained Glass Windows Necklace from *Wallflowers*, I picked it up at the last Jewelry Expo, organized by Miriel Enfield. The bracelets are by ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, absolute favorite for their customizable gems, the Sculpted Sugar Gem Bangle Set in Gold. I am also wearing a ring by the darling Kesseret Steeplechase from *KessKreations*, the Antonia Ring is also scripted so that you can select the metal and gem colours.

On to essentials, and this essentially brilliant Felicity style from ETD, a soft and beautifully romantic wig, with a really lovely single shoulder sweep. The skin, complete with lovely green eye shadow is another -AnaLu- *InRainbows* skin mod, I am simply in love with them, in case it has escaped notice. Hazel eyes are from Miriel, and lashes are the Thora set from MMS (now LeLutka).

Here's hoping I see many more green things, especially those frogs in that certain shade of green, all summer long and for many many years to come. I hope you see many things of green in your summers too, and find the happiness that nature can bring, It really is such a centering thing, to be out in the grass and hear the water splash over the rocks, and hear the birds sing, and know that there is something beyond the computer screen that is worth seeing and saving.

Shopping Details:
Dress - DP*yumyum, Candy Pop (Green)
Jeans - Zaara:, Jeans {jewelled}, Indigo (Straight Leg Version)
Bag - [PP], Leather Purse (Honey)
Shoes - ETD Shoes, Heel-Strap Platforms {Emerald}
Bracelets - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Sculpted Sugar Gem Bangle Set - Gold
Necklace - *Wallflowers*, Stained Glass Windows Necklace & Earring Set (Pan)
Ring - *KessKreations*, Antonia RH Ring
Hair - ETD, Felicity - Blacks Pack (Smoke)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT06 .Bgreen.
Lashes - MMS (now LeLutka), Thora Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)

Pansies Are For Memories

Pansies, are a flower that symbolized memories. I have been running through my memories lately, the good and the not so good. Sometimes memories haunt you, and other times they bring comfort. When I think of pansies, I think of my grandmother. She was the most loving individual I have ever known, she had this energy of love about her, she accepted everyone for who they were, and she never ever complained, no matter how hard her life got. She will be gone 12 years in August, and I can hardly believe it. She died from complications of Cancer of the Liver. She was ready to go, she missed my grandfather who had died when I was just a child, and she was at peace with herself. I was not so ready to let her go, but that is true of loss in general, we are never ready, we never want to see it coming. I was there when she passed, at her side, in her home, caring for her mid-way through my nursing school training. I had never seen anyone die, though I had seen someone already gone in my travels as a nursing student, and it was not a frightening thing. But I blamed myself for a long time, since I had given her a dose of morphine to treat her pain minutes before she passed. I felt it was my fault, now I know I could not have stopped it, she was in a coma at the time. I miss her every day of my life, she was my best friend. She loved pretty things, and I know she would have loved this dress.



This Floratta Long Dress in a Pansy print by *Reale* is so lovely, so elegant, yet casual and comfortable at the same time. I think it incredibly well textured, with lovely lace edged skirts and flexing ties at the neck. It comes in several prints, but the moment I saw pansies, I saw a favorite flower of my grandmother's and knew I had to have this version.



How do you accessorize a dress so lovely, how do you add interest without taking anything away? I was thrilled to come upon the lovely and appropriately named Melancholy Set in White from {Violet Voltaire}, something I picked up at the amazing Armoire Jewelry Showcase. The floral theme and colour fit so well, and the delicate nature of the prim work is so very feminine. I added a simple Pearl Ring from Caroline's Jewelry, and The Blossom Bag in Blanche from Paper Couture to finish the look. The perfect simple yet elegant shoe is the Stiletto Moody Pinup Pump in Patent, this is the colour change version, the one I would recommend, as the colour options are amazing.



Another lovely up-do style from TRUTH, the Victoria style is perfection for a summer night out in a fresh dress. You can see the casual curls, and it is easy to wear with long earring or an up-turned collar. This skin is another lovely colorful mod by -AnaLu-, the *InRainbows* line is really great for all those fans of natural lipped skins with a more dramatic eye. My eyes are by Miriel, and lashes are from MMS (now LeLutka).

I hold on to my memories tight, sometimes too tight where it concerns the sad ones. But I do have something in my possession that is now more precious then the pressed pansies from my grandmother's 85th birthday party. Before she died, I found a book called "To Our Children's Children". In it are lists of questions to ask your grandparents or parents, asking them to recall moments of their lives. You can use it to document your own life for your children, or use it to interview someone else. The questions are wonderful, and before she died, I managed to tape-record my grandmother answering a great many of them. I haven't been able to listen to them yet, not sure why, but I am ready to sit and listen to the memories, and remember her, and her voice, and most importantly her brilliant deep belly laugh.

Shopping Details:
Dress - *Reale*, Floratta Long Dress (Pansies)
Bag - Paper Couture, The Blossom Bag (Blanche)
Shoes - Stiletto Moody, Pinup Pump Patent Color Set (White)
Earrings - {Violet Voltaire}, Melancholy Earrings (White)
Necklace - {Violet Voltaire}, Melancholy Necklace (White)
Bracelet - {Violet Voltaire}, Melancholy Bracelet (White)
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Pearl Ring
Hair - TRUTH, Victoria (Blacks)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows NAT05 .rosepurple.
Lashes - MMS (now LeLutka), Thora Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)

Cargo Cult

Sometimes, I just have to get out of the fancy dresses and go with a little bit of funky grunge. It's hard to believe that these amazing Bare@Rose Black Lowrise Heavy Cargos, which come in a pack with at least four colour versions, are only possible since the introduction of sculpted prims in-world. I could not have imagined it two and a half years ago when I first rezzed into my Second Life, but sculpted prims are now the norm, and content creators are using them in some of the most ingenious ways. These pants have seven, yes seven, sculpted prim attachments to make them look so incredibly real, flexi ties,pockets, and a belt with a pouch on it are all part of the wow factor. With such a great lowrise pant, I opted for a simple tummy baring Camo Crop T-Shirt from Little Rebel, which is unfortunately now no longer available since it's recent closing. A huge loss in my mind, it was one of the first stores I discovered, with the help of a list of favorites from Antie (Antonia Marat).



I dug into my large folder of review copies, and re-discovered this great Chicago Bag from House of Heart. I love this bag for a few reasons, one, because it sits to the left side, which is for some reason less common, and also because it fit so well even with my large, well, boobs. It is a great looking bag, and I didn't even realize that House of Heart did more then hair, shows you how out of the loop I am. I wore a great Natural Gold Bead Ring from Caroline's, and one of the fabulous wrist bands from Emery. The shoes are the a brilliant pair of AKEYO LowTop Chucks, the scripting and colour options are amazing, the texturing is perfection, and they are great for guys and gals alike.



Today I made my last trip, I am afraid, to the amazing Miriel. As I mentioned in my last post, Miriel Enfield is planning on closing up shop soon, and taking her amazing jewelry, eyes, and other creations off the market. It is incredibly sad for me to see such an icon among SL content creators choose to close her doors, depriving us all of her amazing work. I stopped in today to buy a few more of Miriel's brilliant eyes, and her lovely Gibson Girl wig. Please don't miss out on visiting her shop and island, even if it is just to look around. I am wearing a pair of her Hazel Eyes here, and she has dozens of lovely eyes, which can be purchased individually for only $50LaLas, or available in great 4-packs for just $125LaLas.

The Hat and Hair combo is a favorite from Mirai, the .+*Lack*+. style comes with this great texture and colour changing hat, and I love the long wavy dark locks. Skin is an -AnaLu- mod, this is the *inRainbows* Natural tone skin with the .brownish. make-up. I love the way the MMS (now LeLutka) Thora Lashes look with the -AnaLu- skins.

Shopping Details:
Top - Little Rebel, Camo Top Pack (Camo Crop T Shirt)[No Longer Available]
Pants - :::B@R:::, Lowrise Heavy Cargos (Black)
Bag - House Of Heart, Chicago Bag (black, Ver.1) [Review Copy]
Shoes - AKEYO Shoes, Chucks LoTop
Wrist Band - Emery, Old School Wristband Pack
Ring - Caroline's, Natural Gold Bead Ring
Hair/Hat - Mirai, .+*Lack*+. (Black)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT13 .brownish.
Lashes - MMS (now LeLutka), Thora Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)

Tiptoe Through The Tulips

This time of year is a favorite, second only to Autumn. Spring brings sunshine, but cool breezes and longer evening before it gets dark. I feel like I can get more done, whether I can or not, it is a nice feeling. I love watching tulips push up through the earth in my mother's amazing gardens. I used to order bulbs and deliver them to her in unmarked paper bags, so that their colourful flowers would be a surprise. Although many are eaten by squirrels, rabbits, and as of late, groundhogs, that run around my parents backyard, the ones that survive the winter make for a magical burst of fresh colour. Sometimes, a fresh spring day calls for an equally fresh coloured dress. This adorable Polka Love dress by Betty Doyle of Ingenue is just such a frock. I really love the crisp turned up shoulder detail, and the skirt is a whirl of perfectly textured panels. It reminds me of the lovely tulips currently making their show-stopping display.



I went light on the accessories, taking into account the details on the shoulder and the hair accessory. Starting with a lovely basic pearl strand with an interesting front clasp detail, the Vixie White Pearl Necklace by *KessKreations* is really spectacular as a basic pearl strand. Kesseret Steeplechase always gives me the quality I look for in her work, it is flawless. I found the perfect match for the dress in the colour variations of the Stiletto Moody Pinup Patent Pump. I really love the shape of this shoe, and the colour change version is so very versatile. An adorable Ari Handbag from {Cherry} in a great graphic print means that you can pair it up with so many more outfits. The fresh white accents make it perfect for spring.



This lovely Portia hair from Philotic Energy is a really lovely and fresh up-do, and the floral accent is perfection. The red Hibiscus flower is perfectly sculpted. This style is perfect for a formal or summer fresh look. Another lovely fresh faced skin from -AnaLu-'s *InRainbows* line of modified skins, I am almost wearing them exclusively lately, I think it is mostly the shape of the lips that has my heart. MMS (now LeLutka) Thora Lashes and Big Hazel Eyes are from Miriel.

Shopping Details:
Dress - Ingenue, Polka Love (Melon)
Shoes - Stiletto Moody, Pinup (Patent Color Set)
Bag - {Cherry}, The Ari Handbag (Candy Florals, Snowball)
Necklace - *KessKreations*, Vixie White Pearl Necklace
Hair - PE, Portia (Charcoal)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT 13 .brownish.
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)

My Way Out

Sometimes, you just want to get away. Things get confusing, you lose sight of who and what you are about and what really matters. I have been feeling this way a lot lately. Things I thought would last forever have slipped away, things I thought mattered don't seem to be as important, and I am looking for meaning in my life again. While I may not be able to take a physical break from my reality, I can certainly take the time away from my regular routine and let my mind run away a bit, trying to find the answers to the questions that I suddenly have. This look is back to basics, the sort of thing I would be wearing around the city. This look says comfort and warmth, and is something I would wear when looking for a place to hide and nurse my wounds. This sweater is my favorite part, I think Pushbutton's new *Sprawl* brand is brilliant, and The Almanac Sweater in Cardinal looks like a well loved, well worn favorite. I layered it over one of the /artilleri/ Zee Tank Tops, and paired that with a great Black denim Jean from (Kari & TW).



With cuffs on the sweater, there was no need for bracelets, but I did find a nicely matched Bohemian inspired necklace from Bonita's Jewelry that really worked well with this look. The colours were perfect, and I find that there are lots of hidden treasures at Bonita Popinjay's Jewelry, you just have to have the fortitude to find them among her huge inventory of items in her shops. I am wearing my favorite brow piercing from ITF, and also a sentimental ring from Caroline's Jewelry. One of my favorite handbag's is this Jaden bag from Cachet (now LeLutka), I own it in two colour variations, it is that fabulous. I am wearing the boot bases from a brilliant pair of (Shiny Things) Old Lace-up Boots, they are prim shoes I have had for almost two years, and they make me feel very grounded.



Truth Hawks makes some of the sweetest wigs on the grid, and on my last visit I was over the moon to find my two favorite shades, black and white in the same colour pack once again. This sweet TRUTH double pig-tail style with hat is called Babyhoney, and it is perfection down to the stitching on the cap. The skin is another of Ana Lutetia's mods, the lovely -AnaLu- *InRainbows* series, and I feel very at home in these skins, the complexion is lovely and the brows are natural and soft, the coloured eye make-up is perfect with the soft full lips. Lashes are from MMS, now LeLutka, and eyes are from Miriel.

I am looking for my way, even if that means My Way Out.

Shopping Details:
Sweater - *Sprawl*, The Almanac (Cardinal)
Tank - /artilleri/, Zee Tank Tops!, Shirt Layer (Orange)
Jeans - (Kari & TW), New School Jeans (Black)
Bag - Cachet now LeLutka, Jaden Bag (Red)
Boots - (Shiny Things), Old Lace-up Boots - Reddish
Necklace - Bonita's, Beaded Bohemian Necklace w/ Links
Ring - Caroline's, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Brow - ITF, Brow Dual Ball Piercing [No Location Found]
Hair/Hat - TRUTH, Babyhoney (Smokey)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT 07 .blue.
Lashes - MMS now LeLutka, Thora Lashes [No Current Location]
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]

Cry Me A River...

Sometimes you just need to have a good cry. It's so hard to get the face of an avatar to express emotion. Sure you can get an Emoter HUD, an often passed about full perms item, but it has a limited range of mostly comical expressions. It is often the skill of the pose maker, the lighting, the angle of the eyes that allow the appearance of emotion. Then often some post processing, be it Photo Shop, or a similar graphics program, is often the way we add emotion to our in-world snapshots.



But what if you want a straight screen shot, are unable to post edit, or need to express sadness in an in-world event, drama, or show. This is where the remarkable Kala Bijoux of Material Squirrel has given me yet another reason to adore her. Her new Real Tears scripted attachments can give you the look of tears without any post-processing. The unit attaches to the face, and if you click on it you can customize the look of your tears (highlight transparent items is helpful to find it and adjust it's position).



Whether tinting the teardrops, adjusting the number of drops, or the speed that the drops fall, it is a really interesting and unique wearable, and I was thrilled when Kala dropped some review copies on me this week. There is also a version that cries bloody tears, for all the Vampire roll-players who might enjoy for some really dramatic flair. The tears come in male, female, and child avatar sized versions, and there are 2 attachment points for the female sized version so that you can wear your favorite lashes at the same time. For the Photo Shop phobics, like myself, it is a really great item to add some drama to your pictures. Give then a try if you want to add a little emotion to your Second Life. It's alright to cry, crying gets the sad out of you.

Shopping Details:
Tears - Material Squirrel, Real Tears by Kala Bijoux (Female AV Size - Chin)
Hair - ETD, Chel (Naturals I, Black)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *In Rainbows* NAT13 .brownish.
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes (Now LeLutka)

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]

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

I Am The Best Smelling Woman In SL®!

I get a lot of review copies dropped on me, and lately, since all my messages have been getting capped, I sometimes don't know for sure who has sent me something. I am not always certain what is a review item, and what is a gift from a friend. When I saw the title of this item in my "Objects" folder, I was simply too curious to let it go, Belice No. 5 it was labled, I rezzed it on the living room floor to have a look.



I have heard about perfume in Second Life®, and I must say, it always has struck me as beyond silly. I think about pixelated food in a similar way, but we eat with our eyes and other senses, not merely taste, so I can suspend reality long enough to toast in the New Year with a flute of bubbly champers. A decorative item also holds value in SL®, from the art we put on our walls, to the knickknacks we line our virtual bookshelves with. I can see a pretty prim make-up case or perfume decanter, I understand the appeal of beautiful things in our living space. But a perfume in a place where the sense of smell is not required and frankly sometimes a blessing (who hasn't worn the same outfit for a week or more), it just doesn't make much sense to me (pun intended).



So here I am, with this review copy of a virtual scent, and it has me giggling and scratching my head, and cracking jokes, but I figured I really should try it before I get to far ahead of myself. I mean, maybe it's really tongue in cheek, maybe we are meant to be in on the joke, maybe it is precisely the thing I have been looking for all of my Second Life®. So there in the folder is the wearable version of Belice No. 5, and I Right-click and wear it, as well as the HUD attachment. The HUD removes my AO, but who needs to walk sexy when you smell great! Immediately I am surrounded by a poof of little flowers, and there on my HUD, a sleek purple bottle.



A little script chat pops up on the screen, telling me that I am "Now spraying every 45 seconds". That seems rather often to me, but as I don't wear perfume in RL, I may just be out of the loop. A click on the HUD brings up the dialog box with lots of lovely options. Target: interesting enough, I can "emote" perfume at a selected avatar, that will be very handy in a crowd. Scale: This has something to do with the HUD, so I ignore it as usual. Graphics: The ability to turn the poofer spray on or off, well, why would I want to turn it off? Emotes: The ability to turn the text emotes on or off. Why would you want to turn off something that tells people how great you smell? Private: You can turn all the emotes to private IM, so as not to alert others to how great you smell, seems to defy the point, but a nice option all the same.



I decide to wear it as packaged, and not fiddle with the settings. I am immediately aware of the green object chat emanating from my person. The first thing it tells me? BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< An air of seductiveness surrounds Jhuzen ><><><. Well what do you know, I do have an air of seductiveness surrounding me! But the real test, as you all know, is whether others find me as seductive as I find myself. I approach my man, who is blissfully unaware of my seductiveness, as he lies on the couch.



Bam! Here we go, what will he say, will he notice immediately? No response. Oh right, he is getting some dinner. So I wait. The screen fills with little flowers and messages about my amazing sensuality.

[21:31] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's perfume carries a hint of warmth to Draco ><><><
[21:31] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The innocently swirling currents of rosewood and pine merge ><><><
[21:32] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< A perfume full of seductiveness carries the scent of rosewood innocently through the air ><><><
[21:33] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The warmth of Jhuzen's perfume suits her perfectly ><><><
[21:34] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The scent of rosewood conveys a note of seductiveness ><><><
[21:34] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's perfume carries a suggestion of warmth ><><><



I figure there is no use standing around waiting for his return, I might as well cuddle up close.

[21:35] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's perfume carries seductiveness towards Draco ><><><
[21:36] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The innocent scent of rosewood drifts around Jhuzen ><><><
[21:37] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Draco can smell rosewood, combined with pine and cloves ><><><
[21:37] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The aroma of rosewood spreads tenderly till it reaches Draco ><><><
[21:38] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Draco can smell rosewood ><><><
[21:39] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's seductiveness is carried to Draco by the breeze ><><><
[21:40] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< A fragrance of rosewood, pine and cloves drifts towards Draco ><><><
[21:40] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's scent is heavy with warmth ><><><
[21:41] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The warmth of Jhuzen's perfume suits her perfectly ><><><
[21:42] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The innocent scent of rosewood surrounds Jhuzen and Draco ><><><
[21:43] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's perfume exudes seductiveness all around her ><><><
[21:43] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The aroma of rosewood spreads tenderly through the room ><><><
[21:44] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's perfume carries seductiveness towards Draco ><><><
[21:45] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< A perfume full of seductiveness carries the scent of rosewood innocently through the air ><><><
[21:46] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's perfume smells of rosewood ><><><
[21:46] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< The scent of rosewood conveys a note of seductiveness ><><><



Well, finally my man returns, and we discuss the rapid fire chat assault from my scent and the dizzying poofs of flowers around my avatar. It is a bit much, but I know it is modifiable through the HUD, so I think that is a personal preference really, how aware do you want others to be of your presence?

[22:11] Jhuzen Ketsugo: ok
[22:11] Jhuzen Ketsugo: go shower
[22:11] Draco Tatsu: you sure?
[22:11] Jhuzen Ketsugo: yes
[22:12] Jhuzen Ketsugo: it's ok
[22:12] Jhuzen Ketsugo: go hunny
[22:12] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's perfume carries seductiveness towards Draco ><><><
[22:12] Jhuzen Ketsugo: I will exude seductiveness on your afk avatar
[22:13] Jhuzen Ketsugo: hunny
[22:13] Jhuzen Ketsugo: come on
[22:13] Jhuzen Ketsugo: that was funny
[22:13] Draco Tatsu: lol
[22:13] Draco Tatsu: yes
[22:13] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< A fragrance of rosewood, pine and cloves wafts tenderly through the air ><><><
[22:13] Jhuzen Ketsugo: I am wafting tenderly
[22:13] Draco Tatsu: yes, yes you are
[22:13] Draco Tatsu: now that you mention it
[22:14] BeliceNo5_wearable whispers: ><><>< Jhuzen's seductiveness is carried to Draco by the breeze ><><><
[22:14] Jhuzen Ketsugo: is there a breeze in here?
[22:15] Draco Tatsu: i may have left a window ajar
[22:15] Jhuzen Ketsugo: I thought so
[22:15] Jhuzen Ketsugo: for it is carrying my scent!
[22:16] Draco Tatsu: yes, i smell rosewood, pine and... hmmm... is that cloves too?
[22:17] Jhuzen Ketsugo: I think it is
[22:18] Draco Tatsu: i thought so



It made for a cute little exchange, but really, I don't think I am hooked on virtual "scent". The box is cute for display, it rings in at a lovely 14 prims, the bottle is 7 prims on it's own. So if you want a great little conversation piece for your dresser ladies, I can say it is a lovely little item of frivolity. It is a novelty piece, and it is pretty hysterical, for about 10 minutes really. It amuses the same way heel clicks did when they were first introduced to SL®, some people love them still, most people treated them as a fad and moved on to the next. The literature included with the set is also humorous, and seems to be very serious in tone, but I think that is to be expected when one makes an investment of this scale. Yes, Belice No. 5 is an investment. Available in-world HERE or on XStreet SL for a purse-stretching $1500 Linden® Dollars, it is definitely not an impulse buy or gag item, but would be perfect for the person that is impossible to shop for because they already have everything.

Would I buy this item myself, I think you can safely bet not, but it is just not my thing really. I think it would be an interesting experiment to wear it out in public, see how many times you might get muted or asked to leave nightclubs, or what kind of comment you can net from innocent bystanders. But it was good for a laugh, and isn't that the whole point of Second Life®? I think the developer and designer of Belice No. 5 would agree, and I did contact Omm Dufaux before blogging this item, to be sure it was sent as a review copy by him. It was indeed, and I did let him know I planned to blog it in a cheeky manner. I do admire the creativity, the scripting, the design of the physical box and bottle, and the interest in feedback in the form of reviews. That says something about Omm, and I can respect someone that has an idea and follows it through to completion. If I listen to my bottle of Belice No. 5, I am the best smelling woman in all of Second Life®. I dare you to prove otherwise!

Other Credits:
Hair - ETD, AI - Short Bob - AVEDA Noir (Closed Temporarily)
Skin - -AnaLu- SKIN *near future* 2, Splendor (mod) by Ana Lutetia (Available Soon!)
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes
Shirt - /artilleri/, beatrix *pink*
Pants - /artilleri/, betsy pants *darkblue*
Shoes - ETD, Starley Pumps (Pink)
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Bracelets - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Gem Jelly Donut Bangle - Silver (L) & Sculptured Sugar Silver Gem Bangle (R)