New Sensation [Ivalde/L'Abel Day Post 4/4]

So now we get to my final post in this four post series, the one that absolutely tickles me with fashionista joy. Several months ago, after rebuilding the Ivalde SIM, Neferia debuted her new line of original creations, cleverly named -L'Abel-. It is a modern hand-drawn, hand made textured line of clothing including dress casual and some almost couture style creations. The looks are innovative, the colors modern, and the feel is something so completely different and unexpected. This is the -L'Abel- Aline Gold Dress, a wonderful symphony of sculpted, alpha and system elements. It is utterly feminine, yet has an edgy side to it, it looks timeless, because it is of this time. It comes complete with matching gloves, and is one of my many favorites under Neferia's new label. I have seen many others choose this dress for today's blogger challenge, and it looks pretty fabulous on everyone, no matter the size or shape of their avatar. That is a true testament to Nef's skill.



I opted to wear some amazing *REDGRAVE* shoes, that matched the look particularly well, and am holding a Muism clutch. The earrings and ring are both from (Shiny Things), and the bracelet is created by Eyva Matova but I couldn't quite remember how or when I received it. Hair is from Diversity Hair, and the skin is *REDGRAVE*. I really enjoyed putting this look together, as it just seemed to all flow organically out of my scattered inventory into a cohesive look.

I know many are sad that we will be without our dear Neferia for at least a months time, but I am thrilled to say that with the help of many friends, we managed to get Nef to agree to leave a small in-world presence in her stunning new Art Deco style shop on Retrology, where her most recent -L'Abel- collection is available, as well as many of her fabulous modern and vintage ~~Ivalde~~ looks. My wish for Nef is the same thing I wish for all my dear friends, to be healthy, happy, and grounded, whatever that means for the individual. I know Nef's mind will be positively spinning with new ideas when she returns to SL, and I know she will return when she is ready. For now, I will treasure my favorite designs from all the creators I adore, and not for one second forget that RL often can change so quickly, that our second lives become the first casualties of difficult times. If you have a favorite designer, be they well known, or obscure, I urge you to stop for a moment the next time you are in-world, make a quick note card expressing your appreciation for their work, and thanking them for beinging something special into our Second Life.

Shopping Details:
Dress - -L'Abel-, Aline Gold Dress
Shoes - *REDGRAVE*, Feather Heels - Black
Bag - Muism, Clutch, Black Velour (Left Hand)
Ring - (Shiny Things), Florina Ring - Gold
Earrings - (Shiny Things), Pyre Cascade Earring - Gold
Bracelet - Eyva Matova, Ammali Right Onyx [No Location Found]
Hair - Diversity Hair, Dare Blacks, Black
Skin - *REDGRAVE*, 08 Emma2 Tan Skin/ *Oldrose
Eyes - Miriel, Standard Eyes - Sunlit Tree
Lashes - MMS (Now LeLutka), Thora Lashes

Sascha's Designs [Review]

Sascha Frangilli of Sascha's Designs contacted me recently about sending me some gowns for review. I explained that I really don't do "Reviews" in the traditional sense, I blog what I have time for, what I love, and although I graciously accept review items, I can never promise anything. It has been a while since I got all dolled up, and I have missed wearing elegant gowns. Sascha was sweet enough to send me four of her gowns, and when I found a little time this afternoon, I decided to take a peek at them. When I saw them, I was really impressed with the elegance and variety of gowns she creates, and even more pleased to note many skirt style options for each gown.

SAS, Patrice (Black)





SAS, Grandiosa (Honey)





SAS, Rumble (Black)





SAS, Addiction (Red)





The Gowns are $400 LaLas each, very reasonable for Evening Wear, and with many skirt options, some with gloves and added prim details, you can work each gown differently every occasion you wear it. The colour selections in store are plentiful, and there is something for everyone. Check out Sascha's Designs the next time you are looking for that perfect party dress or special occasion gown.

Shopping Details:
Hair - [Curio], Holly (Black, Shinier)
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - Cake, Separated Lashes
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Earrings - Sian Birke Jewelry, Stud Earrings
Look 1:
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Silver 2)
Shoes - FNKY!, Pumps T-Strap (Black)
Necklace - Caroline's Jewelry, Broken Long Strand Black Pearls (Scripted) [Lucky Chair]
Bracelets - ~*FBG*~, Sculpted Sugar Gem Bangle Set (Silver)
Look 2:
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Gold 2)
Bracelet - {JUNK}, Tangled Antique Gold Bangles
Shoes - *REDGRAVE*, Pumps - Leather /BROWN/ Sculpties
Look 3:
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Silver 2)
Shoes - FNKY!, Pumps T-Strap (Black)
Necklace, Bracelets - -EARTHTONES-, Grazia - Divine/Silver
Look 4:
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Silver 2)
Shoes - FNKY!, Pumps T-Strap (Black)
Necklace - -EARTHTONES-, Conessa Medallion de Fleurs (Scarlet/Black)

A Touch Of Sunday Denim

When hopping about the grid this chilly October weekend, be it hunting or shopping, or both, you need to have a look that is casual and comfortable, and ready for action. This fabulous Vintage Leather Jacket from ::DUTCH TOUCH:: had been in my inventory forever, and I love the weathered rust colour of it, great for layering over a cozy thermal, this one from Tres Blah. The Vintage Floral Thermal in Plum is one of a fatpack of lovely shades I picked up at the Starlust Motel during the recent wee fundraiser for Crystyle Bukowski. I love the button details on the neckline, and the cute floral print. All the colours are equally delicious. This relaxed pair of New School Jeans from the Kari and TorridWear collaboration are really wonderful. I love the hand-drawn elements, and the pack is reasonably priced, coming with both Black and the Blue version shown here. The set is Unisex as well, so everyone can partake.



I really had fun with these accessories, starting with this great *Sprawl* Library Necklace. This is the Alice in Wonderland Version, with a tiny book that opens with a click. There are several version, but I couldn't say no to Alice. I rarely remember to wear glasses, and this pair of Onyxia Sunglasses from /artilleri/ are really classic. I always buy eye wear from /artilleri/ in fatpack, the colours are exceptional and the prices too good to pass up. Dark Mouse is one of the newest vendors on Retrology, and when I stopped in to take a peek after Mouse Mimstrobel set up shop, I couldn't resist this nifty Gold Paint Splashed Bangles & Earring Set. I think the earring is a delicate masterpiece, I really love the shape of it, and the bangle is nice and chunky, with fabulous textures. I pulled in a must-have Hobo Bag in Denim from Celestial Studios, as well as some complimentary Natasha Violet Boots from INSOLENCE to go with the Plum colour in the top I am wearing.



Another fabulously cute short wig, this one is from [Curio], with the adorable name of Hipster. I love the texture on the White shade of [Curio] hair, and it is almost always a lower prim choice, simple and elegant are trademarks of the brand. Skin is Celestial Studios, from the Charmed Line, and Green Eyes are from Ibizarre, a steal with four shade variation for just $40 LaLas. Well, a hunting I will go, this time for more winning items on my list compiled from watching the feeds this week. Happy Sunday everyone!

Shopping Details:
Jacket - ::DUTCH TOUCH::, KAT, Leather Jacket Vintage
Shirt - -tb-, Vintage Floral Thermal (Plum)
Jeans – (Kari & TW), New School Jeans (Blue)
Bag – Celestial Studios, (CS) Hobo Bag – Denim (Hand)
Boots – INSOLENCE, Natasha Violet Boots (Foot Only)
Glasses - /artilleri/, Onyxia Sunglasses *purple*
Necklace - *Sprawl*, Library Necklace (Alice In Wonderland)
Bangle, Earrings – Dark Mouse, Gold Paint Splashed Bangles & Earring Set
Hair – [Curio], Hipster – Fairy J- (White)
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Earth 4)
Eyes – Ibizarre, Green Eyes #04

Blue Jean Junkie

I think it has been well established that I have more Jeans then anyone could ever wear, at last count about 120 pair. I had convinced myself that there would be absolutely no more denim in my future shopping lists, I even bragged to my partner Draco that there was really nothing I needed to buy ever again, having hundreds of items I have yet to even wear once, and ten-fold that number of things I have only worn once. But that was before the brilliantly talented Zaara Kohime introduced her new line of denim this week. They are just too fantastic not to own, and I had to seriously use every bit of restraint to decide on only one pair. These Zaara Jewelled Jeans in Indigo are so classic and well made, with three sculpted cuff options, and those little touched that make Zaara one of my favorite places to shop of late. The lovely gold jewelled chain over one hip make these jeans not only unique but incredibly sexy. I wanted to show off the jewelled accent on the jeans, so choose a top that revealed the details while offering a lot of style and coverage. This 1/3 of a Tee Shirt from *Thimbles* was the perfect pick, not only is it sexy, as the 1/3 Tee reveals a great tank-top beneath it, but it comes in all layer options, including the pieces individually or together on one layer.



Boots were an easy choice here, as I have been looking for another opportunity to wear these INSOLENCE Natasha Boots, here in a Violet colour that matched the aubergine of the T-Shirt well. Prim cuffs on pants make it easy to convert tall boots to go a step further by only using the shoe base parts, for a tucked under pants look. I wanted to continue with the theme of natural stones in antique looking gold settings to match the chain on the jeans, so I started with some Turquoise Natural Stone Earrings from Swallowtail. I was pleased to discover this great Vintage Heart Necklace from [Curio] in my inventory, a previous group gift. It comes in silver and gold, new and old metals, and looked really great with the high neckline of the Tee. When I was sent a review pack from Burroughs Jewellery, I remember looking at the items and thinking how pretty they all were, but not really seeing them working into my personal sense of style, that was before I realized that each and every item from Burroughs is scripted to change not only stone and gem colours, but also the metal colour and size. They are really fantastic pieces, and can work in so many ways, mixed and matched between sets, and personalized to suit your own style to a tee. Here I am wearing the Julia Ring and the Rommy Bracelet, setting the stones and metals to match the rest of the look.



The more I find in my Hair Fair folders, the more I realize just how wonderful it was to be exposed to dozens of hair designers I had never known previously. I spend thousands of LaLas there, and that was pretty painful at the time, but I have yet to find one style I have purchased that I am not instantly in love with. This *ARGRACE* Hunting Style, Chiffon Curl in the Black shade is absolutely lovely. The hair texture is incredible realistic and the alphas work nicely without the normal high-glitch factor. The hat is part of the wig, and really stylish with a scripted colour change option. My only issue is that this *ARGRACE* wig is no-mod, and comes with a re-sizer script, which is nice for making it larger or smaller, but makes it impossible to do small prim adjustments around the ears or forehead, making it necessary to wear a larger size then you might otherwise choose. A small criticism, but one I think is important for hair designers to consider. Skin is another favorite from Celestial Studios with Love Lashes by [Detour], and Hazel Eyes from Philotic Energy.

Shopping Details:
Top – *Thimbles*, 1/3 a Tee Shirt (Eggplant)
Jeans – Zaara:, Jeans {Jewelled} (Indigo)
Boots – INSOLENCE, Natasha Violet Boots (Foot Part Only)
Necklace – [Curio], Vintage Heart Necklace (Purple, Old Gold) [Previous Group Gift]
Earrings – Swallowtail, Natural Stone Earring (Turquoise)
Ring – Burroughs Jewellery, Julia Ring [Review Copy]
Bracelet - Burroughs Jewellery, Rommy Bracelet [Review Copy]
Hair/Hat - *ARGRACE*, Hunting – Chiffon Curl (Black)[Hair Fair]
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Rubies)
Lashes – [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes – PE, Hazel Eyes

A Pin-Up Inside and Out

The other day, while browsing the feeds I spotted this amazing wig from [Curio] on the Mundo Blog. The very first premium skin I ever bought was from Gala, and some of my first hair was [Curio], but I had not been back in ages. When I read the name of this wig though, I new I had to have it, Psychobilly Freakout! Not only a Reverend Horton Heat song I regularly play in my Rockabilly sets, but a whole aesthetic I adore. The style is lovely, with twisted rolls framing the face, and a variety of flower attachments (optional). The flexi ponytail in the back is really well done, and it has the lovely [Curio] hair texture and shine that I have always loved.

I have always marveled over the dresses produced by one of Second Life's most under-appreciated artists, Evelyn Edelman of Big Booty, Big Money. Her colour combinations and unique designs are just incredibly well done, and the selection and prices cannot be beat. This BBBM Inside Dress in Orange is simply enchanting. The detail in the texture on the skirt is exquisite, lace and thread and small butterflies, intricate and elegant. I paired it with some great **Battered Boudoir** Boudoir Legs in Fair Chocolate, just to give the look a little more polish, these hose are completely delicious. The hose perfectly set off these incredible new Pinup Pumps from Stiletto Moody. This pair is the Patent Color Set, which changes to any of 9 or so delicious hues, and are endlessly wearable. I really love the shape of this pump, the texture on the sculpt is so well done, and the prims are perfectly aligned, looking lovely from all angles.



I accessorized the look with a fabulous Swallowtail Sculpted Rose Necklace, that sits perfectly with the low strapless neckline of the dress. I also went for a chunky bracelet from Bonita's, this Cube Bracelet is a favorite, the sculpted beads are textures so nicely, I really would love to see move jewelry like this in world, it is a really special piece. The Tiffany Bag is from Mannon's Fashion, and I have no idea when I purchased it, or if I even did myself, it may have been a gift, just a cute little bag, I love the giraffe print accents on it.

The skin is a new purchase for me, more of the lovely Canimal Essence Skins, here in the Grace Tone Roses make-up. I just felt I needed more of the lovely make-ups then the 4 I already owned, this my friends, is how addictions get started. Eyes are the luminous Brown Realistic Brights from **[Riddle]**, and Separated Lashes are from Cake.

Shopping Details:
Dress – Big Booty Big Money, Inside Dress (Orange)
Hose - **Battered Boudoir**, Boudoir Legs Fair (Chocolate)[Gift from Eloria LeShelle]
Shoes – Stiletto Moody, Pinup (Patent Color Set)[Review Copy]
Purse – Mannon Fashion, Tiffany Bag (Black/Dark Giraffe)
Necklace – Swallowtail, Sculpted Rose Necklace
Bracelet – Bonita’s, Cube Bracelet (Black Shine w/ Org, Blk, Blue)
Hair – [Curio], Psychobilly Freakout *Flexi* (Black, with Front Flower – Tinted)
Skin – Canimal, Essence (Grace)… of Roses
Eyes - **[Riddle]**, Realistic Brights (Brown)
Lashes – Cake, Separated Lashes

KISS - Keep It Simple Style

Every now and again, I turn my back on all the high-fash stuff, and go for a simple everyday look, something that I would actually wear in RL. I am a jeans addict, one of my very first posts was a "What's In My Closet - Them Jeans" post, where I laid my addiction out for all to see. I counted 135 pairs back in December of 2007, and there were some I could not even fit into the pictures nicely, so I left them out. Since then, I have probably bought another 40 pair, maybe more. This pair, from Last Call, was the last purchase I made before Last Call was no more. I am so glad I got them, there are really something, and a great illustration of what made Last Call and Ginny Talamasca & Co. so amazing. I am sorry to say they are no longer available, but I do treasure them.

The rest of the look flowed easily for me, a great T-Shirt from Tres Blah!, this one is Stripy Goodness in Purple, is wonderful for it's calculated simplicity. A belt from *KUROTSUBAKI*, one of my newer favorites, is adorable, with it's Peace Sign Hippie kitsch vibe. A great bag from Bare Rose Tokyo Couture, The Diana Bag, echoes the Blues in the jeans nicely. (Shiny Things) provides some of the best flats on the Grid, and gave me some adorable casual options with these Brocattos Flats. Necklace and Bracelet, purchased separately, are also from (Shiny Things). These Nico pieces are so nicely detailed, the textures are amazing on the beads.



I have had this adorable Daisy braided style from [Curio] for ages, and since I buy new hair on a weekly basis, I sometimes forget to pull out some of my favorites from the past. The lovely flex on the braids is so cute, I love the bangs too, very sweet. Skin is from bianca F., called Drama, another make-up I love. Eyes are from [Detour], and Lashes from MMS.

Shopping Details:
Jeans – Last Call, LC Jeans Uber-dark (Burnt( [No Longer Available]
Top – Tres Blah!, Stripey Goodness (Purple)]
Shoes – (Shiny Things), Brocattos (Blue)
Belt - *KUROTSUBAKI*, Hippie Belt (A)
Bag - :::B@R:::, Diana Blue Bag (Hand)
Necklace – (Shiny Things), Nico Choker (Pink)
Bracelet - (Shiny Things), Nico Bracelet (Pink)
Hair – [Curio], Daisy *Flexi* - Black HF (Black)
Skin – bianca F., fata2-ivory-drama
Lashes – MMS, Catwalk Lashes
Eyes – [Detour], Delta Eyes (Hazel)

Fruit Salad!

Grapes, Mangoes, and Pineapples! Oh My! Yep, I may be a bit of a nut, but I love my fruity colours this season. I just can't get enough! I nabbed these amazing Kogo Skinny Pants from Armidi Limited on my last trip, and was immediately drawn to this delicious colour, called Mango. They are really nicely shaded, seem to pick up the light, and I love the prim pant cuffs which make them great with any shoe at all (No funky sustem pant glitches). I love to mix and match colours that are normally not seen together, and when I threw on this yummy shrug from Tree Of Second Life (TOSL) and saw the similar trim colour, I knew I was on to something. The colour of the shrug is not so Edible, called Thistle, but I assure you that the main store for TOSL is full of yummy, starting with the giant candy house and cupcakes at the base of the tree house.

I was not about to walk about with nothing on under the shrug, and remembered my last trip to Twosome, when I picked up this delicious Grapes Retro Top. It comes with a tucked in version, yay! So I was ready to dig into my shoe vault to see what I could find. The amazing ETD Heel Strap Platforms in Orchid jumped out at me, a fine match I think. I decided to wear one of the fabulous freebies I picked up at the Starlust Motel opening, this adorable Gargoyle Cameo from Violet Voltaire. Violet has always made some of my favorite trinkets, from her adorable crowns to the fabulously yummy little cake necklaces. I thought I could use a cool bangle, and tossed this great Gold & Onyx Bracelet from Curio in the Mix.

On my last trip to Mirai, I nabbed this fabulous huge wig, called Yoka. It made me feel like a total Bardot-esque Bombshell! I can tell you that my man was all over it, and mentioned running his fingers through it more then once. I am wearing one of my favorite Celestial Studios skins, from the Charmed Line, called Sunset, it has such a lovely smokey purple eye-shadow. The Love Lashes from Detour add a whole lot of sexy, and these Hazel Eyes from Decollage are big and dark, and look like you could get lost in them.

To finish off my little fruit salad, I brought in this amazing Pineapple Bag from Chapeau Tres Mignon. Megg Demina has some really amazing hats and accessories, and it is really worth a trip to her main store to check out all kinds of creative and inspired pieces of what I consider art. Yep... It's time for a snack!






Shopping Details:
Eyes - Decollage, Hazel Eyes
Hair - Mirai, +*Yoka*+ (White)
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Purple Sunset)
Necklace - Violet Voltaire, OrArch Cameo Necklace [Freebie, Starlust Motel]
Pants - Armidi Limited, Kogo Skinny Pants [Mango]
Top- Twosome, Grapes Retro Top
Shrug - Tree of Second Life (TOSL), Eiru Stitched Trim Shrug, Thistle
Shoes - ETD Shoes, Heel Strap Platforms, Orchid
Bangle - [Curio] Gold & Onyx Bracelet
Purse – Chapeau Tres Mignon, Pineapple Bag** by Megg Demina