Lucky.

I wasn't sure I would ever blog again, I have been having a rough go of things health wise, and have really been hibernating with a stack of books and a lot of pain medication. Since getting off the pain medication as I prepare for possible surgery, I consider myself lucky to have broken a semi-serious addiction and now have to get myself ready for a fight. I have been thinking about how lucky I am to have the friends I do, and the support I get when I need it. To be honest, although this look is holiday party perfection, I have had my avatar dressed like this since July, I kid you not. No need to change if you aren't in-world seeing anybody. But I love this look, and wanted to share it, as the holidays are coming and it's time to get cozy for the winter.



This ::eLDee:: dress is simply adorable, I love the watercolor look of the skirt, and the satiny bodice, the bow in the back is adorable. It comes in several other sweet color combinations, and costs next to nothing. I matched it with similarly spectacular [Detour] Metallic Red Pumps, and grabbed up a sweet handbag from Pampered Princess that I have had forever. The wood bangles are from M.R.M., and they are simply great, click to customize the color of each bangle individually, and they work with everything.



I adore these dramatic Wing Lashes from Cake, they are so party pretty. This hair was one I picked up back at the Hair Fair this summer, another fabulous big wig from Diversity Hair. The Daphne style has a colour change headband, and is really sexy. Skin is from *REDGRAVE* and eyes are from Freak Fantasia.

So back to lucky. I am lucky to have supportive friends and loved ones, and there is a song that has been positively thrumming through my head lately when I am feeling good, Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colby Caillat. So here it is, for all of those who need a smile today. Thanks for letting me back onto your blog feeds, not sure how regular this will be for me, but if we are all lucky it won't be too long. *wink*



Shopping Details:
Dress - ::eLDee::, Amyna (Red)
Heels - [Detour], Glamour Metallic Pumps (Red)
Bangles - M.R.M., Colored Wood Bangles *Trio* (L & R, Scripted)
Purse - Pampered Princess, Leather Purse (Honey)
Hair - Diversity Hair, Daphne (Charred Black)
Lashes - Cake, Wing Lashes (Tintable)
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes
Skin - *REDGRAVE*, Emma2 Tan Skin/*red*

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

Who's A Rockstar?

There are a very few places on the grid that put great separates together to give you one brilliant look that you want to wear as is. I buy a lot of combo looks, but usually pull them apart and mix them up, or I buy things separately and put my own spin on them. The one place that always seems to hit the mark for me is amerie's Naughty. I hadn't been in ages, and decided to check it out last week on a whim. I am so glad I did! This amazing Plastic Punker outfit is precisely the sort of look I find irresistible. It is funky, unique, and so cool. I love the jacket, it is simple amazing, with the feathered fur looking sleeves and tail, and the open front. It could work with a number of other looks too, but I liked the stripped tank that came with it, and it is really interesting with the red smeared hand print looking tattoo. The plaid shorts are punky and I love the laced detail on the one side. amerie's Naughty always combines system layers and prim work so well. The outfit came with a leg warmer too, but I opted not to wear them, simply because I prefer fishnets with a rocker look. These are some of the great Over The Knee Fishnets from Celestial Studios Lulu line. The Grays pack comes with three pair, including the Black I am wearing. Lulu is a great place to go if you are looking for coloured items, since the store is arranged by colour family and the socks all come in three packs of fabulous.

I wanted to pile on some chunky showy accessories, and pulled in this [Armidi Gisaci] Niama Necklace is this blackened Gunmetal tone. I love these (CREAMSHOP) Skull Rhinestone Earrings, they are a little bit Rock N' Roll a little bit pirate, and a lot a bit cute. I am also wearing the KaNdy Kitty Mod Love Ring, which is super sweet and really huge. I am always on the look for great big right handed rings, so if anyone has any hot shop tips, hit me up. The boots are the hunky Chunky Ribbon Boots from (Shiny Things), a great investment with the Colour Change Ribbons that you can tint with the click of a mouse on the Hud, there are dozens of colour choices, and you can tint each boot separately if you wish.



The Dare wig was one I picked up a few releases back from Diversity Hair, it's a great combinations of height, curls, and really worked well with this Rockstar look I have going. Skin is another great one from [RockBerry], I am loving these Stage 4 Skins, I can't believe how great they are priced. Worth a look for sure, I mean, where else can you get 6 make-ups for $800LaLas! The [RockBerry] Skins are also available OnRez. Lases are the schmexy Flamenco Trash Purple Essence Lashes from Canimal, Eyes are from Miriel.

Shopping Details:
Outfit - *aN* amerie’s Naughty, Plastic Punker (Jacket, Shirt/Tattoo, Shorts)
Socks – (CS) Lulu Socks, OTK – Fishnets-Grays (Black)
Boots – (Shiny Things), Chunky Ribbon Boots (Black)
Necklace – [Armidi Gisaci], Niama Necklace – Gunmetal
Earrings – (CREAMSHOP), Skull Rhinestone Earring Set
Ring – KaNdy Kitty, Mod Love Ring
Hair – Diversity Hair, Dare (Black)
Skin - [RockBerry], Stage 4 Face D Light
Lashes – Canimal, Essence Lashes (Flamenco Trash, Purple)
Eyes – Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)

Around The World...

A little trip around the world with this look, a lot like home. I started off with the Armidi Limited Denim Cotton Jumpsuit in Black, and built a look around it. My sister Anessa lent me her fabulous Rubba Boots from Storm Schmooz, and they are the first stop on my world-wide jaunt. With the face of Che Guevara on the boots, an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, I started my worldwide trek on the right foot. I picked up the pink print in the boot in this fabulous Pink Vinil [sic] Jacket from MG Fashion's London Calling Collection. I have worn this on before and love the shine on the vinyl so much, it is a really nicely made jacket. So from Argentina, to London, and finally hitting Japan, with these adorable Jpop Can Earrings from Canimal. They are fashioned after Japanese soda cans, so darn cute!

The Wig I am travelling in is some NEWNESS from Diversity Hair, and I picked it up on the day it was introduce for 75% off the normal price, this is the new Tippi style on Crowe Black, and it is really sweet. Aleri Darkes always reduces the price of one random colour pack on her new releases, and I was lucky that it was again in my pack of choice. Get into that subscribe-o-matic update group so you can get in on the great prices! I am rocking more of the fabulous Canimal Essence skins, the skin tone is Grace and the make-up is called Poison. I always mod the lip tints just a bit, and I love that Canimal Zephyr had given me that option with her skins. I am wearing some funky lashes from Lynnix's Lashes, with dotted tips for a little bit of drama.

Last but certainly not least, this fabulous purse I got way back in the day, simply called the Record Purse. It is by Nicoletta Giovinazzo and I couldn't find the shop again, but she may still sell them somewhere. I just love it, being a DJ and music fan, and think it is just adorable. As records go round and round and eventually come to an end, so did my little trip around the world.





Shopping Details:
Eyes –Karamia, Hazel Eyes
Hair – Diversity Hair, Tippi (Crowe)
Lashes – Lynnix’s Lashes, Dots w/ Long Bottom Lash
Skin – Canimal, Essence (Grace)… of Poison [Gloss & Lip Colour Mods]
Earrings – Canimal, Jpop Can Earrings (Lemon)
Pants – Armidi Limited, Denim Cotton Jumpsuit (Black)
Purse – Record Purse by Nicoletta Giovinazzo [No SLurl Found}
Jacket – [MG Fashion], London Calling Collection, Vinil Jacket (Pink)
Boots – Storm Schmooz, Rubba Boots

Working The System

I was all geared up for shopping, when my sister Anessa sent out notice that the NEW Paper Couture line had dropped. My heart did little flippity flops, and so off we went, wading through the laggage to grab up some fresh baked goods! I was wearing this little number from *ICING*, called Puma Jie, and I had been waiting for an opportunity to look sharp! I think Miko Omegamu's work is exceptional, and her skills are improving with every release, I have to hold myself back from buying everything she makes, it really is a dangerous but relatively safe addiction.

I paired this look with my fabulous Barcelona Slingbacks from Armidi, in a colour called Falu, they are just a nice deep red and I love the shape of them. I am also weating a great Onyx Necklace and Gold Bracelet, available separately from aya V., who's work is really interesting and very affordable. I also have this adorable PV Oceanic under-arm clutch, a gift from Precious Vuckovic months and months ago, and it is so great when you want your hands free to shop with! I threw on these great freebie hoop earrings from Paper Couture, not sure if they still give them away, but they were in the Fall Campaign Gift Bag.

This hair is NEW from Diversity, and I was lucky enough to nab it in the sale on the release date for about 25% the normal cost. I love the off-set bun and the long tendrils of hair tucked behind my ears. I strongly urge people to join the Digit Darkes & Diversity Hair subscribe-o-matic group for these limited time offer notices, you never know when you could find something new and fabulous. Skin from Celestial Studios, and still grooving on these eyes from Detour.

Tip: On a side note about the System Skirts, a lot of people avoid them, and someone commented recently on my Flickr stream about how I managed to make it look 'normal' on my avatar. This is a trick I was not aware of till my sister Anessa started modelling, and told be about a "skirt shape". If your shape is Mod, simply throw on a system skirt, and reduce the size of your bum a bit till it looks as if it were the same size as without the system skirt. Viola! Embrace the System Skirt, it is your friend!





Eyes – [Detour], Delta Eyes (Hazel)
Hair – Diversity Hair, Jaya (Black)
Lashes – FNKY! & Cake, Cake - Bedroom Lashes
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Drama)
Blouse & Skirt - *ICING*, Puma Jie
Gold Bracelet – +*Atelier AM*+, aya ,+*V.*+,, Gold Bracelet
Earrings – Paper Couture, Basic Hoop Earring, [Freebie, Tinted Gold]
Necklace – +*Atelier AM*+, aya ,+*V.*+,, Long Necklace Onyx2
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Shoes – [Armidi Gisaci], Barcelona Slingbacks (Falu)
Purse – PV Designs by Precious Vuckovic, Oceanic Print Clutch (Black)

How to Emo-te

I think "amerie's NAUGHTY" is now one of my favorite shops in SL, Amerie Spitteler's work is creative and fresh, the designs are cute and kitschy, and the options in each look are infinitely re-workable and her separates are really versatile. This outfit, with the exception of the tights is called "EMO Girl" and I love the open collar with the loose tie, the Jacket is classic and the skirt, also included is just adorable. Sometimes schoolgirl looks are tricky, you either look like a Porn Star or like something from a Japanese Anime Fantasy. This look is a little bit School Girl, but a lot classy too.

I was looking for an opportunity to wear these fabulous printed tights from ":bijou:", and I think they look fabulous here. The shoes, called 'Serpenti' by Damen Gorilla of "Adam N Eve" were a gift; they appeared in the folder of items I sent in my BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free) Voucher Request after the recent sale. Some folks may not a fan of a pointy-toed shoe, but I love them, and these look positively dangerous, so sexy! The purse, a little touch of cute that I picked up from "Nerdy Birdy" ages ago came in a pack with about 8 colours, but when I tried to hunt down the SLURL today, it looks like the shop has been sold and the new owner has yet to re-open, so I am not sure it will be available again.

When it come to hair, I must say that I like to mix it up, but I do have my favorite designers (ETD, Armidi, TRUTH, Celstial Studios, Maitreya, Old Gravy come to mind immediately) but I have been checking out some "NEW to ME" stuff lately, and this style called 'Elina' from "Diversity Hair" is one of them. I really love how it looks, the textures are nice, and although not really Flexi, I think this style is really well done and something I really have not seen around, I am a big fan of something that sort of diverts from the well traveled fashion paths. This is my version of the EMO Girl... but I could have done it a dozen other ways, which is why it is worth every Linden!





Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Skins (Tone 20, Blue - Sea)
Eyes – Decollage, Hazel Eyes
Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Club 13)
Hair – Diversity Hair, Elina (Sleet Soot)
Outfit – amerie’s NAUGHTY, EMO Girl Set (Skirt, Blouse, Tie, Jacket)
Tights – :bijou:, StockingD (Black)
Shoes – Adam N Eve, Serpenti (Diablo)[Gift]
Purse – Nerdy Birdy, Mechanics Badge Purse, Bunny (Clouded)[Closed at This Time, Contact: Owner Kismet Muromachi]
Lip Ring – Red Ruin, Lip Ring

A Touch Of Sweet

When I saw this fabulous NEW Release from my deaf friend Neferia Abel's "Ivalde", I was over the moon with Joy! I love green, and Nef gives me so much to love. This fabulous Dress, really a complete costume, is sweet and nostalgic, and has a touch of Gothic Lolita in it. I loved the PonPon details so much, and thought, why not add more! This 'Lagerfeld' headband from Meg Demina's "Chapeau Tres Mignon" is just the adorable touch I wanted. This look goes down into the 'All Time Fave' files for sure!



Hair – Diversity Hair, Reica (Metallic Greys, Moonlight)
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed (Tone 20, Purple-Orchid)
Eyes – Decollage, Hazel Eyes
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Classic 10)
Hat – Chapeau Tres Mignon, Lagerfeld Headband (Black)
Dress Set - ~Ivalde~, Anina Set Dress (Olive)
Boots - Luna Viola (@ Pixeldolls), Double Take Boot, Black Details, Black Colour on HUD Selection