Same Damn Thing?

I didn't think I would do it, I had heard about the "Same Damn Thing" Blogger challenge, and I am not really a blogger of any consequence, so I figured no one would notice if I participated or not. That, coupled with the fact that I was certain I didn't actually own the shirt in question, the {Gisaci} Cambridge Shirt, and I am still on my 'no shopping' debt reduction diet, I figured I was going to be sitting this one out. But when I logged tonight, I decided for the heck of it, search my inventory for "Cambridge", and lo and behold, there it was. I had forgotten buying it, I last visited Armidi with my sister Anessa when she stuffed a wad of bills in my hands and said, "buy something, it'll make you happy!". And so I did, so she would stop pestering me with teleports to Armidi.



What was intriguing to me about this challenge is that what it all comes down to is diversity. We can all blog the same thing, and we can all make it look like it is our own. I am not saying that people want to see every fashion blog on the feed displaying the same item, but rather even if it happens by coincidence that several people can wear the same item and make it look fresh and different. I am no stylist, I have no training other then years of reading fashion magazines and at best an eye for putting a look together for myself. This is how I felt like wearing my shirt, and I think it is pretty in line with any other look I have crafted over time.



I guess I am now waiting for the SL Secret over on Shopping Cart Disco taking a stab at those of us who participated in Achariya's challenge, and I am prepared to take the hit. When I started blogging, it was not for an audience, I didn't even know the feed existed till weeks later, and I wasn't on the feed for a few months after that. It was a journal about my own virtual wardrobe, and it was frankly a way to justify the massive amount of money I was spending building my inventory into the monster it now is. That doesn't mean I am not fully aware that people read my blog on occasion, or that I don't feel a certain sense of responsibility for representing things honestly and accurately. It means that even though my blog may be consumed by a few other individuals, it does not mean I have given over the right to decide how I use it, what I use it for, and it does not excuse me from owning the content I post. I have opened myself up a bit by allowing people into my hectic life, I share things about myself, and that is the risk you take when you put yourself out there for others to see. But it does not give other people the right to be cruel or rude, or dictate how I spend my time. And so if I choose to blog entirely discontinued items, or previously blogged freebies, or items that are considered out of fashion, then I will be the one to take responsibility for the way I am perceived thereafter.



I guess the only "Same Damn Thing" I will see on the feeds from this point on is a lot of individuals, using their own time to do something that gives them pleasure in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others in any way. A worthwhile lesson I hope everyone has the good sense, humility, decency, and humanity to accept.

Shopping Details:
Shirt - {Gisaci}, Cambridge Cuffed Shirt - Aufren Black
Belt - caLLie cLine, fat belt - blood red 1
Pants - :: DUTCH TOUCH ::, Jeans Low Waist Skinny Light
Boots - - TESLA -, Hylda Boot *Scarlet*
Necklace - Cat's Eye, Beads Necklace [Freebie]
Cuff - ETD, Leather Ring Wristband (Crimson)
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair - PE, Pyxis Jet Black
Skin - /artilleri/, Emi skin - Soft Sunkiss - Masumi
Lashes - Cake, Separated Lashes - Tintable
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green

Back To School...

Last night, I was positively crackling with anxiety and hope, watching the US Presidential Election returns. I am not American, but as a Canadian, a part of a country that is the largest trading partner with the US, and an allied country, this election was as important to me as any that I have known in my own country. I am proud of the energy and hope that I saw in the Democratic process south of the border, and I am inspired. There is no doubt that the battle has just begun for the US and the world, rebuilding financial stability and looking for peaceful resolutions to our differences. We all need to go back to the books, to learn lessons from the past and find hope for the future as we begin to tackle the challenges in our collective path. Saving the environment, ending war, and bringing health and stability into the lives of the most vulnerable in society. I know that my views may not be popular with everyone, there is a healthy dose of socialism in our Canadian Constitution, and I am not ashamed of it (though my father heartily disagrees). I respect the rights of others to differ in their beliefs and values, but we are, after all, in this together. So I am hopeful that the future will bring new ideas and new solutions, and though there will be setbacks, I feel that the tide has turned for the first time in my adult life. Clearly, I am no speech maker, and should stick to the pretty pixels I blog day in and day out, but I just felt the need to express myself, I hope you will afford me this luxury.



Back to the business of stroking my addiction to virtual fashion, this was the look I put together while anxiously awaiting last nights results. I wanted to be comfortable, ready for action, and ready to learn what might be. I went for casual and grunge, my personal favorite way to dress day-to-day. The look started with the great .:Naive:. Rebel Condition Pants that have a very cool burnt out look to them. I pulled in one of the great tops to be found at the new shop *Sprawl*, this wicked Hearts and Guitars Tee, which comes on all layers as always with Pushbutton Skolnick's work, and is one of the most appreciated features. I love being able to wear tucked in tops and work with layers. The Pink Leather Jacket from ::DUTCH TOUCH:: worked really well here with the colour of the stripes in the pants, I love open jackets that let you see the details of the items underneath. The slacks extend to mid-calf, so I pulled on these great Maitreya **Boot-alicious** Ash boots with a leg-warmer like calf portion, they worked really nicely here. I love to wear my WRONG Braces, or suspenders, when I remember to. This Checkerboard set is my favorite, and comes with a non-prim jacket layer set as well as this great prim set that works with dozens of pairs of jeans and pants.



I pulled in a great Tote Bag from Gritty Kitty, it is scripted to change to one of several brilliant textures with just a click. love the little hanging key chain and the buttons on the bag, so I decided to pull in a few more pins with this Eclectic Accessories Kitten and Skull Badge set. The chunky Double Bangle is one of a huge and inexpensive fatpack from ::MEZZO::, with about a dozen colour variations in the pack. I am really embracing the hat and hair combos lately, and this is one of the best yet, the Panache ZF and Kari collaboration produced this great Girls School Hair, also available in a men's version. The cute little braids sticking out from underneath the side of the hat are really sweet. A favorite skin from Celestial Studios, eyes from Miriel, and lashes from [Detour] complete the essentials.

Shopping Details:
Jacket - ::DUTCH TOUCH::, Pink Leather Jacket
Top - *Sprawl*, Hearts & Guitars Tee
Pants - .:Naive:., Rebel Condition Pants (Grey)
Suspenders - WRONG, Braces (Checker Board, Prim)
Boots - Maitreya, **Boot-alicious**, Ash Leather (Grey-Black Socks)
Bag - Gritty Kitty, Tote Bag (B)
Bangle - ::MEZZO::, M-Double Bangle Rameacryl*Silvergray
Buttons - E!, Eclectic Accessories, Kitten and Skull Badge
Hair/Hat - Panache ZF & Kari, Girls School Hair
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Gloss-Red)
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)

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

Forever in Blue Jeans

For all the fancy dresses and costumes I wear in-world, some of my favorite looks are all casual, and usually involve a great pair of jeans. This was particularly evident when Anessa and I hit the M*A*ii*K*I* opening, she was ogling all the fancy new duds (which are great), but I was drawn towards the ::DUTCH TOUCH:: Jeans in the back. The ::DUTCH TOUCH:: Low Waist Light Jeans are classics, really nice with optional prim calf parts, and jeans on the undies and pant layers. I also nabbed this Silky White Shirt while I was there, just the sort of classic white shirt that I wanted to have in my wardrobe.

I pulled in some great accessories from [Armidi Gisaci], including the great Healing Giraffe Bangles in Brown, and the casual Porta Corsico Bag in Gold and Grey colours. The shoes are also from [Armidi Gisaci], the fabulous Dhali Bow Platforms are must haves and the colour selection is really fantastic. This great casual necklace has a bohemian flare, another great piece from -EARTHTONES-, I love the new wooden accented pieces especially. They have a very Beach feel. I also put on some great dangle earrings from *Untone*, these Dragon Earrings come in 2 version with your purchase, this is the lower prim version. Dangles always look great with a short style.



This is pretty much my new favorite hairstyle, I keep returning to it again and again, the ..Marlys.. Slim Pixie is just the perfect Pixie Shag Cut, and comes in a dozen great shades. Very Sexy. I was trying out a new skin from bianca F., the bluebloom make-up is still to grow on me, and probably would have worked better had I remembered to wear lashes. Eyes are the fabulous [Detour] Delta Eyes in Hazel.

Shopping Information:
Shirt - ::DUTCH TOUCH::, Silky Shirt (White)
Jeans - ::DUTCH TOUCH::, Jeans Low Waist Light
Shoes – [Armidi Gisaci], Dhali Bow Platforms [Bole]
Bag – [Armidi Gisaci], Porta Corsico Bag (Gold & Grey)
Necklace - -EARTHTONES-, Heartwood Necklace (Gold)
Bangle – [Armidi Gisaci], Healing Giraffe Bangle (Brown)
Earrings – *Untone*, Earring (Dragon, Low Prim)
Hair - ..Marlys.., Slim Pixie Hair (Licorice)
Skin – bianca F., fata2-ivory-blubloom
Eyes – [Detour], Delta Eyes (Hazel)

Punk Chic

If you could only have one flavour of Ice Cream for the rest of your life, no matter how much you loved that flavour, after a while... it would just be the same. Think of all the other flavours you would be missing out on! If you only explore one avenue of fashion, one narrow definition of style, then you are similarly missing out. In RL, this is harder to achieve, most definitely, but in SL™, the ability to completely change your look in literally seconds, is too delicious to pass up!

I loved piecing this punk look together, it is grungy, edgy, and over the top, but too much fun! Without a doubt, the best part of this look is this fabulous hair from Digit Darkes. The NATURALe Defiance Glitter Punk hair is just so big and show-offy! Some punky make-up from Celestial Studio also makes this look work, love the pewter coloured lips.

The Sheer Top from WRONG!, complete with the Sobriety Bra underneath is a little risque for me, but looks really at home with this look. I used the sheer gloves from another Sheer Top, one from Little Rebel, and I liked the contrast of sheer layers. When going punk, the best pants I have found are from Jinx Paz, I have several pairs, and love these Anarchy Pants with the belt as part of the texture. I threw in some great stockings from Dutch Touch, and although you can only see a bit of them between pants and boots, I love socks from Dutch Touch in general.

Accessories Galore... starting with a Brow piercing, and the Uma Nose Stud from Tickled Pink. I adore these Lightening Earrings from Magika, they are really well done and very punk rock. I like to throw in a little silly in every look if I can, and this Legohead Choker from Pushbutton Industries is just so fun. I also really dig this Caution Tape Belt from The Syndicate, and I can't wait for them to re-open so I can check out the NEWS. No punk look would be complete without a great pair of Docs, and by far my favorites are from Beckenbauer Productions, they just look so close to the real thing. Now if you will pardon me, I need to go find the Sex Pistols tribute band in-world... there is one right?







Eyes – Sh*t Happens, Dark Greend
Hair – Digit Darkes, NATURALe – defiance (Glitter Punk)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Blue - Vapor)
Earrings – Magika, Lightening Earrings
Belt – Jemca Arizona, Caution Tape Belt [by {The Syndicate}, Re-Opening Soon]
Necklace – Pushbutton Industries, PBI Legohead Choker
Brow – ITF, Brow Dual Ball [No SLurl Found]
Lip – Red Ruin, Lip Ring
Nose – Tickled Pink, Uma Nose Stud
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Pants – Jinx Paz @ Le Cimetiere, Anarchy Pants
Boots – Beckenbauer Productions, Women’s Oi! 16 Eye Docs
Top – WRONG!, Sheer Top (Colourable), with Sobriety Bra
Gloves – Little Rebel, from Sheer Top & Gloves
Stockings - DUTCH TOUCH, Soks – Fishnet Stockings (Holes & Socks Flower)

Boot Camp Cute

Headed to Boot Camp, and what could be more appropriate then these fabulous Chunky Ribbon Boots from Shiny Thing. I love that these boots come with a colour change HUD for the ribbons, and went back to get the deluxe ribbon tint HUD recently, now I can pretty much match them to anything I own. Case in point, this fabulous G.I. Jenny dress from Canimal, which is so adorable and nicely side-steps the overdose of camouflage problem that you see with most military influenced fashion.

More great hair from Philotic Energy, this Melantha style is very funky, and reminds me a similar style from a Mega Brand, but this one has a lovely detail in the barrettes on one side, and the shade is so much more to my liking, less pearly white (which can look grayish in some light, and more pure white.

I was delighted to discover a little shop called Vogart recently, with some nice unisex jewelry, particularly this adorable necklace with guitar picks and a bullet on a chain. It's just so cool, and come in Small, Medium, and Large sizes so you can get the fit just right. A little stocking always sexes up a mini-dress, and these funky torn fishnets from DUTCH TOUCH are just the thing. I also put on my favorite earring for my everyday look, the Tunnel Multi Set from Drifting Sands. Private Ket-Su Reporting for Duty SIR!





Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Classic 10)
Eyes – Sh*t Happens, Dark Greend
Hair – PE – Philotic Energy, Melantha (White)
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Gloss - Mauve)
Necklace – Vogart, Chain Necklaces (Pick & Bullet, S)
Dress – Canimal, G.I. Jenny (Green)
Earrings – Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set Earrings
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Stockings – DUTCH TOUCH, Soks – Fishnet Stockings (Holes & Socks Flower)
Boots – Shiny Things, Chunky Ribbon Boots (Black, HUD Tinted Ribbons)

Have Belts Will Travel!

Sometimes, I am just in the mood for muted colours and practical comfy clothes, and since I was all about getting my house re-furnished (same furniture in my loft for over 1 year in SL, a Crime!) I had to be dressed to do some serious Furniture testing. I found "Emery" weeks ago, and bought out a good number of the items in store at that time, this jacket among them, but I hadn't really worn any of it yet, so when I was looking for a jacket, I was thrilled to be able to throw this one on, called the 'Dakota Checked Jacket', it is cute and relaxed, and probably the most muted colour element in the shop... so unlike me, yet I just loved it! "Dutch Touch" is another place with funky and comfy muted urban looks, and these 'Painter Pants' seemed a perfect match.

I have always loved these boots from "Shiny Things", I love that they look worn in and the colour is vibrant but still neutral. A couple of belts helped me pull this look together, one of my favorite being this "Canimal" 'Punk Rock' Belt, and another, this great bag on a belt by "Cake" with these awesome Flexi suede fringes. Some cute hair from "BP*", this time tinted just a bit darker then the brown it came in to be more... me! I was good to go, now if only I wasn't so laggy I am sure we would have actually gotten furniture, the loft is still bare... but I did get some awesome clothes during the trip, so not a total loss!





Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Skins (Tone 20, Neutral 4)
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Boots – Shiny Things, Old Laceup Boots (Reddish)
Eyes – Naughty Designs, Eyes by Lost, Doll Eyes (Mystical)
Hair – BP*, Heavy Bangs Hair/Twin (L)
Belt – Canimal, Punk Rock Belt
Bag – Cake (FNKY! & Cake), Flexi Utilitarian Belt Bag (Green)
Pants – DUTCH TOUCH, Dirty Paint Pants (From Painter Outfit)
Earrings – Drifting Sands, Multi Tunnels Earrings
Lip Ring – Red Ruin, Lip Ring
Tights - *Petit Ange* (*an*), Knit_Tights_Darkcolour_Set (Brown Socks)
Jacket – Emery, Dakota Checked Jacket

Cute As A Cherry Button

I have been enjoying visiting the 'Cherry Buttons' Shopping Village and been picking up mucho much stuff lately. These Fabu 'Hustler' glasses from "Sonny's Sunnies" by Melatonin Hax are so Hunky Chunky Awesome! This top, from “Twosome” as well as the great tights were nifty finds there as well! And YAY for “Twosome” for giving us tucked top options… LOVE LOVE LOVE that! I am so in love with these bunchy legged shorts from "D!FF", it was hard to settle on just one colour, and I will likely be back for a second... or heck even a third! All these items are available at 'Cherry Buttons', and so much more... you have ta go!

I picked up this sweet wig from "Cake" this week too, and it sort of reminds me of one of my other favorite styles lately, but it is much more tousled and funky, and I am so digging it! The jacket was a gift from my Sister Nessa, and I love the brightness, surprised to see it was from "Dutch Touch" which I normally would associate with darker more urban and subdued garb. The shoes, well if you haven't got a pair yet... you are missing out... there is nothing more perfect to pair with tights then some sweet 'Mary Jane' styles shoes, but Tesla Miles really done good with these, the textures didn't photograph as well as I had hoped, but they look like silk taffeta up close. I love the ribbon detail on the heel, how cute right? But also, the buckle is so nicely made... the colours of this "Estella" shoe are fruity-liscious... and so fun! I loved to put in the little detailed bits like this "Yummy" 'Mixtape' necklace, and these cute 'Heart Dangle' Bangles from "Boing Fromage'. This look made me smile from the inside out...





Eyes – Decollage, Hazel Eyes
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Skins (Tone 20, Rubies)
Hair – Cake (FNKY! & Cake), Rumor (Snow)
Jacket – DUTCH TOUCH, Leather Jacket (Pink)
Top – Twosome, Passion Fruit Retro Top
Tights – Twosome, Yummy Socks
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Pants – D!FF => Differ*nt , Dongipani Shorts (Rose)
Necklace – Yummy, Mixtape Necklace
Glasses – Sonny’s Sunnies by Melatonin Hax, Hustler Sunglasses
Bracelet - !BF! (Boing Fromage!), Buncha Heart Dangles (Rave)
Shoes – Tesla, Estella Shoes (Pink)