Getting It Down On Paper

I knew that once Paper Couture released a new collection, it would be all over the feeds in minutes, and I also knew I would be there to check it out withing hours of it's release. It's the way things seem to go on the feeds, everyone wants to show off the latest and greatest, and it's great to see the clothes on avatars, it gives us a much better idea of how they look then an image on a rack. I think the new collection is far more wearable then the last, and the jewelry is spectacular. As an avid collector of purses, I await their release, hopefully soon. Last collection, I snapped up a lot of the releases, and sadly they still sit in my inventory, unworn. This time I was really careful with my selections, as money grows tight and I am more realistic about what I can actually get around to wearing. I purchased one dress, one pantsuit, and about five pieces of jewelry. I wanted items I loved, but I wanted items I could work as separates too, and the Nightingale outfit was my first choice. I love this Silk Top, a long camisole that comes as part of the set. I think the hand painted ruffle down the front is great, so I opted to wear it apart from the rest of the outfit this time.



I knew that wearing the Silk Top alone would look to bare for this time of year, so I went looking for a Bolero, and came up with this one from Ibizarre, part of the Soroya Jumpsuit set. A really nice texture on it, and the wrap look lends itself well to a brooch closure. This (Dahlinks) Classic Diamond Studded Bow Brooch in Silver is a lovely piece, really incredibly well made, and so very like ones in my mother's jewelry box. I think the brooch is one piece of jewelry we see little of in-world, and I love finding them, they are such a versatile accessory. I wanted to wear a classic pair of slacks, and these Blaze* Highwaist Jeans in Charcoal are a great option.



I pulled on a favorite pair of suede Nichelle Pumps in Black from Lya, absolutely love the shape of these shoes. I also pulled in a nicely textured Black Velour Clutch from *Muism*. I went with silver and black earrings from *kraftika, the No. 127 Earrings in Silver. (Caroline's) Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring is always a favorite stunner.

Hair is the new Yvette style from ETD, a nice casual up-do with exposed ears, so it works nicely with earrings. This is one of the new Mia skins from [RockBerry], I really love the full lips on these skins. Hazel Eyes are from Miriel, and Love Lashes are from [Detour].

One thing that makes Paper Couture really desirable is that they do retire styles, which is not usual in-world. Most people sell the same things year after year, season after season. It lends an air of urgency to shopping at Paper Couture, get it before it disappears. Instead of a bigger build to house all the designs from past seasons, they maintain a boutique feel, while still offering reasonably priced and imaginative high-concept collections. The clothes are like collectible pieces of art, season after season, and worth a look even if there is nothing that tickles your fancy.

Shopping Details:
Bolero Sweater - Ibizarre, from Soraya Jumpsuit (Black)
Silk Camisole - Paper Couture, from Nightengale Outfit (Silk Top)
Slacks - Blaze*, Highwaist Jeans (Charcoal)
Shoes - Lya, Nichelle Pumps (Black)
Bag - *Muism*, Clutch, Black Velour (Right Hand)
Brooch - (Dahlinks), Classic Diamond Studded Bow Broock (Silver)
Ring - (Caroline's), Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Earrings - *kraftika, No. 127 Earrings (Silver)
Hair - ETD, Yvette (Black)
Skin - [RockBerry], Mia F Light
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes

Big Yellow Taxi

Although I had this look ready ahead of time, and was planning on calling this post "Big Yellow Taxi" in any case, it seems to me that the current Open Space Sim Bait & Switch tactic in Phil's Place going on, it is even more relevant.

They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique
And a swinging hot SPOT
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don't know what you’ve got
‘Til it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot.
~ Joni Mitchell

I feel for those who were using there Open Sim under the, albeit vague, terms set forth by Phil's place, and am worried we are about to lose a lot of beautiful places, quiet retreats, and art spaces for yet more overcrowded ugly places in-world. Time will tell, but it seems wrong to punish the many for the crimes of a few, if in-fact there were those who were abusing the "Light" use terms.



This look started with this jacket I picked up at Trix' or Treats during the recent Grid Wide Ghost Busters Hunt, it wasn't the free gift, but when I saw it I had to have it. The Yellow Retro Hoodie with optional Black Shirt beneath it is bold and bright and really makes me happy. I paired it up with a great pair of Soft Black Leather Pants from IBIZARRE, a place I discovered for the first time this week, and love the soft sheen of them, really a great pair of classic pants. I love my EnvYou Strapped Chucks, own them in every colour, but this may be the first time I have worn the Yellow. Love this Caution Tape Belt from [THE SYNDICATE], it's got great visual impact. One of the first purses I ever purchased is this adorable 8 Ball Bag from /artilleri/.



When Canimal Zephyr passed me this adorable Deadly Lullaby Necklace, I was thrilled. Not only is is super cute, but it also has amazing scripting and you can customize the details, like bows and pendant colours, to make it work so many ways. I pulled on a cute bracelet from ::MEZZO::, they have great inexpensive sweet jewelry. I love these great ~MAGIKA~ Lightening Earrings, which are multi set, and with a little linked part editing are a great look. Also wearing my Caroline's Jewelry Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring.

Another great Hair Fair find is this Mia Koda wig from Hair Solutions. I really am enjoying re-discovering what I purchased during that lag infested spending spree, particularly from the shops I bought from and learned of for the first time. A favorite Celestial Studios skin, great eyes from **[Riddle]**, and lashes from Cake complete the essentials. I am sad watching the Open Space Sim issue hurt so many, I hope those at the "Licken Labs" get a clue before it's too late.

Shopping Details:
Jacket - Trix' or Treats [TT], Yellow Retro Hoodie, Black Shirt
Pants - IBIZZARE, Soft Black Leather Pants
Shoes - EnvYou, Strapped Chucks (Yellow)
Belt - [THE SYNDICATE], Caution Tape Belt
Bag - /artilleri/, 8 Ball Bag
Necklace - Canimal, Deadly Lullaby Necklace [Review Copy]
Bracelet - ::MEZZO::, Bangle Dots Black/Red
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Earrings - ~MAGIKA~, Lightning Earrings
Hair - Hair Solutions [HS], Mia Koda - White Rice [Hair Fair]
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 10, Purple - Orchid)
Lashes - Cake, Separated Lashes
Eyes - ** [Riddle] **, Realistic Brights (Brown)

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