Boppin' High School Baby

Since my blog-mate Nikkita has being working overtime, and doing me proud, I figured it was high time I hopped back in and did a long overdue post. This look is all about the Rockabilly, right down to the title of the post, a song by Don Willis, a Rockabilly icon. I have been all wrapped up in the Rockabilly for ever-so-long, pretty much since my earliest days in-world, and it is still my most comfortable look. This one came together effortlessly, particularly when I opened my gift from Antonia Marat when she recently added a Subscribe-o-matic to /artilleri/. This great Marion Cardigan sweater was part of that gift, and it is so dang cool. I pair it up with a perfect Black Pencil Skirt from Ingenue.



I went to town with the accessories here, starting from the top down with a gorgeous sculpted Rose Hair Flower from /artilleri/, and also Antie's fantastic scripted color change Bead Hoop Earrings. The necklace is a simple favorite go-to piece from Decollage, the Bubblegum Pearl Necklace which is hand tintable, therefore endlessly useful. I went with some great bangles, starting with a Black & White Checkered Messy Bangles stack from [Woo's] on the left wrist, and a Gem Jelly Donut Bangle in Silver from ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~ on the right wrist, colour changed by script to match my look. Also wearing my Caroline's Jewelry Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring. The final touch, are the J's Real Toe Ankle Belt Sandals in Black. Whether you are a fan of the real toe look or not, they really work for a Rockabilly vixen look.



Any Rockabilly chick would be proud to show off her tats, and I love mine. The upper body Maggie Tattoo is from /artilleri/, while the sexy leg tat is called Damage from AITUI TATTOO. My favorite big wig when going Rockabilly is [Aden]'s Amy in Black, it is Amy Winehouse beehive fabulousness and so much fun to wear. The skin is my favorite Canimal Essence Skin, this is the Pinup make-up, and I love the arched eye-brows that have a penciled in look. Thora Lashes are from MMS, but may be available at LeLutka now, eyes are from Freak Fantasia.

Shopping Details:
Sweater - /artilleri/, Marion Cardigan (Jacket Layer) *pink* [Previous Subscribe-O-Matic Sign-up Gift]
Skirt - Ingenue, ~The Pencil Skirt~ (Black)
Shoes - J's, Real Toe Ankle Belt Sandals (Black)
Necklace - Decollage, Bubblegum Pearls (Tintable)
Bangle - ~*FBG*~, Gem Jelly Donut Bangle Silver (R)
Bracelets - [Woo's], Black & White Checkered Messy Bangles (L)
Ring - Caroline's, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Earrings - /artilleri/, Bead Hoop Earrings! *color change*
Upper Body Tattoo - /artilleri/, Maggie Tattoo (ushirt)
Leg Tattoo - AITUI TATTOO, Damage =socks=
Hair Flower - /artilleri/, Rose Hair Flower *pink* (mouth)
Hair - [Aden], Amy (Black)
Skin - Canimal, Essence (Grace)... of Pinup
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Current Location]
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

Happy Birthday To Me!

So this is it, my big day, I should say "Our" big day, as I share my birthday with my RL twin sister Anessa Stine. I am not a huge fan of birthdays in general, after the age of 21, they sort of lose their charm. But this year seems to be a big one, I am turning 36. I had this whole life plan, all these things I had hoped I would accomplish by this age, but I think that the most important thing to learn is that some of the things you thought you would accomplish are not as important as the things you actually have. I have some of the most amazing friends, amazing in the way they are there for me when I need them, but also amazingly talented. I first met Trixi Palen when she was visiting PIN UPS as a regular guest, then applied to become on of out PIN UPS GIRLS. She is the kind of person you can't help but adore, she is always positive, no matter what life brings her, and she has had her share, she is everyone's cheerleader, and she is dependable and grounded. When I started my own little foray into clothing creation in-world, Trixi thought I was amazing. I encouraged her to give it a try, and in just a few short months, this brilliant girl has left me in the dust. For my birthday, Trixi decided to combine the things I love, and make something just for me. Green, sari fabrics, and love make this Sari Kets from her shop **Trixi Stix** an absolute favorite. Having something named after you is perhaps the best compliment ever. I am wearing this for my birthday post not just because it was made as a special gift, but because I genuinely love it. I can't wait to see what Trixi will come up with next, and she has only just gotten started.



It was easy to accessorize this look, green and gold are like a match made in heaven. I started with these great Real Toe Gather Wedge Sandals in Gold from J's, trying to get some use out of them before summer officially ends. I still laugh at the four toes question, perhaps in-world our avatars have evolved to the point that the fifth toe is like a vestigial tail, some questions may never be answered. I simply adore these bangles from =DeLa*=, the Bellini Bangle in Deepforest is a lovely stack of rings, though it looks like it could be sculpted. The texturing is so well done, it almost has a crocodile skin appearance. The set comes with two version, the other is without the gold accents. I pulled in more gold with the Foscani Bag in 24K Gold from [Armidi Gisaci], a great big sculpted tote, and a great all season bag. I had been waiting for an opportunity to wear one of the amazing Zaara: Bindis, a fabulous freebie in her shop, this is the Green version, but the gift pack comes with several colours. The area between the eyebrows where the bindi is worn, is the sixth chakra, Ajna, the seat of "concealed wisdom". For followers of Tantrism, this chakra is the exit point for kundalini energy. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration, & is said to also protect against demons or bad luck. And lets face it, they look amazing. Also wearing my Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring from Caroline's Jewelry.



[Aden] has always been one of my favorite hair shops, and I eagerly grabbed up this great Kendra style while at the Hair Fair. Another great long style, I particularly like the way the front is sculpted around the body, instead of mostly sticking through your chest like many long styles do. This is the Canimal Essence of Roses Skin, I love the red stained lips on this skin. Splatter Eyes are from Big Booty Big Money, and Cake's Separated Lashes complete the essentials here. The perfect look for my birthday post; new things I love, my long time favorites, and something very special from my very best friend. Trixi will be releasing this Sari outfit in a few colour variation shortly, so take a look at her **Trixi Stix** shop in the Obscure Finds Flea Market on Retrology, and in the soon to be open Horst State Penn.

Shopping Details:
Outfit - **Trixi Stix**, Sari (Kets)
Shoes – J’s, Real Toe Gather Wedge Sandals (Gold)
Bag – [Armidi Gisaci], Foscani Bag (24K Gold)
Bangles - =DeLa*=, Bangle “Bellini” Deepforest-B
Ring – Caroline’s, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Bindi – Zaara:, Bindis (Freebie) – Green
Hair – [Aden], Kendra (White) [Hair Fair]
Lashes – Cake, Separated Lashes
Eyes – BBBM, Watery Eyes, Mud (Splatter)
Skin – Canimal, Essence (Grace)… of Roses

Warm As Yellow...

*Thimbles* has become one of my favorite shops for fun and quirky fashions, and it has a lot to do with the incandescent energy of it's dynamic creators Apathia Hammerer and Melatonin Hax. I have to admit that before they rented a shop on Retrology, I was unfamiliar with them, it was Anessa that brought *Thimbles* to my attention, and she gets props for that. This Half A World Away dress is one of the newest releases from the gals, and I have to say it is one of their best. The layered tulle like skirt is dreamy, covered in stars and it's brightness combined with a muted almost mustard colour dress makes it really unique. I love the Bow detail on the neck with the black collar, really a smart touch. This colour, Bright as Yellow, is particularly a favorite, because it has the same name as one of my favorite songs by the Innocence Mission. (Check the Lyrics at the end of this Post.)

I was glad to finally have a reason to wear these adorable J's Real Toe Ankle Belt Sandals, they are hella sexy and cute. But seriously, how could you not love prim toes after what seems like an Ice Age in our little virtual world, J's has really got some great summer shoes you need to check out. You can grab em' up at the Footwear Expo now too. I pulled in a trusty Black Bag from Paper Couture, the Rotunda Bag has always been easy to wear with almost any look. Earring are from -EARTHTONES-, the Kamoana Shell Earrings in Yellow and Silver pull in a little shimmer and colour. Big fat Gem Jelly Donut Bangles from ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~ give a little interest to bare arms, these are so great with the two clicks to customize not only the bangle colour but the gems, I wear them endlessly.



This hair was a little tricky, the main style is the spiky up-do from Magika called Genesis, but I felt I needed a little more forehead coverage so I tacked on some of the awesome ETD bangs. It is really worth grabbing up the ETD bangs in your favorite shades, they really can transform a style, and Elika's textures work so well with those from dozens of the best wig makes in-world. Skin is Canimal's Essence of Poise Make-Up, and I love the way these skins make me look a little sad, I think it is the eyes, I love having s little expression in a world where is hardly exists but for silly over-emoted grimaces. Lashes are [Detour]'s Love Lashes and Glassy Mustard Green Eyes are from Freak Fantasia.

Shopping Details:
Dress - *Thimbles*, Half A World Away Dress (Bright As Yellow)
Shoes – J’s, Real Toes Ankle Belt Sandals (Black)
Bag – Paper Couture, The Rotunda Bag (Onyx)
Bangles - ~*FBG*~, Gem Jelly Donut Bangles (Silver)
Earrings - -EARTHTONES-, Kamoana Shell Earrings (Yellow/Silver)
Hair – Magika Hair, Genesis (Black)
Bangs – ETD, Long Bangs Left (Black)
Skin – Canimal, Essence of (Grace)… Poise
Lashes – [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green

Bright As Yellow - Innocence Mission
And you live your life with your arms stretched out.
Eye to eye when speaking.
Enter rooms with great joy shouts,
happy to be meeting.
And bright,
bright,
bright, bright as yellow,
warm as yellow.
And I do not want to be a rose.
I do not wish to be pale pink,
but flower scarlet, flower gold.
And have no thorns to distance me,
but be bright,
bright,
bright, bright as yellow,
warm as yellow.
Even if I'm shouting, even if I'm shouting here
inside.
Even if I'm shouting, do you see that I'm wanting,
that I want to be so so
bright,
bright,
bright, bright as yellow,
warm as yellow.

The Poppy - A Route to Addiction...

When ::eLDee:: came to join the group of vendors on Retrology, I was largely unfamiliar with the work of Lilyana Dryke. I had seen some adorable things on the feeds and dropped in to pick up something specific, but had not really taken a good look around till the shop landed on my doorstep. This Poppy dress from ::eLDee:: is absolutely striking. I love the shading and texturing on the gauzy skirt, the huge prim poppy flower embellishment, and the exposed back. The glitch pants work perfectly with the skirt, really a well crafted garment. A dress like this gives me hunger for more, all the ingredients for a healthy fashion addiction are coming together.

I felt that the embellishments on the dress was the main statement accessory, so kept everything else fairly tame. The bag is a favorite from Bare Rose of Tokyo in their Couture Sections, I love the shape of this Horseshoe Bag, and the deep red colour is so great. The bracelets, I must admit, somehow made it into my wardrobe, but I am not exactly clear if they were a freebie, a gift, or a review copy, or if I purchased it. That's my bad, but I blame it on my addiction for stuff. In any case, the Ammali Onyx Bracelet is from Bebe and is just the sort of chunky bracelet that work with such a bare arm. Speaking of bare, I similarly went with a statement Gladiator Sandal from J's, these a more day-wear look in Dark Brown Leather, and together with the skirt make me feel pretty sexy and powerful, ready to head into the arena with Russel Crowe!



As for this combo of hair, skin, lashes and eyes, I am rather addicted to looking at my face like this. The hair is the brilliant huge .+*Gwen*+. wig from Mirai, and I just love that it is equal parts sexy and sweet. The skin is from *QS*, the Milk Skin tone in Dark 001 Make-up, I love the smoky eyes with the highlighted brow bone, the red of the lips is just the right shade, and the shape of the lips are pouty perfection. These have to be my favorite art lashes so far, the [Detour] Klee Dot Lashes are so precious. Eyes are from BBBM, but that is an addiction for another day.

Shopping Details:
Dress - ::eLDee::, Poppy
Shoes – J’s, Gladiator Sandals (Dark Brown)
Bag - :::B@R:::, Lucky Horseshoe (Red)
Bracelets – Bebe, Ammali Onyx Bracelet
Hair – Mirai, .+*Gwen*+. (Black)
Skin – [QS], Milk Skin – Dark 001
Lashes – [Detour], Klee Dot Lashes
Eyes – BBBM, Watery Eyes – Mud (Splatter)

Easy, Breezy, Lemon Squeezy

Anyone who has seen my blog before knows I love colour, all colours, but I am most often drawn to bright greens, oranges, and yellows. Call me citrus happy, but when Marleen Vaughn of ..Marlys.. had a sale recently, the minute I saw this adorable Chalice Fruit Cup Dress in Lemon, I had to grab it off the rack. Marleen is a riot, if you have ever seen one of her notices to FashCon, it is absolutely brilliant (snippet's of dramatic conversations out of context), and her clothes and hair are so cleverly conceived. There is a wonderful continuity in her work, and there is something for everyone from casual to party wear. A vintage nod, a clever presentation, really worth a look.

So sticking with a lemon wedge, literally, I cam upon these adorable Heart Wedge Sandals in Yellow from J's. The are the most brilliant shoes, not just because they match the dress so well, but because they have so many extras. They come in about 10 luscious colours, you can change the texture from dotted to plain, add toe rings, charms, adornments, and anklets, all with a click. J's Shoes is a must see... I thank Anessa for the tip off, wait till you see the shoes with the Toes! I also added Canimal's Jpop Can Earrings in Lemon, cute little Soda Cans. The Beaded Purse picks up on the yellow and turquoise so nicely, it is from Pampered Princess, and there are some adorable summer clothes and purses in shop. I picked up the heart charms on the shoes in this adorable Chunky Heart Necklace from Miam Miam, and made good use of some ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~ Gem Jelly Donut Bangles that have touch scripts to change the Bangle and Gem colours.



Essentials are the adorable Flamenco Trash Essence Lashes from Canimal in Pink, that look brilliant with this bianca F. Bloom skin with eye make-up in purple and pink tones. Hair is from AOHARU HAIR, called Lily, and it did require a little prim by prim adjustment to get the right fit, but is adorable and well worth the time. Eyes are Splatter from BBBM's Watery Eyes Mud Set.

Shopping Details:
Dress - ..Marlys.., Chalice Fruit Cup (Lemon)
Shoes – J’s, Heart Wedge Sandals (Yellow) by JB Gazov
Bag – Pampered Princess, Beaded Purse
Earrings – Canimal, Jpop Can Earrings (Lemon)
Bracelet - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Gem Jelly Donut Bangle (Silver)
Necklace – Miam Miam, Chunky Heart Necklace
Eyes – BBBM, Watery Eyes, Mud (Splatter)
Hair – AOHARU HAIR, Lily01a (Twilight Silver)
Lashes – Canimal, Essence Lashes – Flamenco Trash (Pink)
Skin – bianca F., *bf* fata2-ivory-bloom