Hair Fair - Utterly Fascinating

What's better than a stunning elegant hair style? A stunning hair accessory to add to all that crowning glory. Hair Fair 2014 has some very elegant up-dos, but one of the most amazing is this Francine style from [LeLutka]. It has a wonderful Hair Ornament, this metallic floral accent that borders on Fascinator territory in the epic department. Call it whatever you like, but the Flower can be texture changed into one of 6 lovely metal options. It can give you a very romantic look - as I have styled it here, or a sexy romantic evening out style with a modern look. Yes Ladies, the wigging out has officially started! Visit [LeLutka] at Hair Fair 2014.

Credits: 
Hair -  [LeLutka] - FRANCINE Hair - Bournville **New@Hair Fair 2014**
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (6.Spring) Black
Extras - Swallow Anja Lipstick 14

Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer

Eyes -  [Buzz] Ardent Eyes - Umber 
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle w/ *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - Izzie's - Slink Avatar Enhancement - FINGERNAILS (Pearl)

Shoes - *REIGN. - MaryJanes- Tan [Gacha Prize]
Dress -  *{Junbug}* Principessa in Blush
Jewelry Set - [MANDALA] Pearl Rain Jewelry Set (Purple) - Full Bright (Earrings, Necklace, Bracelets)
Ring - [ glow ] studio - Amethyst Ring (right hand)

Poses - 
.[posi+ivity].,  Nichole2, Nichole3, Nichole6, Runway2
Tillie's Posing Studio V 5.0 - Standalone HUD
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Location -
****JAPAN TEMPURA ISLAND ***, tempura island (170, 36, 37) - Moderate

FFL - True Nature's Child

Are you the outdoorsy type? Do you love gardening, hiking, bird watching, or just being somewhere far from the the city in the fresh air and sunshine? Personally, I am an indoors kind of girl, I burn in the sun because my skin is so fair, and I am allergic to so many things it is never relaxing to me. I also have trouble sitting still for very long, so I need something to keep my mind busy as well as my body.  But I know the type. My mother is one, so is my niece. The birds and flowers are never more beautiful than when they are close by, they soak up fresh air and sunlight. Winter, spring, summer, or fall -- you can find them out of doors being sporty or just walking the dogs and looking at the changes in the landscape.  They seem to glow from it, are refreshed by it. I am so envious of these Nature's Children types.

This look made me feel very joyful and light, so I headed out to a favorite location to take some pretty shots. There is no PS here, this is all the lighting on the SIM, and the AnaLutetia Avatar Optimizer - Whiter Windlight pre-set.  How pretty it all looks, and no allergies! The pretty comes in large part to the beautiful outfit I am wearing, a Fashion For Life Exclusive from Tres Beau. Paired with sweetly beaded earrings from *Mon Cheri*, and platform heels from HOLLYHOOD, both also FFL Exclusive donation items, and even a FFL Exclusive Slink Nailpolish from -{ZOZ}-. I feel like I could go just about anywhere and fit in. The bag is a new release from .random.Matter. at the Hello Sunshine event, and the Swallow ring is from the new round of The Dressing Room FUSION event

Below you will find all the shopping details, including the teleport to mainstore locations. To get a TAXI directly to the store at the Fashion For Life event, click on the Fashion For Life link after the item name/description so those lindens can really add up as donations to Relay For Life of Second Life. Happy Shopping!

Credits: 
Shoes - HOLLYHOOD MESH NUDE BLACKBERRY HEELS **New@Fashion For Life, Exclusive** 
Top/Pants - Tres Beau "Zozo" Pants & "Zozo" Top Green  **New@Fashion For Life, Exclusive** 
Earrings - *Mon Cheri* Gypsy Beads #Tan White **New@Fashion For Life, Exclusive** 
Bag - .random.Matter. - Amane Bag - Nude **New@Hello Sunshine Event**
Bracelets - MG [Maxi Gossamer] - Bangles - San Remo - Gold & Gold Aged
Ring - Swallow, Lily Ring Gold**New@The Dressing Room FUSION**
Facial Piercings - .:ellabella:. Mariejean (scripted) nose

Hair - [LeLutka]-BETH hair - Bournville
Skin - *League*  Skin Erin Pale Opal Brunette Chest D
Add-Ons - *League* Erin Brows Black -Pale, Erin Hairbase Tattoo Brunette -Pale, Erin Tintable Lipstick -1
Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer
Eyes - IKON Ascension Eyes - Blue (L)
Lashes - [ glow ] studio Innocent. eyelashes - gentle with *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) XS - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League*]
Nails - -{ZOZ}- Love Polish - (Slink) Fingernail/Toenail Hud **New@Fashion For Life, Exclusive** 

Poses -
**bbqq**, Pose Weekend 4
*PosESioN*, Diamond 3, 4, 6
Tillie's Posing Studio V 5.0 - Standalone HUD **Fashion For Life Vendor Location**

Avatar Eye Control - 

AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Location -
+Half-Deer+, Offbeat SIM

My Milkshake Brings All The Boys

[Full Credits Follow Post]

Credits:
Hair - [taketomi], Kurako_Dessin
Hair Base - [LeLutka] SHAVED hairbase - Jessica

Skin - *League*,  Skin Erin Pale Bronze Brunette Chest D

Skin Add On - *League*, Erin Brows Black - Pale & Erin Tintable Lipstick - 2 (In Fat-Pack)
Eyes - IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Flat
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League*]
Nails - Hello Dave: Slink Avatar Enhancement- Smoky Mattes
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Longer Available]
Facial Tattoo - Letis Tattoo, :: Stars (L) :: 100% :: FC12001
Back Tattoo - Letis Tattoo, :: Egyptian :: 75% :: A14103
Shoes - ::Una Ladies Sneakers  [Multi-Texture Change HUD] (NEW@R.A.F.F.)
Top - !!IC (Ines Creations), Lyna Grey MESH Top
Jeans - .:cheeky:., Hung Jeans! Dark Blue /w Panty [Mesh w/ HUD]
Panties - *Tentacio* Black Lingerie, Panties
Glasses -  La Malvada Mujer - Vanilla Glasses * r+b

Necklace - +>A&A<+ Drippy Necklace - Tragic - Silver
Bracelet - miel - FRIENDO bracelet

Ring - *GFD* ~ Knuckle Ring (Band) Silver

Facial Piercings - .:ellabella:., Mariejean [Scripted]

Milk Shake - AF Milky Machine - Mint Milky (NEW@Cutie Moon Fair)

Poses - 
.[posi+ivity].
ploom.
Decor -
-tb- Vintage Camper - Pink (Previous Arcade Gacha Item)
-tb- Vintage Camper - Blue (Previous Arcade Gacha Item)
-tb- Spring Living - Chair (Yellow) (Previous Arcade Gacha Item) 
-tb- Spring Living - Clothesline (Previous Arcade Gacha Item)
LISP Mesh - Bluebell Fence Middle Broken 1
LISP Mesh - Bluebell Fence with Posts - Yellow
LISP Mesh - Bluebell Fence with Posts
.lame - Tiara Laundry Basket - White
HPMD* Sweet Garden Grass06 - white*b & a (Mesh)
HPMD* Sweet Garden Grass06 - mix(warm colors)*a & b (Mesh)
leaf .firefly grasses

Tribal Waves

Hair - [LeLutka], JADA Hair - Jessica & SHAVED Hairbase - Jessica
Skin - *League*,  Skin Erin Pale Mocha Brunette Chest D (NEW @Skin Fair 2014)
Skin Add On - *League*, Erin Brows Black - Pale
Eyes - IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet, Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League*]
Nails - Hello Dave, Slink Avatar Enhancement- Smoky Mattes
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Longer Available]
Facial Tattoo - Letis Tattoo, :: Stars (R) :: 100% :: FC12001
Body Tattoo - Letis Tattoo, :: Algol :: 75% :: MM12004 

Shoes - *CASHMERE*, Cassidy Heel (Sienna) (50% Sale@Slink West SIM Opening)

Top - J.Allen, Ethnic Slinky Top  
Skirt - *Fishy Strawberry* Bruxelles Tulip Skirt - Mustard (NEW@COLLABOR88)

Earrings - [Modern.Couture], Jewelry - Grenda Earrings Pantone 2

Bangles - MG Bangles - La Cubelle Set
Piercings - .:ellabella:., Mariejean (Scripted)

Poses - 
IOS, Ulara Poses & Mirrors
Purple Poses, Sierra
Location - Zoobyland

Caught In The Rain

[Full Credits Follow Post]

A very sexy cocktail dress and my new favorite stilettos make for a great party look, but when it rains it pours and a girl can't catch a cab, what to do? Take some photos of course.  The minute I spotted this very sexy little black dress, I wanted it. It's not usually something I would buy, it reveals pretty much everything, but it is the lace detail in the back of the Asteria Creations look that made me go over the top. I am still learning the ways of the Mesh, and like a Jedi learning the ways of The Force, I have to say that this flexible lace cut-out was a new detail to my eyes. My body wanted to see how it looked too.

I wanted another chance to showcase these fabulous stilettos from 1992, after giving them some air over at On Your Toes, they are the first to go on my Slink Avatar Enchancement High Feet, and they are spectacularly worth picking up at the KUSTOM9 Event, where they are now available.

I am a big believer in letting a spectacular dress make it's own statement without heaping on lots of jewelry, so just a big ol' skull ring from Maxi Gossamer is all I needed to add a little edge. My clutch was a hand-me-over from Anessa, who had a pile of smartly snarky [HANDverk]  heart shaped bags to make me smile.

Another new Skin Fair Exclusive Erin Skin from *League*, this one has my favorite eye make-up, called Opal, it is a darkly iridescent blue smoky look. Messy, rained on, hair from [LeLutka] has me looking the part of the damsel in distress, or the Damsel in this-dress, as the case may be.

Credits:
Hair - [LeLutka], SEIKO hair - Pitch
Skin - *League*,  Skin Erin Pale Opal No Brow Chest D (NEW @Skin Fair 2014)
Skin Add On - *League*, Erin Tintable Lipstick - 7, Erin Brows Black - Pale
Eyes - IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet, High Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League*]
Nails - Flair, Fingernails Applier Slink A/E - Set 199
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Longer Available]
Shoes - 1992 // Leighton Pumps (Black) (NEW @ KUSTOM9)

Dress - Asteria Creations, Angelique Mesh Mini Dress & Flower - Night

Ring - MG Rings, Dream Angel Skull Ring - SILVER
Piercings - .:ellabella:., Mariejean (Scripted)
Clutch - [HANDverk], Tart Heart Clutch.go 2 hell

Poses -
Label Motion, Kate - Lena Packs
Location - Cupcake SIM

Everybody Hurts.

I am having a rough couple of, well, lets just say a rough time of it and sometimes it just seems that there is no light at the end of that tunnel. We have all been there to some degree, whether it is a fleeting moment of sadness, or full scale clinical depression, everybody hurts sometime. Some people seem to have a natural resilience to it, while others seem to utterly falter. Then there are those of us who have been fighting for so long, that the battle wears us down like shelter in a storm. We are strong at first, but eventually, the rain and winds wear us down, so there is just less and less of us there to keep it all together. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to keep it together, you just find yourself exposed and raw, fragile and overly sensitive to the world in general. This is where I find myself living lately, in that battered and broken place that has me hurting beyond hurt, and not sure if I can recover.



I didn't think I would be blogging again, certainly not in this mood, but I wanted to change my look in-world to show how I feel; the fragile and the broken, the worn and the weary. I started with a pair of distressed jeans from **[Riddle]**, and decided to see what my dear friend Neferia Abel of -L'Abel-had sent me of her new releases. This lovely Malin shirt, with it's fragile chiffon cuffs just worked for me. It is lovely, and I love to see Nef doing separates. I chose a pair of well worn and reworked boots from *REDGRAVE*, the absolutely brilliant Girls' Bikers have been overhauled to be even more perfect, as if that were possible. I adore that each boot is different, the worn twisted and well loved leather like a shield. The fragile and perfect KessKreations Karen Earrings are so lovely here, the customization script allowed me to match them to my look, and the fine prim work, which is not normally my 'cup of tea' is too precious and precise to be ignored. The ring is Paper Couture's Diamond and Rose Bouquet Ring. The final addition, was the handbag. I didn't have one I wanted to use, but I knew I hadn't been to Bare Rose Tokyo for ages, and know they have the most brilliant and inexpensive bags, so I popped on over and was in love on first sight with the Daisuki Bag, here in Brown. For a mere $140 LaLas, I was set, with a great bag, fabulous flexi and sculpted details, and 3 hold options.



I knew I wanted to return to this absolutely stunning T U L I Kalista crying skin, since I have been crying endlessly for days. It is flawless, and the non-crying versions are next in line once I save up my pennies, as they are lovely and have so many make-up options. I wanted a hair style that felt like it was sheltering me from the elements, that I could hide behind, but was still chic and precious. *Pazazz Hair* offers this stunning Riha wig in a brilliant choice of shades, this is from a solids pack. Lashes are from LeLeutka, and eyes are my precious treasured Miriel gems, that are unfortunately no longer available for sale.

Shopping Details:
Top - -L'Abel-, Malin Shirt, Antik
Jeans - **[Riddle]**, Classic Dirty, Plain
Earrings - KessKreations, Karen Earrings (Scripted to Zirconium, White Pearl, Champagne Gems)
Ring - Paper Couture, Diamond and Rose Bouquet Ring (Worn on R Hand)
Boots - [*RG*] *REDGRAVE*, Girls' Bikers RELOADED Smoke+Bronze
Bag - :::B@R:::, Daisuki (Brown, L Hand)
Hair - *Pazazz Hair*, Riha - Coal
Skin - T U L I, Kalista Fair 21
Eyes - Miriel, Standard Eyes - Sunlit Tree [No Longer Available]
Lashes - LeLutka (was MMS), Thora Lashes

Note: All Pictures Are Direct Screen Captures With No Post Editing, No Shading or Blending. They Are Taking On A Flat Prim Background With The Sun As The Only Light Source. Poses Are By The Amazing Pose Makers of SL, I Have Over 1200 So I Credit Them All Here. ~ Ketsy

Hold On To The Things You Love!

There is one thing I know for certain about my Second Life®, is that nothing is for certain. By that I mean that one day you discover a shop that has precisely your style of clothing, the kind of stuff you wish you could yank through the screen and wear out in your everyday life, and the next day, it is simply gone. Sometimes there is an explanation, a warning, a rationale, others, they simply disappear one day never to be seen again. Sometimes it is a matter of time and trends, people lose interest in the game or the product, and others it is the difficulty of keeping a business afloat in an over-saturated market. If you can't make enough to cover your rent, it is difficult to keep creating, and even more difficult to imagine that the situation will get better in the future. In my three plus years in Second Life®, I have seen a lot of fabulous shop disappear for a number of reasons, and it never gets easier. That is why I hold on to the things I love and treasure, and why my inventory is nearing the 45,000 items mark. How can I part with the items that are irreplaceable?



This look is what I call "Typical Kets". I love this sort of grunge, relaxed, cozy look. A lot of my favorites, some old, some new, and some irreplaceable. The top is from *Sprawl*, Pushbutton Skolnick's now near-defunct shop, and perhaps one of my all-time favorites. It is The Darko Tee, a little homage to Donnie Darko, as a film buff, I couldn't resist. I love that Pushbutton has always gone to the trouble of putting everything on every possible layer. The jeans are the uber adorable Surf Couture Hot Cocoa Stained Jeans in Grey that include the Blue Steaming Mug of Cocoa, and the cozy Parker Knit Boots in Black are also from [SC]. I adore this wrapped Soon Scarf from my girls at *Thimbles*, it is adorable and really cozy looking, and it comes in 5 different great knit colors. The Grey Knit Arm Warmers are from Argyle, another shop that seems to have vanished from the scene. The belt is one of the amazing masterpiece works from Maitreya.



The earrings are the first I ever purchased in-world, so their availability is somewhat unclear, and I didn't have enough time to hunt them down, they are from Drifting Sands which was a shop found under The Body Politik banner. I remember when I bought them I had no idea how to manipulate linked objects, and it took me forever to position them in my ears. The Uma Nose Stud is from Tickled Pink, a shop that has been gone for some time and is well missed. The adorable ring is a little bit of kitsch from Canimal, something I can never resist. The Bear Hug Novelty Ring has been referred to as the "Poo" ring by friends who think that is what it looks like from afar, I think it is hysterical!

Hair is from the newly re-opened WAKA and YUKI, which I could not resist visiting yesterday not just to scoop up the fab opening weekend gifts and try the lucky board, but because I couldn't remember shopping there before. I picked up this adorable NEW116 style while I was there, I think it is perfection in a messy casual up-do, my favorite. The skin is Emma Tan from *REDGRAVE*, my most realistic looking skin perhaps, and one I would have never tried if not for Anessa's urging. The Lashes are from MMS, now LeLutka, Thora Lashes, which I love, and the eyes are the stunning Miriel Realistic Muted Hazel Eyes. Again, I am most sad to say that we are no longer able to purchase Miriel's amazing work in-world.

So on Valentines Day, the day we celebrate love, show a little love by re-visiting your favorite shops and supporting your favorite content creators, before it's too late. They are too valuable to lose, and too precious to be taken for granted for even a second. Thank goodness for my messy but full inventory, and blog feeds, Plurk, and Avatars United, that lets me keep up with so many of my friends and on top of the news. If you haven't heard of Avatars United as of yet... you are missing out! It is the Facebook for avatars, recently acquired by Linden Labs®, that focuses squarely on your avatar, not on your RL identity, and therefore keeps your privacy to yourself while allowing you to make friends and network with avatars from SL and other MMOs. Find out more about it here http://www.avatarsunited.com . The add me to your friends list! http://www.avatarsunited.com/avatars/jhuzen-ketsugo . Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Shopping Details:
Top - *Sprawl*, The Darko Tee [Limited Items Available - Small Outlet Only]
Scarf - *Thimbles*, Soon Scarves (Grey Gold Blocks)
Arm Warmers - Argyle, Grey Knit Arm Warmers [No Location Found]
Belts - Maitreya, Old Leather Belt (Black)
Jeans - [SC] Surf Couture, Hot Cocoa Stained Jeans (Grey) - Includes Blue Cocoa Mug
Boots - [SC] Surf Couture, Parker Knit Boots (Black)
Earrings - Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set Ear Piercing [By Poly Pavlova, The Body Politik]
Ring - Canimal, Canimal Novelty Rings (Bear Hug)
Nose - Tickled Pink, *Uma Nose Stud [No Longer Available]
Hair - WAKA and YUKI, New116 "TypeA"
Eyes - Miriel, Realistic Eyes (Muted Hazel) [No Longer Available]
Lashes - MMS now LeLutka, Thora Lashes
Skin - *REDGRAVE*, 08Emma Tan Skin *old rose*

In The Trenches.

There is nothing more exciting then discovering forgotten purchases in your inventory. Six months away from SL has made this a new trend for me. I may be showing items that have been available in-world for a long time, but they are just as good now as ever, and maybe more-so, they may remind you of some of the hidden gems you haven't worn since last season. This AOHARU Simple Trench Coat is a perfect example. I pulled it on, and just adore the almost gunmetal steel blue color of it, it got me working to pull a great look together around it.



I picked up a great black shirt at Surf Couture yesterday, and decided to add a dash of something new, it is the "I'm A Little Bit Country" top, which comes in too many great colors, but I chose the black one on a whim. I pulled on the amazing (Kari & TW) Black New School Jeans, and a simple pair of stockings from Petit Ange in Black. Both wardrobe staples for me. When I went looking for boots, I was thrilled to find these ETD Shoes Kristen Booties in an almost perfectly matched color to the Trench Coat. Instead of going with a necklace, I opted for this amazing *Sprawl* Dotty Scarf, just a nice detail, and scripted for color change. I heart me some *Sprawl*.



Pulling in some other accessories, I went with a great bag from Baiastice, a ring with scripted color change stone from (Luc) Fashion Jewelry, and a fabulous watch from (Caroline's). The (Caroline's) Jewelry Rock Candy Watch has 3 band color options, including a hot pink, three metal options, and the ability to turn brightness on and off. It actually functions, the hands turning and ticking through the hours. I really love the way it looks on, and it is jazzy enough to be a great bracelet substitute.

Another wig I loved at first sight has been waiting for me to wear since the Hair Fair. Sari's Hanami Dreads come in a beaded and un-beaded version, I chose the plain version this time. It is adorable, not too crazy big, and I love the loose dreads, so funky. The skin is a favorite from -AnaLu-, the lashes are Lelutka's Thora Lashes, and the eyes are the brilliant but no longer available Miriel. So now I am back to rediscovering what is actually hiding in my giant *NEW* folder, and you never know what I am going to come up with next. Back to the trenches folks.

Shopping Details:
Coat – AOHARU_BT_Simple Trench Coat (Gray)
Shirt – [SC] Surf Couture, I’m A Little Bit Country (Nighttime)
Jeans – (Kari & TW), New School Jeans (Black)
Scarf – *Sprawl*, Dotty Scarf (Scripted Color Change)
Socks – *an* Petit Ange, knit_tights_black_socks
Shoes – ETD Shoes, Kristen Bootie (Steel Blue)
Bag – Baiastice by Sissy Pesoa, Borsa 21 (Hand)
Watch – (Caroline’s), Rock Candy Watch (Scripted)
Ring – -EARTHTONES- now (luc), Solitaire Ring Multi/Silver
Hair – Saris’s, Hanami Dreads Black (Plain)
Skin – -AnaLu- *InRainbows* Nat13 .brownish.
Eyes – Miriel, Realistic Eyes (Muted Hazel)[No Longer Available]
Lashes – MMS/Lelutka, Thora Lashes

The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?

It's been ages since I blogged, but now all moved in to my new apartment. I am finding my way back in-world when I can, although not often, since my internet connection is finicky when it comes to logging into SL. I have been toying the idea of giving up on blogging all together, but I find I have been using it more as a personal journal lately, and that is a valuable thing. Once again, I am going to let a song do the talking for me today, since it has been in my head, it is Metric's Gimme Sympathy.




Get hot
Get too close to the flame
Wild open space
Talk like an open book
Sign me up
Got no time to take a picture
I'll remember someday
All the chances we took

We're so close to something better left unknown
We're so close to something better left unknown

I can feel it in my bones
Gimme sympathy
After all of this is gone
Who would you rather be
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
Oh seriously
You're gonna make mistakes you're young
Come on baby play me a song,
Like "Here Comes The Sun"
Come on baby play me a song,
Like "Here Comes The Sun"



Don't go
Stay with the all unknown
Stay away from the hooks
All the chances we took

We're so close to something better left unknown
We're so close to something better left unknown

I can feel it in my bones
Gimme sympathy
After all this is gone
Who would you rather be
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
Oh seriously
You're gonna make mistakes you're young
Come on baby play me a song,
Like "Here Comes The Sun"



My favorite lyric of this song has got to be "Who would you rather be The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?". Think about it, The Beatles are legendary, their break-up, the loss of genius like John Lennon, all of it. They burned bright for a short time, but while we had them, it was perfection. The Rolling Stones are still pumping out the music, some great, some merely good, but they seem to go one forever, no matter what tragedy or the years seem to bring them. I look at my recent break-up a lot like this, would I have rather been the Rolling Stones type of relationship, going on forever? Maybe. But we were The Beatles in a way, because we had it all, but it is gone now, there is still something left over, and a deep friendship and sense of accomplishment, and that will be the our legacy. Maybe we are better off this way. Better to have ended when things were still good, then to continue on and risk losing the specialness of what we had. Either way, I had no choice, so it is easier to think of it this way for me.



Shopping Details:
Shirt, Jeans - :::B@R:::, Toy Shop Girl (Pink Shirt Option, Prim Detailed Collar, Denim Pants)
Belt - Maitreya, Old Leather Belt (Black)
Earrings - PERSONA, Silver Circle Earrings
Ring - Caroline's, Free (A Right Hand Ring)
Shoes - Stiletto Moody, Pump & Anklestrap (Baby Pink Patent)
Hair - TRUTH, Romy - Balck & Whites (Night)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *In Rainbows* NAT 08 .greyish.
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel (Big) [No Longer Available]
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes (Now LeLutka)

Green Hope: Hair Fair & Bandanna Day Post 1/2

Today is Bandanna Day in Second Life, the day we shed our vanity and out wigs to show support for those we hope to help through our donation to the Locks of Love Charity, the annual fundraiser associated with Hair Fair. Bandannas are for sale throughout the Hair Fair with 100% going to the charity. There are a nice variety of bandanas from hair designers, other designers, bloggers, and every day residents of Second Life, and they are only $50LaLas a piece, so grab a few! They are transferable, so grab some for your friends while you are there. They make a great club event, and it's a great way to promote the cause.



This is the first of the two bandannas that I picked up this year, designed by the ever talented *MIASNOW*. I simply had to grab this one in the green version, since it is my favorite colour, and also symbolizes hope to me. I don't know about you, but I would be thrilled so sheer of my RL hair if it meant finding a cure for Cancer, it's treatment, and Alopecia, two of the leading causes of baldness in children.



I went with an all green palate. Starting with this fabulous Chenille Sweater from PIG, and pairing it with a pair of Green Leather Pants from ::Pink Cadillac::. Shoes are the amazing Slinky Stilettos from Maitreya in Pine Green. The bag is another great one from [LeLutka], the GLEN bag in a sweet Olive Drab print. I am wearing a great freebie necklace from PixelDolls, it may still be available in the shop, but I am not certain. The bangle is from =DeLa*=, I adore these Bellini Bangles, here in the Deepforest Green.

Shopping Details:
Bandana - Hair Fair 2009, (Women's) MIASNOW 1 Green
Sweater - Pig, Cozy Chenille Sweater (Spring Green)
Pants - ::PC:: (Pink Cadillac), Leatherpants (Green)
Necklace - (PD) PixelDolls, Stone Pendant Necklace (Jade) [Previous Free Gift]
Bracelet - =DeLa*=, Bangle "Bellini" Deepforest (b, L)
Bag - [LeLutka], GLEN Top Handle Bag (Olive Drab)
Shoes - Maitreya, Slinky Stilettos (Pine Green)
Skin - *REDGRAVE*, 04 Emma Tan Skin *icegrey*
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big) [No Longer Available]
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes

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

Golden Years [Ivalde/L'Abel Day Post 3/4]

It has been amazing watching Neferia Abel's skill and range grow over the two plus years that I have known her. She has gone from making reproductions, to branching out and making "inspired" looks. She looks at the fashion of a particular era, seems to be able to distill the flavor of that time period down, and then make a look that is not only classic and familiar, but also timeless and unique. This ~~Ivalde~~ Ranka Gold Dress is a perfect example. It has the flavor of the sixties, but is also incredibly trendy and fresh. I adore that Nef includes stocking with so many of her looks, as she does with this look. The details are also spectacular, look closely at the tiny round buttons on the back of the collar, things that she could have easily skipped and would have gone unnoticed, but her inclusion of them just makes the outfit all the more perfect.



I pulled in some adorable ETD boots, and a bag from [gisele] to round out the look. Accessories includes a great Bangle from [Armidi Gisaci] and a ring from (Caroline's). Hair is by TRUTH, with skin by -AnaLu-. I just think this look is perfection, great for any party occasion, or a day of shopping in the city.

This look makes me smile, largely because it makes me see Nef's talents in a new way. These are truly her golden years, she is now producing on a whole new creative level. She has gone beyond mere reproductions and has become an entirely different sort of content creator, creating what is new and innovative, catering to her customer base, and making herself happy in the process. Nef has always struck me as a wonder woman of sorts. She is a mother of six, a devoted wife to her amazing husband Brumm, her RL work has been in a caring and often selfless vocation, and she is unfailingly generous with her time and talents. I have seen so many pictures of her family, including her dog, that I have lost count. I have spoken to her about the pressures of owning a SIM and managing a SL business, and we have shared our love stories. We live in entirely opposite time zones, so we rarely got a chance to get together, but when we did catch each other, our conversations would go on for upwards of an hour, and cover all manner of topics, always ending with hugs and kisses and "I love you". She calls me her "Ketzmin", and she is my Nefmin, my dear Nef.

Shopping Details:
Dress - ~~Ivalde~~, Ranka Gold Dress
Shoes - ETD, Kristin Booties (Natural)
Bag - [gisele], bag/maman ecru (front)
Bangle - [Armidi Gisaci], (Left) Healing Giraffe Bangle - Brown
Ring - (Caroline's), Natural Gold Bead Ring
Hair - TRUTH, Linda - Black & Whites (Night)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT13 .brownish.
Lashes - MMS (Now LeLutka), Thora Lashes
Eye - Miriel, Standard Eyes - Sunlit Tree

If You Want To Be Happy For The Rest Of Your Life... [Ivalde/L'Abel Day Post 2/4]

What is ~~Ivalde~~ the brand best known for? Capturing Vintage and Retro looks and making them appealing, fun, and oh so feminine. I knew I wanted to blog at least one of my hundreds of ~~Ivalde~~ retro looks today, and so I decided that the one that best captured Neferia's attention to detail was the Kassandra Blue Dress. It includes the adorable rubber gloves and the apron. This dress makes me smile for so many reasons, not all entirely innocent. I wore it to a "Dysfunctional Family Dinner" event at PIN UPS, I wore the blue dress alone for a date night on Retrology with Draco, and I did one of my first Photo Shoots for my own pleasure with this look, doing a "50s' Demo Kitchen" look. That was before I even started blogging. I even wore just the apron and gloves with heels to make some very sexy pictures for Draco's birthday that year.



I love Nef's attention to detail, going so far as to make colour and fabric choices that suit the era of the design, combining both hand painted and photo-sourced elements seamlessly, and always making it almost impossible to choose any outfit in just ONE colour. I decided to go Stepford Wife and added in this fabulous feather duster from BLONDE, stockings from 1-800-Bettie's, and shoes from Maitreya. Jewelry includes the perfect pearl necklace from Decollage, and opal earrings from (Yummy). Skin is from Celestial Studios and hair is from Retro-rific Ingenue.

So, as the Jimmy Soul song says "If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife, Go for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you". Well, I think there are going to be a lot of unhappy husbands, because any woman wearing ~~Ivalde~~ is simply beautiful. Thanks Nef, for making my retro dreams come true.

Shopping Details:
Dress - ~~Ivalde~~, Kassandra Blue Dress [Includes Apron & Gloves]
Stockings - 1-800-Bettie's, Stocking By Bettie's (Taupe)
Shoes - Maitreya, Antie's Enchants (Black)
Necklace - Decollage, Bubblegum Pearls [Tintable]
Earrings - (Yummy), Opal Studs [from Opals & Pearls Set]
Duster - BLONDE, Feather Duster [Spring Launch Preview Gift]
Hair - Ingenue, Lamour (Blue Black)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Skin (Tone 20, Blue-Sea)
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS (Now LeLutka), Thora Lashes

Om Shanti Om

There is little doubt about my absolute favorite event to DJ at PIN UPS, it is the Bollywood Night Event. We had one recently, and I get so excited just getting dressed for the event, I have to try to contain myself. I almost always wear a new costume for each event, with my inventory now filling up with all manner of Saree, Salwar Kameez, Cholie and Lengha, Dupatta, and Bangles. This time, I was doubly lucky, as the day before the event, both Maitreya and Zaara: and new co-release, including this exquisite wig by Maitreya, called Amber, which worked perfectly with some of the hair jewelry I already owned from Zaara:, including in the Suvarna Set, here in White. The hair is parted particularly smoothly, which lets the forehead gems show off to best effect, and also works with the nose piercing, the necklace, bangles, and anklets. This is a good time to remind all of you that Zaara: is having a big sale right now, so get there before June 1st to take advantage of the sale prices, I may just see you there!



The costume is also from Zaara:, it is an absolutely stunning Choli and Lengha, in a Nude, almost gold, colour. The Frawla set comes with two versions of the top, on short and one longer version. The longer version that I am wearing has the deliciously sexy ties in up the back, it is just amazingly well textured, and wearing it feels so much like stepping into the leading role of a Bollywood film. The skirt is lovely layers of silks and lace, I adore Zaara:'s handpainted details. The wrap around the upper arms is part prim and part system layer, entirely ingenious, so it really feels like it is wrapping the body and move beautifully when dancing. I need to purchase some new Henna, but this set was on hand, a gift from the Halloween "Ghost Busters" Hunt from Sari's, the Aubergine Henna, it is a nice compliment to this lovely skin tone. I am also wearing a Pearl Ring from Caroline's Jewelry.



The skin was another free gift, received many months ago via the Bianca F. Subscribe-O-Matic Group. The QS Skin, in the appropriately named Darjeeling skin tone, is by Rachel Delgado, and I own several of her skins. Hazel Eyes are by Miriel, and Thora Lashes are from MMS (now LeLutka).

I will be heading over to the Zaara: sale shortly, in search of more amazing costumes and accessories to wear to future Bollywood Night Events. I always play a cool mix of Bollywood hits, modern Hindi and Punjabi tunes, some Bhangra remixes, and other surprises that get the crowd going. It always makes me giddy hearing the music, dancing, and sharing my love of Indian culture with friends old and new. All the hot kids put your hands up and sing Om Shanti Om! Hope to see you there!

Shopping Details:
Costume - Zarra:, Frawla (Nude)
Jewelry - Zaara:, Suvarna Set (White)
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Pearl Ring
Tattoo - Sari's, Aubergine Henna (Hands & Feet)[Grid Wide Ghost Hunt]
Hair - Maitreya, Amber: Blacks Pack (Pitch)
Skin - QS Skin, Darjeeling - Acceso (additional make-up, Freebie)[Past Group Gift from Bianca F.]
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS (now LeLutka), Thora Lashes