Going Back To caLLie!

I can remember quite clearly the first time I discovered caLLie cLine, the store. I remember being struck by how pretty and girly and fresh the store looked. How welcoming, and I remember thinking this is a sorority girls dream store. It's kind of my impression of the woman that is Callie Cline. She likes to have fun, and party, and she fits in wherever she goes. She makes everyone feel welcome, and she is generous and fun. Today, bloggers from all over the grid are saying thank-you to Callie, thanks for organizing a week of celebrating what we do, thanks for being your fabulous self, and thanks for making everyone around you smile. This outfit is just one of my caLLie favorites, the incredibly fun wiLd cat dress in purpLe, and one of Callie's system layer fat beLts in bLood red. I want to thank Callie, simply for being the wonderful woman she is.



The fun accessories I chose to pair with this look are my always handy Decollage, Bubblegum Pearls, tinted to match the belt. I also pulled on a couple of great and girly bracelets from ::MEZZO::. The sweet Cosmetics Chain Bracelet has some adorably detailed cosmetic bottles dangling from a chain, the set comes with gold, silver, or black metal versions. The Dots Bangle 2Set from ::MEZZO:: is another cute detailed bracelet, it comes in two different coloured versions. The boots are a perfect match, Melanie Zhao's "XINFUL" Boots in Ox Blood Leather from ZHAO Shoes.



The hair is my new favorite from TRUTH Hair, the Linda wig is as close to the shape and texture of my actual hair style as I have found in-world. A combination of sculpted prims and alpha textured whisps, simply amazing. I want to mention my choice of eyes particularly, the Miriel Hazel Eyes. I was saddened to see Miriel's announcement that she plans to close her shop and give up her island in the near future. I urge you to go see her beautiful island and shop for some of her absolutely exceptional creations before they disappear, as too many of our iconic designers seem to be doing lately. Skin is from -AnaLu-, lashes are from MMS (now LeLutka).

Shopping Details:
Dress - caLLie cLine, wiLd cat - purpLe
Belt - caLLie cLine, fat beLt - bLood red
Boots - ~*ZHAO*~, "XINFUL" Boots (Ox Blood Leather)
Necklace - Decollage, Bubblegum Pearls Necklace
Bracelet - ::MEZZO::, Cosmetics Chain Bracelet (Left)
Bracelet - ::MEZZO::, Dots Bangle 2Set (Right)
Hair - TRUTH, TRUTH Hair, Linda, Black & Whites (Night)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT 09 .purplish.
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)
Lashes - MMS (now LeLutka), Thora Lashes

Gaucho Marks

On my last trip to Celestial Studios, I stocked up on all my Charmed Skins, making sure I had all of them, since they are my trademark look, and the one that makes me feel most like myself. This purple Violicious skin inspired this look, I love the punky burst of colour, and decided to go with matching hair from the phenomenal Eat Rice!. This Stellar style is scripted so the front portion can be made one of several great manic panic colours. Lashes are also from Celestial Studios, and Realistic Brights Brown Eyes are from **[Riddle]**.



I wanted to work with some of the clothing I have had for a while, but this great Sprawl Bricolage top in Grey is a great sheer blouse with all the layer options you could ever want. Pushbutton Skolnick's new line is really fantastic, and I am glad I nabbed a bunch before my funds totally bottomed out. Make sure you check the Sprawl shop out. I have had these great Gaucho Pants from BP* for a long time, but never really knew how to wear them. I think they work well with this layered look. I threw on some knit socks from [MG Fashion], and went with a monochrome leg look with Black Dune Boots from Maitreya. Since I am on the modest side, I wore a classic bra from House of Nyla under the Blouse, it gives the look a little more class and depth.



I added a few punky accessories with Canimal's Picture Pendant, scripted to click through about 10 different cute designs. I pulled in a big bangle from ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, the Jelly Gem Donut Bangle is scripted to change base and gem colours, and can be matched to almost any look. A Pouch Belt from ::MEZZO:: gives added interest at the waist, with cute little skull charms it is really a nice touch of kitsch. A big ~flirt~ Amythyst in Platinum Tiffany Ring pulls in another dash of purple to round out the look. Having fun with a dash of colour makes me oh so very happy.

Shopping Details:
Blouse - Sprawl, The Bricolage (Gray)
Jeans - BP*, Gaucho (Blue)
Bra - House of Nyla, Black Lace Lingerie Set 1, Full Cup Bra
Socks - [MG Fashion], Knitted Socks (Pack01, Black)
Boots - Maitreya, Dune Boots (Black)
Necklace - Canimal, Picture Pendant
Bangle - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Jelly Gem Donut Bangle (Silver)
Ring - ~flirt~, Tiffany Plat/Amethyst Ring
Belt - ::MEZZO::, porch belt, skull (stomach, m)
Hair - Eat Rice!, Stellar (Black, Blackdark)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Purple-Violicious)
Eyes - **[Riddle]**, Realistic Brights - Brown
Lashes - Celestial Studios, Club 13

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)

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)

Fly On The Wings Of Love...

When I was a little girl, I would have the strangest flying dreams. I didn't fly up in the sky, I sort of hovered about a foot off the ground, as if I was lying on my tummy. I distinctly remember a dream of flying that way down the stairs, I can't even imagine what that means. In any case, most people have dreamed of flying at one point or another, it accounts for a lot of broken arms on seven-year-old boys, and as Dwight from "The Office" puts it, to paraphrase, "My Second Life is Exactly like my First Life, Absolutely Everything is the Same, Except I can fly". It is only natural to want to have wings in-world, and the variety of wings to be had is truly astounding. Everything from Gothic to Fairy, Butterfly to Avian, and every colour and feature imaginable. My favorite place to buy wings has always been Material Squirrel. I simply love the features, and the designs are stunning. This pair of Flux Green Dark Fairy Wings was the perfect pair to wear to a recent "Winged Wonders" Event at PIN UPS. I adore the stained glass look, and the colour is so brilliant.



I wanted to really go for an almost Harajuku look here, and started with these great Orange Lush Jeans from Eat Rice!. I love the drawing on them, it reminds me of high-school when I spent most of my time doodling on my jeans instead of paying attention. I have been dying to wear this Canimal Mmm Lemon! Top, and I love putting citrus colours together, so I loved working this adorable tube top in with the green wings. To echo the wings, I put on a Zee Tank Top from /artilleri/, I tinted the White one to match the trim on the top and the colour of the wings. I threw on another fabulous pair of shoes from .:Periquita, I love that Erpla Prieto gives me such great colour choices, and these Beda Sandals in Yellow are really cute, the heel shape is really nice too.



The colour perfect -EARTHTONES- Lushwood Necklace and Earrings in Spring are really a perfect match here, and really give the look a lot of interest. I pulled on a set of the ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~ Sculpted Sugar Gold Gem Bangles and set the Gems to Emerald. I figured that while in flight, a purse my not be the most aerodynamic of accessories, so I went with this great Skull Porch Belt from ::MEZZO****. Look at the cute itty bitty skull dangling from the zipper, kitsch is joy in my world!



The adorable wig is one of my latest finds at **DP**yumyum, simply titled 01 in Sesame Black, I love the little bunnies on either side of my head, just a really sweet uncomplicated style. Lashes are from Celestial Studios in the Classic 10 style, eyes are Glassy Mustard Green from Freak Fantasia.

Shopping Details:
Wings – Material Squirrel, Flux Green Dark Fairy Wings
Jeans – Eat Rice!, Orange Lush Jeans
Bustier – Canimal, Mmm Lemon! Top
Tank Top - /artilleri/, Zee Tank Top Short (ushirt layer) [*white, Tinted Green]
Shoes - .:Periquita, Beda Sandals (Yellow)
Necklace, Earrings - -EARTHTONES-, Lushwood Necklace (Spring)
Belt - ::MEZZO::****, Skull Porch Belt (Stomach, M)
Bracelets - ~*FBG*~, Sculpted Sugar Gold Gem Bangle [Review Copy]
Hair – **DP**yumyum, 01 (Sesame Black)
Lashes – Celestial Studios, (CS) Prim Lashes (Classic 10)
Eyes – Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes
** All Items Purchased Unless Otherwise Stated **

Teal & Pink Frivolity

When it comes to pretty, every girl knows that pink is a great place to start. But doing pink without overdoing it is the trick. This look started when I wanted to throw something casual together to wear while running around Retrology while getting final preparations ready for the 1 Year Anniversary. I started by looking for a top to wear, and was delighted to discover this []::TULI::[] Kimi Top in my inventory, like many others, I have no idea how long I have had it. It was so pretty, I love the obi style sash, and the bows on the sleeves, the print is really lovely too, giving me the opportunity to work in a lot of different colours. I opted for a pair of skinny jeans, and discovered these Emery Zoe Skinny Grey Jeans in Inventory, I tinted them Teal to match the top better, and I am really pleased with how they turned out. Having items like this that you can tint/modify to suit a look is a great way to make your wardrobe go further without dropping a single LaLa.

I opted for a favorite pair of casual Chloe Ballet Flats from Lassitude & Ennui, the delicate Pink colour worked in so well here, and they one of my favorite flats to date. This Pink Frivolity Bag from Paper Couture is a sweet favorite, and I love how the big bow on the bag matched the bow details on the top I wore. On my last trip to Mirai with Anessa, we discovered a great little accessories shop, *::UM::* made this great Earring and Necklace Pendant Set and I love the sort of crackled yellow orange colour of the Gold. ::MEZZO:: also has some brilliant accessories. These sculpted Double Rameacryl Bangle come in a set with at least ten different colour combinations, and I love how they have an almost sparkle to the texture. Also wearing Caroline's Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring.



Another great ETD Hair Style, this sweet casual up-do called Marisella II is really lovely, and Elika's Whites are some of my favorite, particularly with the blackened ends that are by no means randomly placed, they really are placed for the best effect, and depending on the style, more or less prominent. Skin is Celestial Studios Charmed Line, in a sweet pink feminine make-up called Sugar. Separated Lashes from Cake, and Glassy Mustard Green Eyes from Freak Fantasia Complete this look. A little pink, a little frivolous, a lot casual and feminine.

Shopping Details:
Top – []::TULI::[], Kimi (Teal/Rose)
Pants – Emery, Zoe Skinny Grey (Tinted Teal)
Shoes – Lassitude & Ennui, Chloe Flats (Rose)
Bag – Paper Couture, P.C. The Frivolity Bag (Pink)
Necklace & Earrings - *::UM::*, Gold_Pendant&Pierce
Bangle - ::MEZZO::, M-Double Bangle Rameacryl *aquamarine [r forearm]
Ring – Caroline’s, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair – ETD, Marisella II (Whites Pack, White Blackened)
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Sugar)
Lashes – Cake, Separated Lashes
Eyes – Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

Pretty Pastels And Petals

Whenever I stop by [MG Fashion] to see what's new, I have one huge problem. I am spoiled for choice. OK, maybe not a huge problem, but Maria Gherardi always offers us so many colour variations, that it makes it very hard to choose just one. This sweet Light Purple Gigi Tank Top is no exception, coming in about a dozen soft pretty shades. It is really nicely hand-painted, the shading is well done, just a lovely little summer top. When my sister Anessa sent me a teleport to *Beauty Avatar* the first time, I zeroed in on this soft green pair of PINGU-18 Jeans. I always gravitate to green, but this colour in particular is really soft and fresh. Similar to [MG Fashion], *Beauty Avatar* offers these sweet slacks in a dozen or more awesome colours. I love to be spoiled for choice!

At the recent Footwear Expo, I snapped up this sweet pair of Athena Sandals in Green from *HUB*. A nice low heeled summer sandal with a really interesting crisscrossed strap. I went with a white bag to work with the white in the system belt on the jeans, The Blossom Bag from Paper Couture is a fresh and feminine bag. I have had this amazing Petal Meg Hydrangea Petal Necklace for almost a year, and I love wearing it. Fuscia Jewell brings her real-world flower petal creations in-world, and they are unlike anything else I have seen. They have that missing organic piece that we all long for in second life. This Cosmetic Chain Bracelet is from ::MEZZO::, and after seeing it on the feed last week, I went off in search of it. It is an adorable charm bracelet with little cosmetics, mirrors, and make-up bags dangling from the chain. It comes in several metal options and sizes for both wrists in one box for practically peanuts in the LaLa department. I have to warn you though, ::MEZZO:: is a jewelry lovers dream, so much great stuff to grab up, I assure you you will see the half a dozen items I bought on my trip very soon.



This hair is the edgy but sweet Again from Magika Hair. I love that it looks like a rough shag from the front, yet has the long braid in the back too. The skin is [RockBerry] Stage 4 with Dark Brows, I am seriously crushing on these skins. Love Lashes are from [Detour], Hazel Eyes from (Miriel). A pretty and feminine look with little bit of edge.

Shopping Details:
Top – [MG Fashion], Gigi Tank Top (Light Purple, 1)
Jeans - *Beauty Avatar*, PINGU-18 Pants
Shoes - *HUB*, Athena Sandals (Green)
Purse – Paper Couture, P.C., The Blossom Bag (Blanche)
Necklace – Petal Meg, Jade Hydrangea Pendant Necklace
Bracelet - ::MEZZO::, [M] Cosmetics Chain Bracelet *SILVER**L Forearm
Hair – Magika Hair, Again (White)
Skin – [RockBerry], Stage 4 Light F – DK Brows
Lashes – [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes – (Miriel), Hazel Eyes - Big