Back To Black

Today is one of the hardest days I have had in so very long. Heartbreak is never easy, and no one seems to be able to escape the feelings of loss, anger, sadness, loneliness, and hurt that comes with risking your heart. I risked my heart, after being destroyed by a relationship in the past, and after two years of what I though was the best thing in my life, I am alone again. I can't deny the feelings in my heart, I don't know how long I will feel this way, but I am so very lost. It's hard when you still are in love with someone, someone who was your best friend and who you knew was your soul mate, and see them move in another direction, whatever the reason. Today I am mourning the loss of what could have been, for I had let myself dream of the future, and all those dreams are now dead. I wore this dress this past weekend, when I acted as a fill in DJ for a UVogue Fashion Show featuring Stiletto Moody shoes and LeeZu fashion designs, among others.



This dress was in my inventory, and I threw it on for the event, the LeeZu Betty Flexi Dress in Black is a very sexy number indeed, more so then I anticipated, so I slipped a lovely Black Sheer Desire camisole from **Battered Boudoir** on underneath to make it more modest for a daytime event. The shoes are Stiletto Moody Pinup Pumps in the Patent Color Set, with colour change versatility that I always find helps when pulling together a look in a hurry.

As I was DJing, I didn't need a handbag, so I went with some great jewelry looks. Starting with a simple pair of Claris Black Pearl Earrings from ~Muse~. The necklace is also in Black Pearls, from *kraftika, No.129, as is the Black Pearl Bauble Flower Ring from Caroline's Jewelry. I also grabbed a pair of spectacular Jujubes Gem Antique Silver Bangles from ~*Freah Baked Goods*~, with colour scripted gems set to Black Onyx.



Hair is a simple loose pulled back look from ETD, the beautifully sculpted Yvette style in Black, one of Elika's newer styles, and so nicely textured. The skin is -AnaLu- *inRainbows*, natural complexion, and a neutral toned make-up with subdued .greyish. shadow. Hazel Eyes are from Miriel, and Thora Lashes are from MMS (now LeLutka).

I know I will be OK, eventually, right now all I know is I need time. I have dear friends, I have close family, and I know that time heals all wounds. I have to get over the anger, the disappointment, the hurt of a broken heart, but I know that there is no other path for me. I simply have to move on and come back to being OK with myself, find my strength, and find my way out of the very dark place I now find myself in.

Shopping Details:
Dress - LeeZu, Betty Flexi Dress/Black
Camisole - Battered Boudoir, Sheer Desire Black Top
Shoes - Stiletto Moody, Pinup Pump (Patent Color Set)
Necklace - *kraftika, No.129, Black Pearls
Earrings - ~Muse~, Claris Black Pearl Earrings in Silver
Bracelets - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Jujubes Gem Antique Silver Bangle
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Black Pearl Bauble Flower Ring
Hair - ETD, Yvette - Naturals I Pack (Black)
Skin - -AnaLu-, *InRainbows* NAT08 .greyish.
Lashes - MMS (now LeLutka), Thora Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes (Big)

Arabian Nights

I don't wear silks often, really they are just reserved for the events at PIN UPS, but I have to say that finding modest silks is a real challenge. They are not meant to cover very much, I realize this of course. I see so many sets of silks where they are all prim parts, and nothing is left to the imagination once someone starts dancing. It makes finding silks a whole challenge for me, because I want the coverage, for me it is a chance to dress up, not show off the goods. I have found a couple of great silks designers that are conscious of the fact that some women are looking for coverage, and I think that Solange/The Silk Raven is one of those places. I have many sets of silks from *TSR*, and they are relatively up there in price range, but the colour options, quality, and variations in each costume are well worth it.



One of my favorite sets is this amazing Kadin set by *TSR*. The Blue and Silver version was my choice, but it comes in a dozen great colours and has a gold accented version as well. All these looks come from the same purchase. It comes with a system top, a full pant or thong type bottom layer that actually covers your bits, and then 4 different 'skirt' styles. The four include the short and long hip scarf options, as well as the short and long prim skirts. The vest is optional, but the work on it is exceptional, I just love the look of the back of it, the texture is exceptional, and the seems line up so well, you really do get what you pay for in this set. It also includes the lovely face veil and the beaded circlet on the forehead. Really very sexy, and still covering me enough that I feel comfortable wearing them to an event at the club.



I opted to layer on the Jewelry here, going for the lavish harem girl look full throttle, and went with this adorable Pure Butterfly Bellyring and Necklace from Caithlin Carter Designs. The fine prim work is really well done, and they are lovely feminine pieces. Ephemeral Creations Jangle Bangles in Steel stacked up nicely on my wrists, some great thin stacks of bangles and they also come in so many great colour options. I pulled on some stunning rings, the Catherine Black Pearl Cocktail Ring in Platinum from ~Muse~ is a particular favorite, I am a sucker for dark Tahitian pearls in RL as well. Also wearing my Caroline's Jewelry Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring.



This Tiana wig is one of Elika's newer releases from ETD, simply lovely and soft and feminine, I think it has to be one of my favorites. I thought it worked really well with the veil here, really a great romantic look. I played up my eyes, opting for [Detour]'s Delta Eyes in Blue which seem stunning here. The skin is a lovely Megan Skin from [Rockberry].

Just my take on how to do silks for the modest girls among us. I love to play dress up, and finding ways to bring fantasy looks like this into my wardrobe is what I love best about my virtual life. I think it can be said that the vest from this top would look stunning over a black blouse, and I can see it working in other looks as well, which is always a plus when you invest in one outfit as costume specific as most silks are.

Shopping Details:
Silks Costume - *TSR* Kadin in Blue/Silver
Jewelry Set - CCD (Caithlin Carter Designs), Pure - Butterfly (Bellyring, Necklace)
Bangles - Ephemeral Creations, Jangle Bangle (Steel)
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, GImcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Ring - ~Muse~, Catherine Black Pearl Cocktail Ring, Platinum
Hair - ETD, Tiana (Black)
Skin - [RockBerry], Megan C Natural
Eyes - [Detour], Delta Eyes (Blue)

Hi Top Hell Bop

Forgive me blogger, and it's been 9 days since my last blog post. Yikes, I have more guilt than any one is entitled to, but I am glad to be getting back on track. The Retrology Trick or Treat Pumpkin Hunt has had me super busy, but that's no excuse. This look is another that pulls in two of my favorite colours to work together, pink and grey just work for me. It started with these great Hi Top Pants from Hell Bop Clothing by Floatie Hock, something I nabbed on my last trip around Retrology. I love high waited cigarette pants, and these are a great pair, with the great buttons in front and great textures waist panel. The Pink sweater is from Aleri Darkes, the Brita Top is great, and comes on the shirt layer so that you can wear it with your high-waited pants. I can't stress enough how great it is when designers offer their fashions on all available layers. Yes it takes a lot of time, but it makes me that much more likely to buy and wear it, and I am willing to pay a bit more for that luxury. I really like the texturing on the top, the deep v-neck, that is still modest and yet sexy.



With simple system pieces in the look, I was able to pile on some great accessories, starting with some of my favorite shoes from Lya, the Nichelle Pumps in this lovely Pearl shade, a opalescent pink suede texture. The purse is one of the amazing bags from Bare Rose Tokyo, found in the Bare Rose Couture Boutique. They are insanely inexpensive, and come with a number of shape or style options, as well as holds in each box. This Freja Bag comes in this rounded shape, as well as a more square option, and I like the opalescent texture here as well. After my trip to the Jewelry Expo, I came away with armloads of goodies, including this great *kraftika No. 129 Necklace, strands of spaced out black pearls on a thin wire, amazing prim work here. I also bough this great Tahitian Pearl Ring from The Body Politik, with it's many scripted options, it is truly amazing, and a really lovely ring. I adore Tahitian Pearls in RL, it's great to have them in my virtual wardrobe too. I have had this great White Classic Tank Watch from ~Muse~ for some time, I always forget to wear my watches in-world, it might have something to do with that little clock up in the corner of the viewer. I pulled on a favorite bangle from *PERSONA*, the Crack Metal Large Bangle in Gold is a perfect example of the great work that Myllie Writer is doing on her Jewelry these days. With this great up-do, I was able to pull on some great Vintage Black Pearl Earrings from Paper Couture, part of a set.



This lovely Sally Hair wig is from Panache ZF, and I am not certain I own very much of their hair, but I so want to now. I picked this one up at the Hair Fair, and love this Marshmallow shade. My all time favorite skin always feels like home to me somehow, the Celestial Studios Charmed Line is my favorite in general, but specifically this Earth 4 Make-up. Lashes are also from Celestial Studios, these big and romantic Classic 10 Lashes are favorites too. Delta Eyes in Hazel are from [Detour]. Ok, now that I have slapped my own hand for not blogging in so many days, I can get down to business, I have an awful lot of fall weather wear to show off in the next few days.

Shopping Details:
Top – *AD*, Britta Top (Pink)
Pants – Hell Bop, Hi Top Pants (Black)
Shoes – Lya, Nichelle Pumps (Pearl)
Bag - :::B@R:::, Freja RD White (Hand)
Necklace - *kraftika, No. 129 Necklace (Black Pearls) [Jewelry Expo]
Ring - .::TBP::., Tahitian Pearl Ring
Watch - ~Muse~, Classic Tank Watch in White/Silver (Silver Face)
Bangle - *PERSONA*, Crack Metal Large Bangle (Gold)
Earrings – Paper Couture, P.C., Black Pearl Set (Vintage Black Earrings)
Hair – Panache ZF, Sally Hair – Frosts (Marshmallow)
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Earth 4)
Lashes – Celestial Studios, (CS) Prim Lashes – Classic 10
Eyes – [Detour], Delta Eyes (Hazel)

Elegantly Waisted

I have been on a casual jag lately, and I decided it was time to class things up a bit. I was surprised on log-in yesterday to find some gifts from Neferia Abel in my inventory, a number of her latest releases, and I couldn't wait to dive in and see what the folders held inside. The very first outfit I pulled on was this Aksana Highwaist Skirt Outfit in Grey. It is another one of the reasons I adore ~~Ivalde~~ so very much, it makes dressing beyond easy. This outfit comes with a number of layer options, so you can wear the top or skirt separately, as well as some stockings (though I opted to go with a Black pair of Tights from Blaze*). I love the fine grey plaid of the skirt, and Nef's hand painted details are really sweet. The ruffled blouse comes with a prim collar, and is a great photo-real texture that looks elegant yet understated.



Nef often tells me that she thinks Morrigan Hyun's Elegance Hats are under-represented on the feeds, and I tend to agree. This amazing Thalia Hat is really spectacular, a mix of pearls and flowers, black twisting loops that look almost celestial. I am pretty sure that Morrigan sent it to me after I saw it and commented on it in her Flickr feed, but it is so fantastic, I may have bought it, and certainly would have if it wasn't sent to me. Speaking of fantastic, it has been said before and needs to be said again, Tesla Miles newest release of these amazing Hylda Low Boots are simply brilliant. I am always impressed when -Tesla- has a new release because each one trumps the last in terms of quality and style. These boots are great with elegant metal accents and a great selection of colour options. I had a blast picking up freebies and shopping the Jewelry Expo this week, and am thrilled to show off some of my goodies, starting with these simple but much needed Stud Earrings from Sian Birke Jewelry. I have always wanted a basic stud earring, and this offers endless combinations for metals and gemstones by script. I also nabbed these ~flirt~ Hearts & Diamonds Bracelets in the Semi-Precious Stones version. They can easily be worked into a more dressy or more casual look. A big chunky Catherine Black Pearl Cocktail Ring from ~Muse~, who was sadly missing from the Expo, is still a favorite, and a really stunning piece. A simple Silver Clutch from Adam N Eve finished off the accessories for this look.



I picked up this great Minako Hair from Kin at the Hair Fair, I am still wading through my folders from the Fair, and this style is really punky, but somehow works perfectly to set off the elegant factor of this look with a little bit of edge. It works really well with the hat too. A favorite skin from Celestial Studios, the Silver 2 in the Charmed Line is always a fun one to wear with a more classic style, giving it a glam factor. Separated Lashes are from Cake, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes from Freak Fantasia complete the essentials. This time, and elegant look was definitely not wasted on me.

Shopping Details:
Blouse, Skirt - ~~Ivalde~~, Aksana Grey Highwaist Skirt (Includes Stockings, Not Worn)[Gift From Designer]
Tights – Blaze*, Pantyhose/Tights Bundle
Boots - -Tesla-, Hylda Low Boots (Black)[Review Copy]
Purse – Adam N Eve, Handbag, Clutch (Silver)
Hat – Elegance Hats, Thalia (Black & White)[? Review Copy]
Bracelets - ~flirt~, Hearts & Diamonds Bracelets, Semi-Precious Stones [Jewelry Expo]
Earrings – Sian Birke Jewelry, Stud Earrings [Jewelry Expo]
Ring - ~Muse~, Catherine Black Pearl Cocktail Ring (Platinum)
Hair – Kin, Minako (Black) [Hair Fair]
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Skin (Tone 20, Silver 2)
Lashes – Cake, Separated Lashes
Eyes – Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

Piles Of Curls Make For Sexy Girls

I have been a bit awol, what with all the work for the Retrology Anniversary Events, but I only missed a couple of days, so I think I can forgive myself. This look is one of my favorites, and it is largely due to this unbelievably sexy wig from *booN. This big mass of glossy curls is *booN's KAR07 Hair, I love that is is all over the place mussy, and looks really wild, the volume of it is fantastic, each individual curl looks polished and still soft and touchable. *booN has some seriously fantastic hair, and I can't believe I had never been before I ventured over about two weeks ago. Sexy hair like this calls for a sexy look, and this amazing Meredith top and high-waisted skirt set. *AnnaH* makes some seriously wonderful things, and I picked this up back at the last RFL Clothing Fair. I simply love the Green Satin top, just a perfect shade of green, and there are fantastic details on the Navy Blue Skirt.

I found the perfect Navy Shoes to match this look, although it took me about ten tries, but TESLA's Leather Vixens in Blueberry were perfection. TESLA has shoes in pretty much every colour you could ever want, and her prices are well within reach for most of us, it is a pleasure to see every new release she has, particularly since I love her styles and colours so very much. This bag was well due for it's turn out of the closet, the *Musim* Crocodile Skin Handbag in Green is just another one of the great bags they offer, and they have so many to choose from, I dare you to walk away with just one!



The Necklace and Earrings are another absolutely brilliant set from ~Muse~, sold separately they are simply incredible works of art. The prim work is masterful on this Jade and Gold Chinoiserie Collection, and the delicate beads and fans so lovely. I am wearing another fabulous piece from {Junk}, this Tangled Antique Gold Bangle is really just a great item to have in my Jewelry box, it is perfect to wear as a compliment to other more intricate Gold accented pieces.

Lashes are the flirty and sexy Club 1 Set from Celestial Studios, and Eye are Glassy Mustard Green beauties from Freak Fantasia.

Shopping Details:
Outfit - *AnnaH*, Meredith
Purse – *Muism*, Crocodile_Skin (Green, Hand)
Shoes – TESLA, Leather Vixens (Blueberry)
Necklace - ~Muse~, Chinoiserie Jade & Gold Fan Necklace
Earrings - ~Muse~, Chinoiserie Jade & Gold Earrings
Bracelet – {JUNK}, Tangled Antique Gold Bangles
Hair - *booN, KAR07 Hair (Black, Big)
Skin – [RockBerry], Stage 4 D Light (Dark Brows) [No Longer Available]
Lashes – Celestial Studios, (CS) Prim Lashes (Club 1)
Eyes – Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

I Amma In Love

Neferia Abel and her husband Brumm have been working tirelessly on rebuilding the Ivalde SIM over the past week. Nef was running out of prims, producing as much as she does week after week, I can see how that could happen. When I spoke to her last week about joining the Retrology Sidewalk Sale, she showed me the new dresses she was releasing today when her shop re-opened. The minute I saw the image of this precious Amma Dress in Pink, I went Oooh and Ahh, and the next thing I knew, Nef had dropped it on me. I wanted to blog it immediately, because it is so divinely lovely, but I held off until it was on sale in her shop. Today is that day, Ivalde has re-opened, the Build is spectacular, so I proudly present to you one of my favorite dresses perhaps of all time, Amma. I love the careful shading on the bodice, that makes the satiny texture look like it is reflecting light, I love the broomstick pleated skirts, it is a simply lovely dress, perfect for a Summer Night Wedding, or a Special Party.

If someone asked me what my favorite gemstone was, I would say none-of-the-above, for it is a Tahitian Pearl that I adore, preferably in a silver or white gold setting. Muse has some deliciously dark pearls, and I love this simple pair of Claris Black Pearl earrings. I have had this amazing triple strand of pearls from Muse for some time, the Celine Pearl Necklace it very formal, but I think it works well here as the rest of the look is so understated. I pulled in a simple Black Pearl Cuff from Frangipani Designs, and am wearing my Gimcrack Diamond Ring from Caroline's Jewelry. For an evening out, a sweet little evening bag, like this Lace Drawstring Handbag from (Shiny Things) is just perfection. A delicate sandal from INSOLENCE is perfect for a dressy summer look, the April Sandal in Pink is really delicate, with lovely sculptie work.



This lovely Lain Hair, from Philotic Energy was something I nabbed on my last trip there. I have been gravitating towards shorter styles lately, but this long style was a must have. I love the shaggy bangs, and the headband can be touch tinted to any one of dozens of colours, making it incredibly wearable. Skin is from bianca F.'s fata line, I love the dramatic longeyes make-up, perfect for a night out, and the pale lip is very soft and lets the eyes to all the talking. Lashes are [Detour] Love Lashes, and eyes are from Freak Fantasia.


Shopping Information:
Dress - ~~Ivalde~~, Amma Dress (Pink)
Shoes - INSOLENCE, April Pink Sandals
Purse - (Shiny Things), Satin & Lace Drawstring Handbag (Powder Pink)
Necklace - Muse, Celine Pearl Necklace (Black Pearl/White Crystal/Silver)
Bracelet - Frangipani Designs, Black Pearl & Silver Cuff
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Earrings - Muse, Claris Black Pearl Earring in Silver
Hair - Philotic Energy, Lain (White)
Skin - bianca F., *bf* fata-ivory-longeyes
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green

[Review] Seldom Blue Serenity Gown

Limited Time Freebie at Seldom Blue!

I am not a review blogger by intention, I don't want to feel obligated to review items, I don't ask for freebies, and I don't want to ever accept items and give the impression that I will blog something that is dropped on me. I have accepted some items as gifts from friends, and I wear them if I think I would have likely purchased them anyways, but that is pretty much the extent of my relationship to reviewing items. I am not a critic, I do not feel I have the skill or fashion knowledge to do so. This morning, as I was logging on, I was clicking through notices and accepting note cards, etc, as I normally do, and realized that someone had dropped a gown on me. I was not familiar with the name, but noticed a flashing IM box from IndigoBlue Dagostino, with a note saying that she wanted me to have a look.

Normally, I put these items in a separate folder to look at as time permits, but as I was getting dressed today, I thought, lets take a peek and see what this gown looks like. I was impressed to say the least. This is the Serenity Gown in Cream from a shop called Seldom Blue, one I had never heard of. I loved that there were three options for the top of the dress, a silky strapless, a lace strap, or a modesty lace jacket option (all show below). The skirt is in two parts, with a lovely sheer chiffon layer over top of the base that moves so nicely and is a lovely full ballgown shape. I also love the Ivory colour of the gown, very pretty, not flashy or over the top, really just a lovely neutral shade. I decided to blog it then and there, and set off to the shop to see how much this item might cost me had I bought it. I was shocked to see that it is a Limited Time Freebie at Seldom Blue, and normally would cost a very reasonable $475LaLas.

To me it had a lovely Classy Retro feel, so I paired it with a sweet pair of gloves from bossa nova, this amazing Juliana hair from ETD, and a pair of simple Vanilla Helia Pumps from =DeLa*=. I was glad to have another reason to wear this lovely pair of Kailena Earrings and Necklace from Muse, sold separately, I think Muse has really set the bar for fine fashionable jewelry in-world. I am also wearing one of my new favorite skins, a review copy from biancaF., and Love Lashes from Detour. I decided to give some lovely eyes from BBBM a try, and love this pair of Watery Eyes in Mud Shades, this one is called Splatter.

I have no idea how long this amazing free gown will be available at Seldom Blue, but I urge you to rush in and grab one, and then check out the rest of the goodies that IndigoBlue Dagostino has to offer!







Shopping Information:
Eyes – BBBM – Big Booty Big Money, Watery Eyes, Mud (Splatter)
Hair – ETD, Juliana (Blonde)
Lashes – [Detour], Love Lashes
Skin – bianca F., *bf* Ivoryfata-base [Review Copy]
Gown – Seldom Blue, Serenity Gown (Cream) [Review Copy]
Necklace – Muse, Kailena Earrings (Ivory/Fern)
Necklace – Muse, Kailena Necklace (Ivory/Fern)
Shoes – =DeLa*=, Helia Pumps (Vanilla)
Gloves – bossa nova, From Norma Dress (Moss)[Availability May Vary]
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire

Old Hollywood Glamour

I have waited to wear this fabulous slinky Vintage Inspired gown forever, and decided it's time had come. I wanted a Vintage look, something 'Old Hollywood', something Screen Siren, something a bit 'Femme Fatale'. This looks is all that and so much more. The gown, by "Sideshow Vintage' is a delicious Burnt Fuchsia/Rust colour and simply sizzles. Paired with the perfect Retro Coif, this one from "Hose Queen", Hair Combs included. A Shoulder Broach with a name like 'Chatelaine' from "MUSE" is the perfect accessory, as is the bit of kitsch provided by the cigarette holder. Old Hollywood, over-the-top, what Second Life Fashion dreams are made of.



Shoes – Maitreya, Slinky Stilettos (Black)
Hair – Hose Queen, Glamour (Black, With Dual Combs)
Eyes – Decollage, Hazel Eyes
Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Club 13)
Skin – MM Skins, Pale Skin Gloss (Old Hollywood)
Dress – Sideshow Vintage, Betty Noir (Copper)
Cigarette Holder – Gwyneth Llewely
Necklace – MUSE, Chatelaine Shoulder Broach & Chain (Silver)
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire