The Roaring 20s - Vain Inc. Magazine Issue 20

This month, Vain Inc. took a trip through time, and I did my best to bring the fashion of the 1920s alive. Fabulous dresses from ~Ivalde~, Cartunno Couture, Greenwood Designs, Adam N Eve, Rebel Hope Designs, & Simone. Hats, wigs, and shoes to suit the style of the era.



Check out the full Issue HERE.











Click the images to see larger versions with credits on my Flickr Stream.

Hazy Shade Of Winter

On cold winter days, I love to layer up and head out of doors before I get cabin fever. While I was winterizing the Retrology SIM, this was the outfit I threw together, starting with this adorable and cozy short parka from **DP yumyum**. Called simply the Hood Jacket, I choose this amazing Gray version because it was such a soft and warm looking option. The soft fluffy marabou trim on the hood and edge is really luxurious and photographs beautifully, something that can be difficult with transparent textures. I didn't realize till just this moment that my arms is through the jacket in the first pose, but I have been under the weather, so I have an excuse for such a bonehead mistake. Speaking of bone, the amazing horn/bone closures on the jacket are so well done and textured. There is so much detail here, and none of it superfluous or wasted. I needed a simple layer under the jacket, so I wore one of my own Key Hole Thermal tops from Hang The DJ!. Yes I made it, and I love it, and I usually don't blog my own stuff, but I have had a heck of a time finding basic thermals that come with a tucked options instead of jacket only, and I make all my stuff on all layers, so it worked here. Still on my shopping diet, I went with what I had. Dark Rinse Jeans from Tres Blah! literally sit at the top of my jeans folder which is sorted alphabetically, so they get worn a lot, but since they are such a brilliant hand-painted jean, I am happy to know what I can grab up fast.



I added in some very simply accessories in this look, starting with a basic pair of must-have Stud Earrings from Sian Birke Jewelry. It may seem like a no-brainer, but I have been looking for basic studs for almost 18 months, and this pair is completely scripted to change gem and metal colours, which makes them indispensable. Wearing my engagement ring from (Caroline's), one of my favorite things, just makes me feel warm inside. The Tote bag was a great find at [Sweetest Good-bye*], I love basic casual bags with little kitsch details, and this was an inexpensive and really workable piece. Last but certainly not least, these awesome Heather Boots in Black from ETD Shoes. You have to grab up at least one pair before Elika's sale ends towards the end of the month, they were just $30Lalas, and they come in a short and longer boot option. The just look so soft and cozy, and work perfectly here.



Speaking of favorites, probably my favorite short style in all of the two years I have been in-world is the ..Marlys.. Slim Pixie wig, here in the Licorice colour. It just really love how the angle of my jaw are complimented by the lines of the cut, the small tufts of hair tousled and plucky. Skin is from Celestial Studios Charmed Line, with eyes from Freak Fantasia and lashes by [Detour]. Not a high-fashion look by any means, rather a "My" fashion look that makes me feel a little warmer when the world gets cold.

Shopping Details:
Jacket - **DP**, Hood Jacket (Gray)
Thermal - Hang The DJ!, Key Hole Thermal (Back in Black)
Jeans - Tres Blah, Dark Rinse Jeans
Boots - ETD Shoes, Heather Boots (Black)
Bag - [SG*], Totebag
Earrings - Sian Birke Jewelry, Stud Earrings
Ring - Caroline's Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair - ..Marlys.., Slim Pixie Hair (Licorice)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Red-Dusk)
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes

Nightmares & Ghost Stories

Last night at PIN UPS we had a "Nightmare Night" event with DJ Azu, a spooky and silly Halloween Pajama Party. I knew exactly what I wanted to wear when I saw this adorable Fantasy Football costume from (TCKLZ), a collaborative effort including the talented folks behind TorridWear, Kari, and Celestial Studios. I knew the Pumpkin set was the one I wanted, even thought it is somewhat limited to Halloween wear with it's Trick or Treat logo. What makes it a great buy is all the parts that are included, sneakers, legwarmers, and even a pumpkin football. The socks are really cute, and sexy, and this is precisely the kind of shirt I love to wear to bed. I picked up the perfect Halloween slippers on Xstreet SL (formerly SLX) with these sweet Scripted Black Cat Slippers from PediPetz. They are scripted to blink, among other things, and are sweet and creepy at the same time. Simple bedtime friendly accessories are my Caroline's Gimcrack engagement ring and my favorite locket from Karsten Rutledge, a gift from Draco when we first started dating over twenty months ago.



My girl Marly sent me this hair this week, her latest release from ..Marlys.., and I am always happy to see her wigs. The Tre Salon Blonde style, in my favorite Whipped Cream shade is a sweet tight curlers wig, very kitsch, and the curlers are colour scripted to change to a dozen great shades. I find curler hair in-world to be hysterical, maybe it's just me. I anxiously await "Bed Head" and "Hat Head" hair style, or even one with a brush hanging from the side that got caught in the tangles, so if anyone wants to run with those ideas, go for it! Skin is a dramatic Supernova from Canimal's Essence Line, just the trick for a Halloween party. My favorite Hazel Eyes from Miriel and Love Lashes from [Detour] complete the essentials. Sweet and Spooky dreams everyone, Happy Halloween!

Shopping Details:
Pajama Dress, Socks - (TCKLZ), Fantasy Football (Pumpkin)
Slippers - PediPetz Slippers, Scripted Black Cat Slippers (R. Eye) [Xstreet SL]
Necklace - Karsten Rutledge, Silver Heart Locket
Ring - (Caroline's), Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair - ..Marlys.., Tre Salon Blonde (Whipped Cream)[Review Copy]
Skin - Canimal, Essence (Grace)... of Supernova
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Hazel Eyes

Green & White Socialite

Colour Events at PIN UPS give me the opportunity to dive into my inventory and search by colour, something I only do on these occasions. I am always surprised to find things that I had long forgotten, or new items I have yet to wear. On Tuesday night, DJ Azu gave us a great party, and the theme was "The White Party". I hit search and came up with this amazing new Dita Knit Blouse sweater from *PERSONA*, a copy sent to me by the amazing Myllie Writer. This is a great item, the sculpted cowl (for lack of a better word) is really well placed, and really works well when dancing or moving. The texturing on the sweater is also nicely done, and is particularly evident on this White version, though it comes in about 10 gorgeous colour options, the perfect sweater to wear as the cool fall weather descends on us. I also rediscovered these great Trouble Jeans in White, a great pair of Pants from (Pixeldolls), the texturing in grey is very similar to the sweater, and so they work well with it. I am not certain these are still available as they are from old stock that was largely discontinued, but (Pixeldolls) is an amazing shop, and if you are not a member of the Subscribe-O-Matic group, I urge you to join, the free gifts tumble in faster then I can wear them.



I also hit on these sexy Stiletto Moody Foxy Slingback in Litchi White, that Stiletto sent to me for a Vain Inc. Magazine shoot several months back. What I think is so great about these shoes is the use of gold and silver accents, which make them very wearable no matter what your accessory preferences. I pulled on a great belt to add a little interest, this Gold Chain Belt with Fur from *UnTone* actually came with black fur accents, but in an attempt to make the gold colour less vibrant, I accidentally tinted the whole belt white instead of just certain parts, so now it is white. Yes, I am a hopeless klutz on a good day, and have only recently mastered basic modify by selecting individual parts skills. On my last trip to Caroline's Jewelry, I picked up this great Dai Suki Earrings and Ring set in Gold. I love the idea of linked hearts, they are really sweet with out being too kitschy, they have a nice classic feel to them and Caroline Apollo always prices her items well within reach. I always like to pull in at least one key accent colour with a monochromatic look, and choose this *Muism* Crocodile Skin Bag. How could I resist my favorite colour after all.



Marleen Vaughan of ..Marlys.. actually leaked this amazing new wig to me before the Hair Fair, and I kept it under wraps until it's official release. We stood on the hills of Floyd and thought up crazy names for her new wigs, but I think that this Miss Oats, Klonopin Socialite is one of the best. The hair is a big fabulous wig on it's own, the amazing sculpted fedora included, and it is touch scripted so that you can tint the hat to any of dozens of amazing colours, I choose the green to match my handbag of course. Another fabulous skin from Celestial Studios, which are classics to me, this is the Blue Evening make-up from the Charmed Line. Love Lashes from [Detour] and Glassy Mustard Green Eyes are from Freak Fantasia cap off the essentials. So this is a monochrome look with a little twist, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that from the back, it had me thinking of that very memorable backwards suit Celine Dion wore to the Oscars one year. Her music, by the way, is banned at PIN UPS, just one of the perks of being the boss.

Shopping Details:
Sweater - *PERSONA*, Dita Knit Blouse (White) [Review Copy]
Pants – (Pixeldolls) Trouble: Jeans, White Pants [? Discontinued]
Shoes – Stiletto Moody, Foxy Slingback (Litchi White) [Review Copy]
Purse – Muism, Crocodile_Skin (Green, Hand)
Belt - *UnTone*, Gold Chain Belt with FUR (Hand Tinted)
Earrings, Ring – (Caroline’s) Dai Suki Earrings & Ring in Gold
Hair/Hat - ..Marlys.., Miss Oats, Klonopin Socialite (Whipped Cream) [Gift]
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Blue – Evening)
Lashes – [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes – Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

Forever in Blue Jeans

For all the fancy dresses and costumes I wear in-world, some of my favorite looks are all casual, and usually involve a great pair of jeans. This was particularly evident when Anessa and I hit the M*A*ii*K*I* opening, she was ogling all the fancy new duds (which are great), but I was drawn towards the ::DUTCH TOUCH:: Jeans in the back. The ::DUTCH TOUCH:: Low Waist Light Jeans are classics, really nice with optional prim calf parts, and jeans on the undies and pant layers. I also nabbed this Silky White Shirt while I was there, just the sort of classic white shirt that I wanted to have in my wardrobe.

I pulled in some great accessories from [Armidi Gisaci], including the great Healing Giraffe Bangles in Brown, and the casual Porta Corsico Bag in Gold and Grey colours. The shoes are also from [Armidi Gisaci], the fabulous Dhali Bow Platforms are must haves and the colour selection is really fantastic. This great casual necklace has a bohemian flare, another great piece from -EARTHTONES-, I love the new wooden accented pieces especially. They have a very Beach feel. I also put on some great dangle earrings from *Untone*, these Dragon Earrings come in 2 version with your purchase, this is the lower prim version. Dangles always look great with a short style.



This is pretty much my new favorite hairstyle, I keep returning to it again and again, the ..Marlys.. Slim Pixie is just the perfect Pixie Shag Cut, and comes in a dozen great shades. Very Sexy. I was trying out a new skin from bianca F., the bluebloom make-up is still to grow on me, and probably would have worked better had I remembered to wear lashes. Eyes are the fabulous [Detour] Delta Eyes in Hazel.

Shopping Information:
Shirt - ::DUTCH TOUCH::, Silky Shirt (White)
Jeans - ::DUTCH TOUCH::, Jeans Low Waist Light
Shoes – [Armidi Gisaci], Dhali Bow Platforms [Bole]
Bag – [Armidi Gisaci], Porta Corsico Bag (Gold & Grey)
Necklace - -EARTHTONES-, Heartwood Necklace (Gold)
Bangle – [Armidi Gisaci], Healing Giraffe Bangle (Brown)
Earrings – *Untone*, Earring (Dragon, Low Prim)
Hair - ..Marlys.., Slim Pixie Hair (Licorice)
Skin – bianca F., fata2-ivory-blubloom
Eyes – [Detour], Delta Eyes (Hazel)

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

Pixel Perfect Pixie

When I do my rounds on Retrology, as I do almost every week, I am always looking out for something NEW and fabulous on the Retro Scene, and I always stop into "Marlys" to see what's new. How I missed this one, I am not sure... but the minute I spotted "Marlys" fabulous 'Slim Pixie' I was ecstatic! I love short styles, and have been looking for a Twiggy Perfect Pixie Cut, but had yet to find one that looked right. There is no doubt for me that this wig by "Marlys" is by far the best pixie style cut I have seen in SL. It frames the face beautifully, and really complimented the angles of my face. I would wear it every day if I could, no word of a lie, and if I could get away with it in RL, I would take a snap of this to my Hairdresser in a second.

Yay for exposed necks, and yay for these fabulous chandelier earrings from "{JUNK}", could you die! They are over 130 prims per earring, and definitely not something you wear to a fashion show or full and laggy sim... but WOW! There are just amazing works of art, and paired with the Pixie cut, they are brilliant. I wanted to go with a more retro make-up here, and nothing is more retro then Blue Shadow, this skin from "Celestial Studios" Charmed Line makes blue shadow positively modern and fresh, and I love the way the upper lid liner extends past the lash line, very sexy. With a Pixie Cut, there is always the risk of looking boyish, but some fabulous feminine Lashes from "Celestial Studios" make a very feminine silouette here.

With these statement earring, I opted to not wear a necklace, and went for a plunging neckline with this fabulous dress from "*FUSE", called the 'Waldorf'. It is lovely, and I love the petal like hemline on the skirt. It also comes with Jacket/Shirts options, so you can easily work to top into another outfit. Some sleek boots from "Maitreya" in this Suede work well with a softer black, and really, this makes three pairs of 'Dune' boots for me... but who is counting (/me puts fingers in ears and hums).

Another bag I love to wear, this sweet "Deux Filles" purse with it's fabulous transparent bag, filled with all the things a good Fashionista should have, Sunglasses, Chanel No. 5, Compact, Lipstick, and CASH. As you all know by now, I am all over anything with kitschy details, and this purse is just adorable. Simple thin Multi-hued Metallic Bangles from "OPIUM Everyday" finish off my look.





Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Blue - Sea)
Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Club 13)
Eyes – PE – Philotic Energy, Hazel Eyes
Hair – Marlys, Slim Pixie (Silver)
Earrings – {JUNK}, Bohemian Chandelier Earrings
Dress - *FUSE, The Waldorf (Midnight)
Purse – Deux Filles, See Through Transparent Bag
Bracelets – OPIUM Everyday, Layered Bangles
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Boots – Maitreya, Dune Boots (Black)

Delightful Charisma

At a recent "Shagadelic 60s" Event at PIN UPS, I decided to re-visit one of my favorite looks from "Marlys", the 'Delightful Rubina' Retro Hair and Outfit. Sold separately, they are just so fun, and the fabulous Fro with the Headscarf is so easy to wear! The Top is sweet with an asymmetric collar and hem, and a really great Funky retro pattern. The Skirt is a really sexy number, with sheer lace that leaves little to the imagination, but also made me feel covered enough to get away with it.

At the event, I wore one of my regular "Celestial Studios" skins, but when I went to photograph this look, I decided to try on one of the skins sent to me in a Review Package from Canimal Zephyr. The first one I tried on was this lovely dark 'Charisma' skin from Canimal's new 'Essence' Line. The skins are lovely on the whole, very nicely blended make-ups and I love that Canimal also went to the trouble of developing different brows to work with her skins, a really nice touch. Although it may not be a skin I would wear on a daily basis, let's face it... I am stuck on my Celestials, it is really lovely, and I didn't have to do any shape mods to make it work on my face. I felt like a delightful Ebony Goddess in this skin. I finally got some use out of these "bianca F." lashes, which I have been trying to fiddle with to get to fit forever, they look much more natural with a darker skin, and the gaps between prim lash and eye are not so obvious here.

For shoes, I really didn't know what direction I wanted to go, but then remembered on of my very first purchases from "Stiletto Moody", before her store had officially opened was this adorable Pucci print inspired bootie. I had never worn them, but they fit in perfectly with this look. I kept Jewelry Simple, with a smart bangle from "Shiny Things" and this adorable 'Knit Bead' necklace from "Swallowtail". I think the necklace has a really nice almost Macrame feel to it, very 60s' and very versatile. Now all I need to do is get in line at 'Studio 54' and hope I look hot enough to make it in the door!





Skin – Canimal, Essence… of Simplicity (Charisma), worn with Canimal Med. Sharp Arch Brows [Review Copy] (Note: Some Lipgloss/Colour Mods.)
Eyes – Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green
Lashes – bianca F., Eyelashes (Nere Base)
Hair – Marlys, Delightful Rubina Retro Hair
Skirt/Top Set – Marlys, Delightful Rubina Retro Outfit
Bracelet – Shiny Things, Cleo Bracelet (Silver & Pink)
Necklace – Swallowtail, Knit Necklace (White)
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Shoes – Stiletto Moody Shoes, Bitch Bootie (PucciPace, Heel)

Week 8: Flickr SL - Look Of The Day Winner!

This weeks Second Life - Look Of The Day winner made a 'Splash' in a big way! The minute I saw that Chalice Carling listed the Perfume her Avatar was wearing in the shoot... I nearly pissed myself! I have a soft spot for anything retro, and Chalice put together a look worthy of an Esther Williams Ziegfeld Follies Number! I was transported to Sunday mornings with my grandmother, watching lavish musical numbers where showgirls did synchronized swimming, filmed from above... WOW... I wish there was more of that in SL!

Chalice has pulled together an adorable look, from the tip of her Pink "Swim Cap" to the adorable bow around her waist. It is a really great shot, and the photoshopped in background makes it so special. Chalice has pulled together pieces from a lot of great content creators, and include a whole lot of Kitsch too, like the blingy 'Chanel' necklace, which makes me giggle! All the details for her look are included, which is the only "Rule" for submissions to the Flickr pool if they are to be considered for the weekly contest. I love that even the shoes she wore (not shown) are credited, so you can imagine what she would have put together completely. Chalice wins the weekly $500L prize from yours truly, and a hearty round of 'canned crowd applause' from a 50s' Era Movie Musical. Keep those Entries coming, you can submit one look every day to Second Life - Look Of The Day, and I will be picking another winner next week! Remember, the more details you include, the better... give credit where credit is due! Now get snapping!

Chalice - Glamour Puss
by Chalice Carling



Skin: Cake (FNKY! & Cake), Jessica Skin (Smoky Violet, BM)
Shape: V3 Alady Package Nadia.
Eyes: MesmerEYEzed - Bright Blue.[No SLURL Found]
Lashes: Cake (FNKY! & Cake), Wing Lashes.
Dress: Marlys, Midsummer (Petal Pink)
Shoes: Maitreya, ChiChi Black Pumps.
Hat: Marlys, Midsummer (Petal Pink Swimming Cap with Blonde Hair)
Bracelet: Ronja’s FashionWorld, Oriental Black Bracelet (L&R)
Watch: DeVille, Ladies Silver Watch [No SLURL Found]
Necklace: Coco Beach West, Diamond Chanel Necklace
Belt: Love, Love, Love, Anya Ribbon Belt (Smoke)
Facelight: RaC
Bodylight: Bodylight V4.0 purchased at Jacqueline's Romantic Club and Mall, Goondi.
Perfume: Opium by Yves Saint Laurent. [No SLURL, But Damn Funny!]