Punk Rock Prom Queen

[Full Credits Follow This Post]

Sometimes, I just wanna be a Rockstar, or at least dress like one. Who else could get away with a look like this? The minute I spied this set of separates from Emery at the latest FaMESHed  Event, I was all over it. This is so up my alley, it shot the bowling pins into orbit. Bright colours, casual yet cool, and definitely with a playful punky edge to it. It was hard to select just one set, the options on this fringed top and skirt look are all amazing.

Playing with more hair from CaTwA, this amazing Ruby V2 style requires a tattoo hair base of your choosing, so I did a little market-placing and discovered my favorite tattoo go-to styler Leti Hax of Letis Tattoo makes several awesome shaved head tat bases, this one with a lovely Etched Flower design made the look perfection for me.

I suppose the best thing about this look is how powerful it makes me feel, it is a bit sexy, a bit raw, a lot counter-culture, and very in your face. So much of my face is showing that I feel lighter and more free to be myself. I have to say that I am in love with the way my *League* skins give my avatar such a unique look on my shape, it's the best thing about them. Even others wearing the same skin will look different. I stand out in a crowd, it takes guts to wear something like this, and it is not an obvious styling choice when you first see the outfit alone. 

My sock addiction continues to be well fed with these fabulous WWI Boyfriend Socks, only available in the marketplace. I also got maximum bang for my boot bucks with this simply rocking pair of Fusion Biker Boots, available in a 5 version fatpack for an unheard of price at The Dressing Room. Run, do not walk, and get your own look on. I feel like an honest to g-d Punk Rock Prom Queen.

Credits:
Hair: ^;^CaTwA^;^,  - Mesh Stella V2 Color Pack 1, OMBRE HUD

Skin: *League*, Jen Pale Feline (Cleavage D) 

Eyes: IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Lashes: MMS -Thora Lashes by Minnu Palen (No Longer Available)
Shaved Head Tattoo: Letis Tattoo, Etched Hair Base :: Flowering :: A
Hands: Slink, Mesh Rigged Hands *Avatar Enhancement* - Elegant1 R, Flat L Versions
Note: The above is textured with skin appliers available from *League*.
Nail Art: //elephante// poses, Sparkle Yellow Fingernails (GACHA)
Tattoos: Letis Tattoo: Rigel Combination Full 75% & Slink HUD SKULL for Rigel
Note: The above is textured with skin appliers available from Letis Tattoo.
Shoes: TDR, Fusion Biker Boots Nero (@The Dressing Room)

Top: Emery, Fringed Top 55 Lime (NEW @FaMESHed)

Skirt: Emery, Skirt Lola Blue (NEW @FaMESHed)
Socks: WWI, Boyfriend Socks v2 Gray Stripes (Marketplace Store)

Cuffs: (epoque), Menotte Deuxieme - Cool Set (Marketplace Store)

Necklace: PILOT, Galactic Necklace [Silver/Blue]
Earring: POMPOSITY, Cuff Me Handcuff Earrings - Left

Nose Stud: Tickled Pink*, Uma nose stud (No Longer Available)
Earrings: Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set (No Longer Available)
Lip Ring: *Red Ruin* (No Longer Available)

Listening To: Josie And The Pussycats - 3 Small Words

Just A Cosmic Girl

[Full Credits At End Of Post]

I've been dying to find a way to wear this awesome Metallic Crop Top from (fd) since I picked it up at my very first COLLABOR88 event this past month, it is utterly awesome, and I snagged it in this shimmery blue gray as well as the silver version. Look at that back cut out, sexy as all get-out. Discovering new events has been brilliant for introducing me to new designers and reminding me of all my old and still active favorites too.

Speaking of events, this adorable new Portolla Chair from The Loft, a long time favorite, was another event find at the just opened  FaMESHed  event. Another great place to find fabulous original content. This chair has some lovely animations in it, and lots of body options based on the sitter, which is a fabulous new to me feature.  It comes in almost a dozen texture options, I literally sat at the event for about 20 minutes before I settled on this Teal Print version.

I have been gobbling up the Fashion Feeds, and as a certifiable Hair Ho, I just had to have this Ruby wig from ^;^CaTwA^;^ the minute I saw it. I am suddenly addicted to bright coloured and ombre textured hair, can't get enough. This wig comes with more options than you can imagine in one color pack, with two different HUDs to choose from. 

 I couldn't resist these Legal Insanity Penny Jeans, with one leg done in a zebra print, so original and an amazing mesh fit for me.  They paired perfectly with my first big ticket purchase since my return, these breathtaking Maitreya Gold Sauve platforms. I piled on the MG accessories, adore these San Remo chunky bangles. Then I went inventory diving for all my old favorite piercings, all unfortunately long gone from SL, but never forgotten. When everything comes together, it's like the planets align -- so just call me Cosmic Girl for today.

Credits:
Hair: ^;^CaTwA^;^, Mesh Ruby Hair - Color Pack 1, OMBRE HUD

Skin: *League*, Jen Pale GlamGoth (Cleavage D)  w/ Hairbase

Eyes: IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Lashes: MMS -Thora Lashes by Minnu Palen (No Longer Available)

Hands: Slink, Mesh Rigged Hands *Avatar Enhancement* - Elegant1 R, Flat L Versions
Feet: Slink, Mesh Rigged Hands *Avatar Enhancement* Mid Height Version
Note: The above is textured with skin appliers available from *League*.
Nail Art: Flair, Nail HUD Add-Ons for Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands - Set 199
Tattoos: Letis Tattoo: Rigel Combination Full 75% & Slink HUD SKULL for Rigel
Note: The above is textured with skin appliers available from Letis Tattoo.

Shoes: Maitreya Gold *, Suave Ash Green, Platform Option 4
Top: (fd), Metallic Crop Top - Blue Gray
Jeans: Legal Insanity, Penny Jeans Zebra - Blue
Bangles: MG - Bangles - San Remo - Silver L, Silver & Silver Aged R
Ring: MG - Ring - Gigi Shimmer Bow - Small - R

Nose Stud: Tickled Pink*, Uma nose stud (No Longer Available)
Earrings: Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set (No Longer Available)
Lip Ring: *Red Ruin* (No Longer Available)

Props: The Loft,  Portolla Chair Teal Print (NEW @FaMESHed)

Listening To: Jamiroquai - Cosmic Girl  

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*

I Can Sing A Rainbow...

Things you should know about my blog, I never edit my indoor or outdoor shots. I don't adjust colours, blend seams, or hide imperfections. What you see is what you get, basically. I have a pretty old graphics card, I don't see windlight features. I don't have a fancy studio, I have a three sided box with a floor that I made myself, I set it to full bright, and I edit the colour of the background to work with the clothes I am wearing. I don't play with the advanced sky menu, I just slide to the time of day lighting that looks best, and then I snap away. I basically crop, or cut out my images to slide into a three-shot collage. I take high-resolution bmp pictures, then save as high-resolution jpegs. Outdoor pictures are just cropped. The only added effect is a outline of the picture. Very basic, yet for me the best option I can think of for fast shoots. I have a Tillie's Posing Stand in my skybox that currently has 933 poses in it. I do not own a full copy of Photoshop, I use Photoshop Elements, and for me it serves it's purpose. Anyone can do what I do, it's really easy, and I think sometimes simple is best. The real trick, is putting together a great look. That can sometimes take me upwards of half an hour, embarrassing but true, and it is mainly because I am spoiled for choice since I have so much new to wear in my inventory, my shopping outpaces my ability to ever wear it all.



I love colour, and this look of the day is no exception. The reason this look, in my opinion, sidesteps the gaudy overdone colour trap, is that it is anchored with simple black accessories and a basic Classic Loose Tank from Armidi Everyday. The almost fluorescent Green Overdyed Jeans from Celestial Studios are an absolute scene stealing pair, the cuff options on all of Starley's pants are great, you can wear them the way you prefer, skinny, boot, or wide cuffed. Speaking of Celestial Studios, if you have ever wanted to pick up some great skins, this is the time. Yesterday I picked up the last 10 I was missing from my all time favorite Charmed Line skins. At just $500LaLas a pop, it was the perfect opportunity to complete my set, and this amazing Purple - Eggplant make-up is one I have been drooling over for ages. It added a great complimentary colour to the green, so I went with some Purple Alpaca Armwarmers from Argyle as well.



On to accessories, and a brilliant Casual Purse I nabbed at the ETD sale going on now. Unless I was misreading the prices, everything is one sale, and it is all priced at unbelievable low cost. I think many items, like shoes and purses, were less then $50LaLas. Get out to ETD before the sale ends, endure the lag, it is more then worth it. The great Orange Butterfly Necklace, which serves to balance out the one-sided ponytail, is from *i-Candy*. I love the triple strand, and the ties in the back, really great detail there. The Triple Hoop Blet! (not a misspelling) is from ~First Flower~, the shine worked well with the -Tesla- 'Diva' Heels in Black, and it is a great added element at the waist. Spike Bands from WRONG give the look a little edge, along with some great Oldskool tattoos from TRUTH. A Nose Stud from Tickled Pink, and great Tunnel Multi Set Earrings from Drifting Sands finish off my fancy pants accents.

So getting back to my point about not editing my shots. This amazing hair from :bijou:, called Rene, was one I picked up at the preview of the new bijouholic SIM. It officially opens on November 11th, but I was lucky to be added to the access list for the brief preview window. I really love this style, the side ponytail, and the twisted ropes of hair across the back pf the wig, the swept bangs are nice too. The texture and shine is really well done. You will see some grey streaks across my face and to the side of the ponytail, those are the ends of the prims, and they are less visible on the lighter colours and in general, when I don't have my full facelight on. I could likely go in and try to edit them to make them transparent, but they really didn't bother me enough to not say how great this one style is and show it to you. I think it is pretty great, and so are the new releases in-store. I picked up a pile of amazing while there, I hope to share some of it soon. Eyes are from Karamia, and lashes are from [Detour].

Shopping Details:
Top - Armidi Limited, Classic Loose Tank (White)
Pants - (CS), Overdyed Jeans (Green, Bootcut Legs)
Armwarmers - Argyle, Alpaca Knit Armwarmers (Cool Pack, Purple)
Belt - ~First Flower~, Triple Hoop Blet!(Belt) Black Pelvis
Shoes - -Tesla-, Diva Heels (Black)
Purse - ETD Accessories, Casual Purse (Black & White)
Arm Bands - WRONG, Spike Band (Black)
Necklace - *i-Candy*, Butterfly Nicklace (Orange)
Earrings - Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set Ear Piercing
Nose Stud - Tickled Pink, *Uma Nose Stud
Tattoos - TRUTH, OLDSKOOL TATTOO (BACK & FRONT)
Hair - :bijou: Hair, [Rene]/Monotone01
Skin - Celestial Studio, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Purple-Eggplant)
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes - -KM-, Hazel Eyes

The Party Girl

Putting an outfit together is usually something that takes me quite a bit of time. Choosing the right shoes, accessories, hair, skin, lashes, it is an obsession, and takes the better part of half an hour when I can spare the time. But on the night of my shared Birthday Party with my sister Anessa, I literally went from a Pajama Party Event that ended at 9PM SLT, to the Birthday Bash Anessa had organized for 9PM SLT within 10 minutes. How does one go from a pair of PJs and Slippers to party ready in a flash? It's a little thing I like to call the party dress, and when I was looking for something with WOW factor and little effort, I dove into my inventory and found this amazing Auto De Fe Black Dress from Big Booty Big Money.



I had wanted it for ages, and when Evelyn Edelman of BBBM was closing her shop on [ENVY], she had a huge sale and I finally snagged it. I really love the bow details on the hem, they look like a cross between butterflied and small knotted ribbons, they are really spectacular. The bodice of the dress is one of the most daring plunge v-necks I have ever worn, and frankly, there is no way I could wear something like this in RL, but it is really a creative masterpiece, the greys and blacks accented with a soft lilac shade. It pretty much screams "Party Dress".



Next, think shoes, what one pair of shoes goes with almost everything? Well the Maitreya ChiChi Pump of course! When Onyx LeShelle released them, I could only afford two pair, so I opted for the white and the black versions. I wear them both, very often, and the scripted colour change rims make them customizable to match your look best. When Caroline Apollo debuted her recent releases, I headed out to Caroline's Jewelry to get a pile of new baubles for myself, courtesy of my man Draco's gift of shopping LaLas. I had purchased this great Broken Long Strand Black Pearls necklace in the shop, before wandering outside to take a look around and discovering that the Lucky Chair had a scripted version that you or anyone else can break apart with a click on the lower part of the long loop. Draco stood by as I waited for over an hour to see my letter come up, worth every second, as I adore scripted jewelry. Speaking of scripted, this set of ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~ Gem Jelly Donut Bangles are the perfect accessory when time is short, with one click you can make them match anything by setting the gem and bangle colours. I pulled on a great Princess Ring from Paper Couture when I got back to my studio to take these shots, also adding this cute Nerdy Birdy bag.



I wore a different hair style to the party, for a more "me" look, but later put on this great Teagan style from ~Tickled Pink~, another Hair Fair find. I love a cute up-do, and this one is really sweet, I especially like the texturing on it, the transition from a darker black to a more smokey black colour on the tips. Parties call for party pretty make-up, so I went with this glittery eyed Silver 2 make-up from Celestial Studios Charmed Line. Also wearing Delta Eyes in Hazel from [Detour], and Bedroom Lashes from Cake. So I went from pajamas to party ready in about 10 minutes, a record time for me. It should be an Olympic Sport!

Shopping Details:
Dress – Big Booty Big Money, Auto De Fe Black Dress
Shoes – Maitreya, Chi Chi Pumps (Black)
Bag – Nerdy Birdy, Mechanics Badge Purse “Bunny” (Lavender)[No Current Location]
Necklace – Caroline’s Jewelry, Broken Long Strand Black Pearls (Scripted) [Lucky Chair]
Bangles - ~*Fresh Baked Goods*~, Gem Jelly Donut Bangle Set (Silver)
Ring – Paper Couture, P.C., Princess Ring
Hair - ~Tickled Pink~, Teagan – Tickled Jet Black
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Glitter – Silver 2)
Lashes – Cake, Bedroom Lashes
Eyes - [Detour], Delta Eyes

Layering Up For The Fall

It is getting cooler, the weather in Toronto is starting to turn to fall, and the days are getting shorter. This past week, Draco was out of town and without access to Internet or Phone for most of it, and I was feeling the upcoming fall season a little early, it's funny how the absence of a loved one can make you feel cold. I decided it was time to start layering up, I prefer cold weather looks and layers, I think it is the combination of system elements that can make a really individual look. I started this one off with a great new pair of jeans from Liberte, these Blue Fashion Jeans are a nice dark colour, a nice basic pair. I adore my t-shirts from Pushbutton Industries, particularly because they come with all possible layer options, tucked and un-tucked. This one, from a set called Old Fruit Tees, actually comes with several shirt designs in one pack, this one is called Fifi. I loved the green set, but there are several colour sets available. I covered up with this great Knit Bomber Jacket from *Winter Moon*, a really great piece, and it comes with a zipped or un-zipped version, so you can show more or less of what is beneath it. On the week-end, my sister Anessa teleported me in to a Fashion Show she was participating in, and one of the designers showcased was Sweetest Good-bye. Previously unknown to me, I stopped to look at some of the vendors set up at the show, and immediately grabbed this amazing scarf, simply named Candy in Ivory, it came with two versions, and is scripted to texture change with a click. A really cool accessory to have, versatility and scripting make it even more fabulous. I also nabbed this great Tote Bag while at the fashion show, a freebie, but I am not sure if it available as such in store or not, definitely worth a look, the clothes from Sweetest Good-bye are right up my alley style wise. Comfortable, cool, a bit street, and lots of fun.



I love kitsch and cute little accent accessories, and had my eye on this adorable Oggie Doll from Chicanery for a long time. During the CSR event, as I was making my rounds, I finally made him mine. It made me feel better to cuddle this well-loved looking fellow while missing my man. The boots are a great pair of Buckle Boots from ETD Shoes, I chose the Moss colour naturally, I simply cannot resist green, but what makes them really special to me is the fact that some of the first prim boots I owned were this same Buckle Boot. The difference now is that Elika has created a sculpted version, and the colour selection is fantastic. The earrings are a no-brainer for me, my standby favorites from Drifting Sands, the Tunnel Multi Set Ear Piercings are a great mixed set of piercings. Also wearing my Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring from Caroline's Jewelry.



Another great Hair Fair find is this fabulous Katie style from ~Tickled Pink~. Surfing the lag with my friend Trixi, we both fell in love with it, she picked up the pink version, naturally, and it really looks great on everyone I have seen it on. Skin is another from the Canimal Essence Line, this make-up is the great smokey-eyed Roses make-up. I think what I like best about these skins is that I have not found anything even remotely similar looking in my travels, they have a really unique look, as do most of the offering from Canimal, they really side-step the photoreal model skin look, which doesn't suit my face as well for some reason. Love Lashes from [Detour], and Hazel Eyes from Celestial Studios Natural Series complete the Essentials. I am ready to embrace the colder weather, ready to get back to layering up.

Shopping Details:
Jacket - *WM*, Winter Moon, Knit Bomber Jacket (Open)
T-Shirt - *PBI*, Old Fruit Tees, Morning (The Fifi, Tucked)
Jeans – Liberte, Fashion Jeans (Blue)
Scarf - Sweetest Good-bye, Candy – Ivory (Mixed)
Boots – ETD Shoes, Buckle Boots (Moss)
Bag - Sweetest Good-bye, Tote Bag [Fashion Show Gift]
Doll – Chicanery, Oggie Doll
Earrings – Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set Ear Piercing
Ring – Caroline’s, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring
Hair - ~Tickled Pink~, Katie, Spectral Collection (Tickled Moonbeam)
Skin – Canimal, Essence (Grace)… of Roses
Lashes – [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes – Celestial Studios, (CS) Optics, Natural Series (Hazel)

Sundays And Tea Parties

I have a weakness for lovely crisp looking party dresses. Not gowns, not funky club wear, but the sort of gowns that look clean and starched and belong to lovely summer days and bridal showers, and teas and such. The moment I spotted this darling dress at Frozen Turquoise Valentine is was smitten. The ribbon cut edged bodice and hem are so lovely, it almost appears as if a pair of giant pinking shears has clipped out the pretty zig zag designs. But the very most delightful part of this Country Club Sunday dress is the amazing satin sash. It comes with both Red and Blue versions of the sash, so you can go with either one, or go without the sash entirely. I just adore the off center knotted bow, it look like something a bridesmaid might wear to a casual summer wedding if not for the pure white of the dress. I was concerned that with my larger bust size I might look silly with such a large detail, but it worked well with my figure, so I imagine it likely works well for most shapes. I am continually impressed watching fashion houses like Frozen Turquoise Valentine develop such fresh, new polished looks.

Accessorizing with red is always a tricky thing. There are so many shades of red, with blue based and orange based reds, it can be difficult to find perfect matches. This pair of [Armidi Gisaci] Barcelona Slingbacks in Falu have always served me well, I love the shape of them, and the colour is such a perfect match here. I also pulled in a little more red with this *Muism* Red Clutch, I love the Wrist Chain Detail, and I have used it quite a bit lately. I went with a simple Ribbon Me Pretty Necklace, a strand of white beads affixed to a ribbon from Tickled Pink. Necklaces on ribbons are flooding the pages of the top RL Fashion Magazines, so I eagerly anticipate seeing more in-world soon. To carry on with my Tea Party look, I brought in a little kitsch with this sweet Tea Party Charm Bracelet from Photon Pink. The simple Princess Ring is a lovely piece from Paper Couture.



This hair is a long time favorite from -=H2L=-, the Kaori style is big and soft, it is romantic and lovely, and not at all stuffy, precisely the look I was going for here. The skin is the lovely Canimal Essence Skin in the Pinup make-up, I just adore the shading on the cheeks. Separated Lashes are from Cake, and Glassy Mustard Green Eyes are from Freak Fantasia. An altogether delightful look for those Sunday Tea Parties.

Shopping Details:
Dress – FTV, Country Club Sunday
Shoes – [Armidi Gisaci], Barcelona Slingbacks (Falu)
Bag - *Muism*, Clutch (Wrist Chaine) Red
Necklace – Tickled Pink, Ribbon Me Pretty Necklace (White)
Bracelet – Photon Pink, Tea Party Charm Bracelet
Ring – Paper Couture, P.C., Princes Ring
Hair - -=H2L=-, Kaori Silver
Skin – Canimal, Essence (Grace)… of Pinup
Lashes – Cake, Separated Lashes
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes

Constructing A Look

Well, spring has sprung on Retrology, and it was time for some spring cleaning and a bit of a Re-Vamp. The owners of the SIM decided to change the center parcel where PIN UPS Night Club sat, and thought a re-build might be a nice change to better suit the needs of the patrons of the SIM. Change can really energize things, and although we are not changing the main shopping areas of the SIM (Which feature the fantastic works of /artilleri/, Ivalde, PIN UP DOLLS Boutique, Ingenue, Thimbles, SIN Shoes, Battered Boudoir, Jeepers Creepers, 1-800-Bettie's, Punch Drunk, Old School Shop, Total Betty, Marlys, ZHAO Shoes, Elegance Hats, Savvy?, illuminare, The Cat Eye Boutique, *ICING*, Hairapy, Skin Within, VaVaVoom, Kid Asia, Kitcsh*en*Couture, Hang The DJ!, and Many More!), we are making some amazing changes to the center parcel and adding some really interesting new elements. So here I am, in my work clothes, ready to hammer out some fabulous!

So Back to work in some great NEW hair from Aden, the Annyka, which I also snagged in black. How much do I love Aden hair? TONS! I am also rocking one of my Celestial Studios Skins, but decided to give some new eyes a try, and really love the eyes at Detour. The Delta eyes come in some great natural shades, and since it is really hard to find a Hazel eye that matches my real life tone, I am always on the lookout for more. I really should rock my Tats more often, and these Shooting Star sleeves from AITUI are some of my faves. Lashes are Cake's fabulous Bedroom Lashes. Also wearing my Uma Nose Stud from Tickled Pink and My Caroline's Jewelry Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire Ring.

I love the new jeans and cords from Celestial Studios, and these Tan Cords are just great, with all sorts of pant leg options, and I love prim pant-legs that don't go wonky when you wear shoes. Speaking of shoes, my favorite trainers come in from REDGRAVE, as well as this cool feather necklace. A set of jumbled bracelets from /Milk/ add to the casual look I am working. Perhaps my favorite new T-Shirt, this one from Heartattack & Vine that reads "You Make Me Nuts" with little squirrels on it. So Cute! The construction gear came with a costume I picked up ages ago from White Lily in the MIA SIM. Actually, my sister Anessa Stine is doing the building, and she is amazing, but I can stand around and look cute too!





Shopping Details:
Eyes – [Detour], Delta Eyes (Hazel)
Hair – Aden, Annyka (White)
Lashes – FNKY! & Cake, Cake - Bedroom Lashes
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Earth 4)
Tattoo – Aitui Tattoo, Shooting Stars (Coloured, Faded)
Bracelets - /Milk/, Bracelet Combination (Grandma)
Pants – Celestial Studios, Cords (Tan)
Top - Heartattack & Vine – H&V, You Make Me Nuts Tee
Necklace – REDGRAVE, Necklace Feather White
Construction Gear – White Lily @ ::MIA::, Construction Pretty Lime (Hammer, Hard Hat, Construction Belt)
Nose Stud – Tickled Pink, Uma Nose Stud
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Shoes – REDGRAVE, Red-Stripped, Sculptie Sneakers

Punk Chic

If you could only have one flavour of Ice Cream for the rest of your life, no matter how much you loved that flavour, after a while... it would just be the same. Think of all the other flavours you would be missing out on! If you only explore one avenue of fashion, one narrow definition of style, then you are similarly missing out. In RL, this is harder to achieve, most definitely, but in SL™, the ability to completely change your look in literally seconds, is too delicious to pass up!

I loved piecing this punk look together, it is grungy, edgy, and over the top, but too much fun! Without a doubt, the best part of this look is this fabulous hair from Digit Darkes. The NATURALe Defiance Glitter Punk hair is just so big and show-offy! Some punky make-up from Celestial Studio also makes this look work, love the pewter coloured lips.

The Sheer Top from WRONG!, complete with the Sobriety Bra underneath is a little risque for me, but looks really at home with this look. I used the sheer gloves from another Sheer Top, one from Little Rebel, and I liked the contrast of sheer layers. When going punk, the best pants I have found are from Jinx Paz, I have several pairs, and love these Anarchy Pants with the belt as part of the texture. I threw in some great stockings from Dutch Touch, and although you can only see a bit of them between pants and boots, I love socks from Dutch Touch in general.

Accessories Galore... starting with a Brow piercing, and the Uma Nose Stud from Tickled Pink. I adore these Lightening Earrings from Magika, they are really well done and very punk rock. I like to throw in a little silly in every look if I can, and this Legohead Choker from Pushbutton Industries is just so fun. I also really dig this Caution Tape Belt from The Syndicate, and I can't wait for them to re-open so I can check out the NEWS. No punk look would be complete without a great pair of Docs, and by far my favorites are from Beckenbauer Productions, they just look so close to the real thing. Now if you will pardon me, I need to go find the Sex Pistols tribute band in-world... there is one right?







Eyes – Sh*t Happens, Dark Greend
Hair – Digit Darkes, NATURALe – defiance (Glitter Punk)
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Blue - Vapor)
Earrings – Magika, Lightening Earrings
Belt – Jemca Arizona, Caution Tape Belt [by {The Syndicate}, Re-Opening Soon]
Necklace – Pushbutton Industries, PBI Legohead Choker
Brow – ITF, Brow Dual Ball [No SLurl Found]
Lip – Red Ruin, Lip Ring
Nose – Tickled Pink, Uma Nose Stud
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Pants – Jinx Paz @ Le Cimetiere, Anarchy Pants
Boots – Beckenbauer Productions, Women’s Oi! 16 Eye Docs
Top – WRONG!, Sheer Top (Colourable), with Sobriety Bra
Gloves – Little Rebel, from Sheer Top & Gloves
Stockings - DUTCH TOUCH, Soks – Fishnet Stockings (Holes & Socks Flower)

All Wrapped Up In The Rockabilly!

The minute I saw this hot little number at Little Rebel, it made my Rockabilly Kitten heart soar. It is one fierce little dress, called the Kool Kitty Panel Dress, and there is so much to love about it. I love the bow detail, the animal print panel and the black satin sides, which really add a slimming effect, but check out the sexy shine on my backside. All I can say is that my man was very happy to see me in it, and his eyes were on my tush all night.

To top off my look, I had to go with some hair from Old Gravy, because they did Rockabilly best, and I am still waiting for news on whether they will be re-opening their store anytime soon. I would find the prims on Retrology to give them a home, they were too fabulous to be forgotten. I thought I had pretty much every make-up in the Charmed Line of skins from Celestial Studios in my skin tone, but somehow missed this amazing Infrared one, I picked it up recently and I love it. If only Starley Thereian would release more make-ups for me in her Charmed Skins, this is like #1 on my wish list! Although I have a few of Canimal Zephyr's Tats, I love wearing this Henna Set from Canimal with dresses, it is very sexy and doesn't distract from the colour of the dress or outfit you are wearing.

Of course, no look rockability look is complete without some heavy /artilleri/, and this 8 Ball Handbag and these fabulous colour tintable Rockin Earrings are perfection. As for shoes, there is something so brilliant about these Alexis shoes from Melanie Zhao's ZHAO Shoes. The cherries on the shoes are so cute and they are uber sexy, but worn with this dress look less like stripper shoes and more like vixen heels. I love these layered necklaces from OPIUM Everyday and love tinting them to go with my favorite outfits, they make your money go so much further! I little metal with a nose stud from Tickled Pink worked nicely here too, and a set of funky bracelets from WRONG! also add to the 'Bad Girl' look I have working. Now I am ready to get "All Wrapped Up in The Rockabilly" at PIN UPS!







Eyes – Miriel, (Hazel, Big)
Hair – Old Gravy, Viva (Black)[No Location Found]
Skin - Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Red - Infrared)
Tattoos – Canimal, Henna Pack II
Purse - /artilleri/, 8 Ball Bag
Bracelets – WRONG!, Beads & Bangles (Red)
Earrings - /artilleri/, Rockin Earrings
Necklace – OPIUM Everyday, Beaded Necklace Set (Tinted Red)
Nose – Tickled Pink, Uma Nose Stud
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Club 13)
Dress – Little Rebel, Kool Kitty Panel Dress
Shoes – ZHAO Shoes, Alexis (Black)

Menswear Made Modern

There has always been something very sexy about women borrowing looks from Men's Fashion. But there is a fine line between Menswear made Sexy and Menswear made... well, tres Butch. So when I started to put this look together, I knew I wanted something that emphasized a feminine silhouette, but borrowed classic menswear touches like vests and this fabulous Top Hat. With a Pop of Red mixed in, it is very current and I think pretty eye catching.

This hair and Hat combo called 'Noah' from "PE" is really cute, and I think as cute on guys as on gals, the texturing on the hat is really nice, and it looks like a weathered crushed felt, really nice. I love the feather accent on the side too, I am consistently impressed with the details in Aemilia's work. I picked up this two necklace set at "OPIUM Everyday", they can be worn separately or together, and the double strand which I tinted Red can be made to match anything you wear.

I loved this 'Ruffled Vest' from "Hiccup" the minute I spotted it, and it comes on a jacket layer, but I was having trouble finding a blouse to wear under it that was long enough. The 'Boyfriend Button down' from "Blaze" (which was a FREEBIE) is great for a long look, using the shirt and system skirt layers. Some underpants layer jeans, these from "Mischief Fashions" work well with a sleek boot, like these from "Last Call - Vamp". I LOVE this Hobo Bag from "Celestial Studios", and own it in Orange and Denim, but this 'Patent Cherry' was a valentines gift to the Update Group, and seriously... can a woman have too many purses? I think not. So this is my take on a very feminine menswear look, sometimes it's nice to put the girly stuff aside in favor of something sleek and tailored.





Eyes – Miriel, Hazel (Big)
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Silver 1)
Hair/Hat – PE – Philotic Energy, Noah (White)
Purse – Celestial Studios, Hobo Bag (Patent Cherry)[Valentines Group Gift]
Vest – - Hiccup, Ruffly Vest (Arsenic)
Shirt – Blaze*, Boyfriend Buttondown
Lip Ring – Red Ruin
Nose Stud – Tickled Pink, Uma
Necklace – OPIUM Everyday, Beaded Necklace Set (White Set Tinted Red)
Jeans – Mischief Fashions, Black Underpants Jeans
Boots – Last Call – Vamp Shoes, Vamp: Liah (Onyx)

Back To My Roots...

If you saw a picture of my Avatar from about a year ago... this would pretty much be the look I was rockin'. Before I realized I could wear a completely different look for every different mood, I was a Grungy Brooding Rock DJ, with a Rockabilly Chaser. This week, we had a "Tats & Piercings" Event at PIN UPS, and I decided to wear my favorite tattoos again, my first awesome Prim Boots, My favorite pants with Suspenders, and I still love this look just as much now as I did then. Some things never go out of style, they are just that great!

One of the first places I remember shopping was "/artilleri/", and this Work Shirt was one of my first purchases, I love it as much now as then. Antonia Marat has come so far in the last year or so, I can't believe the range of amazing in her shop. She is just the coolest chick and an absolute doll, she currently has an really adorable Dress & Glasses out in her Mainstore that is FREE for group members, go grab it and a bunch of her other goodness too!

How can something so "WRONG!" feel so right! Yep, another one of the stores that I pretty much bought out on discovery was "WRONG!", still at home on the 'Alternation' SIM. Kaysha Sion has some really fabulous stuff for the Rocker Chick inside all of us, and these 'Sanity Pantaloons' are simply awesome, as are the 'Braces' you can buy separately in oodles of options to make the look your own. The spiked wrist bands are also from "WRONG!", and are really a wonderful accessory to have when you wanna look a little bad ass.

Canimal has some of my favorite Ink in all of SL, it is bright and bold and so fun. From Rockers to Suicide Girls, Canimal Zephyr covers you skin with some really unique designs (Does anyone need another Tribal.. Really?*lol*). This necklace is hers as well, the 'Picture Pendant' with script touch changing images that are all so funky and fresh.

This hair is a bit newer than a year ago for me, but back then I was stuck on reds in a big way, and this wig by "Kin" is a slightly updated version of some of the styles I used to covet. But can we talk boots for a moment? The fabulous 'Buckle Boots' from ETD were literally my first Prim Shoes... and I have worn them more times then I can count, they are not ankle boots, not knee length.. they are the perfect in between length that lets my leg Tat show a bit. My Lip Ring from "Red Ruin" and this Nose Stud from "Tickled Pink" called 'Uma' complete my Tatted & Pierced look Perfectly. I WANNA ROCK!! (/me makes Devil Horns and Thrashes About)





Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Line (Tone 20, Red – Diva)
Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Classic 10)
Eyes – Miriel, Hazel (Big)
Hair – Kin, Jami (Black, Burgundy)
Tattoos – Canimal, Body Graffiti (Rockstar, Blue)
Suspenders – WRONG!, Braces (Checkerboard)
Cuffs – WRONG!, Spike Band (Black)
Necklace – Canimal, Picture Pendant
Lip Ring – Red Ruin
Nose Stud – Tickled Pink, Uma
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Pants – WRONG!, Sanity Pantaloons
Boots – ETD Shoes, Buckled Calf Boots (Black)
Shirt - /artilleri/, Worker (Girlie)

Wee Bunny Bunting...

There are some clothes in SL, love them as I do, I simply cannot wear. It has to do with my, ahem, ample bust. I don't have a large chest in SL because I think it is a way to get attention, or because I think it is sexy, I have it because, well... in RL I am actually even bigger than I am in SL. So while trying to fit outfits with Prim pieces on top, I often have to give up on some looks entirely. The only shape mod I am willing to do, and believe me it took me a while to do it, is the "Skirt Shape" so that I do not look ridiculous in a System Skirt or have my derrière sticking out of a Prim skirt or dress.

When I saw this adorable Poncho at "LYCEE", I wanted it, I knew it might be a big 'don't' for us Busty gals, so I was aware that I might not ever be able to wear it. Last Friday, as I was set to start my shopping rounds, I figured it was time to give it a go. At first try, I did have the same problem, my bust protruding through the top prims, but I just stretched the top a bit and hey... it didn't look too bad! Yippee! So with a sigh of relief, I put together this adorable look and for once, I can say, yep... I am wearing a prim top! For a while, I had opted for white hair in SL, since my RL hair is determined to be white. But when it comes to the adorable hair from "BP*", I am willing to go back to Black in a BIG WAY! it is simply adorable, and though it requires a little fiddling to get it to fit right, I am never disappointed in it. Pushbutton Skolnick has been releasing some fabulous *NEWNESS* lately at her main "Pushbutton Industries" Store in LeZoo, and I am madly in love with these must-have 'Drifter' Jeans, the colour choices are great, and as always, you get the choice of a number of different looks in one pack, in this case there are a variety of different belt looks (not worn). I love when jeans come in undies layer, so that I can throw some great boots in the mix, and these brilliant Moccasin boots from "::69::" were to delicious to pass up in this 'Chocolate' brown colour. An adorable bag from "BP*" means I am ready to shop!





Eyes – Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Skins (Gloss - Mauve)
Hair – BP*, Micky Dango Hair (L)
Jeans – Pushbutton Industries, The Drifter Jeans (Pavement)
Boots - ::69:: (Sixty Nine), Moccasin Boots (Chocolat)
Purse – BP*, Leather Bag Red (Skull Bunny)
Earrings – Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set Ear Piercing
Nose Piercing – Tickled Pink, Uma Nose Stud
Poncho – LYCEE@, Poncyo Red

Sundays Are For The Birds

This past Sunday, I didn't feel like getting all dolled up, I wanted to dress for the day, and I wanted a look that felt genuinely Sunday. You know, casual, no over-thinking, and the kind of thing you would wear out with your best friends for Pizza and a Movie. "Fashionably Dead" has a lot of stuff that I think falls nicely into this category, I love hand-painted looks, and these are some of the best around. This Boat Neck top is casual but still stylish. A pair of comfy jeans like these from "Fangipani Designs" helped me stick with the 'Grayscale' look I was going for. Throw on a great pair of boots, and some Casual Hair from "ETD" and the look is almost complete.

One thing that drives me nuts in SL, is the common faux pas of 'Over Accessorizing'. There are times, like for special events, high fashion looks, or kitschy outfits where it is fun to go nutty with some fun accessories. But, just because you can wear things on a zillion attachment points, doesn't mean you should. Sometimes, when you wear something like these stacked bangles from "Bebe", they are more then a statement and you don't need to pile on necklaces and earrings and all sorts of other neat do-dads. I mean really gals (& guys), if you were running out to grab a bite with the gang, would you spend an hour choosing the right earrings to match your necklace that matches you bracelets... well you get the point. So as this was a casual look, I kept it simple opting for something I felt I would actually wear in RL. Sometime keeping it simple says so much more about your fashion sensibilities. Yay for Sundays!





Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Skins (Tone 20, Pink – Sugar)
Eyes – Miriel, Hazel (Big)
Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Classic 10)
Hair – ETD, Naomi (White Blackened)
Piercing – Tickled Pink, Uma Nose Stud
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Top – Fashionably Dead, Bird Boat Neck
Jeans – Frangipani Designs, Entourage Snowdrop (Black)
Boots – Frangipani Designs, Vixen Boots (Black Widow) [Foot Part Only]
Bracelets – Bebe, Sazerac Black Bangles

Bollywood Dreams

I love movies, all kinds of movies; Drama, Comedy, Foreign Films, Period Films, Action, Sci-Fi,... name it... I love it. But there is one kind of Movie that most people are shocked to learn I love, and that is Bollywood! I own over 300 titles on DVD, at one point watching them endlessly night and day till I usually didn't need to read the English subtitles anymore, the Hindi began to make sense. So I have always had a passion for all things from India, the food, the music, and of course, the fashion.

I own many Sari in SL, I love the striking colours and the flowy flexi skirts, but they are a very difficult thing to do well. If they move well, they don't tend to show well in photographs, if they look great in photos, then you usually can't dance in them. So I was intrigued to hear about a new 'Scupltie' Sari from Vlintuition. When the most recent "Bollywood Night" Event rolled around at PIN UPS, I decided to give it a good test run. By far this is the most real looking Sari I own, the colour choices were awesome and it was hard to pick just one. The skirt part looks as it should, like it is tucked into a petticoat, and the upper part that wraps the body was so nicely sculpted, looked very real I felt, and even covered my amble bust line. But of course, with the pluses, there was one drawback, when dancing or posing for pics, I had arms sticking through the top wrap at times, and so had to choose my poses carefully for this shoot. I still think that it was worth the Lindens, as it does photograph well in many poses, and when walking it looks fine. I also love that it came with the Flip Flop sandals as well as 4 choices of Tops to wear under the Sari. The one I am modeling in the main photos comes with a Sculptie Gem on the Halter Top as well. I love this TaP skin in Bronze; it really is a lovely shade and looks great against the vibrancy of the Sari. The 'Ginza' hair from "Armidi" is just one of my absolute favorite styles, and I think it really made for an authentic Bollywood Starlet look.





Sari – Vlintuition, Sculpted/Flexi Designer Sari (Royal Star)
Shoes – Vlintuition Zhu Xi Beaded Flip Flops [Included in Royal Star Sari Set]
Eyes – Miriel, Hazel (Big)
Lashes – Celestial Studios, Prim Lashes (Classic 10)
Hair – Armidi Hair, The Ginza (Midnight II)
Skin – TaP, Tete a Pied - Now Fleur Skins, Vivant Bronze, Paon 4 [Group Gift]
Bracelets – Mashooka Designs, Churiya Set 3 (Red)
Tattoos – Taliah Talamasca, The Wardrobe Trunk (on SLX), Henna Tattoo [Part of Red Sari Set]
Bangle – Taliah Talamasca, The Wardrobe Trunk (on SLX) Upper Arm Bangle [Part of Red Sari Set]
Piercing – Tickled Pink, Uma Nose Stud
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire

Over-All Fabulous!

I have been looking for a great cute pair of overalls in SL forever! So far the ones I have found are either too "Down on The Farm" or made for Pregnant AV shapes (don't even get me started on that). But the other day, while checking out the new 'Cherry Buttons' Shopping District I happened into "*UnTone Quilt*" and saw these babies... I didn't even have to think twice about it, and gladly forked over the Lindens. When I got home, I threw them on, and then came the Dilemma, they are cut low on the side, and the straps are jacket layer, so how do I wear a shirt layer something under them and then cover my hips too?

I have made my own 'Key Hole Thermals' for "HANG THE DJ!" that address this issue, and come in the 'tucked' version, but the Key Hole didn't look right with this. So I began to open folder after folder until 'Lo And Behold'... Perfection! This sweater from "Pushbutton Industries" called the 'Cold Comfort' has the tucked and un-tucked layers, so I could wear it under the overalls and still wear the Jacket layer overall straps... JOY! Not only that, but it comes in a plain version as well as one with the stripe down the front, with Prim collar and cuffs, it's like a miracle in a folder! My husband Draco loved it so much, noting that "it looks like you can actually touch it and feel the cable knit", that he went and picked it up in two colours for himself, yes men can wear this one too! Some casual hair from "ETD" was just what I needed to go with this fun look, and since a belt would have looked silly, I was thrilled to be able to finally wear this great 'Fanny Pack' from "Yummy". I love the little charms on the zipper pulls, details like this make me giddy, just look at that flying pig! Some sleek boots from "INSOLENCE" wrap the leg nicely and with the 'Capri' layer of the overall pants, there are no pant edges poking out from the boot (a personal pet peeve). Love my "/artilleri/" eyewear, and have all of Antonia's glasses in fatpack since the colours are always amazing, these 'Paula' glasses in Teal pick up nicely on the colouring in the sweater.





Eyes – Karamia, Hazel Eyes
Skin – Celestial Studios, Charmed Skin (Tone 20, Purple - Sunset)
Hair – ETD, Paula II (White Blackened)
Overalls – *UnTone Quilt*, Overall & Capris, Denim
Sweater – PBI, Pushbutton Industries, The Cold Comfort (Ice, Striped)
Glasses - /artilleri/, Paula Glasses (Teal)
Bag – Yummy, Fanny Pack EXTREEEME!!! (Mysterious Black)
Piercing – Tickled Pink, Uma Nose Stud
Ring – Caroline’s Jewelry, Gimcrack Diamond Solitaire
Boots – INSOLENCE, Natasha Boots (Violet)