Thursday, March 13, 2014

The Skinny On Skin Fair 2014 - Part 1

I am a Skin loyalist. Once I find the one that looks the most 'me', I stick with it like white on rice. I may get lots of make-up versions, even several skin-tones, but always the same basic skin type. I have been wearing my *League* Jen skins since 2012, when I made a brief reappearance in SL and my sister Anessa got me sorted with a more updated look. But it's been a few years, and I though that I would take a walk on the wild side. Well, wild for me is changing something so integral to my Avatar's identity, such as my skin, so here we go.

The Skinny (Ketsy)

I wanted to set up a few rules for my DEMO sampling, so here they are; Only DEMO skins. Choose realistic style skins (these are my favorites for everyday wear). Select only Skin Fair 2014 Exclusives. Try on skins I would normally be interested is testing in any case. Buy only $0L dollar DEMOs. Use my existing shape and brow settings, no editing for this DEMO test. Exclude any with too many security markings that obscure the facial details extensively. Showcase those that I see as having positive attributes for my shape as ONES TO WATCH. So here are the skins that caught my attention, and will catch yours to be sure.

The Skinny 1

This first set of skins had some of the things I do look for in a skin. I love the hair base on the *YS&YS* skin, the Widow's peak is so sexy. The Bite & Claw skin has a beautifully shaped lip, that full pout that makes me swoon over a skin.  Dulce Secrets has a lovely blushed cheek, right on the apple of the cheek where it looks most natural.  I like the nose and that 'angel kiss' cleft below it on the JOLI skin, it's not too dark, which can make a skin look aged.

The Skinny 2

The Modish skin has a lovely lip as well, and I love that tiny bit of shine in the inner eye crease, it really opens up the face, the brow arch is also amazing. Now the [iren] skin was a complete surprise to me, I kinda love it, even though it looks nothing like the 'me' I identify with. It is a very sweet skin and I would love to blog with it on occasion. AKERUKA's new Alice skins have a super glossy lip that seems to beg for kisses, and the blush is lovely as well. When I first got my hands on this Clef de Peau I was a little perplexed with all the options and layers, but it is a really nice skin for custom touches, like adding on the blush and the brow colors of your choice, it makes it great for bloggers who may switch up hair colors often.

The Skinny 3

This Apple May skin is a really pretty tone, and the highlight on the brow bone is particularly nice. .::WOW Skins::. is introducing this new Luna line, and I have to say, it fits my existing shape very nicely. It is a tempting switch, there is so much to love about it, but I needed to see more, it just wasn't an instant 'Yes', and you sort of know when you have found 'The Skin'. A lovely nose and smack-a-licious lips make the Lamae Una skin a contender too, but the eye shape wasn't quite a perfect fit for me, I would have had to do a lot of shape mods, which I loathe to do. The Alize skin from Mimi's Skins is so pretty, so open faced and fresh, almost too fresh for my age, I think it look so young, but gosh I do love that upper lip shape.

The Skinny 4

MOJO, another new-to-me skinner, makes this lovely SUZANNE skin, it has a sweet bulb tipped nose, like a little tulip, and the forehead shine is a pretty detail. RazzaNova's new Jacquie skin is such a pretty shade, and I love the shadow around the eyes, the nose shape and the high cheek-boned look is very high fashion. When I tried on this Zoul Creations DEMO, I was floored, it has such a lovely brow shape, and the eyes are a perfect almond shape too. This is not an easy decision by any means, but it may help you to see what details you need to pay attention to when you shop for skin depending on what look you are going for. The Aina skin from *Glance is a very lovely skin too, the brows are particularly lovely, so detailed you can actually see those individual little hairs, and they aren't too perfect to look fake, which is a really big factor when I look at brows. 

The Skinny 5

The Morphine Ghail skin has a lovely smoked out eyeliner, the highlight on the brow bone is also great, but the brow itself didn't work with my settings. I rarely choose a sun-kissed option, since I have a naturally pale complexion in real life, but the tones in the :: Nar Mattaru :: are lovely, unfortunately on my shape this one looked a little flat, so it wasn't my eventually choice. For a skin with lots of unique features, this one from [the Skinnery] seems to have them in plenty. This new Quiana skin is so interesting, I just know it is going to be breaking hearts all over the grid. I couldn't resist trying on a few out of character skins by Egozy, the first is this lovely Anjali, so much depth in that stunning face, it really is an exceptional beauty.

The Skinny 6

Another Egozy beauty is this Mendoza skin, just look at that lovely golden complexion, it is spectacular, and those brows are perfectly arched on my shape. Had I not any history in SL, and never bought a skin before, I think that FAKE's ::Be Skin:: might have been a first love. It looks so incredibly... real, very high fashion and somehow delicate and exotic too.  But after 7 years in SL, I just don't know if I can make that much of a change, I would be barely recognizable, although stunning at the same time.  Lara Hurley's offering at this skin fair is this pretty Ivy skin, shown in the Pale tone, again, such a lovely skin with lots of options for make-up, nose, and even eyebrows, this is a winner winner chicken dinner of a skin. The Inari line from Tokyo.Girl is also a new-to-me find, but again I find that I look like a teenager in this skin, which is something most people likely want, it just wasn't the right fit for me this time.

The Skinny 7

I love a sexy little mole on that upper lip, and the Esode Laura skin has on on a tattoo layer that is perfectly placed. Details like that really can make the difference for many skin shoppers.  A name I recognized, ::Envyme:: debuts it's Antonella Series at the Skin Fair, and there is a lot to love here, the make-up is particularly pleasing.  Next up is a real eye-opener, in that Chloe has a doe-eyed look that is enchanting, FILTY is a new-to-me skinner, but such a pretty offering is sure to turn mesh heads. Nose perfection can be found at [okkbye], with it's new Marina line. This is a stunner of a skin, so fresh and dewy looking, I have to admit, the more I look the more I love.

The Skinny 8

[Rockberry] was one of the first skin makers to ever send me blogger samples, and I remember them fondly. I always did love those make-up options, and it's nice to see that this new Skin Fair Exclusive Mira Skin is another with those famous [Rockberry] features. I can count on one hand the number of skinners that I was familiar with before my 4 year hiatus from SL, now that I am back, I am like a kid in a Cnady Store when it comes to discoveries. DeeTaleZ makes some of my favorite mesh clothing, and I had to try on this new Soraya skin for kicks. Again, a lovely lip shape, and the nose and cheekbones are lovely too, something in the eyes throws me off, but this look will fit so many chic avatars on the prowl.  The Elysium Taylor skin is a lovely skin, and sure to big a huge hit, but the eye crease isn't meant to be worn on my shape, so it had to fall to the One To Watch list. Finally, I wanted to end with a skin that I see as having really amazing features, but fails to look right on my own shape. With major tweaks, I could have fallen for this ryuukou skin, but I didn't want to change my shape, don't let this image deter you, it is a really unique skin I know will be all over the feeds soon.

Skin Fair 2014
March 14th-30th
https://skinfair.wordpress.com/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/skinfair2013/pool/

Your TAXI to the 2014 Skin Fair:

Dear Skin Makers
Please, don't mark up your lovely skins in giant black stripes that obscure the details that count, at least not on both sides of the face. I can't fall in love with what I can't see.  Do put a logo or test somewhere on the skin, it helps those on a lagged out SIM know that the skin has fully baked in.  Don't be afraid to add a note in the folder of skins that can explain how the tattoo layers are meant to be worn, not everyone knows this information. If you use abbreviations in the names of the skins, give us a code so we can determine what we are trying on, time is limited and we want to try on the right skin the first time if possible. Keep evolving and trying new things, everyone wants to look unique, and your work matters to so many. Skins are a huge investment, and we invest a lot of time and money in selecting them. Thank you for making our Second Lives more beautiful.
Sincerely,
Ketsy

PS. Big Thanks To Voshie & All The Skin Fair Content Creators and Sponsors For Doing Such A Fantastic Job!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Sleek In The City


[Full Credits Follow Post]
Today I have been a busy blogger, this is my *gasp* second post of the day, and I am so in love with this look it may stick around in-world for a while.  After a day at the office look, I needed to chill out for a night on the grid, dancing and generally being a nuisance. When I stumbled into a little shop named Overhigh this week, I went Kooky for Cocoa Puffs over these fabulous printed leggings, and about half of the rest of the shop too. I love having a shiny tush, and they have so many great colors in the print, it was impossible to mess up this look.


I was dying to wear this two-tone Gathered Shoulder Blouse from tram, it comes with a solid black version also, and it actually has an available add-on pack of Mesh Dickies, you know, the collared shirt looking bibs that fake a whole shirt. I grabbed those up in a snap, and can't wait to see how they mix with other items as well. Great shop to see if you have never been, so much yummy tram goodness!


Again, the NEW round of COLLABOR88 has me doing a little happy dance every time I open my inventory. This time, it is this most Epic wig from Clawtooth, called Betty Spaghetti, that has my heart doing the Macarena. In addition, the bag and heels, and even the necklace and earrings are all from this new round of COLABOR88 excellence, run, do not walk, and get in on the fun!

 
Another fun round of Nail that look with a matching nail polish, and this go-round has me tickled to my finger tips with the rediscovered Bliensen + MaiTai, who I loved so very much 4 years ago, and love even more now. Couldn't you just die for these amazing 'Steampunk' nail appliers, 8 sweet colors and a rusty cog at the nail tip. My visit to the new Slink West, where Slink appliers and apparel abound, has me now broke -- but happy with shoes I snagged at 50% off their regular prices and heaps of new nail do-dads. 

Credits:
Hair -  Clawtooth, Betty Spaghetti - Black Beauty (NEW @COLLABOR88)
Skin - *League*,  Jen Pale  ChinaDoll (Cleavage C) Hairbase
Eyes - IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet, Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League*]
Nails -  Bliensen + MaiTai, Slink Fingernail HUD - Steampunk
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Longer Available]
Tattoo (Face) - Letis Tattoo, :: Stars (L) :: 100% :: FC12001

Shoes - Ingenue, Lillian Heels (Slink Feet Add-On) :: Copper 
(NEW @COLLABOR88)
Bag - Noodles, Sasha Studded Bag Mint/Gold (NEW @COLLABOR88)
Top - tram, Gathered Shoulder Blouse [Black]
Leggings - Overhigh, Printed Leggings - Texture 3
Necklace & Earrings Set - MG, Tokyo Party Night (NEW @COLLABOR88)
Bracelet - tapi, Cashmere Wrap (Bitch) (NEW @Suicide Dollz Event)
Piercings - .:ellabella:., Mariejean (scripted)
Earrings - Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set [No Longer Available]

Location: [Square] Avenue B, Downtown Shops
Poses: 
Purple Poses, Briana Set 
(marukin), Forever Set (NEW @COLLABOR88)

Golden In The Office

[Full Credits Below Post]
 Every now and again, I feel a classy moment coming on. Well, classy done my way. When it comes to office wear, I wish everyday was a casual Friday, but since it isn't, I have to sneak little bits of me into what would be considered 'acceptable' in any workplace. A little bare midriff never hurt a girl, it done with taste, and this fabulous new offering from *BOOM* give you the sweetly soft and ruffled look of a good girl, with a bad girls' exposure of skin. You can one in a great range of colors at the new COLLABOR88 round.


Paired with another COLLABOR88 offering, these ISON trousers are mesh perfection with a neat crease and perfect fit out of the box. I knew when I purchased these fab tulip. sandals at the last COLLABOR88 round, they would find their way into my blog one way or the other, and this was the day to show them off. They are stunners on my Slink feet, and I am now a certifiable shoe addict thanks to a little action over at On Your Toes.



Jewelry was another pleasure to pull out of my inventory, especially when Maxi Gossamer's work is involved. I marvel at her skill and range with prims and scripting, so much to customize and always so many options with each package of goodies. I love breaking up a set and mixing and matching, as I did here with one bangle and a ring. The watch is a new-to-me find from a m o r o u s, and what working girl doesn't need a smart time keeper.



I have always been a skin loyalist, and I can't get enough of all my Jen skins from *League*, I actually recently went back to get the same skin in a darker tanned tone, since I am looking forward to spring and summer exposure. The easy peasy way you can custom tint your hands with Slink appliers from *League* makes them a no brainer for me, which is important when you are getting used to new features. Speaking of new, nail polish is a sudden must-have item in my looks, and I am particularly gushy about this set from Pekka, featuring stunning Black Matte finished nails with a shiny metallic strip. They look so amazing, I think I must purchase the real world equivalent a.s.a.p., so it's off to the shops on my lunch break!

Credits:
Hair - [e], Shine - Brown 08
Skin - *League*,  Jen Pale CandyRed (Cleavage D)
Eyes - IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet, Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League*]
Nails -  .Pekka., SLink Avatar Enhancement - Fingernails [Matte Strip]
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes [No Longer Available]
Tattoo (Face) - Letis Tattoo, :: Stars (L) :: 100% :: FC12001

Shoes - tulip., Twisted Sandals (Tan)

Blouse - *BOOM*, Hello Girl (Wheat) (NEW @COLLABOR88)
Slacks - ISON, work it trousers (tan) (NEW @COLLABOR88)
Ring - MG, MG - Rings - Talia Cluster - Ring3 - Small 
Bangles - MG, Bangles - San Remo - Gold Aged - R
Watch - a m o r o u s,  // Silence (Left Wrist)
Piercings - .:ellabella:., Mariejean (scripted)
Earrings - Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set [No Longer Available]

Props - 
.aisling., Bric-a-Brac Desk -Storage- (NEW @ The Arcade Gacha)
.aisling., Bric-a-Brac Desk -TypeWriter- RARE (NEW @ The Arcade Gacha)
Loft -
llorisen, // ciaran skybox

Monday, March 10, 2014

Roller Derby Doll

[Full Credits Below Post]
Sometimes a blog post is inspired from the bottom up, just like today's. While making my way through the aptly named Whore Couture Fair, I realized I must be a Whore, because I actually found quite a few great items. Most of the items are for the Lola/Tango/Phat/Azz crowd, so very little would work with my avatar, but the items I did find, great shoes and accessories, were well worth the time invested in seeing the whole fair.


These Classic Skates by NS::, which I believe are based on a purchased original full perms sculpt, are simply adorable. They have a sweet little HUD that lets you switch up the boot design/color, the laces, and the wheels in 5 different ways each. They include the skating animation too. All that for just $150L, you would be crazy not to grab a pair just for kicks!


The rest of the outfit seemed to just spring into being, with a definite Suicide Girl meets Roller Derby vibe.  Some tights and booty shorts layer up nicely, and I added a well worn /artilleri/ zee tank top, to pop a strap from under this 'off-the-shoulder' sweat-shirt by .:AVALE:.


The ultimate in accessories include great multi-option bangle sets from Maxi Gossamer, always a go-to for a host of eclectic jewelry styles. The necklace was another great find at the Whore Couture Fair. The Pornstar Aviators are a deliciously cheeky pair of sunglasses that have a HUD to change the image printed on the lenses, so wickedly cute.  I felt very cheeky indeed, and headed over to the SL Roller Derby Arena to chat up one of the Suicide Girl team members, who invited me to see a practice next week. I can't wait!

Hair - Magika, [Hair ] Sweet 
Skin - *League*, Jen Pale Natural (Cleavage C)
Eyes - IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League*]
Nails -  FlairNail HUD Add-Ons for Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands & Feet - Set  199
Tattoo (Face) - Letis Tattoo, :: Stars (L) :: 100% :: FC12001

Roller Skates -  NS::Classic Skates (@ Whore Couture Fair)
Top - .:AVALE:.,  Audine .Blushing.  (@ Whore Couture Fair)
Tank - /artilleri/, zee tank top short (jacket layer) *red*
Tights - Kyoot, Sisley Tights (Calm) [Marketplace Store]
Short Shorts - Gawk!, Brown Ultra High Waist Panties
Shades - Legal Insanity, Pornstar Aviators gold - girls ed.
Necklace - {me.}, Amour Necklace // BRONZE  (@ Whore Couture Fair)
Bangles - MG, Bangles - Starry Night
Piercings - .:ellabella:., Mariejean (scripted)
Earrings - Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set (No Longer Available)

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Take Me Out

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Sometimes you just want to go out, you don't care where you go, you just have to be somewhere new with someone new. When you don't know where you are going, you need to dress for anything, and this look can work it.  A great fat-pack, yes 5 colours, of this blah.BLAH.blah Paisley Dress for just 100L, I am so on that, available now at the Designer ShowcaseGetting out and shopping events is my new favorite way to find content, since I have no current landmarks, no idea what shops have come or gone in the past four years, an event that showcases the best or newest under one roof, from dozens of content creators, is the perfect way to dive back in the SLeconomy.


I love a great pair of tights, and now that there are multiple tattoo layers, wearing a semi-opaque tight means your precious ink can still be seen. *LACUNA* has some stunning hosiery, and it is Slink compatible, here on my feets. So yes, mesh feet, mesh shoes from fri.day, and tights that wear like they should, WIN WIN WIN!


Another great little bargain from The Arcade Gacha Event, going on now (unless you have been living under a sim, you know this). Noodles put a heap of sweetly coloured Meg Satchels into a machine and all of them are worth grabbing up.


Necklace combo is a lovely Hand of Fatima, or for me a Hamsah, from MG. Bangle sets are from Knock!, and can be found alongside my favorite tattoos from Letis Tattoo. I decided to update my facial piercings, and went with a wicked little set from ellabella. Now that I am all ready to go out, I await your TP with patient anticipation.

Credits:
Hair - Magika, [Hair ] Mint 
Skin - *League*, Jen Pale GlamGoth (Cleavage C)
Eyes - IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel
Lashes - MMS, Thora Lashes (No Longer Available)
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink,  Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League*]
Nails -  Hello Dave, Slink AvEnhance - Got Designs on U
Tattoo (Face) - Letis Tattoo, :: Stars (L) :: 100% :: FC12001
Tattoo (Body) - Letis Tattoo:: Saiph :: 75% :: MM13013

Dress - blah.BLAH.blah, Paisley Elegance Dress (NEW @Designer Showcase)
Tights - *LACUNA*, Semi Opaque Hipster Tights - AQUA 1
Shoes - fri.day - Jet.Heels (Midnight) (NEW @COLABOR88)
Handbag - Noodles, Meg Satchel [Robin Egg] (GACHA Prize @The Arcade)
Necklaces - MG - Necklace - Jewelled Hand Of Fatima - Long & Short
Bangles - Knock!,  :: Abell :: Bangle
Piercings - .:ellabella:., Mariejean (scripted)
Earrings - Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set (No Longer Available)

Location: Cashmere Keane
Listening To: Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

A New York State Of Mind

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Lately there is a little piece of me in New York, the State that is. I kind of like that it's there and it's kind of nice to have nice things happening in my life again. It's been a long time since I've let anything in, I have been all up in my head and focused on my daily grind. When the days grind, I like to be in my element. This look is very me, with it's classic layering, fabulous accessories, and absolutely heart stopping jewelry, it's reminiscent of so many looks I have done over the years, yet almost everything is brand new, not only to me, but on the grid.
Speaking of New York, I was so thrilled to finally get to hit The Arcade event, and boy did I blow up my balance getting my hands on all kinds of awesome. I really wasn't too concerned about collecting entire sets of anything, I just wanted to sample a ton of 'New To Me' content, and it is all brilliant. How wonderful is this amazing [Consignment] Peg Board and Camera, both random prizes from one of the Gacha machines, and the map, yup.. New York! The Loft Arley Chair is so perfect, in any colour, but I adore this bright yellow.  With junk.'s morrison bar table, it is a great little corner accent to my loft.
Back to the fashion, I just had to snag up this pair of tulip. Strapped Booties at the COLABOR88 Event, there for just a few days more and then available in the mainstore. The fact that you can see my fabulous Slink Avatar Enhancement Feet through them, and my Flair toe polish, makes them a brilliant addition to my closet.  I pulled on a favorite jacket layer tank, and wondered what next, how can you layer on top of that? Well, this is the thing I am loving about Mesh, this delicious DeeTaleZ Cardigan goes over everything, with an alpha layer added, and it moves like fabric, I am so darn impressed it is an instant favorite.
I stacked on some of the brilliant [MG] La Cubelle bangle sets, now available at FaMESHed, with too many options to describe for both arms, and went with another FaMESHed find, Coquet.'s Cropped Denim Pants. Great hair with a hat stops my heart a beating, and this wig from MINA Hair is another fab example. Finally, my most favorite 'New To Me Find' is this adorable necklace from shimmerie, which looks like something I might have stumbled upon on Etsy, but it is so much more affordable. There are several cute variation available in the shop, I may have to go back and grab the others. When you take four years off from SL, everything is NEW again.

Credits:
Hair: MINA Hair - Carlijn BB
Skin: *League*,  Jen Pale Natural (Cleavage C) w/ Hairbase
Eyes: IKONAscension 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
Note: The above are textured with skin appliers available from *League*.
Nail Art: FlairNail HUD Add-Ons for Slink Avatar Enhancement Set 55 , Only Worn on Feet
Face Tattoos: Letis Tattoo: :: Stars (L) :: 100% ::
Body Tattoos: Letis Tattoo:: Inermis :: 75% :: 
Shoes: tulip. Strapped Bootie (Navy)
Cardigan: DeeTaleZ, Mesh Cardigan (Grey) (on Marketplace)
Top: Armidi Limited - Classic Loose Tank [White] (Jacket Layer)
Jeans: Coquet., Cropped Denim Pants - Raspberry (NEW @FaMESHed)
Bangles: MG - Bangles - La Cubelle - Combo (NEW @FaMESHed)
Necklace: shimmerie - pottery in disguise (deer01 silver)
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 - Arley Chair (Yellow) (Gacha Prize @ ARCADE)
[Consignment] Travellers Desk: Peg Board (Gacha Prize @ ARCADE)
[Consignment] Travellers Desk: Camera (Gacha Prize @ ARCADE)
junk. morrison bar table. (Gacha Prize @ ARCADE)
llorisen // ciaran skybox

Song On My Mind: New York State Of Mind - Billy Joel