Le Creme

I've really enjoyed playing with shadows the past few weeks. It can be a bit frustrating at times, but overall, I am much more pleased with my photos now that I am able to incorporate shadows. In all honesty, however, I wouldn't be able to do shadows at all if it weren't for the kindness of more experienced bloggers and their willingness to post tutorials and premade windlight settings. Luna Jubilee and Strawberry Singh both have amazing windlights available for download on their blogs and awesome tutorials for those like me who are still in the learning process.

The beautiful winter dress that I am showing off today is a new design from Siss Boom. Le Creme features a lovely cable knit pattern with drawn shadows and highlights to add depth to the piece; prim pieces are included for the skirt, cowl neck and sleeves. The dress is available at 100L for 24 hours from its release; after this time period, the dress will be placed at its normal price. If you enjoy Siss Boom designs, be sure to join the subscriber or in world group to receive notices of new releases so you don't miss out on any of the 100L discounts!


Credits
Cloting: *Le Creme by Siss Boom (NEW)
Hair: Falling 2 in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: *Nathalie 02 Tan by Filthy Skins (NEW)
Pose: Model 118 by Glitterati

* Denotes promotional copy.

Nathalie

I think I'm starting to go a bit stir crazy after being off work for a week because of the holidays. Since getting married and moving out of my mother's house where I had plenty of siblings to keep me company, I have discovered that it can get quite lonely when you are home alone all day long while your husband is at work!

Thankfully, I had some blogging to catch up on to keep me occupied for a while. I absolutely love the new Chapka from je suis! It looks so warm and cozy; I suppose being 'warm' in Second Life isn't really important, but since I'm constantly freezing in real life, I love the look! To continue with my mesh addiction, I picked up some more items from JANE including the Zipper Hoodie and the Classic Fit Jeans. I cannot get enough of how beautifully and seamlessly the mesh clothing wraps around my ava. It looks so much more natural than bulky prim pieces.

The item that launched this entire post was the new skin, Nathalie, from Filthy Skins. I first found this designer at a discount event that I honestly can't even remember the name of now. The quality of her product impressed me then and her continued growth in skill still impresses me. I really love the makeup choices that are included in Nathalie; there is enough variety for you to wear the skin casually or for a party night out on the town... say New Years Eve perhaps? Nathalie is offered in four skin tones at L$1,800 each; however, if you are a VIP member (L$199 join fee), you can pick up every new skin at 50% off for the first 48 hours after it is released. I just checked, and the discount offer is currently still available (4 pm SLT)!

Credits
Clothing: [Hat] *Chapka in Olive by je suis [Coat] Zipper Hoodie Spectrum in Blush by JANE and [Pants] Classic Fit Jeans in Light by JANE
Hair: Early in Brown 11 (VIP Collection) by [elikatira]
Skin: *Nathalie in Tan by Filthy Skins
Pose: Model 048 by Glitterati
Location: The Pixel Bean Coffeehouse

* Denotes promotional copy.

Mesh♥Love

When I saw the first video on YouTube of mesh clothing a few months ago, I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical. The clothing in the video wasn't very well made; the design and the textures were boring to say the least. I shouldn't have put limitations in my mind on the creativeness of Second Life designers! After trying a mesh outfit, I'm not sure that I ever want to wear clothing with 'old prim' pieces again.

I denied a Christmas gift from JANE on accident and headed over to her shop to see if I could pick it up in the subscriber's history. I hadn't been to the shop since before I left Second Life to get married in real life, and I was quite surprised by all the mesh items she has created. I have always loved the designs of this store; they seem to just fit my personality. They are stylish with a mix of classy and casual. I actually forgot completely about the Christmas gift until just now; after peeking in the box, if you haven't picked up one, definitely stop by the store! There are three mesh goodies in what appears to be all colors included in the box!

The textures on JANE's mesh clothing (all of her clothing actually) is very well made; the shading and highlighting add an extra sense of depth to the clothing. I absolutely LOVE the way the mesh clothing moves so smoothly with me. I have noticed a bit of flickering with the alpha layers, but I think that may be a problem with my viewer instead of with the alpha itself. To stop the flickering, simply bump up your graphics a notch (or two). JANE's mesh clothing comes in four sizes; mesh clothing does not stretch to fit around your body, so you may need to edit your shape a little to fit properly in them. Also, the items are very reasonably priced; most mesh clothing I have seen on the grid is hundreds of lindens. Both the coat and pants I'm wearing cost 150L each; JANE also has mesh items priced lower.

What's the thing that I love the most about mesh? I don't have to move around prim pieces when I finally am ready to pose for my photos! It was so nice to not have to take all of that time to make sure every piece is where it should be. Speaking of posing, I was so excited to see Glitterati participating in The Fashion Garret! The first pose set includes five poses for a mere 70L. I'll take discounted poses from one of my favorite pose designers any day of the week! Also, for a limited time you can pick up a free 250L store credit at Glitterati; if you are in the VIP group, there is a free 500L store credit for you!


Credits
Clothing: [Coat] Barn Jacket Harvest in Delicious by JANE, [Top] Intrinsic Tank in Truffle by JANE (FREE) and [Pants] Wide Leg Pants Zooey in Truffle by JANE
Shoes: Move Pumps in Java by [elikatira]
Jewelry: Zahavi Necklace by League
Hair: Details in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: Elf 2 - Enchant 1 [Dark] by Curio
Pose: TFG 004 by Glitterati at The Fashion Garret
Location: JANE @ Zyrra

Shadow♥Love

I truly cannot describe how ecstatic I am to finally have shadows on Second Life! I have been mesmerized by them since the first time I saw pictures with them on the feeds and have been terribly envious of everyone who could do this! My poor laptop just couldn't handle the extra oomph that it took to run them. Last weekend, my amazing husband purchased a gaming computer for me; it runs SL so smoothly... I still cannot believe that I'm seeing shadows and can take high rez photos without crashing. Thank you so much, sweetie face!

I do need some practice with using shadows; it's a tad bit trickier to work with than I thought it would be, but I am rather pleased with how my first go at it turned out!

I guess I should tell you about what I am wearing! As I mentioned in my last post, I absolutely adore layers both in real life and Second Life. When I saw the Empty Hearts sweater from Tulip, I just couldn't stop myself from purchasing it. The textures are beautiful and the sculpted pieces add a touch  of comfort and warmth. The sweater is available in four color combinations which can be purchased separately or as a fatpack.

One of the two shirts I am wearing is also from Tulip. The Henley is a well made system top that fits perfectly with the Empty Hearts sweater. The top come in sets of two shirts at L$75 per pack; these are beautiful tops at an extremely reasonable price! The undershirt that I am wearing is once again the Intrinsic Tank by JANE; this really seems to be my go to shirt when I need an under layer. Since these tops are free; there is no reason why you shouldn't have them all! They are also modify which allowed me to tint the shirt to match the sweater. You can get much better than free, well made and modify!

Filthy Skins released a new skin last week titled Maria. As with all of Alexandra Barcelos' designs, Maria is exceptionally made with beautiful shadows, highlights and makeup choices. Each skin tone comes with eight makeup options; I am wearing Tan 03. The smokey eyes with the beautiful pink lips simply got me! There is also a new group gift out from Filthy Skins!


Credits
Clothing: [Sweater] Empty Hearts - Tan by tulip., [Top] Henley - Brown by tulip., [Undershirt] Intrinsic Tank - Orange Melon (tinted) by JANE and [Shorts] Denim Shorts - Light by Zaara
Jewelry: Lish Necklace by MIEL
Hair: Rina - Chestnut by Exile (Clearance @ L$50 per color pack)
Skin: *Maria - Tan 03 by Filthy Skins
Pose: Model 03 by Glitterati
Location: Where it Begins

* Denotes promotional copy.

Layer Me

My mind is almost completely blank this evening, and I really cannot think of much to say. Perhaps it has something to do with watching Star Trek all day with my husband. I have to admit, however, that I have liked the show a lot more than I ever thought I would.

The magic of Second Life for some people is being able to transform into anyone you can imagine, but honestly for me it is being able to express my real life self in a digital world and continuously discover new and exciting things each day. The outfit I put together today is completely something that I would wear in my real life. I love layering pieces and matching them with simple jewelry that adds a little personality to the design.

Jackets are one of my favorite items of clothing in real life, and I am constantly on the lookout for them in Second Life as well. The problem that I have found with most of the jackets in world, sadly, is poor shading and blending with the impossibility of properly lining up the prim pieces with the system layers. As she has proven time and time again, however, Izzie's is a step above most when it comes to blending the textures of prim pieces and system layers. Her new Suede Blazer is absolutely stunning; the texturing is very realistic while leaving an artistic drawn look. The blazer is available in ten fabulous colors. The clutch I am holding is also a new item from Izzie's that is also available in ten color choices.

As you probably know by now, I love poses and can never resist new sets from great designers especially when the sets are set at sale prices! Bang Poses has two new sets out today, a mini set for Super Bargain Saturday at L$60 and a full standing set for Lazy Sunday at L$75. Pick these up before the prices jump!

The 50% Off Black Friday Sale at je suis has been extended until Sunday at 12 pm SLT. I am wearing the Sophistique necklace and earrings in dark. The pearl color as well as the metal color is changeable via a HUD. Ten options for the pearl color and five options for the metal color are included.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Intrinsic Tank in Avocado by JANE (Freebie), [Jacket] *Suede Blazer in Black by Izzie's and [Pants] Classic Jeans in Light by Zaara
Accessories: {Clutch] *Clutch in Green by Izzie's and [Jewelry] Sophistique in Dark by je suis
Hair: Isolation in Honeycomb Roots by !lamb.
Skin: *Laika II . Tan . 01 by Filthy Skins
Pose: *Stand 225 by !bang
Location: Where It Begins

* Denotes promotional copy.

So, I've Been Away

I know it is so unlike me (note the sarcasm) to just disappear without warning or notice. But, I promise that it was for a really good reason this time. My real life has changed in very dramatic and very blessed ways over the past few months. My fiance and I were finally married in early October, and we couldn't be happier. It has taken a while for us to get the internet connected at our house (I so love the sound of that), but I'm back now. My work commute is much greater now, over two hours daily; so, I probably won't get to post as often as I did before. But, at least I will be posting!

The dress I am wearing is from the ever lovely Siss Boom. The sparkle of the Forget Me skirt really caught my eye as I was looking over all of her new releases. The skirt is made of two attachments; so, if sparkle isn't your thing, the under layer is beautiful enough to stand on its own.

Oh my, how I have missed skin and hair on Second Life! I don't think that I will ever be able to get enough of either. The skin I am wearing is the new Laika II by Filthy Skins. I absolutely loved this designer when I first saw her work, and she continues to get better with each new release. The makeup is lovely and the shading and highlighting hits in all the right spots. If you have not tried Filthy Skins, I highly recommend that you stop by and try a demo!

I'm not sure if I even need to introduce an [elikatira] hair anymore. Her work is so well made and so recognizable that any hair addict would immediately know who made it. Soft is a delicate short style full of curls that can be found at the current collection of Collabor88 for only 88L per color pack.

If you love beautiful jewelry, you will really want to check out the je suis 50% Off Black Friday Sale. All products have been marked down until 12 pm SLT on Sunday. I'm wearing one of the newer designs titled Leah which is a color change piece. Through tomorrow, you can pick up the necklace for L$250 and the earrings for L$200. That is the equivalent of a complete fatpack for only L$450!


Credits
Clothing: *Forget Me by Siss Boom
Jewelry: *Leah by je suis
Hair: Soft in Brown 08 by [elikatira] at Collabor88
Skin: *Laika II . Tan . 01 by Filthy Skins
Poses by Glitterati

* Denotes promotional copy.

My Padded Room

This post has seriously been the most fun I have had with blogging in quite a while even though it took me quite a bit longer to do than intended, but that is simply because my real life job started back this week. (Insert sad face here) Today, aDORKable Poses released a padded room pose prop, and it is unbelievably adorable... or adorkable! This prop is going to be so perfect for a new blog that I'm working on which will be announced at a later date. ;-)

My Padded Room contains seven poses with position adjusting scripts. The entire setup is only fifteen prims which is extremely low compared to some props that I have. The build is copy and modify; so, feel free to play to your heart's content! And, best of all, it's only 10L! The prop is part of the Platinum Hunt which runs through August 31. You are searching for a small blue jewelry box with pearls hanging out.

I know that I look a little insane in my pics (that was the point though, really), but I really do love the outfit that I'm wearing. Black as Night is a recent release from Siss Boom and is actually a dress, but the skirt didn't work well with the poses. Lestat Reuven has a new location with a new setup and some possible Meeroo nests in the near future! It really is pretty, and you should definitely check it out.


Credits
Clothing: *Black as Night by Siss Boom
Hair: PUN448 - black by booN
Feet: Bare Feet Tip-Toe by Maitreya Gold
Skin: Sundust [Dark] Elf 2-Enchant 2 by Curio
Pose: *My Padded Room by aDORKable Poses

* Denotes promotional copy.

Viola

The creative mind and immense talent of Agnes Finney never ceases to amaze me. She is able to beautifully mix intricate designs with soft details, an ability that seems to be quite rare in Second Life. Queen Viola is one of My Precious' latest formal designs, and it is simply breathtaking. Layers of semi-transparent flexis are used in the skirt which has a gigantic bow attached to the top. The movement of the skirt is to die for; it's perfect for ballroom dancing or making your way down the virtual catwalk. This dress comes in three beautiful colors: champagne, lavender and pink.  A headpiece (not pictured) also comes with your purchase.

Please click above for larger, expanded photo.

Credits
Clothing: *Queen Viola by My Precious
Shoes: *Florence Heels Autumn Silver-SalmonRose by Purrfect 10
Hair: Tiramisu - Brown by LoQ Hairs
Skin: *Sundust [Dark] Summer-Pure 1 by Curio
Pose: Dressed 5 by Glitterati
Location: The Looking Glass

* Denotes promotional copy

Timeless

Two new specials were released by Siss Boom today which include a little something for everyone! No matter if you are looking for a dressy style or wanting to go a little more casual, you will definitely be covered with Timeless and Dog Days. Timeless is a beautiful long, white feathered dress that is sure to leave your date speechless, and Dog Days is a fun capri outfit that is perfect for a day out with the girls. These are on special for 100L each for a limited time only. Grab them before the price goes up!

Credits

Photo 1
Clothing: *Timeless by Siss Boom
Hair: UKA687 - chocolate by booN
Pose: Headshot 2-7 Relaxed by Glitterati

Photo 2
Clothing: *Dog Days by Siss Boom
Shoes: Flip-Flops Lucid by Maitreya Gold
Hair: Dream a Dream:Brown3 by Head Mistress
Pose: Long Hair 3-8 by Glitterati

Both Photos
Skin: *Sundust [Dark] Summer-Pure 1 by Curio
Location: Sea Salts

* Denotes promotional copy.

Petticoat Lane

I always find the diversity of talent among Second Life designers to be extremely impressive. It is interesting to watch when a creator branches out from what we are used to seeing from him/her. Katey Coppola is best known for the amazing poses she makes under her SL brand name Glitterati. As you have probably noticed, I use a lot of Glitterati poses; they are extremely well made and rarely do my hands disappear into my body (Katey must have a big booty, too!). Recently, Katey opened a new store titled Petticoat Lane where she is exploring her creativity as a clothing designer. I love how feminine all of the clothing designs are thus far; the colors are soft and inviting. I cannot wait to see this brand grow!

My favorite of the new Petticoat Lane releases is the Regal Skirt; it's high waistline and gently slopped skirt is very elegant and lady like. The shading on the sculpted part of the skirt is absolutely beautiful; it adds depth and movement. I was afraid that the sculpt was going to be hard to fit because it is simple (but pretty!) with no belt or any other type of 'barrier' at the top. I was pleasantly surprised, however, by how easy I was able to fit it to my shape. Resize scripts are not included in the skirt, but it is modify and therefore very easy to add your own if you are like me and cannot stretch properly to save your life. Seven colors are available at 150L each or 500L for the Full Collection.

PhotoShop makes me very nervous; I know very little about it and don't have much confidence in my ability to use it. I have been getting a lot better at liquify, but I still have a long way to go before I become a true 'professional' at it. I tried something new for me in the picture above, and I would appreciate ideas/suggestions/tips. I loved the red sky in one of my windlight settings, but my ava looked completely washed out with it; so, I took another photo in a neutral windlight and blended the two. Does it look completely unnatural? I got the final picture by placing one picture on top of the other and erasing the window scene to get the red sky on the picture underneath and then merging the pictures. Is there an easier way to do this? Perhaps I will get even braver with my next PhotoShop experiment and try dodge and burn!

Since it is difficult to mention Katey Coppola without thinking of Glitterati, I thought it would be appropriate to also showcase her latest pose prop release. Disco is so much fun; three pieces are included with your purchase: the large set for posing, a hanging disco ball for decorations and a pose box (not pictured). All the items are copy which will let you decorate to your heart's content. All of the disco balls contain seven color choices and the pose disco ball contains ten poses. Most Glitterati pose props sell for at least 500L, but you can pick this one up as a Marketplace promo for only 100L! It is a definite steal.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] *Popsicle Dress - Sleeveless Top by The Secret Store and [Skirt] *Regal Skirt in [1] #1 and [2] #5 by Petticoat Lane
Jewelry: Anya Earrings - Silver by SIGMA @ My Second Wardrobe
Shoes: Move Pumps - Onyx by [elikatira]
Hair: Black Tie Affair - Toffee by Shag
Skin: [1] *Alexandra . Fair . 08 and [2] *Alexandra . Fair . 03 by Filthy Skins
Poses: [1] Model 023 and [2] *Disco by Glitterati @ The Marketplace
Location: Siss Boom

*Denotes promotional copy.

Nika

I'm always on the lookout for pretty skins by different designers, and my taste in skin is very diverse. I have many skins that are fun, youthful and girly, but every now and then I also like to wear a skin that makes my ava look a tad older and more mature. Nika by Step inSide is one of those skins; the makeup choices are interesting and beautiful with sparkly shadows and luscious, juicy lips. The lashes are included on the skin; so, there is no need to wear extra. Nika is available in four tones at 300L per each makeup; you can also purchase a tone fatpack for 1,500L.

When you teleport to Step inSide, you will be routed to a landing point. A teleport board is located nearby; click the green dot to teleport to the skin section.


Credtis
Hair: Black Tie Affair - Bistre by Shag
Skin: *Nika in Milk by Step inSide

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Taste of Second Life: Freestylin'

Taste of Second Life had a lot of amazing designs out from a lot of great designers this weekend. One of my favorite was the outfit offered by Indie Rose.

Indie Rose is one of those stores that I have loved since I was very young in Second Life. I remember my first time visiting the store, owner and designer Angelina Eizenberg asked me if I would join her group really fast to make sure the group gift was working properly. It has been fun to watch this store grow and expand both in size and talent. The Frilled Tubetop and High Waisted Chinos offered for TOSL this week are so very girly. The textures, while simple, are absolutely beautiful and are perfect for a casual day out with the girls or a quiet date with your hunny. You can pick up the top for 50L and the pants for 75L this weekend only. I know, there's nothing like waiting until the last minute to tell someone about a great sale!  >.>


Credits
Clothing: [Top] *Frilled Tubetop and [Pants] *High Waisted Chinos by Indie Rose
Jewelry: Monia Earrings by Donna Flora
Hair: Details - Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: *Alexandra . Fair . 01 by Filthy Skins (NEW)
Pose: Model 022 by Glitterati
Location: Horizon Dream

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Sky's the Limit

I love the whimsy feeling of the new Sky's the Limit dress by Siss Boom. The skirt of the dress has a very beautiful, frilly, feminine shape; the textures are very soft with differing levels of transparency. The collar is also a unique touch that gives the dress a different feel; it of course can also be worn without it and look perfectly fine. Both the collar and the skirt contain resize scripts which make fitting very easy. The dress is offered in three different colors with one color being marked down to L$100 for a limited time.

I'm wearing a new skin by a new to me skin designer, and I have to say... I love it! Nika by *Step inSide* has beautiful shading, highlighting and makeup choices. I will be doing a full review of this skin in a few days, but I wanted to give you a little sneak peek of it now! When you teleport to the store, you will be routed to a landing point which looks like a furniture store (probably because it is!), but don't worry, you are in the correct place. There is a teleport board at the landing point; the green button will take you to the skins.


Credits
Clothing: *Sky's the Limit by Siss Boom
Jewelry: Sophistique Dark Earrings by je suis
Hair: *KEIKO hair - Bournville by LeLutka
Skin: *NIKA medium 6 HB by *Step inSide*
Pose: *Poofy 6 by aDORKable Poses
Location: HuMaNoiD

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

A Little Bit of Fresh Air

It's no secret that I love shopping; it's also no secret that I love a great sale. I have always enjoyed being able to conveniently locate sale information via blogs that cover events and sales. What I have not loved was the drama that seems to come along with having all of that glorious information located in a single place. Last week I was pointed in the direction of a new blog that covers events and sales but doesn't make it a point to tear other people down; it is actually frowned upon by the authors and the readers. I was so impressed that I contacted the blog owner and offered to blog if they needed more help, and they did need more help! So, now you can find me here at my personal blog and at Seraphim SL. Check it out... I'm sure you will love it!

Seraphim

Week 38 of 52 Weeks of Color - Patriarch

I started off last week all excited because I knew that I had the perfect item already in my inventory for patriarch. As it turned out, I couldn't find it. I know I bought it... I'm pretty sure I didn't delete it, but I have no idea what it is called or who it is by. Just another reason why I really need to get my inventory sorted!

Thankfully, I was still able to find something in my inventory to match the color and didn't have to go out shopping! The Secret Store is one of my favorite places for clothing on the grid, and the reason why should be rather obvious. Maylee Oh's creations are always beautiful and impeccably made. But, what impresses me even more than her ability is her kindness; Maylee recently started a new blog in which she shares her knowledge of making clothing in Second Life and gives step by step instructions on how you can make your own. How incredibly amazing is that! So, check out her blog and go buy her stuff!! Lol

Love the hair? Yeah... Me, too! Though I have to admit that there is hardly a time that Truth Hawks has a release in which I don't like what he has come up with. Zaria is a beautiful long style with wavy strands of hair draped over the right shoulder. Two bang styles come in your purchase: straight bangs like the one I am wearing and bangs that are swooped to the side. Color packs are available at L$250 each or L$1,500 for the fatpack.

If you haven't noticed (or if you haven't heard me say it a billion times), I absolutely LOVE poses! I honestly couldn't tell you how many I have in my inventory, and in all seriousness... no matter how many I have, it will never be enough! I really love the poses put out by aDORKable Poses not only because they are unique, but because all of the singles poses also come with a mirror image! Anyone who has used poses for pictures knows how amazing having that ability is. There have been so many times I have thought that a pose would be perfect if it was just done the other way. The Side Pony is one of aDORKable's newest releases which was absolutely the perfect set to showcase the new hair from Truth. When you visit her shop, also check out her discount room where you can find some pretty amazing things!


Credits
Clothing: [Shirt] Poppy Neck Ruffles - White by [Pink] and [Skirt] *Froufrou - Purple by The Secret Store
Jewelry: Boheme by je suis
Hair: Zaria - Mocha by TRUTH
Skin: *Annabelle by Filthy Skins
Pose: Side Pony 4 Mirror by aDORKable Poses
Location: Lo Lo

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Butterfly

I was more than a little sad when Siss Boom closed it's doors a while ago. Not only is owner and designer Lestat Reuven amazingly talented, but she has a heart of gold as well and I knew I would miss her terribly. Thankfully, Lestat didn't decide to stay away forever and opened her shop back up a couple days ago.

Butterfly is one of Siss Boom's newly released designs, and I must admit that I am in love with it. I remember wearing poofy, elegant dresses almost every day when I first joined Second Life. There was just something about being able to dress up that seemed almost magical. The textures featured on Butterfly are very soft, feminine and beautiful. This dress would be perfect for a night out ballroom dancing or even a romantic stroll through a park!

If you like Siss Boom designs, be sure to join the in world group to receive notices of new releases and specials!


Credits
Clothing: *Butterfly by Siss Boom
Jewelry: Ansuka Pearl Drop Earrings *Night* - Silver by Zaara @ My Second Wardrobe
Hair: With - Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: Sundust [Dark] Elf 2-Sprite 2 by Curio
Poses: [1] *Poofy 4, [2] *Poofy 9 Mirror and [3] *Poofy 7 by aDORKable Poses

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Belinda

Have you ever been so tired that it's difficult to think? That is kind of where I am at the moment; so, please forgive me if my entire post makes no sense whatsoever!

Izzie's is most definitely turning into one of my favorite shops; I am more and more convinced of this with each new release. Her new Long Top is feminine, conservative and very fun! The blouse features system layers as well as five beautiful prim pieces; the sleeves are actually composed of two sculpts each which blend fantastically with each other. Honestly, the designer's ability to beautifully blend all the pieces of her clothing is what first caught my attention. Too often in Second Life, designers will make their vendor pictures look like the sculpted pieces blend well when in actuality they do not; Izzie's clothing actually does blend that well! Nine colors are available at L$150 each or $1,050 for the fatpack.

Like my bag? It's the newest release from je suis, and I have to say that I absolutely love it! Every girl needs a great bag for the summer, and Prete definitely fits the bill. The contents of the bag are perfect for a trip to the beach or a relaxing day in the park! You have everything you need: shades, water, towel, a magazine and most importantly... sunscreen! The bag does contain a very nice holding pose which works with your AO. A random person actually IMed me while I was trying to shoot some photos to ask where I got the pose to hold my bag like that. Hehe Twenty color choices are available at L$199 each or L$1,990 for the fatpack.

Not only does Izzie's make beautiful clothing, but she makes beautiful skin as well! Belinda is Izzie's latest skin release, and I have to say that I really love this look. I always look for realism mixed with artistry in new skins, and Izzie has definitely delivered! The skin purchase is set up a little differently than what you may be used to; Belinda is sold in three skin tones at L$700 per tone. Each tone contains a skin for black, blonde, brown and red brows and with options for cleavage as well. There is only one eye makeup included in the pack, but you can purchase lip gloss sets to change up the look. If you have ever really loved a designer's eye makeup but wished the skin had a different lip color, this type of purchase would be a good choice for you! The skin itself has a very basic lip color; so, it is easy to apply a lip gloss tattoo over the skin and still look beautiful. Three different lip gloss sets are available at L$120 per eight color pack.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] *Long Top in Pink by Izzie's and [Pants] Classic Jeans in Light by Zaara
Hair: *Pandora in Mocha by TRUTH
Hair Clip: Gem Clip - Flowers by EarthStones
Bag: *Prete in Stripped Black by je suis
Skin: *Belinda Skin (brown brows)- Sunkissed by Izzie's
Lip Gloss: *LipGloss Rose 2 (Set 2) by Izzie's
Lashes: 2011 lashes/curl by LeLutka
Poses: [1] *Take A Look 3, [2] *Ohai There 5 and *Freestylin' 1 by BANG
Location: Everwilde 

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Truth is Beauty

Is there such a thing as photographer's block? If so, I most certainly have had it the past few days. I couldn't tell you how many snapshots I've taken and trashed. Uuuggghhhhh. What do you do for inspiration when you are having a block of some sort?

On a more positive note, Truth released two new beautiful styles last week titled Bree and Lacey. Bree is a loose, wavy side pony with gently slopped bangs. Bree is so casual and summery; it has a very comfortable feel to it. Lacey is what I would personally love my real life hair to look like! No one does great, realistic curl in Second Life like Truth! Lacey is a long, curly style full of volume and beauty. I so love the little color change headband that pushes the hair back from the face while leaving a small amount of bangs swooped to the side. Both these styles are available in store and on the Marketplace for L$250 per color pack or L$1,500 per fatpack.

On a side note, while Truth does not include resize scripts in his styles, they all have modify capabilities. This means that you can manually fit or add your own resize scripts. Always make sure that you make a copy of your hair before making any modifications, just in case of boo-boos. A great feature of having modify privileges is having the ability to 'edit linked parts' which allows you to easily push pieces of hair around (i.e., no more hair in your ears!).


Credits
Clothing: Bon Bon Dress in Beige by Magic Nook @ The Dressing Room
Hair: [1] *Bree and [2] *Lacey in Mocha by TRUTH
Skin: *Sundust [Dark] Airhead-Pure 1 by Curio
Lashes: 2011 lashes/curl by LeLutka
Poses: [1] *Wake Me Up 8 and [2] *Just Shut Up 5 by BANG
Location: Atomic Island

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Week 37 of 52 Weeks of Color - Lemon

I completely thought that 'lemon' was going to be an easy color to find in Second Life; as it turned out, it was a little more difficult to find designers who like to feature the very bright yellow than I what I assumed it would be.

After searching through about five stores I tried focusing my search on stores that typically sell bright, fun colors and immediately thought of Sand Shack Surf Co. I have absolutely loved this store since I was modeling in my early Second Life days and asked one of my employers where she got her adorable shoes at and was directed to the store. I have never purchased anything from this designer that I was later disappointed in; everything is of exceptional quality.

The Cabana Dress is that perfect summer look that is available in fun, girly colors as well as a darker selection if pink and yellow is just a little too much for you. I really love the layers this dress features; it gives the design interest and depth. Resize scripts are not included in the sculpt portion of the dress, but it is modify which allows you to manually resize or add your own scripts.

Wondering where I took my pictures? Last Thursday I attended my first ever (RL or SL) poetry night at The Pixel Bean Coffeehouse hosted by the lovely Harlow Heslop and completely fell in love with the people and the atmosphere. There is such a warmth that emanates from this group; they lovingly welcome newcomers with open arms and make you feel right at home. Of course I wasn't brave enough to share poetry, but I absolutely loved listening to all of the amazing voices share their passion. I was nearly moved to tears on several occasions. If poetry is not your thing, there are other events in the works for The Pixel Bean Coffeehouse; to stay up to date on what is going on, please join the in world group.


Credits
Clothing: Cabana Dress in Yellow/Pink by Sand Shack Surf Co.
Jewelry: Kennedy White Pearl Necklace by Caroline's Jewelry
Shoes: Move Pumps in Powder (FFL Exclusive) by [elikatira]
Hair: Lucia in Mocha by TRUTH
Skin: *Summer [Dark] Pebble 2 (Sundust) by Curio
Poses: [1] *Second the Motion 1 and [2] Stand 167 by !BANG
Location: The Pixel Bean Coffeehouse

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

My Hair Fair Favorites

I can't believe that tomorrow (well... technically today) is the last day of Hair Fair 2011 and I still haven't blogged what I spent six hours finding a couple weeks ago. -.- Yes, I claim the title of Queen of Procrastination. Please and thank you. Lol This post is going to be a little different than most I do simply because of all the pictures I'm posting from various designers. The style names along with the designers will be listed below each picture as well as what pose I used in each particular picture.  All hair designer landmarks are set to the Hair Fair locations.

Khloe in Brown Bittersweet by Raspberry Aristocrat - Pose: Model 144 by Glitterati

Boyfriend in Kit Kat by !lamb. - Pose Model 116 by Glitterati

Milena in Golden Brown by Decoy - Pose: Model 100 by Glitterati

Shy Little Thing in Brown 3 by Head Mistress - Pose: Long Hair 3-3 by Glitterati

Sex Symbol in Brown 3 by Head Mistress - Pose: Long Hair 3-8 by Glitterati

Wind in the Willows in Brown 3 by Head Mistress - Pose: Long Hair 2-2 by Glitterati

Rolling Tides in Brown 3 by Head Mistress - Pose: Long Hair 6 by Glitterati

Luna in Brown by Magika - Pose: Long Hair 3-3 by Glitterati

Kimi in Golden Streaked by Illusory - Pose: Model 023 by Glitterati

Story in Brown 08 by [elikatira] - Pose: Model 034 by Glitterati

Pretend in Brown 08 by [elikatira] - Pose: Model 071 by Glitterati

With in Brown 08 by [elikatira] - Pose: Model 089 by Glitterati

Credits

Clothing: [Shirt] Dahlia Top in Brown by Purple Moon and [Pants] *Flared Pants in Caramel by The Secret Store
Jewelry: CHUM necklace by miel
Skin: *Paige in Ivory 04 by Filthy Skins


* Denotes item provided by designer for review.