Week 8 of 52 Weeks of Color - Dark Raspberry

Ok... I know I'm running a bit late with this one, but my real life has been so hectic lately. I'm sure that most everyone can understand where I'm coming from there. I actually took this picture a few days ago and am just now getting an opportunity to post it. Hopefully this coming week will be a bit slower!

Every ten days I blog the new collection at Designer Showcase for SeraphimSL. I always love the outfits by 1 Hundred. but had never really heard of the store before I started blogging the showcase. I had wondered what the name of the store meant and finally understood when I visited the other day. All the items at 1 Hundred. are ... you guessed it ... 100L. There are some very pretty designs offered by this creator, and the price is so reasonable especially if you are on a budget. It is definitely worth a visit!


Credits
Clothing: Glamour in Plum by 1 Hundred.
Hair: Lovely Lena in Brown 03 by Head Mistress
Skin: *Nathalie in Tan 03 by Filthy Skins
Makeup: LipGloss 03 by Filthy Skins (1L)
Pose: Model 050 by Glitterati

* Denote 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.

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.

The Magic of Windlights

Since I began blogging, I have been completely awestruck by the pure talent of so many photographers in Second Life. I have always thought that in order to get my photos to look as fantastic as those I see on the feeds, I would need to learn PhotoShop. I discovered today that isn’t the case at all.

While reading Ms. Strawberry Singh’s blog this morning, I stumbled across her tutorial for windlight settings. When I first started taking photos in Second Life, I had downloaded a few extra presets from the Second Life Wiki, but not knowing how to bump graphics at the time, the presets make me look absolutely horrible. I reverted back to using the amazing Redgrave setting and have never really thought much of it since. I always assumed that photos with amazing skies and the foggy colored look had been PhotoShopped to look that amazing. **Smacks self on the forehead** It really isn’t that difficult! No PhotoShopping at all is required. Thank God because a year after purchasing the software, I still don’t know how to use it! :-/ I’m sure that my mouth dropped open after I downloaded the presets on Berry’s blog and bumped my graphics to ultra. I completely didn’t expect to see what was on my screen. I am so excited to now be able to do this! The cherry on top will be when I am able to upgrade my graphics card and finally be able to use shadows! Thank you so much, Berry, for generously sharing your wealth of knowledge!

Click here for larger picture.

Since this is a fashion blog, I suppose I should mention what I’m wearing! This cute little outfit is not by any means new; it is simply one of my favorite casual outfits. Anytime I need to throw something on in a hurry, I grab this! Unfortunately, I didn’t see Orange Peel when I visited Siss Boom today, but keep an eye out… You never know when Lestat is going to pull something back out of her inventory! If you are looking for a beautiful casual outfit, definitely drop by this store. It is most definitely one of my favorite.

On a side note, if the store hasn’t already closed up shop, TeaSoup is having a closing sale. With how much I love poses, I’m not sure why I didn’t discover this store until it was closing! I guess that was better for my wallet though; all poses have been marked L$25 – L$75. Although I am a brand new customer, I’m kind’a sad to see this pose designer go. I really loved all of the poses I found there and purchased almost every pose pack available. The poses are interesting and the transitions are smooth. Perhaps someday there will be a comeback!


Credits
Clothing: Orange Peel by Siss Boom
Hair: End of Summer in Brown 3 by Head Mistress
Skin: Mary Natural (B) by Glam Affair
Pose: Funk by TeaSoup

The March Hare Hunt

On Saturday I had taken this picture and was getting ready to post when I started feeling rather ill. I decided to lay down for a bit and didn’t really get up until today, Monday! I guess I really needed some rest. Thankfully, I now feel much better.

There are very few designers that I still visit from my ‘infant’ days in Second Life. Let’s be honest, probably very few of us knew what quality Second Life fashion was unless you had a friend who already played and was willing to show you around. Let’s just say that most of my early Second Life clothing wasn’t too flattering although I thought I was hot stuff at the time. Haha Maybe I should blog a few of the pictures I took way back when… even before I knew about the Redgrave windlight settings. **Eeep!**

One designer has remained a constant in my inventory, however. That designer being Lemania Indigo. Being very broke in my younger days, I spent a lot of time doing hunts, and that, of course, is how I stumbled upon Mrs. Indigo. I am still impressed and inspired by how very kind and good hearted Lemania is. There are very few designers who give as generously as she. Not only does she participate in practically every hunt coming and going, but she also hosts a monthly L$1 hunt on her own SIM. I always look forward to these, and I’m always shocked at the quality of products she sets out for only L$1. Even as broke as I was in my early days, I was still able to come up with the Lindens to for her monthly hunts! Also, how many designers do you know who set out EVERY new release at a fourth (or sometimes more!) regular price? Lemania and Lestat Reuven (Siss Boom) are the only two designers I can personally think of.

The March Hare Hunt began last Saturday and runs through March 21st. A total of seventeen teacups have been placed out all at L$1 each. Don’t forget to pick up Lemania’s other hunt items while you are there, and check out the great daily specials she offers! Also, other stores on the SIM are participating in the L$1 sale; it’s definitely worth a look around!


Credits:
Clothing: *Kararli by Lemania Indigo Designs @ The March Hair Hunt L$1
Jewelry: Vintage 50’s Pearl Necklace in Black by Dark Mouse @ FabFree
Shoes: *Included with Clothing
Hair: Lovely Lena in Brown 3 by Head Mistress
Skin: *Sweetheart [Dark] Beguiling 2 (Sundust) by Curio
Pose: Long Hair 6 by Glitterati
Background by DCSMC

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Week 18 of 52 Weeks of Color - Ecru

It’s hard to believe that I have stayed with the 52 Weeks of Color challenge for eighteen weeks. Before I know it, a half a year will have already passed! I hope that Miss Luna is thinking of another year long challenge; I’m not sure if I like the thought of a ‘no challenge’ week.

My outfit for the ‘Ecru’ week really came from a mishmash of stores. The beautiful top I am wearing is the contribution of Kyoot to 50 Linden Friday. I really love the pattern and the color of the shirt. It makes me think American Southwest, which I suppose is why it is colored "Santa Fe". I’ve always wanted to visit; perhaps someday I will have the chance. The shirt comes in several options including wearing the shirt and undershirt together or separately. I personally love the layered look.

My very hot pants are from Phoenix Rising. I purchased the Mona Pants in Ice when the store was having their closing sale last summer. They are honestly my favorite pair of virtual jeans that I own, and that is saying something since I have quite a few pair. The texture is so soft and has a very worn and comfortable look. I was upset that I only bought one color and wished for quite a while that I could purchase other colors. Needless to say, when I found out that Phoenix Rising does indeed still have a store open, I rushed over and bought the Mona Pants in all colors! I’m wearing the tan color for my photo, and I love them just as much as the ice. For L$25, you really cannot beat these!

The skin I am wearing is the only thing officially colored ecru. I blogged the entire line of the Swedish Essentials Skin when Siss Boom first released it a couple months ago. I love the skin today as much as I loved it then. Highlighting and shading always make or break a skin for me. I absolutely hate it when a skin’s shading ends up looking like dirty knees and elbows. Of course you will not find that in the skins from Siss Boom. Lestat Reuven has taken a lot of time to make sure simple details are not overlooked. The highlighting and shading is done very well, and I love that random moles and freckles can be found throughout the body.

I'm only wearing two pieces of the very beautiful set of jewelry that League put out for 50 Linden Friday.  Here lately, I haven't been loving a whole lot of the items that have been placed out for the sale, but this set was a definite win!  I would have worn the included necklace as well, but it was a bit too bulky for what I was going for.  It is still definitely very pretty and worth way more than the L$50 I spent on it.


Credits:
Clothing: [Shirt] Book Worm in Santa Fe by Kyoot and [Pants] Mona Pants in Tan by Phoenix Rising
Jewelry: Wanderer by League
Shoes: Providence Riding Boots in Dark Brown by Mon Tissu
Hair: End of Summer in Brown 3 by Head Mistress
Skin: *Swedish Essential Makeup 2 (Ecru) by Siss Boom
Poses: [1] Long Hair 10 and [2] Long Hair 2-2 by Glitterati
Background by FairieGoodMother

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

And It Was Love

It’s hard to believe that a couple months ago I only owned one brand of skin and had no intention of ever changing that. I just didn’t look ‘me’ in another skin. One of the great things about Second Life, however, is that you can change ‘me’ on a daily (or hourly lol) basis! You don’t have to be stuck with one look or one style. When I first started modeling for Lemania Indigo Designs and Wondrous Strange (now Siss Boom) in Second Life at the ripe old age of three months, I was always fascinated and awe struck at the beautiful skin in the vendor pictures. When I finally figured out about two months later… I’m not really sure why I never asked… who the extremely talented creator was, I quickly teleported to Curio. Still being relatively young in Second Life, I was not about ready to pay ‘that’ price for skin! Haha… No way! Not me! I went on about my merry way and didn’t really think much more about it.

Last week, a friend IMed me and told me that Curio had a free skin in the Gala & Rita Design Announcements group. My curiosity perked back up, and I joined the group to try the skin. Let’s just say that I instantly fell in love all over again. The skin looked absolutely beautiful on my ava; the lips were so colorful and luscious and the eye shadow had just the right amount of color. Needless to say, I once again teleported back to Curio to drool over all the amazing skins. Although L$3000 is still quite an investment to me, it’s not an absolute out of the question purchase decision to me anymore. I took a few demos and tried them on periodically over the next couple days. As I said, L$3000 is an investment for me as I am sure it is for most people in Second Life, and I wanted to make sure without a shadow of a doubt that I really LOVED the skin I would buy. Of course, I could have purchased a single makeup pack, but then I would just end up wanting the rest. In the end, I decided to purchase the Elf 2 Sundust makeup pack, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

I think the vendor pictures at Curio may be a bit misleading; you actually get an extreme amount of skin options in the pack that I didn’t realize way back when by just looking at the pictures. Each makeup comes in two versions, two skin tones (light and dark), and an option for freckles in both makeups and both skin tones which gives you a total of eight options for each ‘makeup’. If you purchase the fatpack, that is a total of fourty-eight skins! When you look at it like that, L$3000 doesn’t seem quite as bad; that is only L$62.5 for each skin.

The skin from Curio looks amazingly realistic. Apart from the face, my favorite part is the collar bones. It almost looks as if Gala has taken a picture of someone with beautiful collar bones and uploaded it on her skin. I’m sure, however, that they are hand painted, and that, my dear readers, is pure and amazing talent! The colors on each of the eyes blends so perfectly together, just the right amount of blush is added, and even in the very light lips, they are all still so luscious. If you have never tried Curio, I urge you to at least join the Gala & Rita Design Announcements group (free to join) to try the free skin. If you are anything like me, you will soon be falling in love, and it probably won’t be long until you are wanting more!

Credits:
Clothing: [Dress] Wisk by Phoenix Rising (No Longer Available) and [Tank] Billie Lace Tank in Black by Pink Outfitters
Jewelry: White Pearl Set by Alienbear's Designs
Hair: End of Summer in Brown 3 by Head Mistress
Skin: Elf 2 (Sundust) by Curio
Pose: Model Pose 026 by Glitterati
Background by RubyBlossom

Week 9 of 52 Weeks of Color - Silver

Happy New Year!! 2010 was honestly the best year of my life, and I cannot wait to see what 2011 will bring. I have completely fallen head over heels in love with the most amazing man, and I could never ask for anyone better. Are those wedding bells I hear chiming in the coming year? Keeping my fingers crossed!

Luna Jubilee’s color for this week was, of course, perfect for the New Year! Silver is one of my favorite colors; it speaks elegance and sophistication to me. I wanted to wear a more formal type outfit for this color and was reminded of a gown I already had in my inventory while visiting Paris Metro’s L$200 sale (2nd floor main store). Electric Platinum is a modern, slender gown which features a metallic texture and a long, flowing skirt. Small to medium sized holes are in the shirt and pant layer of the dress to give it a touch of sexy. This gown is still available at Paris Metro for L$200. The sale was set to end December 29; so, I am sure that this price will not last much longer!

The skin I am wearing is from Heartsick Skins, a new to me store. A few months ago I decided to expand my skin inventory beyond one brand, and I have not regretted it! The skin options available at Heartsick are absolutely amazing; I love the realism these skins feature. It is evident that the designer has taken time and extreme care to add small details, such as freckles and moles, to make these skins look natural. Each skin comes with multiple options including breast size and birthmarks/no birthmarks. A hunt of sorts is currently going on at Heartsick; several skins have been marked at L$50 and two have been marked at L$10. The skin I am wearing above, titled Enchant: Cheesecake in Rapture, is currently being offered as a special for L$50 in four skin tones.  I absolutely love the lips on this skin!  They are so luscious and colorful.  There are also several dollarbie skins which are all extremely well made available on the second floor and a couple freebies placed throughout the store. This is a designer which I will definitely be featuring more of in the future!

Credits:
Clothing: Electric Platinum by Paris Metro
Jewelry: [Necklace] Tempest Gothic Cross Necklace in Jet and [Earrings] Radiance Diamond Dangle Earrings by EarthStones
Hair: Lovely Lena Brown 3 by Head Mistress
Skin: Enchant - Cheesecake in Rapture by Heartsick Skins
Poses by Glitterati
Background by JoesSistah

Love Me Some Hair!

I could barely control myself yesterday on my first visit to Head Mistress. Never in a million years would I have believed that you could find hair at the quality offered in this chic little shop in fatpacks for only L$150. Yes, you read that correctly, dear readers... L$150 for fifteen amazing colors of exquisitely sculpted hair. The textures this hair features are very beautiful and blend very well. It will be very difficult for you to leave this shop without purchasing something!

Don’t you just LOVE the skin I’m wearing?! If not, you need that pretty little head of yours checked. Hehe . Ice Queen Happy Holidays is the FREE Christmas gift from Curio. Yes, I just said FREE Curio skin. Woot! A normal and freckled version of the skin is included in the holiday package in every skin tone available from Curio. To grab this skin before it disappears, search for and join the Gala & Rita Design Announcements group in world. This group is free to join. As my first ever Curio skin, I can honestly say that I am falling in love♥, and you just may be seeing me in a lot more Curio skins in the future!

The clothing I am wearing in my first picture is the Taylor sweater from Pink Outfitters at House of London which features multiple wearing layers (Thank you, London Dailey!!) and two prim attachments. I absolutely fell in love with this sweater as soon as I saw it in the notice. The prims are beautifully sculpted and blend well with the shirt/sweater layers of the top. At only L$50 each, this sweater is really a steal! Eight colors are available at the sale price until January 4, 2011.

The clothing I am wearing in the second picture has been featured several times before but is definitely worth featuring again. Actually, it has kind of become my emergency grab shirt. I simply LOVE it! The shirt is part of a complete outfit by Siss Boom titled Winter Basics. The ensemble features jeans, a shirt layer and the sweater layer that I am wearing above. Prim attachments are also included for the jeans and the sweater which gives the outfit a more realistic look. If you want to grab this, you will have to hold off until January 1st as the Lemania SIM is being remodeled. I’m really excited and cannot wait to see what Lestat Reuven creates! I so love, love, love her builds!

The jewelry featured in both the first and second pictures is from EarthStones. If you are anything like me, you simply cannot stay away from the exquisite sculpts created by Abraxxa Anatine. There are very few pieces released that I don’t love. The best part about both items featured here is that they are available in the Bargain Loft at a discounted price! The dangle beads set features tiny, little beads ‘dangling’ from a silver linked chain. The necklace, earrings and bracelet are all sold as separate pieces in ten color options at L$150 each. If you have ever been to EarthStones, you know that is definitely a bargain! The Diamond Circle Drop Set in Silver/Red Jasper features a linked chain and a stone suspended inside of a diamond circle. I absolutely love this set! It is offered in four center stone options and two metal options (eight options total). The set includes both the necklace and the earrings for L$175.

Style Card
Clothing: [1] Taylor Sweater in White by Pink Outfitters and [2] *Winter Basics by Siss Boom
Hair: [1] Lovely Lena in Brown 3 and [2] End of Summer in Brown 3 by Head Mistress
Skin: Ice Queen – Happy Holidays (Sundust Dark) by Curio FREE
Pose: *Pencil 5 by aDORKable Poses

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.