Until It Sleeps

It's truly amazing how relaxing I find Second Life photography.  In days past, it was source of frustration even though I did enjoy the adventure.  I hate that I am rarely able to find the time to sit down, put an outfit together, find the perfect location and then spend a few hours playing with the pictures.  If only we didn't have to have real life jobs!  Summer is almost here for me, however; I only have one more work day before my two month vacation.

The outfit I'm wearing today if from mon tissu.  Enough cannot be said about the quality of clothing from this designing team.  I really love the Bloomsbury Trousers; the textures are vivid and the mesh is shaped very well.  These pants remind me of capris I wear in my real life... Not so much because of the vividness but because of the length.  My legs are rather short; so, capris tend to strike me pretty low.  With the ultra-short everything in Second Life lately, these are refreshing!  The trousers are available in eight patterns, and a free demo is available.

The Oversized Shirt is also from mon tissu.  This shirt seriously looks so comfortable; I wish I really did own one!  It is the perfect addition to a wardrobe because it is casual enough to be worn with clothing you would lounge in but dressy enough to fit with... well, a nicely made pair of trousers!  The shirt is available in nine patterns, and a free demo is available.

I'm really not sure why I have put off the purchase of mesh feet for so long.  A reflection of being frugal in my real life, perhaps?  With the introduction of the Avatar Enhancement system from Slink, the mesh feet were well worth the price.  Why?  No longer having to spend very precious time trying to perfectly match skin tones is, honestly, priceless.  With Slink's new mesh feet, you simply have to purchase a Slink skin applier from the skin designer of your choice (provided availability of course) and click a button to get a perfect match every time.  It couldn't get any easier.  Also, if you want a new shoe, you do not have to purchase a whole foot with the shoe anymore; Slink has shoe add-ons and is also allowing other creators to design shoes to fit Slink mesh feet.

Slink has also created an add-on for nails.  Many designers are taking advantage of this; a simple search on the Second Life Marketplace will produce hundreds of nail appliers for your hands and feet at rather reasonable prices.  Although the initial price of purchase of the hands and feet is a bit up there, it is more than worth it especially if you are a Second Life photographer, blogger or model.

Irene is the latest skin from Izzie's, and just like all her others, it is a beauty!  The skin is offered in ten skin tones and includes a modifiable shape, freckles, moles, four brow colors (with the exception of the mocha and cocoa tones), cleavage, a nail base, twelve lipsticks, eleven eyeshadows, eyeliner and a brow shape.  A free demo is available.  Also, if you would like to try the skin at a cheaper price, three special edition skins are being offered at The Dressing Room Fusion through June 6th.

It is with very deep sadness that I have to tell you about the closing of aDORKable Poses.  If you have followed by blog very long at all, you will have noticed that I use a lot of poses from this designer and with good reason.  They are extremely well made!  Adorkable Peapod's real life is very hectic, and I understand the pressure of trying to keep up with both lives all too well.  I wish her nothing buy extreme happiness and success in everything she pursues.  Of course I do hold hope that one day she will design again in-world.  Through June 9th, you can grab everything at the main store location for up to 50% off per product.  There are a few events that Adorkable has already committed to that are coming up; so, you can also expect to see her posing products for a little while longer at special venues.

Credits

• Clothing: [Top] Oversized Shirt in Black by mon tissu and [Pants] Bloomsbury Trousers in Emerald O's by mon tissu
• Shoes: Ilena Sandals in Black by Slink
• Feet: Women's Natural Barefeet by Slink
• Hair: Teddy in Browns05Fade by TRUTH
• Skin: Irene Skin Pale DB by Izzie's New
• Skin Applier: Slink Hands Applier and Slink Feet Applier by Izzie's
• Makeup: [Eyes] Irene Eyeshadow Green and Smokey by Izzie's (Included with purchase of skin) and [Lips] Glossy Lip Highlights 3D by Izzie's
• Eyes: Ardent Eyes in Skyfall by IKON
• Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
• Hands: Mesh Hands Elegant1 M Left and Right by Slink
• Nail Applier: Slink Hands and Feet Classic Nails in Pastels by Izzie's
• Poses: [1] Ella 3m by aDORKable Poses Closing Sale
• Location: Missing Mile Dark Rural Community

Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

As the days draw closer to summer break, I can't help to almost feel a sense of relief.  I am so busy in real life; I need a break... badly!  I don't like feeling stressed and overwhelmed all the time.  Another sense of relief came Friday with the news that my husband was finally hired after fourteen months of being laid off.  It isn't the job he permanently wants to be in, but it is definitely a means to an end.  God has been so good to us, and I feel so extremely blessed.

The dress I'm wearing today is an exclusive design from (Elate!) available at Bees Through the Seasons.  If you have never visited this small event, just going to see the decor will be reward enough.  It is truly one of the cutest designs I have seen... and not to mention that the participating designers are extremely talented!  The Ivy Dress is available in four colors and includes five mesh sizes and the necklace in three sizes.  I love the simplicity of the design.  It's very classy and chic; the mesh is well made and the textures are well colored and shaded.  A free demo is available for your convenience.

Izzie's released her latest skin a little over a week ago, and as with all of her other skins... the value is astounding.  Holly is available in nine skin tones and includes a modifiable body shape, freckles, moles, four brow colors (excluding the mocha skin tone), cleavage options, a nail base, twelve lipstick colors, eleven eyeshadow colors, eyeliner and a brow shape.  And... just in case you haven't been on Second Life in the past few weeks... Izzie's also now offers a skin applier for Slink hands and feet.  Matching up the skin tones is literally as easy as clicking a button.  Nail appliers are also available.


Credits
Clothing: Ivy Dress in Charcoal by (Elate!) @ Bees Through the Seasons
Shoes: Millside Flats in Winter by [elikatira] 70% Off
Jewelry: Lola Leaves Earrings in Death by {cherry} @ The Attic
Hair: Conclusion in Brown 08 by [elikatira] 70% Off
Skin: Holly Skin Pale DB by Izzie's
Makeup: [Eyeshadow] Smokey by Izzie's (Included with purchase of Holly Skin) and [Lips] Glossy Lip Highlights 3D by Izzie's
Eyes: Ardent Eyes in Skyfall by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Elegant by Slink
Skin Applier: Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands Applier by Izzie's
Nail Applier: Slink Avatar Enhancement Classic Nails Applier by Izzie's
Poses: [1] Lean II 5v2 and [2] My Hair 8 by aDORKable Poses
Location: PLAAKA

Uninspired

I've been feeling so uninspired lately.  I have been wearing this same outfit for at least two to three weeks.  I remember when I used to feel the need to have a different outfit every day in-world.  It's not that I don't like the items that designers are putting out... I just haven't felt that into it.  I'm sure that it probably is due to a combination of more hours at real life work and never feeling like I'm really getting anywhere in life.  It's taxing on the spirit.  Hopefully with warmer weather (if it ever shows up) and more day light hours, my spirit will start picking back up and inspiration will once again be free flowing!

I really do love the shirt I'm wearing.  I picked it up at erratic during the store's 50% off moving sale.  Unfortunately, the sale is over, but based on the inventory available in the shop, you will probably see more of this designer featured on my blog in the future.  The styles are classy and very well made, and free demos are available for all mesh items.  The designer does have an in-world group that is completely free to join; members receive 30% off all new releases (when the group tag is activated) for a limited time after each release.

The skin I'm wearing was Izzie's contribution at Skin Fair 2013, which is also now over; the skin is, however, now available at the main store location.  This skin is a bit different from the designer's other skins since it is an Asian inspired skin.  New skin tones are available with this design; so, please try one of the free demos before you make a purchase.  The skin is available in six tones and includes a modifiable shape, four eyebrow colors (excluding dark tan and ginger tones), cleavage options, six lipstick tattoos, six eyeshadow tattoos and a brow shape.  Lola's Tango appliers are available as separate purchases for this skin.

I fell in love with the eyes by IKON when I first discovered them a few months ago.  The designer is participating in the current round of The Boutique by The Liaison Collaborative.  Twenty-seven colors of the newest Ardent design is available; each purchase includes five sizes.  I'm wearing the color titled Skyfall, but they are honestly all so gorgeous that this will probably not be my only purchase.  A special color of the Ardent Eyes has been placed out at the designer's main store for the in-world IKON VIP group members; the group is completely free to join, and a free pair of eyes is set out for group members only during the first week of each month.

One of my favorite events of the entire year is underway now through April 14th.  All the poses featured in this post are by the very talented aDORKable Poses, and they are only available at Pose Fair 2013.  I love this designer's poses because they are all extremely well made and mirrors of each pose are included in every pack.  aDORKable released six new pose packs as Pose Fair exclusives, and I am sure that these poses will be available in store upon the conclusion of the event.  If you are interested in seeing more poses that are available, check out my coverage of the fair at Seraphim!


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Amy Silk Blouse in Salmon by erratic and [Pants] Flare Jeans for Flats in #8 by Maitreya
Shoes: Millside Flats in Onyx by [elikatira] 70% Off
Jewelry: Amazon Necklace in Black by Bens Beauty
Hair: Sound in Brown 08 by [elikatira] 70% Off
Skin: Asia Skin Light DB by Izzie's
Makeup: [Eyeshadow] Asia Eyeshadow Smokey and Asia Eyeshadow Pink by Izzie's (Included with purchase of Asia Skin), [Eyeliner] Black Eyeliner in Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala and [Lips] Glossy Lip Highlights 3D by Izzie's
Eyes: Ardent Eyes in Skyfall MLby IKON @ The Boutique
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Elegant R [1 and 2], Bag R [3] and Casual L by Slink
Poses: [1] Bam 1, [2] Simple 4 and [3] Simple 2m by aDORKable Poses @ Pose Fair 2013
Location: Pretty Island

Alone

I hope you have all had an amazing weekend.  This is the first time I have had a chance to make any photos for my blog in two weeks, and I must say that I have really missed it.  I have a lot of fun putting outfits together and finding the perfect spot to take a snapshot.  My husband and I spent the weekend at my mother's house last week, and unfortunately I cannot pack up my desktop and take it with me for photos.  Spending some time away from the computer is definitely nice, but I always end up missing Second Life no matter how long I've been away.  It's kind of like home... You enjoy going on vacation every now and then, but you always want to go home eventually!

I'm honestly not sure how new the top I'm wearing from Ducknipple is.  I spotted it while checking out the designer's new releases and really liked it.  If you have never visited this store, you may want to pencil it into your schedule sometime in the near future.  Almost all mesh items include a color change HUD; it's like purchasing a fatpack for the price of one regular item.  The Leather Jacket w/Top that I'm wearing includes twelve color options for the jacket and twelve color options for the top; this gives you a total of one hundred and forty-four possible color combinations.  A free demo is available.

I picked the jeans that I'm wearing up from Cracked Mirror at FaMESHed.  I really love the shape of these pants and the fact that there isn't a huge gap in the crotch which seems to be a fashion epidemic lately.  I've never had that problem with this designer, however.  The Disclaimer Skinny Jeans are available in five colors and include five mesh sizes and a modifiable alpha layer.  It's rare for me to find jeans that I really like in Second Life; so, when I do... I stock up.  The texture on these jeans is fabulous; it contains enough realism to be credible with enough artistry to properly fit in world.  Although my tush isn't photoed, the butt of jeans really makes it or breaks it for me.  The pockets have to look good and the shape (with mesh) has to be nice and round.  These jeans score on all points!  If you want to try them out for yourself, a free demo is available.

I have to admit that I haven't always been the biggest fan of hair by Exile.  His styles have always been pretty, but I thought the tips of the hair were way too pointy.  That problem, however, seems to be a thing of the past.  I spotted his new releases this weekend and instantly fell in love with Crazy in Love.  This hairstyle is so dramatic!  The volume is fantastic, the textures are beautiful and best of all... there are no pointy tips!  The hair is available in thirteen color packs, and a free demo is available.

A new skin was recently released by Izzie's titled Harlow.  I love the soft but classy and chic look of this skin.  Harlow is available in eight skin tones and includes a modifiable body shape, freckles options, moles options, four brow colors (excluding the mocha skin tone), cleavage options, a nail base, twelve lipstick colors, twelve eyeshadow colors and a brow shape.  I particularly like the eyeshadows included with this skin; they are very shiny and shimmery.  A free demo is available.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Leather Jacket w/Top by Ducknipple and [Pants] Disclaimer Skinny Jeans in Faded Light by Cracked Mirror @ FaMESHed
Shoes: Millside Flats in Taupe by [elikatira]
Jewelry: Lena Earrings by Donna Flora No longer available.
Hair: Crazy in Love in Drift by Exile
Skin: Harlow Skin Pale DB by Izzie's
Makeup: [Eyeshadow] Harlow Eyeshadow Silver Teal by Izzie's (Included with purchase of Harlow Skin), [Lips] Glossy Lip Highlights 3D by Izzie's and [Eyeliner] Black Eyeliner in Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Lucid Eyes in Optimism by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Elegant R And Relax L by Slink
Poses: [1] Honey 2 and [2] Legs 7m by aDORKable Poses
Location: Hazardous

Enjoy the Silence

A new round of FaMESHed started this past week which is where I found almost all of the items in the outfit I'm wearing.  I really like this "sales" event because there are a lot of good quality designers who participate.  It's not really a sales event, however, since all the items are priced as they normally would be.  That of course is completely fine since designers do deserve to be compensated for the amount of time and effort they put into their products.

The top I'm wearing is from Tee*fy, and you really do get a lot of value for your Lindens with this item.  There are twelve total color options available with nine out of the twelve including three different designs in the purchase: a striped version, a polka dot version and a solid version.  It will be difficult for me to not add a few more colors to my inventory... especially the pastels.  Five sizes of each shirt and a modifiable alpha layer are included in your purchase.  A free demo is available.

I picked the pants I'm wearing up from FANATIK, and I had a really difficult time deciding between black and pink.  The girl in me always wants to buy pink, but I went with my husband's suggestion and snagged the black.  They do, after all, go with more things.  The leather texture on these pants is very pretty.  Eight total colors are available and each contains five modifiable sizes with a modifiable alpha layer.  A free demo is available.

The skin I'm wearing is one of the three skin available by Glam Affair at the current round of Collabor88 which only has a few days left.  I was really disappointed when the designer decided to leave The Dressing Room; I probably own almost every skin that was included in the TDR collections.  When Aida popped up at Collabor88 I was, needless to say, ecstatic.  Glam Affair truly does produce some of the highest quality skins in all of Second Life.  If you have ever purchased a high quality skin, you know what an amazing deal 188L for a single skin is.  Three brow colors are included in your purchase, and a free demo is available.

I am deeply in love with the eyes I'm wearing from IKON, and the best thing about them is that they are completely free.  Each month IKON sets out a pair of never before released eyes for one week free to the stores VIP group members (free to join).  Theses Lucid eyes are the first pair in a new line coming from IKON.  The eyes are only available through February 7th; so, don't put off visiting too long!

The shoes by LaRoo at FaMESHed may just be my favorite design by the team yet.  The Lizzy T-Strap Pumps are very feminine and girly.  Ten colors are available; each color features a solid black sole and heel with the body of the shoe featuring the various colors.  A skin and nail color HUD are included with your purchase; instructions for the HUD and the RGB values for popular skins are available on LaRoo's website.  A free demo is available.

If any of you have every wondered where I find the locations I use in my photos, it isn't from me endlessly searching the entire grid before I find the perfect location.  I actually browse the Beautiful Landscapes of Second Life flick group for interesting looking SIMs.  Most people who post their pictures there include slurls to the location.  The blogger that led me to the beautiful Kalki SIM is the very talented Danni Ravinelli.  I always appreciate fellow bloggers who don't mind posting their secrets for others to find and use.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Olga Sweatshirt in Stripe Grey by Tee*fy @ FaMESHed and [Pants] Leather Leggings in Black by FANATIK @ FaMESHed
Shoes: Lizzy T-Strap Pumps in Pink by LaRoo Shoes @ FaMESHed
Jewelry: Uva Earrings by miel Group Gift
Hair: Josie w/Roots in Mocha by TRUTH
Skin: Renee - Trending 02 D by Glam Affair @ Collabor88
Makeup: Black Eyeliner in Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Lucid Eyes in Optimism by IKON Group Gift
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Gesture L and Mouse R by Slink
Poses: [1] Model 252, [2] Model 228 and [3] Model 285 by Glitterati
Location: Kalki

A Lesson in Patience

Today has definitely been a lesson in patience.  I typically take my pictures in Second Life on my desktop and edit them on my laptop; I do it this way since my desktop, which is a gaming computer, is a lot faster and can take better pictures while my laptop is the only computer I have that has PhotoShop.  I have known that my laptop was having issues for a while, but today it finally just gave out.  Well, not completely out, but I tried to turn it on for three hours very unsuccessfully.  After a bit of research, I think the CMOS battery has went out on my laptop; it is a pretty common problem with the version I have and is a really cheap fix.  The problem... you basically have to dismantle the entire computer just to replace the battery.  I cannot see myself doing that.

I was left trying to figure out how to use GIMP to edit my photos.  There are some aspects of it that I do like better than PhotoShop; for example, I think the healing tool has clearer results and is easier to use in GIMP.  The IWarp tool is not quite as smooth at the liquify feature in PhotoShop, however.  I'm sure that with practice I will be able to use this program as well as I am able to use PhotoShop (which isn't really saying much).  The extra time to look up tutorials really pushed my nerves.  You would have to have the patience of Job to not be irritated by having to take it all in at once.

Now... on to what I'm wearing!  The top I have on is a new item from Auxiliary available at The Dressing Room Fusion.  The design is extremely adorable, and the three colors it comes is are very pretty.  A free demo is available for you to try; it really annoys me when designers don't have demos out for mesh items.  Each piece fits differently... some not well at all depending on your shape; I really hate wasting money and really appreciate the designers who offer free demos (1L demos are a whole different rant lol).  The straps don't really fit my avatar well (they stand up a bit higher than my shoulders), but I knew that I wanted to wear a long hairstyle; so, that really wasn't much of an issue.  Overall, it's a very fabulous piece for only 70L!

The leggings I "matched" up with the top are actually a modifiable pair of textured white leggings a designer friend of mine passed me long ago.  They are a staple of my inventory when I cannot find pants that match well enough with a top.  Perhaps Auxiliary will release some colored pants in the future to match for the people who don't like tinting!

The newest release from LaRoo Shoes are absolutely amazing!  The Sparta Pumps are the first release by the design team to include a foot base.  I know that some people are a little intimidated when it comes to tinting.  I typically don't aim for a "perfect" match because if I did I would be here for days. Close is normally good enough for me since colors can change with windlights and shadows; I think I did pretty well with my first try.  Tinting the skin with the included HUD is a little different than with others; you first choose the skin closest to your skin color and then adjust the RGB values instead of simply inputting the value of your skin.  I really love the window that pops up for you to enter the codes instead of having thirty seconds to type them into local chat.  LaRoo does offer detailed information on how to operate the color change HUD and the RGB values of well know skin designers on their website.  The values for the skin I'm wearing were not listed, but I'm sure the list will grow with time!  The shoes are available in twelve colors, and a free demo is available for your convenience.

Speaking of skins, I'm sporting the newest skin release from Izzie's titled Ginerva.  The skin is available in eight tones and includes a modifiable shape, freckles option, moles option, four brow colors (with the exception of the mocha tone which only contains one), cleavage options, a nail base, twelve lipsticks, eleven eyeshadows, eyeliner, blush and a brow shape.  As with all Izzie's skins, a free demo is available.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Mullet Top in Cocoa and Turquoise by Auxiliary at The Dressing Room Fusion and [Leggings] White Cotton Leggings by Siss Boom (Not available)
Shoes: Sparta Pumps in Tan by LaRoo Shoes
Jewelry: Uva Necklace by miel Group Gift
Hair: Rebel in Mocha w/Roots by TRUTH
Skin: Ginvera Skin Pale DB by Izzie's
Makeup: Black Eyeliner in Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Eternal Eyes in Glass by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Elegant 1 by Slink
Poses: [1] Elegant 3 and [2] Elegant 1 by aDORKable Poses
Location: Innsmouth

Helix

The idea for this outfit was completely inspired by the new shoes from LaRoo that are currently being offered at FaMESHed.  They reminded me of the combat boots my sister used to wear when we were teenagers.  Of course she never wore them with anything resembling what someone in the military would wear; she definitely dressed them up.

I found the undershit I'm wearing while shopping at House of Fox for the shorts that I am also wearing.  I love the illusion of modest sexiness that it gives with the high neckline and semi-see through texture.  Everything is technically covered, but you can see just enough to want to see more.

The jacket that I paired up with the outfit is a newish piece by DIRAM.  The dramatic shape really caught my attention as well as the nine flamboyant textures it is offered in.  The only thing that I don't really like about the this particular texture for the jacket is that the stripes do not line up down the sides under the armpit.  It's a pet peeve I've had for years even with real life clothing.  Perhaps that is why I no longer wear stripes in my real life.  A free demo is available, and your purchase includes five mesh sizes and an alpha layer.

As mentioned previously, the Liberty Boots are part of the current collection available at FaMESHed.  I continue to be increasingly impressed with each new release from LaRoo.  The detail that is obtainable with mesh designs make a three-dimensional world presented on a two-dimensional screen appear so much more real.  LaRoo also had a new release this past week with their first skin and foot shoe; I hope to get a post up with those in the coming week!  The Liberty Boots are offered in ten colors, include three mesh sizes and an alpha layer; a free demo is available.


Credits
Clothing: [Jacket] Blake Blazer in Rayure by DIRAM, [Undershirt] Vintage Sheer Top by House of Fox, [Shorts] Tailored Shorts in Black by House of Fox and [Tights] Sheer Tights in Black Less Sheer by Izzie's
Shoes: Liberty Boots in Black by LaRoo Shoes @ FaMESHed
Jewelry: Ebru Earrings by Bens Beauty
Hair: Escape in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: Jadis Natural A TRD #24 by Glam Affair (This makeup is no longer available)
Makeup: Black Eyeliner in Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Eternal Eyes in Glass by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Elegant 1 by Slink
Poses: [1] Odyssey 5 and [2] SidePony 3 by aDORKable Poses
Location: DangerInEvolution LEA27

Sparkle

I had planned to publish these pictures as a special New Year's post, but as it often happens, real life simply got in the way!  Going back to work after a week and a half off was overly tiring.  I absolutely love my job, but it can really take a lot of me sometimes.

The dress I'm wearing is from a store that has been around for about a year, titled One Store by Ju Sands, but the store is completely new to me which is always a fun experience.  The dress does show a little more skin than what I am used to; let's just say that I was feeling a bit festive when I was getting dressed.  I really love the texture of the dress; the sequins are more elongated than typical which gives the dress a reptilian feel.  One Store currently exists solely on the SL Marketplace.  Six colors of the 2013 Dress are available and each includes four sizes and an alpha layer.  There is no demo specifically for the 2013 Dress, but there is a demo for the Rock Dress which is the same style.

I picked up the jewelry I paired with this dress at Donna Flora.  I have always loved how dramatic her pieces are.  They really add a little bit of flair to any outfit.  Both the necklace and the earrings are included in the purchase, and the flower is color change with eight preset colors.  The only thing that I have never liked about Donna Flora jewelry is that the permissions are no copy/transfer.  I would much rather prefer it to be the other way around since I do have a tendency to lose things.  Nonetheless, her designs are amazing!


Credits
Clothing: 2013 Dress in Green by One Store
Jewelry: Fabiola Set by Donna Flora
Hair: Escape in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: Jadis Natural A TDR #24 by Glam Affair (This makeup is no longer available)
Makeup: Black Eyeliner Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Eternal Eyes in Glass by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Elegant 1 by Slink
Poses: [1] Model 21 and [2] Model 90 by Glitterati
Background texture by JoesSistah

Tweed

-siss boom- reopened recently with an adorable new mesh release titled Afternoon.  The one thing that I have always loved about the products from this designer are the textures; they are very soft and feminine... very much like something I would wear in my real life.  Nine colors and textures are available, and your purchase includes five mesh sizes and an alpha layer.  Demos are always free at -siss boom-.

I have been wanting to visit Amorous jewelry for a while and finally decided to do so with this post.  The designs offered at this store are very interesting, and the amount of product you get for you money is wonderful.  I'm wearing the Cathartik set; both the necklace and earrings are included in your purchase.  The gems are color change and include ten different choices.


Credits
Clothing: Afternoon in Tweed by -siss boom-
Shoes: Ruffled Flats in Brown by Cracked Mirror
Jewelry: Cathartik by Amorous
Hair: Fight in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: Mary Natural 29 by Glam Affair (No longer available - Previous TDR item)
Makeup: Black Eyeliner Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Eternal Eyes in Glass by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Elegant by Slink
Poses: [1] Just Shut Up 8 and [2] Freestylin' 1 by !bang 30% Off Sale Main Store
Location: Whispering Wind

Obscure

I hope everyone has had a great couple of weeks since the last time I posted.  A combination of a large amount of real life work to complete and a new found addiction to Pretty Little Liars has kept me away, but I should be back on a regular basis now.  I really need to stop finding new shows to watch on Netflix... especially when they have 2+ seasons available for you to watch.  I get so sucked in and then just have to keep watching episode after episode.  Lol  I suppose I could have worse addictions.

I came across the oversized sweatshirt I'm wearing when I was covering FROST for Seraphim.  I have to admit that I have always been a bit turned off by the store name Cynful since it doesn't really sound very conservative at all.  I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, right?  After checking out the designer's profile, I think the name of the store may actually be a play off of her name, Cynthia Ultsch.  Curiosity lead me to check out the main store location, and I actually do like quite a few of the designs available.  Perhaps you will be seeing more from this store on my blog in the future.  The oversized sweatshirt is available in six colors and includes five mesh sizes and an alpha layer; a free demo is available for your convenience.

Izzie's is participating in this month's round of Collabor88 with an exclusive version of Geanna available in two skin tones, fair and pale.  Each skin includes four brow colors, a nail base and a brow shape.  A free demo is available for you to try; you may also want to snag the exclusive nails by Izzie's while you are there which include nine colors and three sizes.     

A new jewelry set was recently released by je suis titled Chouette.  Eleven strap colors are available for both the necklace and the earrings.  The pearls and metal pieces are both color change; ten colors are included for the pearls and five colors are included for the metal pieces.  The jewelry is resizable by script.  While you are at je suis, check out the We Are Back! section; a lot of previous event exclusives have been placed out for a limited time.  Grab them while you still can!

LaRoo Shoes officially opened their main store location about a week and a half ago with two new releases.  All designs by the two founders of the brand are completely original mesh creations.  The Arsene Boots are available in twelve colors and come with twelve strap colors and four heel colors changeable via a HUD.  The boots are extremely well made; the mesh is very smooth and the straps give a little extra dimension to the look of the shoe.  I honestly love how mesh boots bend with my avatar's legs.  I used to avoid boots when we had to rely on prims and sculpts because boots that contained two or more pieces per shoe could end up looking extremely odd when walking or posing.  That is something that we thankfully don't have to deal with anymore since mesh has come along.  A free demo is available for your convenience.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Oversized Sweatshirt in Snow by [Cynful] @ FROST and [Leggings] Sheer Tights Colors in Pink by Izzie's
Shoes: Arsene in Black by LaRoo Shoes
Jewelry: [Necklace] Chouette Necklace in Gray and [Earrings] Chouette Earrings in Gray by je suis
Hair: Indulge in Brown 03 by [elikatira]
Skin: Geanna Frostbite Skin Pale DB by Izzie's @ Collabor88
Makeup: Black Eyeliner Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Eternal Eyes in Storm by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Curl Lashes by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Relax by Slink
Poses: [1] Model 219, [2] Model 228 and [3] Model 254 by Glitterati
Location: Pretty Island

Gacha

I definitely have a shopping problem when it comes to gachas... Especially with all the cute new items that are available at The Arcade which opened a new round yesterday.  I keep thinking... "Oh, that's not that much money," and end up spending a ton before I realize how much that little bit of money has added up.  They are really fun, though, and you can get a lot of cute stuff that makes great stocking stuffers.

The best feeling at gacha events is getting the product that you wanted on your very first try.  You feel like you have completed some magnificent feat.  Well, that's how I felt when I landed the slate color of Tulip's cute mesh sweater anyway.  Nine colors of the shirt are available at 50L per play; be sure to try on the free demo before you buy since you have to choose the size of your shirt to play.

I've never really been much of a 'big bows on your head' type of girl, but the mesh bow from Auxiliary at The Arcade was absolutely too adorable for me to pass up.  There are ten total colors of the bow with studded and unstudded versions available at 50L per play; the studded bows are a 'rare' item which means you have less of a chance to score one than the unstudded bows.  

Bright lemon yellow pants are definitely not my usual style, but I think they just go with this outfit.  When I was searching for flat shoes last weekend I ran across these pants from Cracked Mirror and knew that I wanted to blog them.  Although you cannot see it my pictures, the pants have a really cute white belt attached.  They are definitely a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.  I got the gray pair first, but they just didn't do it for me with the color of the shirt; so, I decided to spice it up a bit and go with a color I would typically find outlandish.  Your purchase includes five mesh sizes and an alpha layer; a free demo is available for your convenience.

Are the phone poses not adorable?  I wouldn't really expect anything else from aDORKable Poses, though!  The With Love Hunt started last Friday, and the Call Me set is aDORKable's prize for the event.  The collection includes ten poses with mirror poses and the cell phone prop for each pose.  Items in the hunt cost a mere 10L each but are worth at least 400L each; you definitely can't beat ten poses with props for such a low price!  While you are at aDORKable Poses, be sure to get the free pose the designer has set out for Christmas; a total of twenty-five poses will be given away, but only one pose per day is available.  So, you have to come back every day!

My husband suggested that I take a picture of what the photo would have looked like if the phone had actually taken the picture.  I have to admit, it was a cute idea, and I liked the way it turned out!


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Baggy Sweatshirt in Slate by tulip. @ The Arcade and [Pants] Mambo Jeans in Yellow by Cracked Mirror
Accessory: Slouchy Leather Bow Studded in Brick by Auxiliary @ The Arcade
Shoes: Ruffled Flats in Ruby Red by Cracked Mirror
Hair: Reema by Alice Project
Skin: Geanna Skin Pale DB by Izzie's
Makeup: [Eyeshadow] Geanna Eyeshadow Teal by Izzie's (Included with purchase of Geanna Skin) and [Eyeliner] Black Eyeliner Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Eternal Eyes in Storm by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Hands: Mesh Hands Casual by Slink
Poses: [1] Call Me 1 and [2] & [3] Call Me 4 by aDORKable Poses With Love Hunt 10L
Location: Virtue

Unhinged

I know there has been a lot of controversy over events (especially charity events) lately, but I personally love them!  I like the convenience of having many designers set up items in one location, I like the interaction with people I meet at events, and most of all... I really love how Second Life residents come together to help people in need.  I don't think that anyone could deny the compassion and willingness to give of Second Life residents.  Unhinged is a charity event from Elysium Hynes and Sonya Marmurek for a friend (Eku Zhong) who has suffered many medical problems including multiple sclerosis, cancer, radiation treatments, and bone replacements and marrow transplants.  Repeated treatments has left Eku's skull very fragile, and she now needs a prosthesis to reduce (or eliminate) the possibility of her temporal bone being pushed into her brain.  Unhinged will be running through December 15th; so, there is plenty of time left for you to purchase products to help raise money for the prosthesis or jump over to attend one of the music events and donate to the cause.

The shirt I am wearing is one of the designs being offered by Geometry to help raise money for Eku.  Your purchase includes two shirt styles, five sizes of each style and two alpha layers.  The top is offered in nine colors, and a free demo is available for your convenience.

If you have been wanting to try the adorable poses I use so often in my photos, now is the perfect time! Through December 1st, all singles, couples, groups and props have been discounted by 50%; this sale does not include items located in the discount room and collaboration poses. After teleporting to the SIM, you will need to use the teleport board to get to the aDORKable Poses shop (or just follow the red arrow).


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Eku Tank in Pink by Geometry @ Unhinged and [Pants] Leggings in Black by Maitreya
Shoes: Flower Flats in Black by Izzie's
Hair: Interrupt in Black 04 by [elikatira]
Skin: Geanna Skin Pale DB by Izzie's
Makeup: [Eyeshadow] Geanna Eyeshadow Silver and [Lips] Lipstick Pink by Izzie's (Included with purcahse of Geanna Skin); [Eyeliner] Black Eyeliner Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Eternal Eyes in Storm by IKON
Hands: Mesh Rigged Hands in Elegant and Elegant 1 by Slink
Poses: [1] Bag Lady II 3 and [2] Breezy 2m by aDORKable Poses 50% Off Sale
Location: Black Kite