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

Sweet 'n Low

In my real life, I tend to avoid any shade of orange for clothing like the plague.  I just doesn't go with my skin tone.  But, that is the beauty of Second Life!  I can change the brand/tone/makeup of my skin with every outfit if I choose to do so.  So, orange can be included in my virtual inventory.

JANE released several new mesh items this past week, and in typical JANE style, they are fabulous!  The Sweet 'n Low Jeans have a very natural shape and a natural texture.  Five colors are available and each pair comes with a cuff/no cuff option, five sizes and an alpha layer.  The Drifter Halter is also a new release from JANE.  I really love the loose and flowing look the shape gives; the neckline is also at a nice, conservative level.  The shirt is available in three colors (also three patterns under a different name) and comes in five sizes and an alpha layer.

Izzie's released new jewelry today, and I absolutely love it!  The 50's Pearl Necklace is composed of various pearl sizes that are connected by small pearls.  This is a piece than can give a very casual look a more dressy feel or be the finishing touch on an already dressy look.  It is a very versatile piece!  The necklace is available in eighteen colors.  

The skin I'm wearing is a new release from Filthy Skins.  I really love the face, especially the lips, of this skin.  Mia is available in four tones and comes with eight makeups per tone with optional cleavage.  As with all Filthy Skins, a free demo is available for your convenience.  Also, the Filthy Skins VIP group is currently free to join (199L typical join fee).  Every month, a male and female group gift is released which includes a skin and a modifiable shape.  This great deal probably won't last much longer; so, get in for free while you still can!

Credits

Clothing: [Top] *Drifter Halter in Ochre by JANE and [Pants] *Sweet 'n Low Jeans in Light by JANE

Shoes: The Alice Cullen Ballet Flats in Orange Creme by {Cherry}

Jewelry: *50's Pearl Necklace in Natural by Izzie's

Hair: Never in Brown 11 by [elikatira] (Group Gift)

Skin: *Mia 01 in Creme by Filthy Skins

Makeup: Black Eyeliner in Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala

Pose: Hunting Bears Trickbox by -no wow-

* Denotes promotional copy.

Taste of Second Life: Once Upon a Time

I had hoped to get my Taste of Second Life post out a little earlier today, but I completely crashed after I got home from church today and slept for three hours! I guess I needed to catch up on some sleep. I really loved the theme this week; “Once Upon a Time” leaves the door open for a lot of fun designs and ideas!

I absolutely fell in love with the pose prop from Tranquility Way Station Designs as soon as I saw it! It is completely adorable and very well made. Although my pictures do not capture the complete idea, the prop base is opened up like a story book with this fairy tale popping up out of it. The backdrop is absolutely gorgeous, and if you look right in the corner, you can see that there is actually a wolf there! I set this prop up before I got dressed, and while I was getting ready I heard a wolf howl. It sort of startled me at first, and then I remembered the prop! The stump that you see in the corner of my picture is fully animated for your posing needs, or of course you can just stand in the middle of it and use your other poses like I did! There really is so much you can do with this, and at only L$75, it is a total win!

Don’t you just absolutely love the Princess Cocktail Dress from Alexohol Fashions? The design is fabulous and the textures are gorgeous. I really love how light and shiny the colors are; it is very feminine and super girly! The detailing on the straps of the dress is really pretty and delicate. This dress could probably also be worn as a ballet dress. The dress comes in three colors which are named after Disney Princeses: Aurora (pink), Belle (yellow) and Cinderella (blue). Each color is available for L$75, or if you would like to have all three, there is a fatpack for L$160!

I completely love the cute little Berry Gretel Dress that ISON has out for you this weekend. There is actually a modesty tee shirt that comes with the outfit as well, but it is perfectly cute without it! The texture on this outfit is fabulous! Not only are the colors adorable, but the care the designer has given in shading and highlighting really gives a depth to the outfit. The skirt is very well sculpted and comes with a resize script which I love since I completely suck at manually resizing something. This dress is available for L$99.

Although you don’t get to see a whole lot of it in this picture, the house that I am using is another TOSL item from L&K Prefabs. The Once Upon a Time cabin is really cute and reminds me of my grandfather’s cabin in real life. The design is rather small at only 10x10 in size (64 prims), but I think that the size gives it more of a cozy feeling. Also, if you only have a small piece of land, this would be perfect for you! You can pick this up until midnight SLT for only L$74.

Although this isn’t a Taste of Second Life item, I would like to mention really quick that the couch and table used in the pic is a new release from Clutter which is available for this weekend at only L$60. The set also comes with three pictures, and a sort of dining set with bookshelf is also available for L$60 this weekend only!

This picture was completely fun to put together! The dress I am wearing is the Ellette Coral Dress from Sweeter Than Candy. I really love the colors featured in this little dress; pink and green have always been two of my favorites to put together. The fairy wings are absolutely adorable and move beautifully; this dress is so worth the L$85 it is being sold for and then some. The design on the bodice of the dress is really beautiful; the detailing is intricate, and I love how the top ends point up. It really is a great design!

The trees are part of the ‘In the Ancient Grove’ set being offered for TOSL by Clutter this weekend. There are four trees total with a designed rock in the center. Up to six people can be seated by this ‘prop’ with six different animations. There are only seven prims total which is pretty impressive. If you are looking to add a little nature to your property, go pick this up for only L$60 until midnight. You cannot beat large pieces like this with low prims at such a low price!

Isn’t the frog absolutely cute?! It is part of the Le Prince Charmant set being offered by Lauria this weekend. Two poses are out for TOSL and two more are out for Lazy Sunday at only L$55 each. With each pose, you do get the frog prop. The pose I am using is not one of the included poses since I didn’t see there is one very similar to it before I took my photo, but it really just goes to show you how versatile the prop can be. The frog is extremely well textured and could just be used as a cute little ‘knick knack’ in your house. This is a definitely must have for any photographer!


Credits
Clothing: [1] *Princess Cocktail Dress in Aurora by Alexohol Fashions, [2] *Berry Gretel Dress by ISON and [3] *Ellette Coral Dress by Sweeter Than Candy
Jewelry: AlienbearXAgnes by Alienbear Designs
Shoes: [3] Rosario Ballet Flats in Pearl by Cherry
Hair: Novel in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: Bitu (Bronze) – Paradise Bird by Al Vulo at The Fashion Garret
Poses: [1] Top Model Spring 2011 Makeover – Molly by Exposeur, [2] Brittani by Exposeur and [3] Magical 1 by DeePosed

* Denotes item provided by designer for review. All Taste of Second Life props were also provided by the designers.

Fashion for Life [Fab.Pony, LOGO and Elikatira]

I remember being completely awe inspired during my first Second Life Relay for Life Clothing Fair last year. I first joined Second Life in late October of 2009, and nine SIMs of international wonder was simply amazing. All year I looked forward to the next RFL Clothing Fair, and I was extremely disappointed when I first read that there would not be one for this year. Thankfully, new coordinators stepped up to give those who had organized the fair in years past a break, and thus, we now have Fashion for Life.

I am so completely honored to have been accepted as an official blogger for the event; I, like so many others, have been personally affected by cancer. Many people in my family have suffered from the horrible disease, including both my grandmothers, one of my grandfathers and one of my sisters. I am happy to do anything possible to raise awareness and funds for research. Many fabulous designers have donated their time and creations to help raise money which will be donated to the American Cancer Society. To keep track of the funs being raised, please visit the official Fashion for Life blog.

One of my favorite parts about fashion fairs is the discovery of new designers. Many times in Second Life, it is difficult to find new stores because of the vastness of the grid. Unless the designer is included in a special sale or event, I’m more than likely not going to know about them. Fab.Pony is a new to me store that is full of color. You know me, I’m not typically a fan of mini dresses with prim pieces stuck between the legs, but when I find a design like this that matches up extremely well, it is a definite win. The Own the Night Dress has a very interesting zig-zag pattern with an amazingly shiny and realistic texture. While many colors are available, the fuchsia and black version is the version offered as a Relay for Life donation. This beautiful dress is perfect for a night out on the town and is available for a donation of L$310.

To match your fab new dress, you can try your hand at Fab.Pony’s gatcha for the chance to win the pair of Fantasy60 Earrings with matching fuchsia and black colors! Nine colors are included in the gatcha with a three color pack being the lucky rare item (fuchsia/pink version found in rare pack). Even if you don’t snag the three color pack with your first L$60 donation, honestly all of the colors are a win.

I matched the dress from Fab.Pony up with another new to me store item from LOGO. I think I may have heard of LOGO on the fashion feeds, but I have never visited the store. I am most definitely putting that on my ‘to do’ list for the near future. The Stone Chip set includes a necklace, bracelet and a set of earrings. The design reminds me of the very popular design my real life sisters wear. The classic black color allows you to pair this jewelry set with so many different outfits, and the donation price of L$325 makes this a true bargain.

I really love when clothing is sold as outfits in Second Life. With the endless tones and shades designers can choose from for their clothing, sometimes it is a challenge to find items that match each other. Fab.Pony has put together two items for another of their donation items. The Samantha Stripped Tank in White and Fog and the Chloe Jeans in Charcoal are being offered for a donation price of L$399. Sold separately, these items would cost L$425; so, you are saving money while giving a worthwhile contribution to the fight for a cure! The jeans are amazing and include attachment pieces for both heels and flats.

It’s no secret that one of my favorite designers in Second Life is the owner of Elikatira. I first discovered ETD when I began modeling for Lemania Indigo Designs in February 2010. I was still relatively new in world and asked a co-worker where I could find good quality hair at a fair price. She sent me the landmark to ETD, and it has been love ever since. I was heartbroken when the doors closed for a few months and was overly excited when Elikatira opened for business a few months ago. Hye is the newly released design from Elikatira for Fashion for Life. I was truly touched when I read the subconscious inspiration for the style on Elikatira’s blog. The design is a style her mother wore as a young woman; unfortunately, she lost her to cancer more than ten years ago. Hye is being offered in a special twelve color pack for a donation of L$400.


Credits:

Photos 1, 2 & 3:
Clothing: *Own the Night by Fab.Pony @ Fashion for Life
Jewelry: [Earrings] *Fantasy60 Earrings in Legacy Pink by Fab.Pony @ Fashion for Life and [Necklace and Bracelet] Stone Chip Set by LOGO @ Fashion for Life
Shoes: Bow Slingbacks in Black by Cherry
Hair: QTP129 in Black by booN
Skin: Elf 2 [Dark] Lore 2 (Sundust) by Curio
Poses: [1 and 2] Don’t Stand So Close to Me and [3] I’m Just a Small Cog in the System by Don’t Freak Out!
Background by AshenSorrow

Photos 4 & 5:
Clothing: [Shirt] *Samantha Stripped Tank in White and Fog and [Pants] *Chloe Pants in Charcoal by Fab.Pony @ Fashion for Life
Shoes: Move Pumps in Smoke by [elikatira]
Hair: Hye in Brown 08 by [elikatira] @ Fashion for Life
Skin: Elf 2 [Dark] Lore 2 (Sundust) by Curio
Poses: [4] *Second the Motion 6 and [5] *Just Shut Up 8 by !bang
Background by Chulii Stock

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Black Friday @ PIDIDDLE

It isn't too late to catch the Black Friday deals at Pididdle! Select colors of each item have been marked down to L$55, L$75 or L$95. This is the perfect opportunity for you to grab that item you have had your eye on! The outfit included in my picture below features the Obsessions Top Plain in Egg Shell (L$55) and the NEW High Waisted Tube Skirt in Hot Pink (this color not on sale). I absolutely love the little bow at the top of the skirt! It gives it such a cute look and feminine character. The owner and designer of Pididdle has set out an exclusive color (forest) of the High Waisted Tube Skirt for customers absolutely free! Be sure to drop by before midnight to grab the gift!

Clothing: [Top] Obsessions Top Plain in Egg Shell and [Skirt] *High Waisted Tube Skirt in Hot Pink by Pididdle
Shoes: The Alice Cullen Flats in Ivory by Cherry
Hair: Felicity in Chestnut by ETD (No Longer Available)
Skin: Pearl 8 (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: *Pencil 6 by aDORKable Poses
Background by RubyBlossom




* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

These are Hot Pants!

After a long break, *LP* Design has returned to the to the fashion world in Second Life! Several new pairs of pants have been put out as the designer's first new releases. If you are looking for your perfect pair of flashy holiday pants, you will definitely be able to find them at *LP* Design. The Moonlight pants are slim fitting and very shiny! These pants are available in five fantastic colors including black, blue, green, pink and red. Single colors are available for L$170 while the entire fatpack is available for L$500.

Clothing: [Top] *Danni Top in Green by Total Knockout (No Longer Available) and [Pants] *Moonlight Pants in Black by *LP* Design
Shoes: Aura Ankle Boot in Nickle by Cherry

Hair: *Enix in Cocoa by TRUTH
Skin: Nina by -Glam Affair- @ L$10 With Love Hunt
Pose: Glitz 5 by !BANG
Background by RubyBlossom




* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Just One More...

Just a mere hour or so ago I was so tired and didn't think that I would be able to stay up much longer. However, now that I have learned how to take better photographs, I just had to do one more before I went to bed! The outfit I am wearing is from Siss Boom which is titled Winter Basics. The red sweater with undershirt and beautiful jeans are perfect for casual Christmas or even Thanksgiving wear. The top and bottom are sold as a set which is available at L$100 for a limited time.

Clothing: *Winter Basics by Siss Boom @ L$100
Shoes: The Alice Cullen Flats in Blood Red by Cherry
Hair: Sonya in Mocha by TRUTH
Skin: Pearl 3 (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: Softly Standing by estetica
Background by RubyBlossom




* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

House of London Sale - Week 2

House of London entered their second week of their 2nd Annual Birthday Sale today! Each week, the store will rotate a L$50 sale through their various brands. This week, all the items from Pink Outfitters (Women's Clothing) and Chinese Takeout (Men's Clothing) have been marked down to L$50! Below are some of the items I picked up today.

Clothing: [Pants] (1) A01 Denim in Dark Rinse, (2) A02 Painters Destroyed Denim in Ocean Mist and (3) Moderna Low Rise Denim in Smoke by Pink Outfitters @ House of London (L$50 Sale)
Shoes: Alice Cullen Flats in Ivory by {Cherry} @ House of London
Skin: Pearl 2 (Peach) by LAQ
Poses by Don't Freak Out!

Clothing: [Shirts/Coats] (1) Rocket Girl Jacket in Taupe, (2) Bella Comicetta in Peacock Blue, (3) Poppy Sheer Chiffon in Black, (4) Fi Cardigan & Cami in Cream, (5) Esme Sweater Vest in Dragon Fruit, (6) Jacob's Blazer in White, (7) Billie Lace Tank Top in Cream, (8) Lena's Monday Blouse in Pink, (9) Ling Sheer Jersey in Mudslide and (10) Emma Tube Top in Black by Pink Outfitters @ House of London (L$50 Sale)
Hair: Kitty in Mocha Streaked by TRUTH
Skin: Pearl 2 (Peach) by LAQ
Poses by Don't Freak Out!

Warm & Comfy

Sometimes there is nothing better than sitting by the fire drinking a hot cup of cocoa on a cold fall day. The new release from Elymode is perfect to snuggle up in as the temperatures continue to drop even farther! The Ellen Open Sweater features an adorable texture which reminds me of many of the sweaters that I have in real life. I love the vividness of the colors and the simple line that highlights your avatars mid section. The sweater comes in six fantastic colors (black, blue, green, purple, red and wine), one of which is available at 50% regular price in celebration of the opening of Elymode's new main store. Elymode's Slouchy Leggings match perfectly with the sweater and is available in the same beautiful colors. A free gift is also set out for customers!

Clothing: (Jacket) Ellen Open Sweater in blue by Elymode, (Undershirt) White Tank by Tres Blah and (Pants) Slouchy Leggings in Blue by Elymode
Jewelry: Simplicity in Onyx by Mariposa
Shoes: Alice Cullen Flats in Ivory by {Cherry} at House of London @ L$50
Hair: Tiana in Chestnut by ETD (No Longer Available)
Skin: Ania 3 (Peach) by LAQ

Strolling Leaves

I cannot believe how fiercely fall has taken hold of the little region of the world that I live in. Last week it was warm enough to wear capris outside, and this week we have a chance for snow. I typically do not like to see the summer go; I absolutely detest being cold. I do, however, love to watch the leaves change colors and drift to the ground. There is something very calming about the entire process.

For my stroll through a Fall park in Second Life, I'm wearing the Jenae Tie Front Sweater in Russet (NEW) by WoE, French Twist Bodice by Lemania Indigo Designs, Mona Pants in Ice by Phoenix Rixing (no longer available), Alice Cullen Flats in Ivory by {Cherry} at House of London (L$50) and the Ari Handbang in Snowball also by {Cherry} at House of London (L$50).

Clothing: (Jacket) Jenae Tie Front Sweater in Russet by WoE, (Shirt) French Twist Bodice by Lemania Indigo Designs and (Pants) Mona Pants by Phoenix Rising (No longer availalbe)
Shoes: Alice Cullen Flats in Ivory by {Cherry} at House of London @ L$50
Bag: Ari Handbag in Snowball by {Cherry} at House of London @ L$50
Hair: Nina in Mocha by TRUTH
Skin: Ania 3 (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: Back Lady 9 by aDORKable Poses

L$50 Sale @ House of London

House of London is having their 2nd Annual Birthday Sale, and the prices are absolutely too good to miss! Beginning today through November 30th, House of London will be rotating a L$50 sale through their various brands. Items at Cherry (Shoes, Accessories and Jewelry) and Sugar & Spice (Lingerie) are marked at L$50 through November 11. I fell in love with the Cherry shoes last summer; so, I of course bought every color of my favorite styles today!

Shoes: (1) Alice Cullen Flats in Mint/Silver, (2) Aura Ankle Boots in Pearly White, (3) Bow Slingbacks in Lemon, (4) Classic Pumps in Cherry Red and (5) Rosario Ballet Flats in Byzantium by {Cherry} @ House of London
Skin: Pearl (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: Ask Me Tomorrow by Don't Freak Out!

Early Paris

Of all the Fashion Fest 2010 SIMs, Early Paris was probably my favorite. The designer did an amazing job; the layout was very easy to follow and the buildings and decorations were beautiful. While I was there, I picked up five Relay for Life items! Designers include Salt, Amacci, Black&Blue Outfitters, Cherry and SD Wears.

Clothing: Understated Rose Vintage Chiffon by salt. @ L$199 Relay for Life Donation
Hair: Allison in Timid Brown by fri.day
Skin: Pearl 2 (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: model.pose 18 by fri.day
Background by JoesSistah

Clothing: Lingerie Set Amore (Bordeaux) by Amacci @ L$125 Relay for Life Donation
Hair: Svea in Dark Brown by Amacci
Skin: Pearl 2 (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: Glitz 6 by !BANG
Background by JoesSistah

Clothing: Valentino Dress by Black&Blue Oufitters @ L$200 Relay for Life Donation
Hair: Lost in Snickers by !lamb.
Skin: Pearl 2 (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: model.pose 3 by fri.day
Background by JoesSistah

Clothing: Make Me Smile in Pink by SD Wears @ L$175 Relay for Life Donation
Hair: Unbirthday in Pale by !lamb.
Skin: Pearl 2 (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: model.pose 13 by fri.day
Background by JoesSistah

Shoes: Rosario Ballet Flats by Cherry @ L$250 Relay for Life Donation
Skin: Pearl 2 (Peach) by LAQ
Pose: Glitz 4 by !BANG
Background by JoesSistah