Romance

Everyone can use a little romance in their inventory, and The Secret Store’s latest release is just the way to do it! Romance is an adorable babydoll type shirt that features a high neck and a sculpted prim skirt. I really love how shiny the texture is and how soft the colors are. Six color combinations are available for L$189 each or L$1,000 for the fatpack. Two special edition color combinations have also be left out from a previous Lazy Sunday event for only L$70 each!  Grab them before they are gone!

I really needed a cute pair of black leggings to go with the adorable Romance top; so, I headed for my favorite shopping place of late… the marketplace! It’s so easy to just type in what you are looking for and browse through the choices; it really cuts down on all the time you would spend looking through various shops! I do have to be honest, however; sometimes I am a little nervous about buying products from vendors I have never heard of. I hate spending money on clothing that looks fantastic in a picture and absolutely horrible on me. I typically prefer to grab a freebie from a store as a basis for quality before I spend Lindens, but since the leggings from Art Decade were only L$30, I decided to give them a shot anyway. I have to say that I am completely impressed with my L$30 leggings! The texture is absolutely beautiful, and at such a cheap price, I can afford the fatpack of seven colors for only L$150! I just had to visit the store in world as well, and I really love their products. You just may be seeing more posts featuring Art Decade products!


Credits
Clothing: [Shirt] *Romance in Light Pink by The Secret Store and [Pants] Leggings in Black by Art Decade
Shoes: Buckle Flats in Black by Phoenix Rising
Shoes: Brande in Cynical Black by fri.day (SALE)
Skin: Elf 2 [Dark] Sprite 2 (Sundust) by Curio
Pose: *Knee High Fashion 5 by !Bang
Background by FairieGoodMother

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Kimi

Lately I have shied a bit away from doing exclusive skin posts because it took me entirely too long to take the photographs (crash after every snapshot), and I have been running very short on time (planning my wedding and taking masters courses!). I am completely loving how my Second Life has been behaving since the last update. No more crashing after one snapshot! I was able to completely photograph the beautiful new line by Filthy Skins with the new skirt from The Secret Store in under thirty minutes. Words truly cannot describe how happy that makes me.

Kimi is the new face by Filthy Skins, and I absolutely love it! I have discovered so many fantastic designers by visiting discount shops; Chic Boutique is where I found the lovely Alexandra Barcelos. So, to all you designers out there who think that discount shops are a waste of time and effort, they are definitely not! You will attract more customers who always hunt for a bargain. Kimi is a soft, gentle skin for the most part. The eye shadows are evident but not overdone, and the lips are beautifully colored. I love how the designer has only added a touch of eyelashes; this gives you, the customer, complete freedom to add your own favorite eyelashes. I should have added a tattoo layer eye shadow to my pictures for an example; I’ll remember to do that with my next Filthy Skins post. Six makeups are available in four tones each. Also, a closed mouth and ‘teeth’ version are included in your purchase. Single makeups can be purchased for L$ 1,000 each or L$4,000 for a single skin tone fatpack containing all makeups. If you are a Filthy Skins VIP Member (L$199 joining fee), you will receive a 50% discount on your purchase if made in the first two days of the release (today and tomorrow)! Be sure to activate your tag BEFORE your purchase!

The Secret Store is another one of those amazing little shops with absolute beautiful designs that I found through, no… not a discount shop, but a hunt! Just another example of how designers who are so good to their customers can attract more traffic. Maylee Oh has added a new design to her shop at Euphoria titled Froufrou. I really love the super cute name! To go with the super cute name is a super cute design. I always love The Secret Store sculpts; they are all beautifully crafted with amazing textures. Of course, the new skirt is no exception. Three layers of beautiful ‘fabric’ give this skirt a very girlish look. I really love the belt attached to the top; it definitely gives the skirt a little extra personality. Resize scripts have been added to the skirt which allows you to easily make adjustments for your ava. The skirt is available in six adorable colors at L$189 each; a fatpack is also available for L$900.

Last, but most certainly not least, Ingenue is having a 25% to 50% Off Sale on everything through Saturday! I’m sure you are as happy as I was when I first heard about it. Angelique is just one of the many beautiful designs on sale right now. The body suit features a corset style design with a hint of an adorable floral texture. Ten colors are available in this designs at L$82 each. Love them all? Pick up the fatpack for only L$412!


Credits
Clothing: [Shirt] Angelique in Lilas by Ingenue and [Skirt] *FrouFrou in Purple by The Secret Store @ Euphoria
Hair: Details in Brown 04 by [elikatira]
Skin: *Kimi (Pale) by Filthy Skins
Pose: 062 by Glitterati
Background by FairieGoodMother

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Fashion for Life [LeeZu and Riddle]

There are only a few hours left of Fashion for Life; if you haven’t dropped by, I would definitely do so if I were you! This event supports such a worthwhile cause; I am truly touched by all of the amazing designers and event organizers who have donated their time and money to raise funds for cancer research. You have all touched more lives than you could ever possibly know.

LeeZu is a designer I have come to admire since I began shopping at The Dressing Room so many months ago. Her designs are simply amazing and absolutely breathtaking; she is able to combine unique and sexy into one. You can see all of these qualities in Catch Lily which is just one of the designs LeeZu Baxter has set out for a full 100% donation to Relay for Life. The collar is so distinctive; it really caught my eye when I first saw the design. Three different skirt options come with your purchase which includes a sculpted and flexi (pictured), sculpted non-flexi, and babydoll sculpted and flexi. This dress will be available at Fashion for Life for a donation of L$350 until 1 a.m. SLT.

Another designer I have come to admire recently is Chrystina Noel, owner and designer of Riddle. I first came across this brand while shopping at Designer’s Showcase, one of the now many discount shops in SL. Her textures are interesting while not being overwhelming. She also understands the concept of beauty in simplicity. The Spring Has Sprung dress in Dandelions is a new item which features a very pretty polka dot and ‘stick figure’ dandelions design. This design makes use of a new feature made possible via Second Life Viewer 2; included with your purchase is an alpha layer which hides your butt and hips! This alleviates the awkward look that many AOs can give sculpted dresses. While this version of the Spring Has Sprung dress is a nondonation item, two other versions of the same style with different textures will be available for a 100% donation to Relay for Life of L$150 each until 1 a.m. SLT.


Credits
Clothing: [1] *Catch Lily by LeeZu @ Fashion for Life and [2] *Spring Has Sprung in Dandelions by Riddle @ Fashion for Life
Hair: Away in Black 04 by [elikatira]
Shoes: *Damaris Boots in Leather Black by Purrfect 10
Skin: *Sweetheart [Dark] Deeply Madly 1 (Sundust) by Curio
Poses: [1] 092 and [2] 056 by Glitterati
Background by FairieGoodMother

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Milana

Before I learned how to take high rez pictures, I did a lot more hair reviews than I do now. The main reason for that is because every time I take a high rez picture, my Second Life browser crashes resulting in fifteen to twenty minutes needed for each snapshot. If I have a lot of hair styles to photograph, you are talking about an all day event! I had been photographing the new Dernier Cri, rebranded Milana, styles this week any time I got a free fifteen minutes amid a family crisis and homework due for my masters course. I am getting married in three months and was getting ready to go house hunting with my fiancé this morning and was also hoping to take at least a couple snapshots while I put my makeup on. I was a little annoyed that I had to take the time to update my Second Life browser, but oh my… I was more than pleasantly surprised when I took my first snapshot. My browser didn’t crash! Whatever you did Second Life techs, thank you!! I was able to take about eight photographs in ten to fifteen minutes! I’m so happy and will be doing more hair and skin reviews whenever I get the chance!

Now, on to the hair! As I mentioned above, Dernier Cri has rebranded as Milana with an extra designer added as well. All of the styles below are by the designer of Dernier Cri, Asuka Martin. Perhaps now that I can photograph quickly, I will also feature the styles from her partner, Sharifa Morenz! I first discovered Dernier Cri during the one.eleven event last November. I absolutely fell in love with the quality of the hair and impatiently awaited the arrival of her new release. The long wait was most definitely worth the amazing line of new hairs released this past weekend. Hair packs are available for L$245 each and fatpacks are available for L$845. The fatpack includes seventy beautiful shades which can be changed through a ‘hair dyeing’ hud. A free gift is also available to customers; join the Subscribo for the free hair!

The outfit I am wearing is an offering at Fashion for Life, the Second Life event to benefit Relay for Life by the American Cancer Society. Although the color of the dress I am wearing is not for charity, a green version of the same style is available for a donation of L$200 at Vanitas Vesture. Nine additional colors, including the one I am wearing, are also available at the fair for a nondonation price of L$200 each.

The shoes I am wearing are also an item featured at Fashion for Life. As my first purchase from Pixel Mode, I have to say that I am very impressed and very pleased. The quality of the shoes are exceptional; the sculpts are beautiful and the texture is amazing. The pink version of the Baby T’s are available for a donation of L$300. Three other nondonation colors are also available for L$300 each.

Credits:
Clothing: *Languid Party Dress in Rose by Vanitas Vesture @ Fashion for Life
Hair: *All Styles by Milana
Shoes: Baby T’s in Pink by Pixel Mode @ Fashion for Life
Skin: Elf 2 [Dark] Sprite 2 (Sundust) by Curio
Poses: [1] Long Hair 6, [2-10] Long Hair 2 and [11] Long Hair 10 by Gliteratti
Background by FairieGoodMother


* 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.

Blossom

I’m so happy that spring is almost here. It was so nice to hear frogs when I was outside today; I just wish that the weather would stop teeter tottering. I really love that many great designers are starting to put out spring items. It really brightens my days. =)

JANE released a couple new outfits this week, one of them being the absolutely adorable Blossom set. The Blossom Dress is an adorable elongated babydoll; I really prefer this style over the obscenely short versions that barely cover the necessities. The texturing with this dress is very nice; I love the drawn folds under the breasts and down to the bottom of the sculpt; it really gives it a realistic look. The pattern of the dress is very nice as well. The flowers are just too adorable! The dress is available in three color choices at L$150 each or L$295 for the greedy pack.

The Blossom Cardigan is sold as a separate piece and looks great with the dress or even with other clothing. The cardigan features short sleeves and a flared out design below the breasts. An adorable string holds the cardigan together at the top with a sculpted bow attachment. The texturing is very beautiful with a realistic knitted look. Four colors are available at L$100 each or L$225 for the greedy pack.

What goes better with a beautiful spring dress than a big floppy hat? Amacci released new hair and new makeup this past weekend, and both are absolutely gorgeous! The Alissa hair is a long style with a beautiful sun hat attached. A color change HUD is included for the hat; select from preset colors or enter your own RGB! Your choices are really limitless when it comes to colors with this hat. Options are also available on the HUD to adjust transparency, glow, shininess and size. Want the hair without the hat? No problem! A hide hat option is also included. What the hat without the hair? No problem there either! A separate hat is also included with your purchase. Color packs are available for L$275 each and fatpacks for L$975.

I absolutely love the new tattoo layer makeup from Amacci! The Divine eye shadows and eyeliners most definitely live up to their name. The shine and shimmer is absolutely stunning. Nine light colors and nine dark colors are available with an option for lashes or no lashes. I’m wearing a selection from the dark pack titled Pink (With Lashes). Each pack is available for L$375 or L$600 for both packs. My lips are also a tattoo layer from Amacci which were released a few weeks ago. The Frosted Lips are simply yummy! I love how they have a touch of shine without going overboard. Four packs of ten colors each are available for L$375 each.


Credits:
Clothing: [Dress] *Blossom Dress in Milk and [Sweater] *Blossom Cardigan in Salmon by JANE
Shoes: Montsegur Pumps in Berry by Mon Tissu
Hair: *Alissa in Sweedish Blonde by Amacci
Skin: *Sweetheart [Dark] Pure 1 (Sundust) by Curio
Tattoos: [Eye Shadow] *Divine Pink Lash and [Lips] *Frosted Lips Pink 4 by Amacci
Pose: Long Hair 2-6 by Gliteratti
Background by FairieGoodMother

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Season of Love

This week has been too long already, and I really cannot wait until the weekend finally gets here. Blah! Lol… I need a vacation! Too bad I cannot teleport myself to a tropical location in real life!

I’m featuring two new items today: Season of Love by Siss Boom and Katey by Apple May Designs. Season of Love is an adorable shirt/skirt ensemble which features a system skirt, jacket layer (not pictured), shirt layer and a belt with a flared out piece of material in the back. I love the textures of this outfit; they are so soft and very feminine. This outfit is available for only L$100 until new specials are released, which could be tomorrow!

Apple May Designs released a new skin today titled Katey. Until Friday, you can pick up this base skin in any tone for only L$75. The makeup and eyelashes shown are created through the use of the tattoo layer feature of SLV2. The makeups are not on sale, but the regular price of L$125 isn’t bad especially for this quality. I love the softness of the eye shadows and the shimmer of the lip color. Four colors are included in each tattoo layer pack.


Credits:
Clothing: *Season of Love by Siss Boom @ L$100
Hair: Later in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: Katey (Peach) by Apple May Designs @ L$75
Tattoo: [Eye Shadow] Candy, [Lips] Kyra Lips Pink and [Lashes] Lash Set 3 by Apple May Designs
Pose: *Pencil 9by aDORKable Poses
Background by FairieGoodMother

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Fantabulous Sales? ... Don't Mind if I Do!

It has already been a weekend of great sales, and it is only Saturday! I honestly don’t think that I could ever have enough poses in my inventory. Every time I get a notecard about new releases or a fantabulous sale, I go running! Bang gives us the best of both this weekend with two new releases as well as an awesome sale. Just Shut Up and Second the Motion are two pose packs released today; I will be using these poses in the coming week. The pose used below is from a pack released about two weeks ago titled Knee High Fashion. As the name suggests, these poses are designed to show off all the knee highs and/or socks that you collect in your second life! Pose #5 simply looked too adorable with my socks from JANE; so, of course I had to use it! Packs of ten poses are available at !bang for L$200 or L$35 per pose.

Aaaahhhh, yes!! That does say that !bang is having a sale, and a very good one at that. Luna Jubilee is running out of space to display all of her awesome poses. So, she is clearing out some space and offering some really great deals in the process. Until January 31st, you can purchase all six pose packs for L$100 each or L$35 per pose. Let’s see… L$35 x 6 poses = L$210… You are getting over half off during this sale!! Hurry… run quick! After the sale, these poses will only be available on the marketplace.

After a month or so of silence, JANE finally released a new outfit this past week, and oh my, is it adorable! Melody features a cute flared out dress with a sweet flared cardigan to match. And, what better to go under them but an adorable pair of stripped socks! The Melody dress is available in three colors (fawn, navy and raven) at L$150 each or L$295 for the greedy pack; the Melody cardigan is also available in three colors (cherry, golden and salmon) at L$100 or L$195 for the greedy pack. The Little Piggies Stripped Tights come in three shades each of blacks/grays, blues, browns, greens, oranges, pinks, purples, reds, whites/creams and yellows at L$50; a special is currently out, which is sure not to last much longer, where all colors and shades are available in a greedy pack for L$50!

JANE is also having a sale!! I told you is has been a weekend of great sales! Through this weekend only, everything has been reduced by 50%, including single colors and greedy packs. The only items excluded from this sale are new releases, Needful Things and Little Piggies Socks and Tights. I caught the 50% off sale from JANE last November, and I absolutely loved everything I bought (which was quite a lot, mind you). Her items are extremely well made and absolutely adorable. If you have never visited JANE, now is the perfect time to do so!


Credits:
Clothing: [Dress] Melody in Fawn; [Socks] Little Piggies Stripped Tights in Salmon and [Coat] Melody Cardigan in Salmon by JANE
Shoes: Far Boots Polar Edition by Miel
Hair: Serena in Mocha by TRUTH
Skin: Jessica 3 (Fair) by LAQ
Pose: *Knee High Fashion 5 by !bang
Background by FairieGoodMother

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.