Lipstick, Lemon Drops & Love

Hello, Loves♥  I've started a new blog with a few of my friends called Lipstick, Lemon Drops & Love.  Don't worry, I will still be blogging here as usual; this is just something extra and fun to do with three women I have grown to love and adore in Second Life (and real life to be honest).  If you would like to check out their personal blogs, please click the following links: Vixen Thibedeau, Danica Saerwen and Liane Boomhauer.

To see the styling information for the photo above, please head on over and check out my post Out of My Comfort Zone.  

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

Pieces of My Closet IX

My outfit this week is completely inspired by Black Friday shopping.  I don't participate in real life (I tried that once, and it didn't work out so well.), but I know there will be lots of sales in Second Life as well; so, of course Seraphim is covering it!  We wanted to do a group shot to head the coverage page, but I didn't really want to go out and buy a new outfit.  So... I decided to pair it up with my Pieces of My Closet post!

When I think of all day shopping, the first thought that comes to mind is to wear something that is comfortable but still cute.  I had completely forgotten about purchasing this top from Maitreya.  I'm almost positive that I bought it for a 52 Weeks of Color post, but the color wasn't close enough to what I was looking for.  So, like everything else, it got lost in my inventory.  The sweater is available in twelve colors and includes four sizes and an alpha layer; a free demo is available for your convenience.

I know that I said absolutely no new purchases for my inventory cleaning posts, but since I actually bought this stunning hair by Alice Project for the Seraphim photo... that lets me off the hook for wearing it for this post as well... Right?  Thought so!  I first remember coming across this designer when I was covering Hair Fair this past summer.  I thought it was odd that the hair comes in a base color and you have to change the color via HUD, but the more I think about it, the more genius I realize it is.  Since these posts are all about reducing the number of items in my inventory, one hair with a HUD instead of multiple items for all the different colors really helps to get my inventory smaller!  Your purchase comes with a mini dye HUD that includes ten natural colors and twenty more 'colorful' colors; you also have options to tint the ends of the hair with dark, light or white.  If those aren't enough colors for you, Alice Project also has other dye HUDs available for purchase!  Demos are free; so, I definitely recommend checking these out.


Credits:
Clothing: [Top] Athena Sweater in Black by Maitreya and [Pants] Leggings in Pearl by Maitreya
Jewelry: Jackie Nekclace by LaGyo
Hair: Yuri by Alice Project @ Around the World
Skin: Geanna Skin Pale DB by Izzie's
Makeup: [Eyeshadow] Geanna Eyeshadow Silver and [Lips] Lipstick Dark Red by Izzie's (Included with purchase of Geanna Skin); [Eyeliner] Black Eyeliner Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala
Eyes: Eternal Eyes in Storm by IKON
Lashes: 2011 Lashes Curl by LeLutka
Pose: Elegant 2 by aDORKable Poses 50% Off Sale
Location: Mayfair

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

Textures

I got a bit braver this weekend playing with PhotoShop... I decided to work with textures!  I've seen a lot of other people do it with their photos and wanted to try it myself, but as I have stated many times, PhotoShop makes me nervous.  I would love to take at least one formal course dedicated specifically to the software, but for now, I will just have to keep working with YouTube tutorials.  Adding the texture to the photo was a lot easier than what I thought it was going to be; the difficult part was finding one that I liked.

As soon as I saw the new mesh top, titled Sanya Draped, from Zaara at FaMESHed, I knew I had to have it!  The flow of the shirt is absolutely stunning and the texture is so beautiful.  The top is available in twelve colors which can be purchased individually, in packs of 'gold' or 'silver' or as a fatpack.  Five sizes and two alpha layers are included, and a free demo is available.

I purchased my first pair of Maitreya mesh jeans to go with this outfit, and I must say that I am deeply in love!  They are a bit expensive for a pair of jeans (coming in at 420L per pair), but I don't regret spending the extra lindens on them because they are well worth it.  The shape is absolutely beautiful and the texture is amazing.  Even though you cannot see it in either of my pictures, my hinny looks amazing!  Your purchase includes twelve sizes and an alpha layer; you can purchase the jeans individually or in a fatpack for 1750L which is an excellent price for all eight colors (you save 1610L total). A free demo is available.

I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to accessorizing, I tend to stick with a necklace and some earrings.  I've never really bothered with nails before because I'm a little OCD when it comes to fitting them.  The nails from Izzie's are absolutely fool proof; simply size your hand to 5, 10, 15 or 20 and attach the appropriate nail size.  Don't panic if it doesn't look like they fit correctly when you are on your pose stand; as soon as you hop off, everything lines up just right.  The Metal Stripe nails are just one of three sets released by Izzie's this weekend.  This set includes thirty-four colors which are changeable via a HUD, scripted and unscripted versions, four sizes and thirteen modifiable nail bases on the gloves layer.  The nail bases work perfectly with Izzie's skins... I really love that convenience!  I loved how well the color of these nails matched up with the top from Zaara; I actually had a difficult time finding a pose to show the nails off because the pink portion of the nails was blending so well with the top.  These are a definite must have for any wardrobe!


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Sanya Draped in Fuschia by Zaara @ FaMESHed and [Pants] Flair Jeans in #8 by Maitreya
Jewelry: Alice Earrings by LaGyo
Shoes: Mesh Sequined Heels by DECO (Fifty Linden Friday)
Hair: Control in Black 04 by [elikatira]
Skin: *Fuyu Skin Pale DB by Izzie's
Makeup: [Eyes] *Fuyu Eyeshadow SilverPink and [Lips] *Lipstick Rasberry by Izzie's (Included with Fuyu Skin purchase)
Nails: *Metal Strip Nails by Izzie's
Poses: [1] *Breezy 5m and [2] *Pencil 10m by aDORKable Poses
Location: Petit Pas

* Denotes promotional copy.

Pieces of My Closet VI

Click here to see a larger photo.

I had originally planned for this photo to be my fifth entry in the Pieces of My Closet series, but I thought it might be a bit more appropriate as a "Halloween" release even though I'm not really into the holiday.  I had a lot of fun playing with the shadows in this photo; I ended up using a combination of shadows from the sun and shadows from a projector.  They are a little trippy, but I thought that might fit in with a padded room!

I honestly have no idea where I got the outfit I'm wearing by Nemesis.  I don't think that I have ever been to the main store location; so, I must have purchased it at a discount shop or an event.  I love the texture of the bodysuit; it adds just the right amount of highlights and shadows to give the system layer piece a sense of depth.  Unfortunately, Nemesis is currently closed, and there is no word on when or if it will reopen.

I would have loved to have purchased a new pair of mesh feet for this photo, but since these posts are supposed to be about me cleaning out my inventory and no adding to it, I used the prim feet that Maitreya released last year.  They are definitely still perfectly good bare feet, and I find tinting them to match my skin to be very easy.  A notecard is included with the purchase with RGB codes for many well known skin brands in Second Life.


Credits
Clothing: Friendship Bodysuit in Black by Nemesis (Currently unavailable)
Collar: Friendship Bodysuit Black Collar by Nemesis (Currently unavailable)
Feet: Bare Foot Tip-Toe by Maitreya (Available)
Hair: Hairbase Long in Black Coffee by Wasabi Pills (Available)
Skin: Grace Skin (LB)Buff Red Hot by Atomic - Rebranded Auxiliary (Currently unavailable)
Pose: *My Padded Room by aDORKable Poses

* Denotes promotional copy.

A Brisk Fall Day

I have always loved watching the leaves change colors each fall... Even if it means the trees will soon be bare for a good five months.  I have never been fond of the extremely hot temperatures that summer brings or the extremely cold temperatures that winter brings; spring and fall hold the wonderful in-between temperatures that I long for most of the year.

I have always preferred fall and winter fashion over spring or summer.  I love coats and sweaters and layers upon layers of warmth!  I'm very excited to see what designers put out this season; the quality of mesh has improved so much over the past year, and I am sure those newly found skills will shine through in their new releases.  I think I have a bit of an obsession with coats in my real life and my second life, but before mesh, I didn't purchase a lot of outerwear in world because the prims and sculpts simply did not look realistic.  Posing for photos with those primitive designs was a nightmare; mesh has most definitely made photography a lot easier.

The coat I'm wearing for this photo is NYU's contribution to the October collection of FaMESHed.  I love the high collar and the large buttons and buckle.  The texture is also amazing and adds a lot of depth and character to the piece.  The coat is available in nine wool colors, three leather colors and includes five sizes and an alpha layer.  As beautiful as the coat is, I do have to say that I would have loved it a little more if the backside had been a bit curvier; a flat behind is something I have never been accused of having... and I like it!

I know that I am a little late on the Maitreya mesh boots train, but when I saw the jacket, these boots were the only thing that I thought of to put with it!  Shoes are something I have never allowed myself to indulge in since good quality comes at a rather high price in world... and in real life to be honest.  I think I may allow myself to splurge a little more often than I have in the past to build up a nice variety for my inventory.  I have so many clothes... I'm sure I could spend a little less there to get a little more elsewhere.  The boots are available in twenty-five colors; if you would like to grab more than one color, it is more affordable to purchase a pack of three (1250L) than it is to purchase colors separately (750L each).  Of course the downfall to that strategy is that you cannot choose the three colors in a three pair pack.  Maitreya has also set out a pair of these boots in a tan color for only 225L for VIP members; the group is surprisingly absolutely free to join.

The perfect mesh accessory for this outfit came with LaGyo's addition to the latest release at The Dressing Room.  Titiana is a color change piece with three main colors and three metal colors.  I absolutely love texture change jewelry since it allows you to have so much variety for your money.


Credits
Clothing: Trench Coat in Wool Scarlet by NYU @ FaMESHed
Shoes: Radical Boots in Suede Coal by Maitreya
Jewelry: Titiana by LaGyo @ The Dressing Room
Hair: Control in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: *May Blackbird 2 in Sunset Light by Curio (Currently not available)
Poses: [1] *Go-Go 4 and [2] *Golightly 5 by aDORKable Poses
Location: Water Reserve

* Denotes promotional copy.

52WoCC - Pueblo

I'm still so far behind on my 52 Weeks of Color posts, but I promise that I will get caught up!  Week Nineteen's color 'pueblo' was really difficult for me.  It is a color that reminds me of rust, but a very orange rust.  I honestly don't think that I captured true pueblo in my picture, but I really love the dress... That counts for something.  Right?

The dress I chose is a newish design from JANE titled Jenelle.  The dress is available in three color combinations as well as a different texture in three different colors under another name, Sparrow.  As with all JANE mesh designs, a free demo is available for you to try before your purchase, and each item contains five sizes and an alpha layer.


Credits
Clothing: Janelle in Copper by JANE
Jewelry: *Honey Drop Earring by Chloe @ CHIC2
Feet: Bare Feet Tip-Toe by Maitreya
Hair: Oh Baby Doll in Kit Kat by Lamb.
Skin: *Airhead Pure 2 in Sundust by Curio
Pose: *Diva 1 by aDORKable Poses

* Denotes promotional copy.

Week 2 of 52 Weeks of Color - Coral

Yay! I didn't wait a week to do a new 52WoC post! Last year when I started the challenge, my goal was to use as many pieces of clothing from my inventory that I already had as possible; I kind of want to do the reverse this year though I'm not sure that is the smartest idea with an inventory that is already over 60K. I would really love to get rid of the pieces that I know I will never wear again and replace them with quality items that will be staples of my wardrobe.

In all honesty, this week's color challenge was just an excuse to go pick up one of the new mesh shirts by Maitreya. I've been eyeballing Onyx's new items since I saw them pop up on the feeds but couldn't convince myself to purchase a piece. Now that I have, I'm afraid that I may find myself there more and more often. The Silk-Neck Tie Blouse is exceptionally well made with beautiful textures; it has a very classy and quite conservative look... Very school teacherish.

The skin that I am sporting is the new group gift from Filthy Skins. Alexandra always puts out amazing gifts every month for both male and female avatars, and with a joining fee of L$199, twelve free skins and shapes per year is really a steal that more than pays for the group fee.


Credits
Clothing: [Shirt] Silk-Neck Tie Blouse in Coral by Maitreya and [Pants] *Flared Pants in Cream by The Secret Store
Hair: Jess in Cocoa Brown by Raspberry Aristocrat (50% Off)
Skin: *January Group Gift Female Tan by Filthy Skins
Pose: Stand 127 by !Bang

* Denotes promotional copy.

My Padded Room

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

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

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


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

* Denotes promotional copy.

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.

I ♥ My Flops!

I’m not typically the kind of shopper who sees something on virtually every blog and then just has to have that item. I prefer my own, individual style rather than what the masses are wearing. But, I do have to admit that these shoes caught my attention as they were being plastered all over the feeds. This is one time that I definitely thought, “I have to have those!!”

The new Maitreya Gold Flip-Flops are one of the most fabulously sculpted pair of shoes that I have in my inventory. I was so excited by how realistic the feet look as well as how well the sculpt blends in with my ava’s leg. I have not used any type of blending technique in PhotoShop in my picture to get the seam of the sculpt to match with my leg; this is truly how I see the shoes in world. While yes, the price is rather steep for a pair of flip-flops ($775 per pair, L$6,990 for the fatpack [nearly 55% discount]), the quality of the sculpt is so well worth it. Included with your purchase are three anklets for each leg which can be worn together, separately or not at all. Resizing scripts are included in the shoe as well as texture changing scripts for the nail color (HUD), metal of the toe ring, the insole of the shoe and the anklets. What I found most useful with the purchase was a notecard listing major skin designers’ values to correctly match the skin; I literally had the color I needed in seconds. Included designers are !mabee, &bean, Atomic, Belleza, Curio, Dernier Cri, Dutch Touch, Fashionably Dead, FNKY, Glam Affair, Laqroki Glow Skins, Launa Fauna, League, LeLutka, Pink Fuel, PXL, Redgrave, Rockberry, Tres Blah and Tuli. Twenty colors of the flip-flops are available; I only purchased the lucid pair during my visit, but I am seriously thinking about getting the fatpack. These shoes are just so perfect for summer!


Credits
Clothing: [Shirt] Intrinsic Tank in Milk by JANE and [Shorts] Denim Cutoffs in Indigo by This is Fawn
Shoes: Flip-Flops in Lucid by Maitreya Gold
Hair: Quinn in Mocha by TRUTH
Skin: Elf 2 [Dark] Lore 2 (Sundust) by Curio

White and Natural Brown

Clothing: Shirt - Natural Brown, Pants - White by Zenith Fashion
Shoes: Dream.Booties in Tan by fri.day
Jewelry: Included with White Pants by Zenith Fashion
Hair: Dylan in Timid Brown by fri.day
Skin: Pearl (Peach) in 10 by LAQ
Pose: Oh My by Posies
Background: JSG11 by JoesSistah

Clothing: White Chiffon by Zenith Fashion (FREE Group Gift)
Shoes: Slinky Stilettos in Patent Lime Green by Maitreya
Jewelry: Simplicity in Jade by Mariposa
Hair: Wednesday in Brown 5 by Miel
Skin: Pearl (Peach) in 10 by LAQ
Pose: I See by Posies
Background: Buddhaapri1 by JoesSistah

Lashae Karsin ღ