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

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

Jane's French Château

I am completely enjoying the unseasonably warm weather we are having where I live, and I am also completely loving all the new spring items by designers in Second Life! JANE released quite a few colorful mesh items yesterday, and if you follow my blog at all, you should already know how much I love her pieces. The Dabs Skirt is just one of the new designs out; it is available in three colors and comes in standard sizing. The shirt I am wearing is an older JANE style, but it matches so perfectly with the green dots in the skirt. Even though the shirt is not mesh, I love how the system layer provides a 'tucked in' look for the outfit.  I will also be blogging more of JANE's new releases this weekend with my 52 Weeks of Color post; so, be on the lookout!

If you are a lover of poses, you will probably be happy to know that Glitterati is having a 100L pose sale through the end of Pose Fair 2012. I know that the Pose Fair begins April 15th, but I'm not completely sure when it ends. Nonetheless, take advantage of this great sale! Glitterati has some of the best poses that I have come across in Second Life. They are extremely easy to use and very versatile.

Happy Spring!!


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Cameo Halter in Celery by JANE and [Skirt] *Dabs Skirt in Plum by JANE
Shoes: Montsegur Pumps in Berry by mon tissu
Jewelry: [Earrings] *Leah by je suis and [Necklace] Butterfly Collector by Yummy Accessories
Hair: Rush in Brown 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: *Brianna in Pale by Izzie's
Makeup: [Eyes] *Brianna Black Eyeshadow by Izzie's and Black Eyeliner Gentle Fume by Acid & Mala; [Lips] *Brianna Rose Lipstick by Izzie's
Pose: Model 188 by Glitterati
Location: Chateau de la Lutiniere

* Denotes promotional copy.

Layer Me

My mind is almost completely blank this evening, and I really cannot think of much to say. Perhaps it has something to do with watching Star Trek all day with my husband. I have to admit, however, that I have liked the show a lot more than I ever thought I would.

The magic of Second Life for some people is being able to transform into anyone you can imagine, but honestly for me it is being able to express my real life self in a digital world and continuously discover new and exciting things each day. The outfit I put together today is completely something that I would wear in my real life. I love layering pieces and matching them with simple jewelry that adds a little personality to the design.

Jackets are one of my favorite items of clothing in real life, and I am constantly on the lookout for them in Second Life as well. The problem that I have found with most of the jackets in world, sadly, is poor shading and blending with the impossibility of properly lining up the prim pieces with the system layers. As she has proven time and time again, however, Izzie's is a step above most when it comes to blending the textures of prim pieces and system layers. Her new Suede Blazer is absolutely stunning; the texturing is very realistic while leaving an artistic drawn look. The blazer is available in ten fabulous colors. The clutch I am holding is also a new item from Izzie's that is also available in ten color choices.

As you probably know by now, I love poses and can never resist new sets from great designers especially when the sets are set at sale prices! Bang Poses has two new sets out today, a mini set for Super Bargain Saturday at L$60 and a full standing set for Lazy Sunday at L$75. Pick these up before the prices jump!

The 50% Off Black Friday Sale at je suis has been extended until Sunday at 12 pm SLT. I am wearing the Sophistique necklace and earrings in dark. The pearl color as well as the metal color is changeable via a HUD. Ten options for the pearl color and five options for the metal color are included.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Intrinsic Tank in Avocado by JANE (Freebie), [Jacket] *Suede Blazer in Black by Izzie's and [Pants] Classic Jeans in Light by Zaara
Accessories: {Clutch] *Clutch in Green by Izzie's and [Jewelry] Sophistique in Dark by je suis
Hair: Isolation in Honeycomb Roots by !lamb.
Skin: *Laika II . Tan . 01 by Filthy Skins
Pose: *Stand 225 by !bang
Location: Where It Begins

* 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.

Petticoat Lane

I always find the diversity of talent among Second Life designers to be extremely impressive. It is interesting to watch when a creator branches out from what we are used to seeing from him/her. Katey Coppola is best known for the amazing poses she makes under her SL brand name Glitterati. As you have probably noticed, I use a lot of Glitterati poses; they are extremely well made and rarely do my hands disappear into my body (Katey must have a big booty, too!). Recently, Katey opened a new store titled Petticoat Lane where she is exploring her creativity as a clothing designer. I love how feminine all of the clothing designs are thus far; the colors are soft and inviting. I cannot wait to see this brand grow!

My favorite of the new Petticoat Lane releases is the Regal Skirt; it's high waistline and gently slopped skirt is very elegant and lady like. The shading on the sculpted part of the skirt is absolutely beautiful; it adds depth and movement. I was afraid that the sculpt was going to be hard to fit because it is simple (but pretty!) with no belt or any other type of 'barrier' at the top. I was pleasantly surprised, however, by how easy I was able to fit it to my shape. Resize scripts are not included in the skirt, but it is modify and therefore very easy to add your own if you are like me and cannot stretch properly to save your life. Seven colors are available at 150L each or 500L for the Full Collection.

PhotoShop makes me very nervous; I know very little about it and don't have much confidence in my ability to use it. I have been getting a lot better at liquify, but I still have a long way to go before I become a true 'professional' at it. I tried something new for me in the picture above, and I would appreciate ideas/suggestions/tips. I loved the red sky in one of my windlight settings, but my ava looked completely washed out with it; so, I took another photo in a neutral windlight and blended the two. Does it look completely unnatural? I got the final picture by placing one picture on top of the other and erasing the window scene to get the red sky on the picture underneath and then merging the pictures. Is there an easier way to do this? Perhaps I will get even braver with my next PhotoShop experiment and try dodge and burn!

Since it is difficult to mention Katey Coppola without thinking of Glitterati, I thought it would be appropriate to also showcase her latest pose prop release. Disco is so much fun; three pieces are included with your purchase: the large set for posing, a hanging disco ball for decorations and a pose box (not pictured). All the items are copy which will let you decorate to your heart's content. All of the disco balls contain seven color choices and the pose disco ball contains ten poses. Most Glitterati pose props sell for at least 500L, but you can pick this one up as a Marketplace promo for only 100L! It is a definite steal.


Credits
Clothing: [Top] *Popsicle Dress - Sleeveless Top by The Secret Store and [Skirt] *Regal Skirt in [1] #1 and [2] #5 by Petticoat Lane
Jewelry: Anya Earrings - Silver by SIGMA @ My Second Wardrobe
Shoes: Move Pumps - Onyx by [elikatira]
Hair: Black Tie Affair - Toffee by Shag
Skin: [1] *Alexandra . Fair . 08 and [2] *Alexandra . Fair . 03 by Filthy Skins
Poses: [1] Model 023 and [2] *Disco by Glitterati @ The Marketplace
Location: Siss Boom

*Denotes promotional copy.

Damaris at Purrfect 10

There’s nothing like starting your week with a pair of amazing shoes. Or several pair that is… Purrfect 10 recently released a second version of their Damaris Boots. The first version features patent leather while the second version features traditional leather. Both designs feature a split in the side with adorable buckles and straps crossing the separation. The ‘sock’ can be dyed any color to match your outfit. Both versions are available in ten colors for L$790 each or L$6,000 per fatpack. All shoes can be changed to black through an option in the menu, and the black pair can be changed to white. Shoes also feature options for walk, sound, foot lock, and invisiprim.

Patent Leather

Traditional Leather

Purrfect 10 also released a new VIP group gift. The Serenity Heels in Tiger are absolutely gorgeous and feature many of the same options as a normal Purrfect VIP purchase. VIP memberships can be purchased for a fee of L$510; perks for VIP membership include at least ten free gifts per year and 25% off all full priced purchases when your tag is worn.

Wondering where my awesome poses came from? Glitterati is having a Pre-Pose Fair sale and has several items marked down to L$100, including the Garage Pose Prop!


Credits
Shoes: Demaris Boots in [1] *Patent White, [2] *Patent Salmon Rose, [3] *Leather Cream, [4] *Leather Salmon Rose, [5] *Leather Black and [6] *Serenity Heels Tiger VIP Gift by Purrfect 10
Skin: *Sweetheart [Dark] Deeply Madly 1 (Sundust) by Curio
Poses: Garage Pose Prop by Glitterati

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

[Insert Creative Title Here] ... =D

I truly cannot wait for spring to finally get here!! It has been a very long and a very cold winter. All the bright colors designers have been putting out in the past few weeks is really making me look forward to warmer weather.

SYSY’s has a new dress out, titled Barb, that is simple and yet very elegant. This dress is available in solid colors (silver and champagne) two tone colors (nude/brown, blues, and strawberry) at L$225 per dress. However, the strawberry color is a Valentine’s Special and is marked down to L$125. Run and pick this exclusive color up before it disappears!

Nothing helps to complete an outfit better than a pretty piece of jewelry. The Journey collection by Aluinn is more than just a piece, however; it is an entire set of jewelry including necklace, earrings and bracelet even though the necklace is the only piece pictured. Black and silver combinations offer such versatility and go perfectly with many items already present in your inventory. This set is also offered in blue, diamond, green, purple and red at L$385 per set.

Everyone always loves free items! The skin I’m wearing is one of the three available gifts from JeSyLiLo at the 3rd Vanity Fair Universe Skin Fair. Free skins almost always scare me because some designers don’t put as much effort into free items as they put into their ‘for sale’ items. You don’t have to worry about that fear with these three skins. All are very detailed and of high quality just as a normal JeSyLiLo skin. While at the Skin Fair, don’t forget to check out the new JeSyLiLo items!

Last, but certainly never least in my book, EverGlow has a few new poses available. I have so many poses already in my inventory, but it never seems like it is enough! I literally have thousands. This is my first time trying EverGlow poses, and I have to say that I am very pleased. The designer offers versatility and personality with her poses. Poses used are included in Model Pack #44 [1] and Model Pack #46 at L$400 per pack (10 poses) or L$50 per pose. If you are addicted to poses as much as I am, you will definitely want to stop by this store!


Credits:
Clothing: *Barb in Strawberry by SYSY’s
Jewelry: *Journey in Black Onyx by Aluinn
Hair: Details 08 by [elikatira]
Skin: *Skin Fair Gift 1 by JeSyLiLo
Pose: [1] *Model 436 and [2] *Model 459 by EverGlow
Background by RubyBlossom

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Final Hours @ CHIC Limited

Today is the last day of the first round of items at CHIC Limited. The goal of this monthly event is to introduce Second Life residents to amazing designers; what I particularly love is that enrollment is not restricted to the already very famous in Second Life. Each month, a new selection of at least twenty designers will place an item out to be featured. The item is not a discount item and it’s not a limited item that is ridiculously expensive; prices are set at normal retail prices.

I really should use props more often in my photographs. This amazing chair is the item offered by aDORKable Poses who is most definitely one of my favorite pose designers in Second Life. If you follow my blog often, you know that I use her Pencil and Poofy sets quite often. They are so perfect for many of the designs I wear! The Brazen Hussy Chair will be out at CHIC Limited for the remainder of the day; it contains five poses, and it also contains a texture change script for the cushion. Also, the chair is modifiable which allows you to change the color of the rest of the chair! I decided to leave it as is because the purple is simply beautiful! If you aren’t able to make it to CHIC Limited today… No worries!! This beautiful prop will be out at the new aDORKable Poses main store after the event. Oooo and btw… There is an absolutely adorable FREE pose bench out at aDORKable Poses right now!! ;-)

The shoes I am wearing are also a CHIC Limited item by G Field. Although they are not seen in the photograph, the shoes contain a beautiful flower attached to the side. They have the ability to be turned on and off, and since the flower looked odd with the pose, I turned them off. These shoes are Viewer 2 friendly as well as friendly for other viewers of Second Life. At first I was a little confused why an alpha layer was included in the box if the shoes themselves contained an invisiprim, but all confusion was cleared when I actually clicked the shoes. The invisiprim has a turn on/turn off option just like the flower! Options also exist for flower color and sole color. These shoes are absolutely beautiful. The color change pair I am wearing is available for L$220; a white color change option is also available. Six single color shoes are available for purchase for L$190 each; these also contain the on/off option for the flower. If you don’t want just one pair, you can purchase the entire all color pack for L$1900.


Credits:
Clothing: *1940 Bathing Beauty by Siss Boom (Currently Not Available)
Shoes: Flower Pumps in Black by G Field @ CHIC Limited
Hair: Tash in Chocolate by Exile @ Clearance Sale
Skin: *Nala Rose (Pale) by Filthy Skins
Pose: *Brazen Hussy Chair by aDORKable Poses @ CHIC Limited
Scene by Modd.G (FREE)

* 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.