Pieces of My Closet VII

I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to get this week's addition to the Pieces of My Closet series finished in time.  I typically give myself a few days to get my photos ready for my blog; with work and just life in general, there aren't enough hours in my day left to sit down and do a complete blog post in one go.  I sorted through my inventory Monday and got rid of over 1,000 items (Yay!), shot the photos yesterday and edited them both today.  I learned how to use a new PhotoShop tool... the magnetic lasso.  I have to say that I think it really does make a difference in the depth of field look compared to when I was just using the regular lasso tool.  I'm learning... little by little!

The pants I'm wearing are one of my favorite pair in all of my inventory.  They were one of the first mesh releases by Janie Marlow at JANE; in case that name sounds familiar to you, Janie is also one of the co-founders of coldLogic.  She retired these pants a few months ago since they were released before standard sizing came out; you can still find a lot of great pants at both JANE and coldLogic, however.

I'm pretty sure that the top I'm wearing from LeeZu was picked up on a whim because I saw the entire fatpack on sale for a very cheap price.  I have a feeling that a lot of items have ended up in my overgrown inventory because of impulsive buying.  I'm not sure I ever tried the top on before I found it while sorting through my inventory, but I do like the design even if it is a bit impractical for keeping you warm.  But, since avatars can't feel, who cares?!  Lol  The top is still available in four colors at 50L each or 150L for the fatpack.

I'm still wearing the very beautiful skin Fuyu by Izzie's.  The great thing about a well made skin is that it can go with so many different looks.  Izzie's skins are gorgeous and a great value all at the same time.  When compared to a lot of skin stores in Second Life, her prices are very affordable and you get so many options for the cheaper price you are paying.  The skin is available in eight tones and includes a modifiable shape, optional freckles, four brow colors, optional cleavage, a nail base, twelve lipsticks, twelve eyeshadows, eyeliner, blush and an eyebrow shape:


Credits
Clothing: [Top] Nataly Mesh Pullover in OliveBrown by LeeZu (Available) and [Pants] Wide Leg Pants Zooey in Truffle by JANE (Currently Unavailable)
Jewelry: Baroque Earrings by Magic Nook (Available)
Shoes: Millside Flats in Desert by [elikatira] (Available)
Hair: She Sends Kisses in Bittersweet by Shag (Currently Unavailable)
Nails: *Long French Nails by Izzie's (Available)
Skin: *Fuyu Skin Pale LB by Izzie's (Available)
Makeup: [Eyes] *Fuyu Eyeshadow Autumn and [Freckles] *Fuyu Freckles Pale (Both included with skin purchase) by Izzie's (Avaialble)
Poses: [1] * Shy 4m and [2] *Side Pony 2 by aDORKable Poses (Available)
Location: Water Reserve

* Denotes promotional copy.

Week 10 of 52 Weeks of Color - Avocado

I feel so very fortunate to be able to make this post tonight. Living in the Appalachian Mountains in Southern West Virginia near the Kentucky/Ohio border in my real life, the place I have always called home doesn't really receive any extremely severe weather such as tornadoes or hurricanes... until yesterday that is. We have had the occasional threat for a tornado (once every five years perhaps) which never develops, but I never remember (and neither does my mother) having an outbreak of actual tornadoes especially those reaching EF3. After getting married last fall, I moved an hour away from the place I had lived for nearly twenty-six years. I was keeping an eye on the ongoing weather coverage and saw the tornado symbol pop up over a town a mere ten minutes from my mother's house. The symbol stayed there for what felt like an eternity. The entire area was covered in 'radar red' rains which continued for well over an hour; the area had already been saturated with heavy rainstorms just two days previously. I couldn't reach my mother who I thought was home alone at the time; actually, one of my sisters and her boyfriend had returned home when the weather started to get bad. Electric outages are very common in the rural areas of West Virginia during storms since there are so many trees. I just kept imagining my mother's house crumbling with her alone inside and none of the neighbors being able to see what had happened because without electricity it would have been completely dark. As soon as all the severe weather passed where I lived, my husband and I went to check on my mother who was thankfully safe and sound with my sisters. But, the small town ten minutes away was not so fortunate; I have never seen the scale of total destruction in this area before. Thousands of trees were flattened or snapped in half while people's homes were left in shambles. I hadn't been able to see the destruction when I had driven by the area the night before since there was no power and you could only see what was immediately in front of your vehicle. My heart is so broken for all the people affected.

The outfit I am wearing from my post is one of the new outfits by JANE being offered at the March Mesh Madness event. I love that the color is actually titled 'avocado.' I do believe this is the only outfit that I have worn for this entire challenge with the real name the actual color of the week's challenge color. The dress is very beautifully made, but I have come to expect this from JANE even before the introduction of MESH. There are a lot of other really beautiful designs being offered at the fair; I just wish I had more money to spend on them!

The hair I am wearing is such a sassy design from Shag who is participating in this week's round of Project Themeory. Two packs are available at only $L75 each; anyone who has purchased hair in Second Life knows that this is a great price! I absolutely love the extreme volume this hair features; it is definitely a statement piece!


Credits
Clothing: Trellis Oversize Tee in Avocado by JANE @ March Mesh Madness
Shoes: Move Pumps in Java by [elikatira]
Hair: Pussy Galore in Bittersweet by Shag (Project Themeory Special)
Skin: *Vanessa in Cream 08 by Filthy Skins (New)
Pose: *Bag Lady II 1 by aDORKable Poses (New)

* 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.

Nika

I'm always on the lookout for pretty skins by different designers, and my taste in skin is very diverse. I have many skins that are fun, youthful and girly, but every now and then I also like to wear a skin that makes my ava look a tad older and more mature. Nika by Step inSide is one of those skins; the makeup choices are interesting and beautiful with sparkly shadows and luscious, juicy lips. The lashes are included on the skin; so, there is no need to wear extra. Nika is available in four tones at 300L per each makeup; you can also purchase a tone fatpack for 1,500L.

When you teleport to Step inSide, you will be routed to a landing point. A teleport board is located nearby; click the green dot to teleport to the skin section.


Credtis
Hair: Black Tie Affair - Bistre by Shag
Skin: *Nika in Milk by Step inSide

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Final Hours @ I ♥ Originals Fair

Tomorrow is the last day of the I ♥ Originals Fair. I apologize for not blogging as many of the outfits featured at the event as I had intended, but with real life circumstances being as they were, I simply could not find the time or the will to sit down and blog.

The wedding season is right around the corner, and if you are looking to get married in your Second Life, Felicia’s Fashions has an absolutely gorgeous wedding gown available at the fair. The Dianna Bridal Gown is a slender style that is able to still incorporate a long train and slightly poofy look. I absolutely love the veil that is included with your purchase. It is beautifully textured and features gorgeous roses that sit on the top of the head. As if the gorgeous gown wasn’t enough by itself, a pair of sculpted toe shoes is also included with your purchase!

No wedding gown is complete without a beautiful set of jewelry. I have always wanted a set of pearls to wear in my real life wedding which will hopefully be taking place this summer. Caroline’s Jewelry is offering a gorgeous pearl set at the I ♥ Originals Fair in white, black and pink. The necklace is triple stranded and connected by an adorable flower. Dangle pearl earrings and a broach are also included with the purchase.


Credits:
Clothing: *Dianna Bridal Gown by Felicia’s Fashions @ I ♥ Originals Fair
Jewelry: Kennedy White Pearl Jewelry Set by Caroline’s Jewelry @ I ♥ Originals Fair
Hair: Forget Me Knot in Kitten by Shag @ Fashion House
Skin: Jasmine [Dark] Big Red Lantern 1 (Shell) by Curio
Poses: [1] *Poofy 4 and [2] *Bag Lady 2 Mirror by aDORKable Poses
Background by Angelia61 Stock

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Week 15 of 52 Weeks of Color - Red

It has been a surreal week to say the least. It was so difficult to say a final goodbye to an amazing young woman today who touched every single person who had the honor of knowing her.

Although I have a lot of red in my Second Life inventory, I just couldn’t seem to find the right outfit to fit my mood this evening for Week Red in Luna Jubilee’s 52 Weeks of Color. I wanted a true, bright red, but unfortunately I was finding mostly maroons among my outfits. I remember a few weeks ago reading on someone’s blog how they found their outfit for that week by searching on the Marketplace; so, I decided to give it a try. It really didn’t take me long to find the amazing dress from Elegant Fashion. As I’ve said before, dresses made from system skirts typically are not my thing, but when the textures line up correctly, they are absolutely stunning! The textures couldn’t be more perfectly aligned in this dress. I love the frills around the bottom of the dress; it adds a beautiful extra touch of femininity. Frill straps are also included for the upper portion of the dress, but even without them, the dress is stunning. This dress is on sale for a limited time for only L$99; this is a definite must have!

The beautiful skin I am wearing is the new special from Glam Affair at The Dressing Room. Let’s be honest, you really can never go wrong with a Glam Affair skin, and this L$70 addition to your inventory is no exception. The blood red lips and gorgeous eyes make Nina V-Day 02 a staple skin. The skin will be available for the next two weeks.

Have I mentioned how much I love all of the sale stores that are popping up? Just in case you missed it… I love sales!!! Fashion House is another great discount shop offering designs from some of the best creators on the grid. All items featured at Fashion House are L$50; you definitely can’t beat that! While I was there, one of the items I picked up was the Forget Me Knot hair from Shag; I first discovered this adorable hair creator during The Seasons Hunt, and I was so excited to see their contribution to the Fashion House. The style is very classy and elegant. Two colors are included in your purchase.


Credits:
Clothing: Madison Classic Cocktail Dress by Elegant Fashion @ L$99 Marketplace Special
Shoes: Saffron Pumps in Electric Red by LeLutka
Jewelry: Monia Set by Donna Flora
Hair: Forget Me Knot in Cashmere by Shag @ Fashion House
Skin: Nina V-Day 02 by Glam Affair @ The Dressing Room
Pose: *Pencil 9 by aDORKable Poses
Background by RubyBlossom

* Denotes item provided by designer for review.

Moly

There have been so many great releases this past week! JeSyLiLo released a new skin, titled Moly, which is absolutely adorable! This skin comes in three shades (light, tan and dark) with five makeup choices for each. Each makeup contains a version for shiny or matte, cleavage or no cleavage, blush or no blush and a hairline version. Single makeups are available for L$1200 and fatpacks are available for L$4500.

Shag has placed out two special editions of Ode and Sonnet for the Stumblebum Brigade! Three exclusive colors are included in each pack titled cashmere, fever and toffee. They will only be available for the next week and will never be sold again. Each pack is available for L$150.

The Turkey Trot hunt began on the Lemania SIM today, and there are twelve amazing prizes for only L$1 each. I will be posting more of the prizes later, but I included Holiday Naughty from the hunt in this post. Happy hunting!

Clothing: *Holiday Naughty by Lemania Indigo Designs @ L$1 Turkey Trot Hunt
Hair: [Left] Sonnet and [Right] Ode in Toffee by Shag @ L$150 Per Pack
Skin: *Moly Makeup 1 (Tan) by JeSyLiLo
Pose: *Pencil 5 by aDORKable Poses
Background by RubyBlossom




* Denotes item provided by designer for review.