Casual Day

Hi everyone! Lots of fun new items are out right now from designers participating in great monthly events.  There is just so much good stuff out there right now - it just blows my mind and my pocketbook.  Wasabi Pills has released Sibel for Uber.  Its a just right medium length hair with a bit of curl and braid over the top; perfect for sweet looks.  The Men's Dept. opens tomorrow with a fantastic collection.  My pants, bag and necklace will be there and each comes in a version for both genders.  I love the little toggle on KITJA's pipe pants and yes they come in colors more masculine than pearl.  Enfant Terrible has joined the event and has a fabulous set of bags. They come in many sizes as well as rigged and non-rigged versions. There is also a smaller handbag.  These are available in other colors as well. The BullzSkull from modish is does have both M/F sizing as well as a materials version. I also adore my cropped sweater from Pixicat, out at the this round of Kustom9. I am crazy for the metalwork, which is also color change.  Very nice! The shoes are from Ingenue for the round of Collabor88 that is ending soon. They are available in a myriad of yummy colors.

Enchantment is also running and the theme this month is Beauty and the Beast.  I always enjoy going around to the participating merchants and seeing what special item they are offering.  an lar poses has a very nice set called The Beauty Series, which you can pick up at a reasonable price as your purchase to get the necessary card you will need to get stamped for more prizes.
Credits:
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Sibel - Golden: currently available at Uber
Skin: Glam Affair: Ellie Skin- Asia - from last weeks FLF
Necklace: Modish: BullzSkull Necklace: available at The Men's Dept. as of Feb. 5
Sweater: Pixicat: Cropped Sweater - shade: currently available at Kustom9
Pants; KITJA: Pipe Pants - pearl: available at The Men's Dept. as of Feb. 5
Bag: Enfant Terrible: On The Go bag - cognac (unrigged against chest female): available at The Men's Dept. as of Feb. 5
Shoes: Ingenue: Danja Oxfords - Noir - available at Collabor88
Poses: an lar: from The Beauty Series: available for Enchantment 

Brr Cold

Oh, God. The Arcade! What a love/hate thing I have going on with that event.  I want it all, always, and I've basically forgotten how to blog for the last week as I have been stuffing my inventory to the gills like a squirrel stuffs acorns before winter.  I've always been an inventory hoarder since the beginning and something about having to get every single item from some sets (whether I use them is missing the point) that turns me into a Skinnerian button pusher.  Eh, but there are worse things to be in life than a bonafide SL fashion addict. I think I channeled The Blue Boy for my look today. It all just fell together perfectly once I was able to say "slow down, Eden" and start putting the look together.

I get way too long-winded in my posts, as Qopi has reminded me.  So instead of saying things twice, I will elaborate on the items in credits!

Credits:
Dress: even.flow: Wendy Dress - Blue: available in many colors or as a FP HUD: New Release
Bow: ISON: Opulent Bow Tie - Frozen (Rare) - gorgeous! Currently available at The Arcade
Shoes: Ingenue: Jaclyn Shoes - Denim (for Belleza and Slink Med feet). Currently available at The Arcade
Stockings: Cannibelle: Fishnet / Knee Sock Combo - Lights: available at Winter Trend
Hair: Tableau Vivant: Xy with Panda / Ginger Kitty Earmuff: Currently available at The Arcade
Skin: Glam Affair: December skin - Asia 04: Currently available at The Arcade
Nails: Hello Dave: VIP's Pretty: the best deal around - 50L join fee for group and a new set weekly plus all the previous past gifts you can gorge on! Join now before she knows how darn good she is! <3
Poses: Le Poppycock - from the Die A Little - A set

21Shoe: Sneak Peek for November 21

I have been completely crashtastic for the last couple of week so no fanceh photos today, but I think the news is more important than the photo in this case! 21Shoe is back in a big way! If you are unfamiliar with 21Shoe it's essentially a one day event, occurring on the 21st of each month, where a slew of shoe designers offer a 2 for 1 deal on shoes.  In the past these shoes were only been available on that particular day, but the rule has been expanded to where the shoe must be either new or exclusive.  Other than that there are really no limits, though you may find that many of the shoes are for Slink Mesh Feet or for one of the newer mesh bodies. However, that may not always be the case so be sure to check the specification for each shoe.  For a quick peak at tomorrow's shoes check out the 21Shoe Blog!  I am always excited on "21 day" and can't wait to indulge my shoe passion tomorrow!

Also, 21Shoe is what is termed a floating event in that there is not one specific location for the event and takes place at each participating designer's main store.  I am happy to show you the shoes that will be available from some of my favorite designers.  On top, are Suzette Heels from Ingenue.  For the price of one shoe you get both the lipstick and teal colors and these are made for Slink Medium Mesh Feet and Belleza's mesh body.  Below are from Bliensen + MaiTai, which is offering two different shoes for the price of one: Cerise Heels in Houndstooth for Slink Medium Mesh Feet and include both rigged and unrigged versions as well as Strapped Heels for Slink High Mesh Feet and also include both rigged and unrigged versions.

5.15.14: LOTD - Event Mashup

There are so many events with so many good designers right now, it is a challenge to keep up!  But sometimes the fun of it is looking at what you have and playing around with it.  I came up with a cute look-of-the-day finding items for Collabor88, The Theme Park, The Chapter 4 and Fantasy Gacha Carnival from some of my favorite designers.  Please check out credits for complete details!

Credits:
Hair: Truth: Elyse: newer release
Skin: League: Erin w/ appliers for Slink
Hands / Feet: Slink
Top: Ingenue: Emma Blouse - Mint: cute crop top w/ peter pan collar: available at The Chapter 4 in the Under 100 room.
Necklace and Belt: May's Soul: Arabian Rose Necklace and Belt: win them at The Fantasy Gacha Carnival!
Skirt: Color.Me.H.O.F: Ruffle Skirt - Black
Shoes: Ingenue: Sopha Heels - Jadite: available at Collabor88
Pose: NanTra: Ain't She Sweet: adorable set of 6 poses w/ mirrors.  The set includes the cute little candy purse which has 5 color change options - available at The Theme Park

Eden & Fallacy Pretending to be Casual

Fallacy, of course, wants to do a post together on the night when SL is not allowing us to TP ANYWHERE! But like all things SL, things went back to normal.  You just have to go with the flow, but there is a certain amount of camaraderie in us all being stuck in the same boat. The grid right now is flooded with pretty things, springy things, and it feels good, at least to me who lives in the north and suffered through the worst winter.  Fallacy, my southern belle, got her share this year, too.  So, we've been happily skipping through the stores and current events and have both put together the cutest ensembles.  Eden, on the left, has on a hodgepodge of items, and I think instead of saying it both here and in the credits, I will throw in thoughts about what I loved about these items down below.  Fallacy, on the right, is as cute as I've ever seen her and gets credit for the photo. I get credit for suffering through Fallacy getting the right skin, location, and angle, lol.  I really do love her.

On Eden (left) top to toe
Hair: lamb: Portland - Dust: available at Collabor88.  Sometimes it's like impossible to find good hair for glasses.  This one is PERFECT. and I enjoyed the hipster references in the hair's names.
Glasses: (Yummy) CatEye Rose Shades - Pastel : Available at Collabor88 fanceh!
Skin: Glam Affair: Aria - Artic 03: available at Collabot88.  I should just marry GA.
Dress: Coco: Boat Neck Dress - baby blue: Available at The Seasons Story.  Coco is a no brainer for me for perfect, subtle well-fitted looks. The length is just right.
Necklace: Cutie Moon Locket: FREE \o/ at the Cutie Moon Fair at the landing point
Bag: Atomic: Scout Bag 03: Gacha: Available at the Cutie Moon Fair - so many flavors! and I like the name "scout"
Shoes: Ingenue: Lily Flats - Violet: avaiable at Collabor88. Anything Betty Doyle of Ingenue makes is impeccable, perfect and classic.
Pose: an lar poses: from the Conventional Series: available for 50% off right now at The 100 Block Fashion Fair

On Fallacy (right) top to toe
Hair: *ARGRACE* HARUKA - Sandy Blonde: that is some adorable windswept hair!
Headband: pr!tty - Nature Girl - .Headband: Available at The Seasons Story
Skin: Essences: Song *ivoire* blonde - this is the store Fallacy should marry.
Eyeshadow: MONS / Makeups - Eyeshadow Asian - dream : Available at the Cosmetic's Fair
Lashes: mon cheri: "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower
Necklace: [tea.s] Eden's Necklace - Rose - aww why thank you, Tea :)
Dress: Zenith: (Blue)Denim Lace Dress : Available at The Seasons Story: gosh that looks so good on her!
Shoes: : . a i s l i n g . Indiana Shoes /Yellow: Available at The Season's Story
Pose: Kirin Poses - My Cute Pinwheel Orange Sun: available at Seasons Story. It's a hoot to witness Fallacy obsess over which color pinwheel to chose:)  All poses included with each pinwheel.

And both of us are wearing Slink hands and feet!! xoxo
Photographed at The Trace

3.11.2014: Never Ever Ever Shop with Lucie Bluebird

So I was at The Skin Fair preview for bloggers, shopping and minding my own business, when I refocused my cam and there was darling Lucie Bluebird invading my personal space.  Skin Fair 2014 starts on the 14th of this month so I was in a bit of a rush as there are 3 sims full of fantastic skins and all the stuffs that go with it. Lucie is one of the sweetest women I've met in SL; the kind we hold dear: loyal, funny, super well-mannered, housebroken and a completely adorable avatar. I am quite introverted but Lucie and I know that we both love to shop and lately when we run into each other it's generally when we are feeding our shopping addiction.  I should have logged off the moment I saw her as we ended up both fatpacking 2 new skinlines at the preview.

"You look so ethereal", says Lucie when I demoed League's new Erin skin, which is a Skin Fair 2013 exclusive.  Heck, that is not usually how I'm described so I was sold as soon as she said that.  What I love about the new Erin is that it has strong definition without becoming cartoonish.  It had been awhile since I had laid down L's for a new skinline (I've been picking up this and that at events and The Arcade) and they will be L's well spent. The skins come with everything: bust enhancers/dehancers, hairbases, brow/or no brow, different brow colors and 2 different bustlines. It does not include appliers but they can be purchased for a reasonable price at League's mainstore.

In a shameless attempt to be ethereal and cute, I chose Truth's new release for the March round of Collabor88.  He is now a permanent designer for the event so we can all look forward to even more gorgeous hairs!

Save your L's because you will need them for skin fair.  For more previews the official Skin Fair 2014 flickr group has pages of them and everything you will need to know about the fair is on it's website.

Credits:
Skin: League: Erin - fair steal blonde chest C: Skin Fair exclusive coming soon!
Hair: Truth: Lolita (includes color-change headband: currently available at Collabor88
Eyes: IKON: Destiny Eyes - Clarity
Necklace: Ingenue: Jubilee Necklace (it's old as the hills so I am not sure if it's still at the store)
Pose: oOo Studio

Bring on the Cool Air!

I live in Michigan, which is basically a sweaty, miserable swamp in the summer.  Today we finally hit the coolest day since early June and I am so relieved.  It put me totally in the mood for League's Etta Knit dress which is being featured at September's Collabor88.  It's so nice to see Nena Janus making some new clothes as she has such a lovely way with color...and I love heathers.  The belt is color changeable via hud and perfectly accented Ingenue's new Delia Heels, also new at this month's Collabor88.  I've never been one to minimize my love of anything that Betty Doyle of Ingenue does.  Her work is always impeccable and intricately crafted.  It is because of Betty that I finally broke down and bought Slink feet (I can be so old skool I swear).  Now my hunt is for skin appliers :)

Izzie Button installed a new gacha at her store in just the past week and I have played it to get various colors of these cute camera necklaces.  They are mesh and a song at only 40 L per play.  Auxiliary's Purrfect Headband from The Arcade works so matchy matchy with the dress and works nicely with Wasabi Pill's
Melissa Hair, also at Arcade.

I'm almost ready to shut up. I hit The Season's Story last night and was overwhelmed by the items for sale there.  u.f.o. has an two adorable gachas and I had to play until I got the adorable camera in the first shot. The poses I'm using are from Model Poses and they are sooo cute.  Each set is only 60 L each and includes both the individual poses plus a hud and loaded pose stand, which I thought was super thoughtful!

Credits
Dress: League: Etta Dress - Old Lavender: available at Collabor88
Shoes: Ingenue: Delia Heels (Slink Med add-ons) - Lake: available at Collabor88
Necklace: Izzie's: Camera Necklace - Pink Gold: 40 L/play
Headband: Auxiliary: Purrfect Headband - Purple: available at The Arcade
Camera: u.f.o.: pori poloroid camera - pink: gacha at The Season's Story
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Melissa - Rye (rare): available at The Arcade
Skin: Glam Affair: Europa Amberly Frostbite 02: from March Collabor88
Poses: Model Poses: Marcia: available at The Season's Story

Vintage Fair: The L'Ook

I've got lots more head-to-toe Vintage Fair looks to show off.  There are so many awesome items I'm having a dreadful time narrowing down my looks, but I have to remember it's one photo at a time.  Hand me the world's smallest tissue and let's get on with this.  I will talk more about the look above but I want to show you the most wonderful prop you can pick up exclusively at Vintage Fair.  It is called the L'Ookbook Boutique Prop and it is set as a small shopfront with bay windows.  The poses are especially made for the prop and include poses both in the doorway of the shop and in the store window.

I took a quick shot of the prop to give you an idea of how it's laid out. I added the platform/black wall, lamps and furniture just to goof off but you can see that it's pretty spiffy and a worthwhile investment if you blog or enjoy taking fashion photos.

Getting back to clothes and such...I am a huge fan of Ingenue!  I remember at last year's Vintage Fair mesh was still in it's very early stages and few designers had invested a lot into adding it to their lines.  But Betty Doyle, an amazing designer and I'm guessing a perfectionist, dived right into it and had full sets of personally created mesh outfits.  I think pretty much all of Ingenue's work now includes some elements of mesh and in my opinion is of the top 10 masters of the craft.  As always, her textures are exquisite, the clothes fit exactly as they should and have such range.  The Lauren skirt I'm wearing is a perfect example of that.  It has that a vintage fair but is infinitely flexible, so you can dress straight period or incorporate it into more modern ensembles. I've never regretted any purchase I've made from Ingenue and my collection is vast.  LeeZu is another brand that has made some amazing mesh outfits but I find the prim sculpts to be brilliant with the jacket, Yriin, to be a stunning example of that.  It's elegant and edgy yet easily wearable, which are adjectives I associate with the LeeZu brand.  I love avante garde but frankly, when I want to look put together and go shopping, that is not the look I tend to grab.  Slink is offering these fabulous kitten-esque heels at Vintage Fair.  These are not just shoes!  These are mesh shoes with separate mesh feet!  The feet are sized in standard size equivalents so that they are proportional to other parts of the shape that meet these standards.  They include a hud for both the nails on the bare feet as well as another hud for skin tinting and nail polishes.  If you go back up to the first photo you can better see the lovely hair from Vanity Hair, The Hamptons, which includes a color change hair band.  I love this style for it's casual refinement and Tabata Jewell's wonderful hair textures.  Lastly, and I hope to show more of this amazing collection is Eclectica's Nouveau Leaves set.  This gorgeous set includes the items I am wearing plus a tiara, brooch, and hair pins, all of which are controlled by a hud for stone and metal color as well as size and shine.  I so admire Tiffy Vella's work and her shop at the fair is just glorious.

Ingenue has also released the darling Greta dress for Vintage Fair.  It is mesh and comes in standard sizes.  There are some adorable dotted versions as well as a variety of prints. I love the texture of the songbird version as it is soooo retro and fun.  The shoes are the fabulous Cleaver heels from :{MV}:, which is a store that is new to me.  Lots of yummy shoes there (Cherelle)!

Tuty's, another store that is new to me, has some fantastic Vintage hair.  I probably should have worn a lighter hair color against the dark wall but trust me, it is definitely worth a demo.  The style I'm wearing, Romantic, is a lovely representation of 40's hair and I love how full use of the hair base is used to enhance the style.  The jewelry I'm wearing from [HANDverk], which I'm not shy about my declaration of love for, has both amazing mission style furniture and jewelry sets, created by partners and design team of Daphne Klossovsky and Tobias Convair.  The Mucha Necklace does not show up well in this flat picture and it's so gorgeous I will show it again but its delicate and distinct like the work of it's namesake, Czeck painter and decorative artist, Alphonse Mucha. The skin I'm wearing in all the photos is from Aeva, and is called Jaci~2 and I've worn it for a few posts lately because I love it so much.  Aeva is the new brand by Heartsick creator, Amesha Jewell, and I love the clear face with bright lipstick and perfectly tilted cat-eyes 

Vintage Fair runs thru August 29th.  It's really worth a good walkthrough or five because there is so much to see.  The slurls for everything I'm wearing ala Vintage Fair can be found at the Chic Management site.  Non-VF items will note slurl to the main store.

Credits:
Prop: BENT.: L'Oolbook Boutique @ Vintage Fair
Skin: Aeva: Jaci~2 @ Vintage Fair
Photos 1&3:  Hair: Vanity Hair: The Hamptons @ Vintage Fair
Skirt: Ingenue: Lauren - Army
Jacket: LeeZu: Yriin @ Vintage Fair
Shoes: Slink: Vintage 2 Strap Pumps @ Vintage Fair
Jewelry: Eclectica: Nouveau Leaves @ Vintage Fair
Shirt: Whippet & Buck: Cole Boatneck
Photos 4&5: Hair: Tuty's: Romantic @ Vintage Fair
Dress: Ingenue: Greta - Songbird @ Vintage Fair
Shoes: :{MG}: Cleaver Heels @ Vintage Fair
Jewelry: [HANDverk]: Mucha Earrings and Necklace in gold @ Vintage Fair
Streetlamp: Trompe Loeil: French Streetlamp
Bench and Planter: Trompe Loeil: Garden Bench and Planter: available in lots of colors
Sconce Lamp: Barnesworth Anubis: Victorian Outdoor Sconce

Hair Fair 2012: Analog Dog and more more more!

Admission of Honesty: I've become a huge fan of Analog Dog over the past year, especially since designer, Queue Marlow, added her Point B line (love that name!).  The styles she released for Hair Fair this year are super sophisticated, rich in color and retain the best elements of Queue's unique textures.  You can see them all at Hair Fair 2012.

I must ask Queue about the backstory on the naming of Pornado, the hair shown above.  Not exactly sure how it relates to endless porn images, though I love the style and think it's damn sexy.  It's one of those perfect loose do's that are perfect when you want to play off a bare shirt or for primmy collars. Before I get on to the next style I need to talk clothes for a sec.  At Collabor88 for maybe about another week you can pick up Ingenue's perfectly made peplum top, Mignon.  The shadows, wrinkles and seams are perfect on this mesh garment.  It comes in standard sizes and includes 2 versions of alpha layer.  Often I still prefer regular clothing layers for tight fit shirts but this one is absolutely fabulous.  The [HANDverk] jewelry i've shot in another post but wanted a clearer shot of the gorgeous Hammered Metal set in Silver.  The Silver earrings are a 100% donation at the Hope for Emilia event and every little eansty bit...the string, the beads, the hammered texture is hand done.  Love. 

Issues is my favorite in the new set of releases.  I am in love with this thick braid that can be worn as a sexy and glammy side-set that wraps all around the back and sides and with a touch of the hair the braids fall over your face ala blindfold, which connotes all kinds of yummm.

Ging. Queue was so strangely clever in the name department.  I am going to innocently assume that the name relates to the cantonese equivalent of 'good' but the more curious of you might want to check out it's slang references.  Ging is a lovely classic long style, which is exceptionally wearable.  For those of you that enjoy super long, Queue has included a flexy extension that you can add to the hair.  I love the widow's peak on the hair.  When I was a teenager I used to be so jealous of girls that had one of those and now I get one too!  

There is still time to hit Hair Fair 2010 before it ends.  Visit the official website for information! 

Credits:
All Hair: Analog Dog: currently at Hair Fair 2012!!  Thank you, Queue!
Shirt: Ingenue: Mignon -Summer Sky: at Collabor88
Skirt: Ingenue: Lana - Slate
Jewelry: Handverk: Hammered Metal Set - Silver.  Earrings are 100% donation at Hope for Emilia
Necklace: Love Soul: Necklace*Water Bag* Neon Tetra: Lucky Chair prize -- OMG
Skin: Glam Affair: Leah - Spring Breeze
Eyes: Glam Affair: Stella V2-14

A Step Back in Time

Home Expo, which raises funds for RFL, is in it's final weekend.  The event runs through Monday, May 28th and covers 14 amazing sims.  I would love to see this fair run another week but the world doesn't revolve around me.  I am going to hopefully be doing twice daily posts in order to cover some more ground...RL kind of crept up on me this past week, mostly in the form of a wee bit end of the school year drama with my teenage (omg) son.  On expo preview day I spent some time chatting with Kat Alderson from Clutter and I was astounded by her work on the Ruined Courtyard.  This is not a house but indeed a courtyard like a old castle you might see in Europe.  It fits on a 38x30 footprint and it can be rezzed entirely at 157 prims or with individual pieces which include the ivy, seating, grasses and orchids or just the courtyard.  Kat probably doesn't know it but I remember when she had a cute little jewelry store called Cad & Tart, that I adored and I have always thought she was super talented.  

I was charmed by the Chinese Peace Lanterns from Alchemy Immortalis.  Traditionally in Asia, blue lanterns represent immortality and peace, and these were created as a tribute to the legacy of those who lost their battle with cancer as well as the spirit of survivors.  It is super easy to use; you rez the 1 prim blue and white rezzer and in moments the sky is filled with gently floating lanterns that glow with a soft flame.  These have several settings and you can even ride them.  They have been scripted for low lag.  

My darling friend, Skyler John, of Mystic Sky finally got the creative bug and has made a lovely little gown.  The Miranda Ballroom gown comes in 8 rich jewel tones and it includes both knee and floor length skirts.  I love the shorter length as I rarely have an occasion to wear gowns but it's a perfect addition for those that do.  The shorter length would be really nice for a fae.  Skyler includes a matching hair piece but somehow my final photos didn't include it...sorry Skyler, I owe you! 

I died, just died, when I got Wasabi Pills newest release, Anais, which is for the new wave of Zombie Popcorn which started today and ends June 9.  I had to IM MissAllSunday Lemon, Wasabi creator, immediately as I have fallen in love with this hair.  The hair is mesh and is available in all of Wasabi's gorgeous textures.  I've been around SL for a long time and every time I think I am ready for a long break, people create more amazing works and I remain enthralled.  It is a constant visual feast.   I also had the opportunity this week to preview Skin Addiction's Skin Showcase which started yesterday and runs for 2 weeks, until June 10.  Voishe Paine, group creator and the dozens and dozens of designers have showcased what they believe is the best of their brand under one location.  Designers from female, male, petite, fantasy, etc. are all represented.  It is set in a lovely parklike setting with meandering trails. Many designers have also placed out special gifts for members of the Skin Addiction group, which is free to join.  I am wearing a new skin by Leafy, Sapphire, that is available in neutrals as well as 5 fantasy tones.  It is a beautiful pure skin with just the right amount of facial definition to give it true character.  

It's been a busy few weeks in SL and so many talented people are just cranking out amazing work.  Get out and see what you can discover.  Home Expo has a great website that details store locations as well as daily activities.  

Credits: 

Build: Clutter: Ruined Courtyard @ Home Expo (located on sim 8, I promise!)

Lanterns: Alchemy Immortalis: Chinese Peace Lanterns @ Home Expo

Dress: Mystic Sky: Miranda Ballroom Gown: new release

Necklace: LaGyo: Ippolita Necklace Aqua

Shoes: Ingenue: Organique Flats: Droplet

Hair: Wasabi Pills: Anais Mesh Hair for Zombie Popcorn

Skin: Leafy: Sapphire - Neutral - Lumiel Pure @ The Skin Showcase

Poses: LAP: Gown with the Wind - Get them before they are gone!!! 

It's not over until the fat lady sings

Culture Shock ends on the 26th but I am going to show stuff until the end: 1) there is too much good stuff to show yet and 2) the charity,  Médecins Sans Frontières, has challenged Chic Management to donate 2 Million lindens and approximately 575,000 still needs to be earned.  Each designer involved is offering at least 2 items where at least 50% of the proceeds go to charity. There are a few other stores, Aura and Ladies Who Lunch, come off the top of my head, that are offering a percentage of all sales to charity.  So go shop... open 24 hours a day... no script limits...hurr

I really wasn't planning on doing this post but I somehow ended up in this outfit so it occurred organically.  The awesome mesh theatre seating from Captivity Company is one of her sweet props at Culture Shock.  It has both male and female animations (but no sexys) and the poses are adjustable.  Don't forget that YS&YS has some skins that are exclusive to Culture Shock and will soon be gone.
Wasabi Pills has just released a new summer version of the Lola hair with cute pigtails and it had a hint of retro that worked just right today.  And then, to my utter glee, Tiffy Vella from Eclectica let me know about her new retro glasses.  This totally made my day as I have drooled over her amazing work for a long time and was always too shy to approach her.  What a nice lady who makes great stuff!  The 50's glasses come in either a rhinestone or pearls pack and they are infinitely changeable.  The scripting is very elegant and you can independently change texture, colour and shine in the frames, lenses and decorative details.  Below you can see the City shade that actually shows a skyline.  These are truly magnificent.  She has also updated some of her older styles and if you have those please contact her for a free upgrade.  Many of those are unisex.  I have no qualms recommending these as a great investment.

Ingenue has some spiffy new mesh boots at Culture Shock.  The mustard pair are exclusive to CS2012.

So I've been so busy between RL and blogging when I come in-world that I have not been shopping in ages and had to take a quick trip to The Wash Retro Swap Meet.  I tped to Bliensen & MaiTai's stall for the glamourous Pleasantville earrings for only 10 L each.  There are four colors to chose from as well as some sweet art deco ones.  Lo and behold! Artilleri was right next to Bliensen and I found some stuff I didn't already have.  This leo version of the Ulrika top was new to me.  I remember getting a different print at a FLF.  Speaking of FLF, she has a few of her old FLF items out, now for only 10 L so if you hesitated go pick them up now.  Ear Candy on the other side of Bliensen also had some cute mesh bags and jewelry for only 10 L.  Then I had to force myself to stop.

Ok, last blip.  [HANDverk], if you've seen my posts with them you know I love them.  They are going to be in an all mesh hunt in June and the amazing geode ring is one of their items.  It is unisex and you will not want to miss it!  

Credits: (please refer to the Culture Shock map and slurls for all event locations)

Prop: Captivity Company: Theatre Chair - at Culture Shock

Hair: Wasabi Pills: Lola Summer Hair: new release

Skin: YS&YS: Sofia Culture Shock - at Culture Shock

Lips: Redbird: sheer lipstick - at Culture Shock

Earrings: Bliensen & MaiTai: Pleasantville Earrings: 10 L at The Wash

Shirt: Artilleri: Ulrika Top - leo: 10 L at The Wash right next to Bliensen

Belt:  Ingenue: Traveler Belt

Boots: Ingenue: Jude Boot: at Culture Shock

Ring: [HANDverk]: Geode Ring for the Mesh Around Hunt coming June 1

Color Challenge: Lemon Chiffon

I think I fell of the edge of the SLearth for a few days there but RL just got super busy.  I am trying to be diligent about Luna Jubilee's color challenge and this week's color, Lemon Chiffon, was just too pretty.  I'm getting ready to do about a billion posts for the end of Culture Shock and for Home Expo, but I had to go digging for some light summery yellows.  I was able to combine both old and new items for this look.  It started with Atomic's Summertime skirt, which I've had for 2 years now so it might be retired. Ingenue's Mon Petit Cami worked well under the highwaisted skirt.  I had to include Pididdle's new little mesh scarf, Parisian Summer, that is out at The Attic's adorable new collection. Baby Monkey's Erin pumps are out at a discount for group members as part of her weekly color challenge offering.  MissAllSunday Lemon from Wasabi Pills, has cranked out yet another amazing new mesh hair, Cookie.  This one is non-rigged mesh and has two resizable parts to it, the asymmetrical bang and the back so that you can edit their placement individually.  You really do amaze me!  Finally, Culture Shock ends on the 26th of May and the darling Postcard from the Beach pose prop from Magpie and the exclusive skin from Glam Affair are both charity items.

Location: my beach

Culture Shock: Colour Shock

One of the fashion trends that continues this summer, inside and outside SL, is color blocking.  It's nice that SL is on-trend as often it lags a bit.  Step into Culture Shock 2012 and you will see it everywhere - clothing, accessories and home decor.  My natural clothing tendencies go toward neutrals but I am enjoying this trend, especially since often the design is very clean and mod.  I am going to show you just a sample of items that I found at Culture Shock that fit this bill.  I think one of the tricks with color blocking is to choose accessories wisely so you don't end up looking like a coloring book.  I've exaggerated my looks a bit here to show you the range of items so you can find ways to add color to your look.

Sleeping Koala hit it out of the ballpark for me with the Bold Print Dress (100% donation) above. It is so mod and while the colors are bold they have been toned down just enough for me to not feel overwhelmed. It is partial mesh, which in this case means you can have a smooth mesh skirt prim or the usual one.  I actually liked the normal prim as she uses two pieces and sometimes I am too lazy to unlink (lol).  Speaking of skirt prims, nothing irritates me more than a nonmodifiable skirt prim, especially when there is not even a resizer.  Have you seen the variety of hip width and buttock size in SL? Anyways,  I laid off on the accessories as I chose Wasabi Pills Shiori (50% donation) hair as well as the Gwen skin from CIA Designs (50%) as they were both in very bold tones.   If you know me at all you know I am a huge mid-century furniture fan and if I see it I have to have it!  As soon as I saw the items from [HAND]verk I started to get the happy brain sensation I get when I see really well made high-design items.  In this photo the marshmallow sofa and starburst clock, amazing replicas of Herman Miller and Howard Miller items, are actually sold at FaMESHed, but the teaset in the style of Bauhaus designer Marianne Brandt, is at Culture Shock and is their gift to you.  Lastly, the adorable little radio from {what next} comes in 5 versions and reminds me of old Fisher Price toys, which I am an avid collector of in RL.

Apple May's new dress, Danni, is available in the Retro version exclusively at Culture Shock (50% donation). The top of the dress is mesh and comes in 4 standard sizes. I find that often even with Standard Sizing I often have to make adjustments to my shape or go up a size to get the right fit but this fit perfectly!  Please demo the dress as it is mildly revealing though I didn't notice the bit of nip until I had been stomping around in it for a day.  The dress includes clothing layers and the skirt is not mesh.  Ingenue has released new mesh boots, Jude, and the mustard color that I am wearing are a 100% donation item.  The purse is part of an adorable pose set from Sparrowtree Studio poses and includes 5 poses, poseballs and 5 purses.  The poses also work well with other purses so it's a great deal.

I adore the skin from Acide!  All of the Muriel skins are new and exclusive for Culture shock and this particular version, Violet tan, is a 50% to charity version.  Mons wonderful sparkling eyes are a 50% donation item.  I've been wearing these since I got them and I've been a die hard devotee to my other eyes for ages.  You can see a tiny glimpse of [HAND]verk's Bauhaus Face Necklace here. I am going to do another post about their designs as it's my new obsession and I will show the full set there.

Not exactly color blocked but bold in their own way are The Plastik's Katyana top (100% donation) and YS&YS's exclusive Brera CS2012 shoes (100% donation).  Both items worked perfectly with a pair of skinny jeans.  I am wearing YS&YS's CS2012 exclusive Roxanne skin (50%) donation which tones perfectly with the shoes (bonus!). It's gorgeous and I will get a better face shot soon.

Finally, alterego's cute Candy Dress (50 % donation) is all mesh and also sized perfectly with my XS shape.  The dress comes in three color blocked version and includes necklace, earrings and hair bow.  I laid off the hair bow because Wasabi Pill's Shiori hair comes in all of the usual fantastic textures.  The Brera shoes from YS&YS are available in other colors and the Gloss Fuxia pair were perfect.  I fell in love with la petite morte's Diffused Makeup and the blue was a perfect matchy matchy!

The Color Blocking Prop I used in the bottom 3 photos is from Magpie is perfect for a strong pop of color.  It contains 6 separate poses that are well placed for still shots.  The object is modifiable so you can adjust poses for your avatar. This is also at Culture Shock.

Each shop at the Culture Shock event has at least one item where a portion of the proceeds benefits Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders). I had to stop by there today and noticed they have upped the script limit to 75 so make sure you remove HUDS and items that contain a lot of scripts.  I noticed one woman repeatedly trying to get in with nearly 500 scripts on her body.  That will not cut it and I for one am thankful that this decision was made.

Credits (any items from Culture Shock will not have a slurl by them.  You can go to the Chic Management webpage and find a complete map and list of slurls for all the stores.  Once you have passed the landing point you can use those to directly TP around the sim.

Photo 1:
Dress: Sleeping Koala:  Bold Print Dress
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Shiori
Skin: CIA Designs: Gwen
Poster: What Next: Got Music? - gift!
Radio: What Next: Retro Radio
Tea Set: [HAND]verk: Tea Infuser Set - gift!
Marshmellow Sofa and Spoke Clock: [HAND]verk at FaMESHed
Noguchi Table: I've had it forever

Photo 2/3
Dress: Apple May: Danni - Retro
Boots: Ingenue: Jude
Skin: Acide!: Muriel
Necklace: [HAND]verk: Bauhaus Faced Necklace
Hair: LeLutka: Toni

Photo 4
Top: The Plastik: Katyana Top - Revolution Culture Shock 2012
Shoes: YS&YS: Brera Pumps Culture Shock 2012
Ring: [HAND]verk: Black Wassily Ring
Jeans: Maitreya: Mesh Zipper Skinny Jeans
Skin: YS&YS: Roxanne

Photo 5/6
Dress: alterego: Candy Dress
Shoes: YS&YS: Brera Pumps Gloss Fuxia
Skin: YS&YS: Roxanne
Makeup: la petite morte: Diffused Makeup
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Shiori

Photos 4 - 6
Magpie: Colour Blocking Prop

Back to Black: The End is Near

Back to Black ends on the 29th.  I had to show a few more of my favorite things.

Details: B2B is Back to Black Event
photo1:
Bodysuit: Nemesis: Friendship Bodysuit - Poppy: B2B
Hair: LeLutka: Jolie
Skin: Glam Affair: Linn: MedTan02
Shoes: Ingenue: Gatsby: Ruby: exclusively at Collabor88
Prop: Miamai: My Body is a Cage: B2B

photo2:
Dress: Peqe: Back to Jet (B2B)
Jewelry: DDL: To the Left - Black (B2B)
Shoes: (bubble) electric: I will Survive Wedges (B2B)
Stockings: are ancient

Look! We Get to be all Matchy and Glamorous!

I've not even had a chance to look at all the feeds but I'm guessing that they are absolutely full of posts about the Vintage Fair, which starts today at 4 PM SLT.  Let me say this: It deserves every little bit of press it gets!  It has been very well organized by the folks at Chic Management and every designer I've seen has busted their butt to offer amazing items.  There is a bit of everything, including wearables, of course, but also poses and furniture.  It runs for 3 weeks and I've been previewing it for 2 days and could use more time to really check things out.  But alas, last I checked, things don't run according to my whims and I'm really excited to hear what people find at the fair that tickles their fancy.

Hempy and I had all these grand plans to take a photo together at the fair because it is just so cute with it's rows of little shops but we just couldn't pull it off - either our lashes wouldn't rez or something was blurry or kids needed tending in RL.  We made such a fetching pair. Then none of my photos saved to my hard drive for unknown reasons that are part of the conspiracy to break me and I had to walk away and fell asleep on the couch for hours.

 Hempy was sweet enough to put her ensemble back on so we get to show you 2 of the fantastic looks you can pull together from the fair.  Hempy in the top photo chose Icing's brilliant Just Swing dress, which includes that uber fantastic veiled hat.  Look at the lush colors in the skirt and the perfect shading in the bodice.  I did absolutely no retouching of clothes in this post.  They are just that well done.  Dilly Dolls is introducing the Beatrix Heels at the fair.  They are to die for. Hemp said the hud makes skin matching a breeze plus the shoes are color change.  I must get a pair.  Hempy chose a new skin from Essences that has very nice retro details.  Oh, and she made the jewelry, lovely Queen Sophie sets!

I used Ingenue's Martine Dress as the base for my ensemble.  I've posted Ingenue many times before and I'm a huge fan.  Vintage clothing is nothing new to her (and it's nice to see others come on board!).  Betty Doyle is just such a master of her craft.  She has ventured into Mesh, which sadly I have not downloaded as motherboard would probably croak on the spot, but this dress is not mesh, which made me kinda happy!  The dress is a perfect backdrop for accessories.  I tend to downplay accessories and look for the one perfect piece, but more really works with the dress.  House of Fox makes really delicious bags and I found the Steffani bag to be a good contrast to bring out the ribbon on the hat, blah blah.  Hatpins made the elegant Florence Cloche hat, which I adore.  I get a bit impatient fitting hats and hairs so this was win.  The perfect bob in a series of color changes. SIGMA Jewels offers the Andra necklace, which is a really versatile piece that easily carries from day to evening looks.  Anthem, a new store to me, that I will be returning to, offers the stunning Victoria ring. It comes with both a three finger and single option.  Great details on the band and a really nice patina on the metal textures.  My shoes are not from the fair.  They are from Baby Monkey, which has a great selection of pumps that work with the vintage look.  I love Sileny Noel's new skin, Swing, and I had to wear the freckled version.  Sileny, who has released skin under the Mango Mango brand for quite awhile now, has joined forces with Airedine Poe from Adore & Abhor, and you can now find her fine work under the brand Adore & Abhor Cosmetics.  She has added a feature which I really like, which is a small bust option.  A cleavage enhancer is included as well, no worries to all who love the bewbs.  Finally, and then I will stfu, I LOVED Malvada Mujer's Kiki eyeshadows, because it completed my "My husband's plane was shot down over the Pacific look".  Just great stuff.

We will be steady posting Vintage Fair stuff for awhile as there are so many amazing items.  I am enthralled and am happy to see Hempy Weezles joining us here.  Hemp is a great stylist and I <3 her.

Credits:  (I will try and include a link to the main store and the street location at the Vintage Fair when possible.  Here is a map of the fair.)
Hempy:
Dress/Hat: Icing: Just Swing: located on Sophia Loren Street
Shoes: Dilly Dolls: Beatrix Heels: located on Audrey Hepburn Blvd
Skin: Essences: located on Rita Hayworth or Cary Grant Blvd (my eyesight is wretched)
Stole: Icing: lucky chair item!
Jewelry: Ripe: Queen Sophie Jewelry: located on Tina Turner Drive
Eyes: Rozena: Tea Eyes: Afternoon: Gift located on Jane Fonda Way

Eden:
Dress: Ingenue: Martine: located on the corner of North and West Streets
Hat/Hair: Hatpins: Florence Cloche Hat: located on East Street
Skin: Adore & Abhor Cosmetics: Swing: located on Audrey Hepburn Blvd
Necklace: SIGMA Jewels: Andra Necklace: located on Audrey Hepburn Blvd
Rings: Anthem: Victoria Rings: located on West Street
Bag: House of Fox: Steffani Bag: located on Tina Turner Blvd
Makeup: La Malvada Mujer: Kiki#2: located on Jane Fonda Way
Shoes: Baby Monkey: Milana Pump Burgandy

All Poses by oOo Studios - Hempy used poses from Jean and Veronica and mine are from the 20s set.  Located on the corner of North and East Street.

Factory Girl

Ingenue's latest release is aptly named Sedgwick. I'm assuming so as it conjures up images of Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol's "Superstar" of 1965, who's trademarks were mini dresses and chandelier earrings among other things.  I adore all things mod and love that Betty Doyle did these dresses, with their Jetson/Lost in Space flair and would love to see more along this line.  This dress works because of it's splashes of color and could be accessorized in a myriad of ways.  You can find it in 4 yummy colors along with the fabulous Bridget flats only at Collabor88 for a month.

Credits:
Dress: Ingenue: Sedgwick Dress - Lime: exclusively at Collabor88 for only 88 L!
Shoes: Ingenue: Bridget Flats - Lime: exclusively at Collabora88 for only 88 L (you will never get these colors at the main store)
Hair: .lamb: Sleepyhead
Skin: Laq: Tess2
Earrings: Kycies: closed - :( I know!
Bangles: Je Suis: Asymetrique
Pose Prop: Behavior Body: Photo Room: Free (TY, Anto, you are always so generous)

Rain or Shine

I've been such a bad blogger lately but summer has pretty much taken over my life.  I've been dying though to show some looks with Wasabi Pill's newest hairs.  MissAllSunday Lemon (love the name) of Wasabi Pills is one of those designers that shows such amazing range.  When it comes to her hair I can honestly say that I like to wear the guy hairs as much as I do the femme styles.

In the above shot I'm wearing the Roy hair in Rye.  Most of the hair is gathered back into a short ponytail with enough messy tendrils to keep it from looking too severe.  When I took this shot Swansong was still having a big 50% off sale.  Regardless, the Java dress, which first premiered at Culture Shock, is so lovely.  I love the placement of the orchid textures on the skirt.

Pompom is definitely kawaii hair, with its adorable little texture change hair bow and pompoms on the pigs.  It includes a version without the bow for a simpler look.  I tend to go for the simpler look but Jacqui said she liked the bowed version better and in an effort to be more open to input I listened.  The Tropica Playsuit from Ingenue for the gacha fest at Albero was perfect for spending some time daydreaming on my estate.  It is available in several sweet colors at only 50 L per play.

Credits:
Skin: Chain and Vine: Lael Group Gift: group is free to join and the skin is fab!
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Roy and Pompom
Dress: Swansong: Java Dress
Playsuit: Ingenue: Tropica Playsuit: 50 L a try at the Albero Gacha Fest
Shoes: Baby Monkey: Cindy and Ashanti
Hair Accessory: P1: Natural: Triste: Blue/White: OMG only 10 L!
Luggage: Natural: Gacha: also only 10 L per play
Picnic Set: Artilleri: recent FLF purchase

Culture Shock: Ingenue

I've been a long-time fan of Betty Doyle, creator and designer for Ingenue.  Over time her pieces have become less "vintage" or strictly period pieces to include classic pieces that work with a wide variety of looks.  If I were to sum up Ingenue into a few key concepts it would be: impeccable quality, an eye for detail and timeless appeal.  Betty's work ranges from basic, well made pieces that are a wardrobe staple to clean, elegant outfits that amaze me with their sophistication.  Anything Betty makes, from clothing to shoes to accessories, has the same level of high quality, so I'm guessing she is a perfectionist and I am glad for it.  Her releases for Culture Shock have a sweet and springy flair and instead of continuing to fan-girl all over Betty I will get on to the photos.

The new Bicyclette tank also doubles as a body suit and has all the requisite layers you need.  It has a racer-back design and 100% of the proceeds of the Cocoa version benefit Doctors Without Borders.  I've paired it with LeeZu's new Yve pants.  I had a really hard time choosing which pair to buy!  The skin I am wearing in this post is another of Arcy Halfpint of Fall Out/Fall In's Deliciouz Skin in the Dee version.  I really love the glow added to the face of these skins.  Working perfectly with the outfit are Bleinsen & MaiTai's Yesterday's Bloom earrings.  The Lilly Bracelet is a new subscriber gift from Kouse's Sanctum.  TY, Kouse <3!

The Harvesting Daisies dress is a sweet little summer dress with perfectly made sculpted skirt.  I recently changed my body dimensions to be more curvaceous and it still fit me perfectly. I love the top that is part of the skirt and will totally wear it with other clothing.  I can see it with some high-waisted pants for a retro look. All proceeds from the emerald version benefit Doctors Without Borders.  I'm also wearing Bliensen & MaiTai's Beware of Apples necklace and earrings but will show them again in a feature post because they are way cool.

The Madeleine tank has a sculpted shirt and adorable bows at the shoulders.  Take a look at how well the sculpt fits!  I did no adjusting at all to the shirt.  It simply fits that well and the continuity of texturing is that good.  I try on, wear, buy, etc. a lot of clothes and trust me, they aren't all this well made.  All proceeds from the Sunshine (yellow) version benefits Doctors Without Borders.

Culture Shock continues to run through May 22nd.  Each designer must include at least 3 items that are exclusive to the event and at least 50% of the proceeds benefit Doctor's Without Borders.  Many designers have at least one item where 100% of sales benefit the charity.  For a complete list of participants and locations at Culture Shock, visit here.

Credits: (Culture Shock slurls should give you a beacon to the correct shop)
Photo1:
Shirt: Ingenue: Bicyclette Tank: Cocoa: available exclusively at Culture Shock
Pants: LeeZu: Yve Pants: Hippie Orange
Earrings: Bleinsen & MaiTai: Yesterday's Bloom: available exclusively at Culture Shock
Bracelet: Kouse's Sanctum: Lilly: subscriber gift: TY Kouse!
Skin: Fall Out / Fall In: Deliciouz Skin: Dee: Sweety: available exclusively at Culture Shock
Hair: LeLutka: Rykiel
Photo2:
Dress: Ingenue: Harvesting Daisies: Emerald: available exclusively at Culture Shock
Jewelry: Bliensen & Mai Tai: Beware of Apples: available exclusively at Culture Shock
Hair: Elikatira: Horizon
Photo3
Shirt: Ingenue: Madeleine Tank: Teal: available exclusively at Culture Shock
Pants: Ingenue: Katherine Trousers: Mink: available at main store
Hair: Love Soul: Hair*088: Cocoa

Shoe Fair: Ingenue

I am so honored to be chosen as one of the official bloggers of this summer's Shoe Fair.  It's a massive event covering 4 sims and showcases some of the best designers in SL footwear.  It benefits the charity, Soles4Soles, which distributes shoes to people in need all over the world.  Some designers have selected at least one item where 100 % of the proceeds benefit the charity, while others are donating a percentage of overall sales.  The event is very laid out, with lots of space between stores and a nice juxtaposition of clothing and animation designers between the stores.  Look for the little hay bales.  There are also gacha's near each sim landing point with some great, inexpensive prizes.

The first designer I would like to show is Betty Doyle from Ingenue.  I've been very impressed with Betty's shoe designs.  She has been at shoe making for about a year, give or take, and she has been dead-on exceptional from the start.  She has 2 new releases available at the fair as well as an exclusive pair of shoes that benefit Souls4Souls.

First off is Martha, a sweet little flat with ankle strap.  It is available in 12 colors for 225L per pair.  I paired it with one of the Film Crew tees from fri.day.  The Mummy shirt is one of three available at the Shoe Fair.  All versions are available at fri.day main store.

Credits:
Shoes: Ingenue: Martha in Blush
Shirt: fri.day: Film Crew tee - Mummy
Shorts: Fishy Strawberry: Billy Denim Shorts
Hair: fri.day: Anna in Delighted Blonde

Ingenue's other new release is the Fleur shoe, which is also available in 12 colors for 275 a pair.  Fleur is a lovely, classic heel with a darling daisy detail.  The dress is from Haven Designs and is one of the gacha prizes available at the fair.  Delora Starbrook, owner of Haven Designs is also the architect for this year's fair, so high-five!

Credits:

Shoes: Ingenue: Fleur in Lemon

Dress: Haven Designs: Picnic Dress: Yellow

Necklace: Deco: D&P Necklace

Hair: fri.day: Cassidy.2 in Timid Brown

Ingenue's exclusive charity item in the Dianthus shoe in Bloom.  It is an amazing flat topped with a gorgeous sculpted flower.  I own this shoe in several colors because it is so chic.  I paired it with Cupcakes new Loopy Dress in Red.  The only thing that could have made it more perfect would be if I could have modded the color of the dresses flower to the same color as that on the shoe.

Credits:

Shoe: Ingenue: Dianthus in Bloom:  100% of proceeds benefit Souls4Souls

Dress: Cupcakes: Loopy Dress in Red

Hair: fri.day: Scarlett.2 in Jealous Red

Note: the slurls above for Ingenue, fri.day and Haven Designs are for the Shoe Fair location where they are housed.  Their main store locations are: Ingenue / fri.day / Haven.