Beware of Thorns

[HANDverk] has released the most spectacular, sexy mesh Rose jewelry and shoes for their guest appearance at September's Collabor88 event.  Daphne Klossovsky, who makes the wearable items for the brand, made her first pair of shoes, the Claw - Leo shoes for August's Zodiac event and since then has been creating several pairs of amazing shoes for various events around the grid.  Her items are far from average.  I've been around the grid for quite a while and while I love to score a deal, I have more than enough "stuff" and look for designs that are unique and particularly handmade. The items that [HANDverk] cranks out never ceases to thrill me.  The fact that the items are not outrageous in their pricing leaves me completely dumbfounded.

The items pay close attention to all parts of the rose, with the flower almost being an afterthought of the thorny stem, which is used so artfully in these designs.  I love the idea of walking on a dangerous, thorny branch...something that we can only do in fantasy, so why the hell not?  The earrings use the stem to thread though your earlobe so you are literally wearing the flower as art.  The necklace weaves the rose through a slender chain.  There are five color options to chose from and all are perfect for fall.

I got really behind in my blogging commitments during the last round of major event coverage and I wanted to make sure to mention Wasabi Pills Skye hair, which previewed at August's Zombie Popcorn event and is now at the main store.  I chose it because it reminded me of the [HANDverk] rose items with it's peaked top and mixture of tough and sexy.  I've become fascinated in the look of "weird" models lately.  Though I really am despising the current format on this seasons America's Next Top Model and can barely manage to sit through the show, they have talked about weird as a look for several seasons.  I've been tweaking Eden on this shape since I made it when I was lost on Orientation Island all those years ago and while she has maintained some characteristics that I love, like her flamingo legs and refined nose, I've been working on making her not as "pretty", which probably explains why men never talk to me and also why I so dearly love unique goods to enhance her.

If these designs intrigue you, I highly recommend that you check out [HANDverk] at the following events: Zodiac, FaMeshed, Collabor88 and L'accessoires as well as the Main location for beautiful, intelligent mesh design.

Credits:
Shoes and Jewerly: [HANDverk] Rose: currently at September Collabor88
Lingerie: Fishy Strawberry: Desiderio - Purple
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Skye - Wild Honey
Skin: Curio: Vintage - Ritz2 - Sundust: currently closed
Poses: HelaMiyo and Glitterati

One Voice Ends Today!

Today marks the last day for the One Voice event.  It closes at 11:59 PM SLT so you have plenty of time to get in a last round.  I popped back in today and it was not overly crowded and I was able to pick up few things that were new since my previous visit.  The event raises funds for Gala Phoenix of Curio,  who is incurring lots of legal costs due to a case of copyright infringement filed in Canadian courts.  The Curio store is Gala's RL source of income and with it being currently removed from the grid, legal costs are just too much to take.  Last weekend the event achieved it's goal of $20,000 US dollars, which will cover about the low end of the costs.  Gala will be updating her blog with a grand total hopefully on Monday.  Some stores may continue to sell their items as a fundraiser in their store after the event but I don't have all that info yet, so I will update this post when I know.  If you want to contribute directly to the Gala Phoenix Legal Fund check out this site.  This is not just about Gala, this is about someone taking your work, calling it your own and then taking further vengeance in the courts of law.  It is the nightmare of every original content creator and the money does not even begin to address the emotional toll this places on designers.  Ask any designer who has had it happen and they will undoubtedly share feelings of hopelessness, rage and victimization.

The fun thing about the event vs. paying a website is you get pretty stuff in return!  One of my favorite pieces is a new release from Indrya Originals and at the One-Voice event you can get the Celeste mesh dress in blush with 50% of the proceeds donated to Gala.  The same goes for the delish Coquette Noir Kelsi pumps in Starfish color.  It's also available at the main store in a variety of colors but not as a donation item.  Several other new releases from Indrya Originals are also at One Voice.

Hair Fair 2012 is the other go-to event of the moment, running through July 29th.  Go to this link for slurls and lots of information.  This event has always been a fundraiser and has chosen Wigs for Kids as it's charity for several years going.  Ichigo from Wasabi Pills is a brilliant, chic updo that includes matching hairbases and a HUD so that you can customize the headband. I've got lots more to show you from Hair Fair in the coming week so see you soon!

Credits:
Dress: Indrya Originals: Celeste - Blush: this color available at One Voice with 50% donation to Gala.
Shoes: Indrya Origials: Kelsey - Starfish: this color available at One Voice with 50% donation to Gala
Jewelry: Indrya Originals:  Sylph earrings and bangles
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Ichigo @ Hair Fair 2012
Skin: Curio: Uptown
Bag: Fishy Strawberry: Barcelona Bag
Poses: Adorkable: Handbag: One Voice Exclusive - hurry!

A Boy of Summer

I love pretty boy hair.  I love it when I want a look that is completely at ease.  One of SL's most popular events, Hair Fair 2012, opened it's gates today and I fell hard for [INK]'s new Yoke style.  The designer, nontroppo torii, very wisely made this hair with cross-dressers and men that love to style by making the sideburn tattoo separate from the hair base.  It's one of my favorite items I picked up yesterday at at walkthrough and am tempted return once the sims are not full.  Regarding events, One Voice has been extended through the 22nd of July.  I will mention the charity aspects of the events at the end of the post (I can get a bit tangential).  I bought a lot at this event including the mesh shorts and shirt and the skin I am wearing at One Voice.

Boom has a great little cropped baseball tee at One Voice. The item is mesh and comes in standard sizing.  I went up a size from my usual because I liked a baggy look.  It comes in two black/red and 2 black/white versions.  The adorable black leather shorts from Toki-doki also come in standard sizes and fit perfectly.

I think I might have been the very first person to purchase LAQ's special version of the Elena skin at One Voice.  I busied myself with other shopping while Mallory Cowen was setting up but as soon as she left, my bff, Whisper Despres, and I ran over to her display and demo'ed the skin.  I only demoed in an attempt to be prudent but it was basically an insta-buy.  The skin is a completely natural look and I've not added anything but lashes and LAQ freckles for this shot.  The brows are dark, so if you prefer super light brows you might want to think otherwise; otherwise its the pure, creamy look I love from LAQ.  

OK, now...what's up with these events.  Most blog readers are already in the know but I feel it's my blogger responsibility to talk about the purpose of both events.  Hair Fair IS a charity event and has chosen Wigs for Kids for it's charity for many years now.  Each designer is responsible for at least 3 new releases and 15% at the minimum must go towards the charity.  I saw many designers who donated more than the minimum.  There are 4 sims of fantastic hair.  The Hair Fair blog has slurls to all locations as well as tips to make your trip enjoyable.  My hat goes off to the Committee for creating such an elegant but simple build.  I love being able to just run through the phantom walls! A round of applause to Mel Vanbeek for all his efforts with scripting and invisible shoppers to keep the lag bearable.  At all landing points, there is a map...touch it and you will receive a folder with landmarks to all the stores. I found that once I arrived at a sim I could tp around using my map.  There is also a free low-lag outfit at all landing points, graciously provided by DCNY and Exile.  If you want to demo hair ahead of time, please join the Hair Fair Demo group, for free demos from all the designers (some are not free at the event).

The One Voice event is probably one of the kindest and most worthwhile events I've seen in all my years in SL.  Many designers are offering items where at least 50% of the sales go directly to Gala Phoenix of Curio, to help cover legal costs resulting from an unfair copyright claim by another person who sells skins.  I've wrote a lot about it on the Free*Style blog, including links to other blog articles that contain both facts and castle intrigue so I am not going to belabor that here.  Many designers have also set up their One Voice item at their store and there is a complete list at Salome Says, which wins my vote for bravery and devotion to the cause.  What has happened with Gala scares me right out of my pants on so many levels, from the very actions and decisions made by of Linden Labs to how this has affected the real life income of a very popular SL designer.  

Shop wisely and selflessly! 

Credits:

Hair Fair: [INK] - Yoke - Amber

One Voice:

     Boom: Twenty-Three Tee

     Toki-Doki: coroco shorts (black leather)

     LAQ: Elena - Natural Edition (milk)

Prop: Diesel Works: Baseball Bat: free prop

Eyes: IKON: Sunrise Eyes

Diva for a Day

Big mea culpa first.  Summer has just been crazy in RL and I most of my SL time has been wrapped up in non-blogging projects and trying to pay a bit of attention to my inventory. I have been covering back-to-back events and my inventory is large to the point that it causes me to be lagged and crashy.  I did not accomplish as much as I had hoped with that but sometimes you just have to suck it up for a good cause.  Participating in the One Voice event is a huge honor for me.  I am a Curio fan, have many of Gala Phoenix's skins, but I am a strong supporter of original content creators and want to show my solidarity with others in the SL community that are of like mind.  There are a lot of posts about One Voice and I did a pretty thorough write up on it on Free*Style, so I won't repeat it here, except to say that the One Voice event consists of a whole bunch of fantastic designers offering items where 50 to 100% of the proceeds directly go to Gala Phoenix of Curio to cover unfair legal fees she is racking up due to an dispute with Hush Skins.  The F*S post contains links to other write up's too, so I would suggest reading that for more info.

I just downloaded the latest Firestorm viewer and I am not really thrilled with my photo quality so forgive me while I that.  It just makes it more evident to me that I must get a new computer soon.  But on to stuff!  Most of the items I am showing are available at One Voice.  The gold mesh corset from Blacklace is super sexy and lush and includes lace undies for a complete boudoir look.  The Aster jewelry from {me.} includes a hud that individual changes the color of the stone and the metal parts of the object.  The necklace is available in several lengths and it really nice as a strong yet lacy addition to your jewelry collection.  I recently cleaned out a lot of jewelry and found that I was missing strong metal pieces and this fits the bill!  Exile is offering a glamourous up-do called Break Away.  I love the big up-do aspect for glammy or retro looks.  N-Core is offering several special versions of shoes. The One Voice edition of Shark 2 could cause some serious pain in a throw down or when you want to be subtly domineering.  I love a hint of that at times.

The backdrop for my photos is a fantastic set from CIRCA.  The 10 piece Hollywood Diva set contains tons of bells and whistles.  Each element can be rezzed separately for those that need to watch their prims or want to add their own accents.  The director's style chair has 12 animations and includes add on's like lipstick, phones, and brushes so you can really get into the scene.  This set is just the beginning as more props will be added soon making it a must have for any aspiring diva!  You can get it the remainder of today at The Designer Warehouse and also at CIRCA's main store!

Credits:
The items from Blacklace, Exile, me and N-core can be purchased at the One Voice event.  A percentage of proceeds go directly to Gala Phoenix so shop hard!
Skin: Curio: Uptown -- Looking forward to your return!
Makeup: Adore & Abhor: Shreveport Lips Fuchsia: from the Bare Bones Lips set for Fifty Linden Friday this week!
Hollywood Diva Set: CIRCA <3

Danger was her Middle Name

I got a new gun!

Deco, maker of gorgeous jewelry and machine guns (and other amazing sculpted items), has released a new Muffler Rifle.  I tend to be more of a tree hugging pacifist so I don't know a lot about guns but this one is street legal and operational, including a removable muffler, custom animations, effects and semi/full firing modes.  No need to fear stalkers and ex-partners with this baby!

Also, true to her gothy roots of cuteness, Ghanima Uriza has released a cute new short dress.  It is accented by a lacy bodice and a nice pop of color trim.  It includes gloves and stockings (not shown).

Credits:
Weapon of choice: Deco: Muffler Rifle: New Release
Dress: Blue Blood: Nicky - Red: New Release
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Annette2: Newer Release
Jacket: LaPointe & Bastchild: S'Wear Drift Jacket
Boots: LaPointe & Bastchild: Stiletto Knee Boots
Skin: Curio: Pout - Tantrum

Then and Now

More Vintage Fair goodness to share.  I have heard from so many friends that they are having an impossible time navigating Vintage Fair.  The lag is thick and folks continue to go there heavily primmed. I empathize because it's fun to get all fussed up but the biggest favor you can do for yourself and others is reduce the amount of scripted objects you wear.  A high arc is only going to hurt you but so many objects we adorn are scripted.  Most people have you derendered anyways.  I am going to try and remember to show details of items, especially accessories, because I know that textures often load fuzzy.  I needed to go there to check the details of an item and the first thing I noticed were people AFK at the landing point.  If I could boot you from the sim I would.

One of my favorite items from Vintage Fair was Connors Georgette Cocktail dress.  It fit me divinely and the textures on it do so much to accentuate the female figure.  It is adorned with lovely florets on the side and back and the lowered skirt prims give it a great flapper feel.  I accented the dress with the Queen Sophie jewelry set from Ripe, which is available in a "traditional" version that has pearls and standard metals as well as "nontraditional" versions that have more color accents in the stones and metallic texture.  I fell in love with Dilly Dolls new shoe releases after Hempy wore some for a previous post and I ended up having to buy the adorable Cura pumps. I picked up the medium color pack because I am so darn practical and they can be worn with so many of the looks at the fair.  They have about a billion color options to select from in an easy to use HUD.

The thing that struck me immediately about the Connors dress was how easily it could be used as a sophisticated contemporary dress with some simple hair and accessory changes.  I used the classic Wish style from Elikatira and my most favorite Saffron Pumps from LeLutka.  The jewelry is a new release from U&R Dogs for the Vintage Fair.  The Caro Mio Ben set continues the meticulous attention to detail that I know I can count on from U&R.  Even large earrings such as shown here have such a sense of elegance.

The skin I am wearing in all the photos in this post is the very glamourous and understated Vintage - Ritz skin from Curio.  I've been just loving some of the new skins that Gala Phoenix of Curio has been creating and this one has an amazing combination of purity and detail.  The skin packs contain 4 tone options that have subtle gradations in shading: Lights and Darks in 2 options.  The packs also contain a Vintage Brow Pencil tattoo layer which I am showing in the larger photo on the contact sheet.  I chose the Petal tone for the Vintage look as it is in keeping with the era. In the modern version I chose the Sundust shade for more color.  These are a lovely set to have around, not only for purely vintage looks but any time you want to have an understated and classy look.

Classy ladies insist on wearing the right undergarments as a foundation for their ensemble but there is no rule that says they must be frumpy.  My friends tease me all the time for wearing too many prims and dressing like Bea Arthur but they have no clue that underneath all that is my penchant for sexy lingerie.  I'm just confident enough to not have to show all my goods for free...rofl!  d.select, rebranded from DeTaleZ, went uber sexy with the yummy Negligee for the Vintage Fair.  This item is made solely from clothing layers so you can wear it underneath an outfit and not have to worry about any prims.  Again, the textures are a dream.  I will be putting these to a lot of use!

The Chic Management website, which organized the Vintage Fair, now has a page that contains a map of the fair (2 sims) as well as direct slurls to the shops.  The Fair runs through December 3.  It is well worth the visit. Rarely have I been so impressed with the quality and selection of items as I have seen here.

Credits:
Photo 1
Dress: Connors: Georgette Lace Cocktail Dress: located on Fred Astaire Lane
Jewelry: Ripe: Queen Sophie Jewelry Traditional (Gold): located on the corner of Tina Turner Drive and Cary Grant Avenue
Shoes: Dilly Dolls: Cura Pumps Medium: located on Audrey Hepburn Blvd
Skin: Curio: Vintage Ritz (shown in all photos in Petal and Sundust tones): located on North Street
Hair: booN: ELG108 chocolate
Photo 2
Dress and Skin: see above
Jewelry: U&R DogsU&R Dogs: Cara mio ben earrings and bracelet: located on Tina Turner Drive
Shoes: LeLutka: Saffron Pumps
Hair: [e]: Wish
Photo 3
Skin: Curio: Vintage - Ritz: located on North Street
Photo 4
Lingerie: d.select: Lingerie Negligee: located on Fred Astaire Lane

Poses: All Poses for this post were done by Mavi Beck of Miamai for her Editorial Set, available at the fair on Rita Hayworth Ave. near North Street