Sex and the Sim - Episode 2

It’s back to the small screen with this week’s installment of our “Sex and the City” tribute series! Samantha and Smith were two very different people and an unlikely couple, but somehow… it just worked. With such contrasting styles, you might say the same about their sense of fashion.

Van, like the actor who played Smith, is a great model. I know technically the character is an actor, but who can forget that Absolut ad? We’re playing up Van’s pretty-boy side with Smith’s trademark luscious locks, well represented by Armidi’s Ibiza. The effortlessly chiseled model physique is thanks once again to his freebie Minnu skin, and his blue eyes are courtesy of Naughty Designs. Of course, Smith could never keep too many clothes on, and we have (literally) stripped him down to a pair of classic Armidi jeans and some American Apparel briefs. The brand’s utter failure notwithstanding, I thought the mix of what would be a low-end brand (AA) and a big designer (Armidi) was very representative of low-key model style. The briefs and his Aruba Flip-Flops from Last Call are obviously discontinued, but very easy to substitute.

I’m always looking for new and interesting locations to shoot, and when I saw this amazing bar being featured on Dot in Second Life, I knew it would be the perfect after-hours spot for a discerning woman in the mood for a tall drink of something.

Samantha is a woman of extremes. Intense colors and bold accessories are her thing, and more is always better than less. I wanted to start with a punch of bright color like Nylon’s Banana Smoothie jacket, which I’ve worn here without a blouse to push the sex appeal. That led me to this perfect high-waisted skirt from Little Rebel, which I’ve been dying to wear and own in several more shades. Paper Couture is my go-to for clothing-layer jewelry, and I thought this teal necklace matched well and gave the impression of a beaded neckline. My hairstyle was a no-brainer, called “Samantha” from Aoharu, and this skin is a past freebie from Beauty Avatar. [My only complaint about Aoharu is the lack of proper red shades. I will continue to burn an offering to the gods of hair textures on each visit and reluctantly wear "Cassis Brown" until then] Of course, Samantha wouldn’t stop there, so I added a conversation-starting fur and a black-tinted bangle. Armidi’s prim nails lend the look a little Cougar ferocity, and Maitreya’s steel-tipped stilettos go right in for the kill.

On Van (as Smith):
Skin: Minnu Model Skins - Pale Shaved (Past Group Gift)
Eyes: Naughty Designs - Gabriel’s Eyes in Light Blue
Hair: Armidi - The Ibiza in Pomegranate
Jeans: Armidi - A001 Jeans in Dirty Classic
Briefs: American Apparel - Briefs in Heather Gray (No Longer Available)
Sandals: Last Call - Aruba Flip-Flops (No Longer Available)

On Candy (as Samantha):
Skin: Beauty Avatar - Nemesis (No Longer Available)
Eyes: Miriel - Spectrum Collection - Carribbean
Hair: Aoharu - Samantha in Cassis Brown
Jacket: Nylon Outfitters - Banana Smoothie Jacket
Skirt: Little Rebel - High Rouched Skirt in Blue
Shoes: Maitreya - Slinky Stilettos in Patent Yellow
Feathered Fur Stole: Bijou - Free Diva Dress in Chanson
Necklace: Paper Couture - Dahlia Pant Suit Undershirt
Bracelet: Artilleri - Chunky Wooden Bead Bracelet (Black Texture, Found at the Retrology Mother’s Day Hunt)
Manicure: Armidi - True Enhance Prim Nails in Cherry III
Lashes: Minnu Model Skins - Thora Lashes (Past Group Gift)

It Was Only a Kiss…

We decided to continue our rock and roll fashion series with a modern sort of glam rock look, inspired by The Killers beautiful video “Mr. Brightside”. We loved the fantasy burlesque setting, and the song and story all come together to create a really moving experience.

All of our photos are unedited and taken in-world, but Candy went to even greater lengths than usual to craft the set for this shoot. She spent hours searching stock photos, uploading textures, and creating this multi-layered background to achieve the perfect look - not to mention the time spent in windlight.

Van is the spitting image of heartthrob front man Brandon Flowers. We just picked up this hot Liscio vest in tarnished gold from Armidi, which goes great with the velvety patterned blazer from Shai Delacroix’s Amorsolo suit. The outfit was completed with shirt and slacks from the charcoal Power Suit by Blaze, a “killer” pair of red Storm Schmooz dress shoes, and a buttoneer from the Bare Rose “Bloody Rose” outfit. It’s worth mentioning that some Bare Rose item has been featured in every post we’ve done so far; June Dion’s work is the standard of value by which all our other purchases are judged.

Candy, of course, is playing the faithless muse that tortures poor Brandon in the video. The look starts with the Muse gown from, you guessed it, Bare Rose. Her porcelain complexion is thanks to a Rosemar freebie skin, one of her favorites. It was free to group members - a one time fee of L$250 gains access to frequent, quality freebies. Her hairstyle, “Pani” by Mirai Style, is a perfect match. First seen on Gogo’s Blog, Mirai Style is full of big, sexy, and funky styles. Bare Rose makes yet another appearance with the Crystal Ageha pumps. Look for these glass slippers in an upcoming “Cinderella” themed post. The very sexy garter belt is from YIP’s Magician’s Assistant outfit. It’s surprising we haven’t featured anything by four Yip sooner. Candy is always lounging about the house in her lingerie, and she is constantly giving away amazing freebies.

On Van:
Skin: The Abyss - Scorpio in Dystopia
Eyes: Miriel - The Jeweled Collection - Amber
Hair: Armidi - The Cadiz in Sangria
Shirt and Pants: Blaze - Men’s Power Suit in Charcoal
Vest: Armidi - Liscio Vest in Tarnished Gold
Blazer: Casa del Shai - The Amorsolo Suit
Shoes: Storm Schmooz - Men’s Red Shoes
Tie: Armidi - Classic Italia Tie Set (Tucked In Version)
Buttoneer: Bare Rose - Bloody Rose Outfit

On Candy:
Skin: Rosemar - Freebie Skin 2 in Almond
Eyes: Miriel - Duotone Collection - Predawn
Hair: Mirai Style - Pani in White
Dress: Bare Rose - Muse Gown in Pink
Garter Belt: Yips - Magician’s Assistant Underpanty (Free!)
Stockings: 1-800-Bettie’s - Stockings in Ivory
Shoes: Bare Rose - Crystal Ageha Pumps
Nails: Awesome Designs - French Tip Manicure
Lashes: Vogue Skins - Deviant Lashes

Available Furniture:
Curtain: Relic - Fall of the Day Curtain
Chandelier: Decollage - Chandelier

Sex and the Sim - Episode 1

Like most every stylish girl out there, I’ve been anxiously anticipating the Sex and the City movie release. In my day-life I’m a clothing stylist in a vintage store, and I’ve earned the neighborhood nickname of “Carrie Bradshaw”. Let’s see if I can live up to it!

This was my most challenging shoot to date. From the styling to the setting, I really wanted to do the city and the clothing justice, and I hope I accomplished that. This look started at the top, because I originally wanted something like the opening sequence in which she wears a tiered skirt and casual tank. When I realized I didn’t have the right skirt in my inventory, I got creative and discovered the bottom of Ingenue’s Lady Stardust might just have the right amount of glitz. I layered a Celestial Studios tank over the undershirt option, edited the straps, and raised the hem of the tank enough to give a pretty high-waisted effect. Of course, the truly fashionable woman knows it’s all in the details. Carrie always knew just how to accessorize, and I’m paying homage to that memorable season in which she often wore big, statement-making flower corsages. The ruffled socks and white gloves add the touches that truly make personal style. I knew I needed Cake’s slightly wild volume to pull off her trademark tousled curls, and it just wouldn’t be Carrie without that perfect pair of pumps, and a great purse.

Van’s photo was a tough one - Big needs a black car and a city street at night, and there weren’t too many of those waiting for my camera. In the end I turned to the trusty black Shadow, attached it to his avatar and managed to take a picture next to the “Candy Club”, which I found to be cutely appropriate. Deciding on a suit required some discussion, but we settled on a true oldie-but-goodie, Van’s very first suit from SF Designs. The included prim cuff-links and tie-pins are favorites of his, and emphasize the power and class that Mr. Big always exuded. It was hard to talk him out of his Scorpio skin, but he agreed that businessman don’t tend to wear eyeliner, and donned a Minnu Model skin, a past group freebie. (I don’t know if the current controversy extends to freebies, I’ll read up on my scandal lit and get back to you.) Likewise, he traded his longer locks for a well-manicured effect, and tried a new sexy amber eye-color.

Stay tuned next week for Smith and Samantha!

On Candy (as Carrie)
Skin: Vogue Skins - Last Year’s Spring Series - Fresh in Pure
Eyes: Miriel - Duotone Collection - Predawn
Hair: Cake - Wish II in Deep Red
Tank Top: Celestial Studios - Boybeater in White
Skirt: Ingenue - Lady Stardust Dress in Midnight
Socks: Rebel Hope Designs - Candy Socks
Shoes: Tesla - Shiny Felicity Platforms in Red
Gloves: Muism - Lady Gloves (Worn without Prim Fox Fur and Pearls)
Purse: Rebel Hope Designs - The Hope Gown Pillbox Purse
Corsage: Bare Rose - Thorn of Beauty Geisha Outfit Roses
Lashes: Cake - Flutter Lashes

On Van (as Mr. Big)
Skin: Minnu Model Skins - Pale Shaved
Eyes: Miriel - Jeweled Collection - Amber
Hair: Armidi - The Grammar in Sangria
Suit: SF Designs - Executive Suit in Black
Shirt: Casa del Shai - The Luna Suit White Barong Shirt
Shoes: Storm Schmooz - Men’s Black Shoes
Tie: Bare Rose - Casablanca Outfit Tie in Simple Red
Tie Pin and Cuff Links: SF Designs - Executive Suit

Memoirs of a Geisha - Chapter 1

In Japan, spring is cherry blossom season. I have a deep affection for Japanese culture; the animation, the food, the bustling city life and beautiful country shrines… and of course, the fashion.

My inventory overflows with kimonos. I once read a quote by Iris Ophelia (editor of Second Style and a serious crush of mine) in which she states that she prefers a kimono over a ball gown at a formal - it has always inspired me. This beautifully vibrant design was only $30 Linden at Milk Latte, an amazing shop I discovered on the indispensable Free*Style blog. I am a bargain hunter in both lives, and proud of it. Both this stunning Geisha hairstyle and the intricate fan were limited-time freebies, and essential to my virtual closet. This bright yellow Bare Rose obi proves mixing and matching isn’t just for western-wear, and my geta sandals are from a separate Milk Latte kimono outfit.

But the true star is this beautiful skin. This Geisha makeup creation by Miss. Ophelia has been softly brushed down the back and neck in swirls and flower patterns, and came in 6 eye makeup colors with names like “lacquer” and “tea”. You can see why I secretly admire her. The flowers of a Baiastice nymph costume add an exotic and vivid emphasis, by a rose bath in the Bare Rose Spa.

Skin: Another Fundraiser - Another Geisha in Fu Nori by Iris Ophelia (No Longer Available)
Eyes: Miriel - Luminous II Collection - Open Ocean
Hair: Curl Up n’ Dye - Geisha
Kimono: Milk Latte - Plumeria Kimono
Obi: Bare Rose - Love Parade Kimono Outfit
Geta Sandals: Milk Latte - Yukata Kimono
Fan: Digital Eyes: Valentine Fan (No Longer Available)
Flowers: Baiastice - Ninfa de Boschi Outfit (FREE! Worn without Prim Flowers and Fairies)

Cotton Candy

If you couldn’t tell, I am big on double entendres. Today I’m raising a sticky-sweet torch in memory of the Cotton Candy sim, with a little city girl toughness and some sugary pastels.

The summer concert season is picking up, so I decided while Van is busy programming spotlights for Was Not Was (Remember “Walk the Dinosaur”?) I’ll do a few individual posts. It was an easy progression from the idea of city style to this sexy and unbelievably current tank top design by Kotobuki Jewell of Bijou. The stocking suspenders, oh my god, my ass is kicked by their greatness every time I glance down. I chose to wear them mixed with her Linda outfit leg-warmers instead of the included pair, because I liked the more “effortlessly cool” effect. My Free Speerit hairstyle is another great example of that, with the sexy asymmetrical pony I tend to see at parties with hipster girls. The vest is an all-prim wonder from Bare Rose, freeing up all other layers for mixing, and as usual comes in many colors. My bad-girl gloves are also included in the Linda outfit, and the wrist bandana is another from Tonic. These Risky Business shades are a serious STEAL at $1 linden at the Decollage sale, and my cutesy hair clips are from an Old Gravy style (they are still un-packing in their new Retrology location, so it may soon be available). I chose my skin for it’s pouty red lips and ready-made nail polish; it’s an Eloh variation by Betty Doyle of Ingenue called “RetroDoll”, one of my treasures from Another Fundraiser. And the shoes, which just might win in a contest of my favorites, are the luscious Laque platforms by Storm Schmooz.

Skin: Another Fundraiser - RetroDoll by Betty Doyle (No Longer Available)
Hair: Free Speerit - Lyrlia in Sangria
Tank Top and Shorts: Bijou - Brakeshot Outfit
Vest: Bare Rose - Lady Short Vest in Pink Shine
Leg-Warmers and Gloves: Bijou - Linda Outfit
Shoes: Storm Schmooz - Laque Platforms in Black
Shades: Decollage - Risky Business Shades in Terq ($1 Linden!)
Bandana: Tonic - Arm Bandana in White
Barettes: Old Gravy - Q-T Clips without Hat
Cotton Candy: Candyland Sim - 4 Colors!

In the Trenches

Forgive the pun, it could be worse. Spring is a transitional season - a rhyme about April showers and May flowers spring to mind. Whenever our windlight threatens inclement weather, we reach for our Bare Rose Folders and mix up a little style.

Van chose the long over the short version of this coat, which developed into a classy film-noir look. Mixing attachments is one of easiest ways to personalize an outfit, and his favorite combo was this neutral grey trench with the cuffs and collar in white. He is TRULY passionate about these and all shoes by Eponymous Trenchmouth, launching into a descriptive monologue with snippets like “most articulated and beautifully rendered footwear” and “I’m jealous of my virtual wardrobe”. What -I- liked about them, besides the vintage charm, is they allowed me to finally talk him into wearing a hat! Urid Dal’s Jackson Smooth is such a perfect match, even Van’s grumping about SL hats was silenced. A pair of leather gloves from Shai completes the rainy-day accessories, and looks great with her Alpine Man tweed slacks. The shirt and tie are by Versu Richelieu, whose store VR Phlux still exists, but unfortunately I could no longer find the outfit. (It’s a bit of a shame, as Van won the opportunity to be the first male guest star on Closet Crisis with pieces of it!)

My look is softer and sweeter, because I wanted to showcase the versatility of these coats. And, I just loved the color options :). I followed Van’s example with one of Armidi’s tousled, prettily imperfect hairstyles, and tried on a few of GiGi Couture’s past freebie skins before deciding on her Easter makeup offering. (It’s no longer available, but an equally lovely substitute is.) I found these lashes on my pilgrimage to Detour, aptly named “Candy”, along with a few of the hairdos I had been coveting like most everyone else. My shorts are from an infinitely mixable outfit at G.L.A.M., one of my summer staples, and I think they bring out the white in my new UBU cupcake rain boots nicely. These edgy striped socks from EtchD are tamed by wearing them prim-less, and I added a pair of dangly pastel heart earrings for a little extra girlyness. I finished the look with a cherry blossom parasol purchased in Tableau’s Odds and Ends, a store cleverly set inside the sunken airplane. My original vision included one of Tweet’s gorgeous plaid umbrellas, but 300 lindens and no item later, I reconsidered hehe.

On Van:
Skin: The Abyss - Scorpio in Dystopia
Eyes: Miriel - Jeweled Collection - Zircon
Hair: Armidi - The After Party in Hazelberry
Shirt and Tie: VR Phlux - Swing Collection - Rudy Shirt (No Longer Available)
Trench Coat: Bare Rose - Trench Coat in Grey, with Lapels and Cuffs in White
Pants: Casa del Shai - Alpine Man Tweed Pants in Black
Shoes: Jeepers Creepers - Oxfords in Black & White
Gloves: Casa del Shai - Le Smoking Croc Black Leather Gloves
Hat: Urid Dal’s Hat Shop - Jackson Smooth in Black and White

On Candy:
Skin: GiGi Couture - Porcelain Doll Easter (No Longer Available)
Eyes: Miriel - Iridescent Collection - Blue Opal
Hair: Armidi - The Valley Girl in Red
Trench Coat: Bare Rose - Lady Trench Coat in Blue, with Lapels and Cuffs in Pink
Shorts: G.L.A.M. - Pinstripe Sailor Outfit Shorts
Socks: EtchD - Atomic Striped Socks (Worn without Prims)
Rain Boots: UBU - Cupcake Rain Boots
Earrings: Artilleri - Glitter Love Earrings in 1984 Primary
Manicure: Fleur - Pastels Pack - Rose
Lashes: Detour - Candy Lashes
Parasol: Odds and Ends - Pink Flower Parasol

Jukebox Hero

I always have a great time during the summer concert season. I get to work with an exhausting list of great bands at the concert venue where I’m Lighting Director, and I wanted to create a rock themed post.

My look starts with this fiery hair from The Abyss, and my classic Dante skin with eyeliner. Of course, every superstar needs a pair of rockin’ leather pants and leopard-print jacket like I got at the half-off sale at Winter Moon. The tattoos are from the Man’s Ruin set by Canimal, and I wore all the piercings in DEEKS’ Industrial set. The belt is from the Wakaz-O-Matic outfit at Bare Rose, always a great store for mixing. These are my stompin’ boots, actually my ONLY boots, and this bandana was a freebie from The Zoo. My piercing, rockstar eyes are by Miriel. Obviously, we’re big on the Miriel eyes.

We get to peek at Candy getting ready for the show in her room! With that side ponytail and 80’s makeup, I know I’ll be sending her a backstage pass. I like the denim mini-skirt with the leopard leggings and cute pink flats. She’s wearing a tintable bandeau under an Artilleri band tee with bra-straps from a Winter Moon outfit. She also has the necessary groupie rainbow star tattoos, a Tonic bandana, and some pink headphones to listen to my private mix tape.

On Van:
Skin: Naughty Designs - Dante in Pale with Eyeliner
Eyes: Miriel - Arctic Collection - Snow
Hair: The Abyss - Illusion in Blood
Outfit: Winter Moon - Rawk On Outfit
Boots: Beckenbauer Productions - Black 202’s Boots
Tattoo: Canimal - Man’s Ruin
Belt: Bare Rose - Wakaz-O-Matic Outfit Belt
Bandana: The Zoo - Outlander Bandana (Freebie)
Piercings: DEEKS - The Industrial Set

On Candy:
Skin: Love.Love.Love - Wax Poetic in Rio
Eyes: Miriel - Spectrum Collection - Caribbean
Hair: Bossa Nova - Jenny in Flame
Tank Top: Artilleri - Billie Biker Tank
Bandeau: Celestial Studios - White Bandeau Top
Bra Straps: Winter Moon - Wildflower Outfit
Skirt: It’s All Good - Light Denim Skirt
Leggings: It’s All Good - Snow Leopard Leggings with White Lace
Shoes: Kitty’s Rampage - Aperture Flats (Tinted Magenta)
Tattoo: Sh*t Happens - Rainbow Star Tattoo
Headphones: Canimal - Blingphones in Pink
Bandana: Tonic - White Neck Bandana

Greenhouse Effect

Spring has always felt a little like a 1950’s date to me. A walk in the park, a ride in a convertible, a picnic on the grass. These looks were inspired by that vintage state of mind, when holding hands was going steady and collars were always buttoned.

When I bought the Beatha outfit from Artilleri months ago, I was already mentally pairing it with my wardrobe in preparation for Spring. So when Aoharu released this summery yellow shirt to their group, I knew the layer options were just what I needed to pull this look together. I only recently discovered that all of my white modifiable clothes and accessories are tintable, and have been having a blast adding pinches of color like this tank top colored to match the aqua tones in my skirt. To play up the retro-sweetness, I attached one of Artilleri’s hair lillies to my chest for a prom-night corsage, and wore little understated opal studs in my ears. This skin is one of many Eloh edits I am obsessively filling my inventory with, available at Mela’s, which I particularly like for her soft shading and sugary colors. A long, feminine ponytail seemed the perfect match.

Van’s look started at the top, with the nice-boy haircut and Buddy Holly glasses. I usually suggest eye-wear when he wears his Scorpio skin, because he’s too damn pretty, and Artilleri has the best retro frames I’ve seen. The yellow-striped polo from Paper Couture actually has a hand-drawn bowtie, but I thought a little punch of color from a Shai bowtie tinted pink made a fresher look. The Armidi sweater brings a little pale blue to the mix, and there’s a matching yellow belt hiding just beneath it.

On Candy:
Skin: Mela’s - Mermaid
Eyes: Miriel - Iridescent Collection - Peacock
Hair: Armidi - The Super Pony in Red
Undershirt: Aoharu - Ruffled Cotton Top in Light Yellow (Group Gift)
Tank Top: It’s All Good - White Tank Top (Tinted Aqua)
Skirt: Artilleri - Beatha Skirt
Earrings: Yummy - Opal Studs
Corsage: Artilleri - Lovely Lily (Pink Texture)
Manicure: Fleur - Pastels Pack - Rose
Lashes: Cake - Bedroom Lashes

On Van:
Skin: The Abyss - Scorpio in Dystopia
Eyes: Miriel - Arctic Collection - Midnight Sun
Hair: Armidi - The Cadiz in Sangria
Shirt: Paper Couture - Plaid Casual Suit Top
Sweater: Armidi - Merino Knit Cardigan in Sky
Jeans: Indigo - Cobalt Gray Jeans with Yellow Belt
Bowtie: Casa del Shai - Classic Tuxedo White Bowtie (Tinted Pink)
Glasses: Artilleri - Buddy Holly Glasses

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