Spicy Cuban

Most of us have a favorite outfit or two hanging around in our inventory. This is the look that I rush back after photo shoots to change into, the one that feels the most like home to me right now.

I always thought I would be pale in second life, green-eyed and red-haired. In short, I wanted to be myself. Well, myself with bigger boobs and anime-long legs. That all changed when I picked up a special issue of Second Style which contained a gift of Launa Fauna’s superlative Chai skins. I had seen them on some of my favorite bloggers looking wonderful, and I couldn’t wait to try them on myself. To my surprise, they didn’t suit me at all. It wasn’t until I gave up on them (I haven’t changed my shape in months, and hate to do it) and started cycling through the other included skintones that my jaw hit the floor. Her darkest option, “Cinnamon”, made me look like Miss. America! Far from your usual free skin, this had bold red lips and gorgeous smoky eyes and such womanly shading – I just couldn’t take it off. My friends remained shocked at the change.

WARNING: OPINION – It was a freebie. Several of the items that I’m wearing here, that I love, are freebies, and are sure to be replaced in the future by other freebies. I’ve never thanked a designer for the gifts they give, or sent one a gushing IM because I fell in love with something they made. I have come close, once with Megg Demina when I left her shop the very first time, loaded with hatboxes and minus my lindens; and once with Launa Fauna to thank her for that feeling of “yes!” when I wore her Vedette, and for opening me up to the world of darker skins. But in each case, I backspaced, closed the window, and decided to admire them privately, and quietly. I don’t know if I was being shy, or trying not to be a bother, or perhaps a little embarrassed about my fervor, but it was never that I wasn’t grateful or didn’t appreciate the time and work that went into it. The same is true for the variety of fantastic freebies that are generously given every day. Thank you.

Back to our regular programming: As you can see in this detail shot, I’m once again wearing Megg Demina’s Mae Hong Son neck rings, as I thought they were exotic and flattering to this skin and hair. The style, “Mackie” from Sinsation, was a hunt find and is a new favorite of mine because of it’s versatility and drama. My jeweled bangle is a gorgeous freebie still available from 69, and my gem-encrusted green manicure is from the very addictive Candy Nail shop. These Aoharu capris were a past group gift, likewise for this perfect smoky blue makeup option from Chai. It’s the only skin waiting on my buy list, but I haven’t been able to afford a full-priced skin in ages. One of these days! My Tee came from Karamia, and is my FAVORITE item of clothing ever. I even wrote to a blogger to find out where to buy it, and I NEVER speak to people. It was worth it, as it’s usually the only thing on my virtual bum when I’m lounging around at home.

Skin: LF Chai – Indigo in Cinnamon
Eyes: Miriel – The Duotone Collection – Predawn
Hair: Sinsation – Mackie in Jet Black
Shirt: Karamia – Jungle Fever
Capris: Aoharu – Capri Pants in Pink
Shoes: Maitreya – Slinky Stilletos in Patent Yellow
Necklace: Chapeau Tres Mignon – Mae Hong Son Neck Rings
Bangle: 69 – Sprinkles Bracelet in Gold (FREE!)
Manicure: Candy Nail – Jel Drops in Green Tea

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

Sex and the Sim – Episode 3

Just in time for the “Sex and the City” movie premiere, we’re presenting our third episode featuring my very favorite odd couple: Steve Brady and Miranda Hobbes!

Miranda was always my favorite character, and I think it shows. She was often the only voice of reason for the love-crazed foursome, so I chose to shoot in a dark wooded office setting that would make any lawyer feel at home. A simple dark skirt suit like this (FREE) version from Token, paired with classic black nylons is a standard in Miranda’s wardrobe. As a result, most people would call her look a little plain. But that would be forgetting her judicious use of bold jewelry, bags, and gorgeous footwear. She wouldn’t have blinked an eye at this tribal ring choker, knowing simply to wear her ears and wrists bare for balance. I’m a passionate lover of the entire Chapeau Tres Mignon store, ever since my heart was stolen by a Unicorn hat. I’m wearing one of Eloh’s original skins, with subtle toffee-colored makeup and a matching Fleur manicure. Her hairstyle was obviously Aden Breyer’s Suri. The shoes naturally took more decision, but I see her slipping on something glittering once in a while (even if they stay under the desk all the day) and these Elhaba heels from Digit Darkes are a feast for the eyes. After clasping a waist-cinching belt and grabbing a stylish but sensible bag, I can almost see her taking a last sip of coffee before she rushes out the door.

Steve Brady was certainly a strange choice for Miranda, with his general sloppiness and lack of motivation and so forth. But when you add his humor, his smile, and his cute wire-framed glasses (like Van’s version from eyewear-king PrimOptic), it starts to add up. We all know he likes to shoot hoops, so I found a court and a basketball, and had Van style himself as messy as possible. With a brown Hang the DJ! T-Shirt layered over a long-sleeved Fuse thermal and a plaid shirt tied around his waist, he couldn’t be much more clueless or cute. Some basic jeans and some clashing freebie painter slip-ons from Shiny Things, and we have our clumsy but lovable Mr. Steve Brady.

While Van’s photo was shot on location, I had to improvise for my Miranda look. The office set (including everything but the rug and books) was a steal at only L$179, and just 27 prims. For the rest of my setting, I employed the ancient art of searching OnRez.com with prices set “low to high” and found a fantastic free starter home by Indigo Orbit, a L$0 rug in my color scheme, and used stock images to create the quickie books and New York skyline. Yep, anyone can do it. :)

See part one of our series featuring Carrie and Big here: Sex and the Sim – Episode 1
And part two featuring Samantha and Smith: Sex and the Sim: Episode 2

On Candy (as Miranda):
Skin: Another Skin – Le (Brow 1) in Pride (FREE!)
Hair: Aden – Suri in Red
Eyes: Miriel – The Duotone Collection – Predawn
Suit: Token – Homemate Suit (worn without shirt collar and tie)
Stockings: Sheer – Black Nylon Tights
Shoes: Digit Darkes Couture – Elhaba Heels
Belt: G.L.A.M. – Waist Cinch with Gold Embellishment
Necklace: Chapeau Tres Mignon – Mae Hong Son Neck Rings
Purse: Style Magazine – Hogan Tennis Bag (FREE! Along with coats, purses, shoes and shades for women AND men, and they’re all versions of RL designer items. TP to the location, then search the floating boxes for your sweet sweet freebies.)

On Van (as Steve):
Skin: Minnu Models – Pale Shaved (Past Group Gift)
Hair: Armidi – The Grammar in Hazelberry
Eyes: Naughty Designs – Gabriel’s Eyes in Pure Blue
Undershirt: Fuse – Thermal in Rouge
T-Shirt: Hang the DJ! – Turn Me On in Tan
Waist Shirt: Yorim’s Factory – Koshimaki
Jeans: Fuse – Jeans 101 Factory
Shoes: Shiny Things – Free Painter Shoes
Glasses: PrimOptic – Stilo Glasses

Available Furniture and Props:
Office Set: Lok’s Low-Prim Furniture – 5 Piece Desk Set in Brazilian Rosewood
Rug: Falck’s Original Copies – Rug002
Basketball: Thesis Nemeth – Basketball

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

Mr. Bright-Side

Like any good wife, I make sure my man is tidy and stylish when he walks (or flies) out the door. It’s not always easy, so I try to keep my eyes open for new and interesting menswear on every shopping trip. And once in a while, I’ll find a store like B-Side Couture.

This casual T-shirt and cropped cardigan is a sophisticated staple for spring. With simple details like rolled-up sleeves and a shorter hem on a soft heather grey sweater, B-Side Couture manages to be fashionable without feeling over-thought. I took a cue from Van’s real life style with a bright yellow scarf and a colorful buttoned heart pin from Toast Face, another great shop in the Pineapple Promenade Shopping Center. The cute and creative pins depict everything from vintage radios to SNES controllers to MCDonalds french fries, all for only $30 lindens!!! It may be my favorite new find. A sexy, windblown haircut from Armidi compliments the easy-going look well. The enviable blue suede shoes are another legendary creation by Eponymous Trenchmouth, easily my favorite of all his footwear. Of course a dapper man never forgets to match his socks, and Van is doing a little Michael Jackson with this bright white choice.

You don’t have to be a lighting designer to appreciate this sim at night, but it doesn’t hurt. Van is paying homage to his surroundings with a candy-colored argyle sweater from our shop of the moment, B-Side Couture. Armidi’s Cambridge button-down is finding its way into more and more of his outfits – a perfect white shirt is hard to resist – and a tinted bowtie is a fancy extra for any outfit. This Last Call option is of course discontiued, but any white modifiable bowtie will serve you well. It’s Armidi for the rest of this look, from the messy hair to the skinny jeans, to the checkered slip-ons (shown here in pink). Now, go forth and make your men look pretty!

Skin: The Abyss – Scorpio in Dystopia
Eyes: Miriel – Jeweled Collection – Zircon
Hair: Armidi – The After Party in Red
Shirt and Cardigan: B-Side Couture – Grey Couture Jacket
Jeans: Artilleri – Bobby Jeans
Socks: SiniStyle – Tube Socks (Yellow Stripe Option)
Shoes: Jeepers Creepers – Carl Perkins in Blue
Scarf – Artilleri – Silky Scarf in Yellow
Pin: Toast Face – Felt Heart Pin

Skin: The Abyss – Scorpio in Dystopia
Eyes: Miriel – Jeweled Collection – Zircon
Hair: Armidi – The Poynter in Pomegranate
Shirt: Armidi – Cambridge Cuffed Shirt
Sweater – B-Side Couture – Tourquoise Argyle Couture Sweater
Bowtie: Last Call – Divinity Tuxedo (Tinted Tangerine, No Longer Available)
Jeans: Armidi – A001 Jeans in Dirty Classic
Shoes: Amridi – Checkered S001 Shoes in Blk/Pink

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

Memoirs of a Geisha – Chapter 2

The kimono is a beautiful and versatile item to have in your wardrobe, virtual or otherwise. I thought to continue my series, I would explore two faces of a modern geisha; and demonstrate how fantasy and function are both alive in this exotic garment.

On a rainy night out shopping in Tokyo, there’s nothing like a bright kimono to cheer you up. The neon fans on this Milk Latte kimono make it my hands-down favorite for quirky style; of course, the L$30 price tag didn’t hurt either! Mixing an obi from a second Milk Latte kimono, with sandals from Cherry Tokyo, puts an individual spin on an otherwise ready-made look. You do it for American outfits, why stop there? I chose some risky neon eyeshadow by Roberta Beauchamp to play up the harajuku cool. I should really do a proper closeup of these skins, I’m VERY partial to vivid makeup and bought her entire fatpack – and I never do that! My Zero Style hair-buns are straight out of my favorite childhood anime, and never fail to make me smile. Add a big panda umbrella and a little yellow daisy, and I couldn’t feel more like a modern-day geisha-girl.

And now for something more dramatic. The extravagant, ornamented hairpiece of Bare Rose’s Thorn of Beauty kimono outfit makes any kimono a show-stopper, but Cherry Tokyo’s excellent reputation is clearly represented by this gorgeous piece. My pink uchikake is sadly masked by the wall, so I will feature it again soon in all its’ ornate glory. I wanted a darker, more theatrical feeling in the face of all this pink, so I chose the “Lacquer” option included in Iris Ophelia’s Another Fundraiser skins. [I'd hate to keep featuring a discontinued item, so I'm asking for anyone to point me in the direction of other available Geisha skins! I'm close to the limit on my Geisha hairstyles as well, so please, feel free to share!] The Love Parade obis from Bare Rose are hard to pass over, worn here is the red version with an included golden flower. These pink paper fans were freebies, a version in light blue was available as well.

Curious about some of the vocabulary? See Foreign Fashion Vocab for more information.

See part one of my series here: Memoirs of a Geisha – Chapter 1

Skin: Love.Love.Love – Wax Poetic in Rio
Eyes: Miriel – Arctic Collection – Aurora
Hair: Zero Style – Thelma in Auburn
Kimono: Milk Latte – Poster 15 Kimono
Obi: Milk Latte: Poster 2 Kimono
Geta Sandals: Cherry Tokyo Kimonos – Pink Uchikake Geta
Hair Flower: Kurotsubaki – Yellow Flower (Group Gift)
Umbrella: Andalusite – Giant Panda Umbrella

Skin: Another Fundraiser – Another Geisha in Lacquer by Iris Ophelia (No Longer Available)
Eyes: Miriel – Arctic Collection – Arctic Ocean
Hair and Kanzashi: Bare Rose – Thorn of Beauty in White
Kimono: Cherry Tokyo Kimonos – Pink Uchikake
Obi and Ornament: Bare Rose – Love Parade Kimono Outfit (Red Option)
Fans: Shinise Mall – Paper Fans (Free!)

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

The “L” Word…?

Today we’re showcasing our favorite “are they/aren’t they” Hollywood couple, Lindsay Lohan and DJ Samantha Ronson.

We put a lot of effort into finding great locations for our photo-shoots, and we’ve realized that we should be giving credit where credit is due. To that end, we have added a Photo Shoot Locations page.

Samantha’s androgynous style was an easy one for me. I really look the part with the smeary, out-all-night eye makeup of my Scorpio skin. SiniStyle’s Petrelli hairstyle is a dead-ringer for Samantha’s messy, boyish cut; and I’m sporting her trademark pork pie hat. This version from VR Phlux, as we’ve mentioned before, is sadly no longer available. These jeans from Indigo are a great find, with several included color options for the belt. I chose the red to highlight this feature. These Gritty Kitty headphones are the perfect accessory for any tragically hip lesbian DJ.

Candy is all red carpet glamour as Lindsay in the Ruby Champagne Gown from DeFleur Fashions. The dress was free in a hidden discount hunt, but she was impressed enough to purchase a few more items that will be seen here in the future. Her starlet makeup was a group gift for Blowpop members, and the honey skintone gives Candy that California girl look. We have another perfect match in the aptly named “Bombshell” hairstyle; Armidi is also responsible for Candy’s manicure. She’s wearing Miriel eyes as usual, this time in Predawn, a pale blue. Maybe Lindsay will be batting her “Bedroom Lashes” at her DJ friend tonight…

On Van (as Samantha Ronson):
Skin: The Abyss – Scorpio in Dystopia
Eyes: Naughty Designs – Gabriel’s Eyes in Pure Blue
Hair: SiniStyle – The Petrelli in Rust
Zippered Cardigan and Shirt: Argrace – Short-Sleeved Zip-Up in Gray
Blazer: Last Call – Ciao Evening Suit Jacket (No Longer Available)
Jeans: Indigo – Cobalt Gray Jean with Red Belt
Hat: VR Phlux – The Swing Collection – Rudy Hat (No Longer Available)
Headphones: Gritty Kitty – Studio Headphones

On Candy (as Lindsay Lohan):
Skin: Blowpop – Mellie 2 – Glittery Gold with RedRed Gloss in Honey (Group Gift)
Eyes: Miriel – Duotone Collection – Predawn
Hair: Armidi – The Bombshell in Red
Gown: DeFleur Fashions – Ruby Champagne Gown (Ball Gown Skirt Option)
Manicure: Armidi – True Enhance Prim Nails in Cherry III
Lashes: Cake – Bedroom Lashes

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

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.

See part one of our series featuring Carrie and Mr. Big here: Sex and the Sim – Episode 1

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 (FREE!)
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)

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

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

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

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

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

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 (Yellow Option)
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)

Curious about some of the vocabulary? See Foreign Fashion Vocab for more information.

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.

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!

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.