My new favorite things...

We all have those favorite things.  When you try on those demos and you just know...  It's not often that when I try on a demo of a skin or hair that I say without having to even think about it, "I need the fatpack."  Usually I spend days thinking and debating.  But, there was no thought when it came to this hair and this skin.  When I say they are my favorites, it means I haven't stopped wearing them since purchasing them.  And, if you know me, you know I usually change often.  

We'll start with the skin.  People had been talking about the newest skin release from Kara Engle, but it wasn't until a few days ago that I went to grab my demo.  The store was empty, so I tried the demo on right there and the second it rezzed, I fell in love.  The face is perfect, it has that glowy look that I love, and there isn't a makeup in the fatpack that I don't love.  If you haven't tried on demos, I suggest you do.  Some of the best skins in SL, in my opinion.  Mia is at Appearance Mode, which I just love visiting.  I usually end up spending lots of money.

Next is the hair.   This hair is by Maitreya, and I do love their new textures.  I'm very picky about blonde textures, and usually stuck with my 1 or 2 favorite blondes, but Maitreya's gold blonde may have quickly moved to the top of the list.  The style is Emma, and I love the way it sweeps across the face.  I want this hairstyle in RL.   Do you think I could take a picture of my avi to the hairstylist?

I've had these pants forever, and I *heart* the Isabeax Leather Pants in red by LF Fashions.  Launa Fauna has made some of my favorite jeans in SL, and these pants are absolutely perfect.  The shading and texture are some of the best.

My top is the Boatneck tee in black by Laqroki.  I bought this tee in black because that's usually my "safe" color, but once I tried it on, I knew I would have to have it in every color.  It's perfect to wear with jeans and dress down, or can be dressed up.  It's on every layer, so you can mix and match.  So many options make it a great tee.

My jewelry starts with the Studded Horseshoe Pendant by [VG Republic], which makes some of my favorite jewelry in SL.  I love that all the jewelry is metal change, so I can wear it with every outfit.  I'm also a huge fan of long necklaces, and this little studded horseshoe is adorable.  I wear it with everything!  The price is also really amazing.

My bangles are the Healing Zebra bangles in Onyx and the Healing Giraffe bangle in Ruby, both by Armidi.  Armidi's is of course known for it's gorgeous products and their jewelry line is no exception.  These bangles add just the perfect touch, bringing the red and black together, and are perfect layered to add a extra touch.

Wrapping it all up is another goodie I received yesterday.  Polly Pavlova of The Body Politik, sent over a little preview of her new Tahitian Pearl Ring that she made exclusively for the Jewelry Expo.  I love this ring.  It's just simple enough to wear with almost everything.  You can change the metals, pearl, and gem colors by menu, which is super easy.  This ring was exactly what I was needing to complete the look, so it couldn't have come at a better time.  I can't wait to see what else will be featured at the expo!

Just a sample of some of my favorite things at the moment.  It changes frequently, but I want to thank these designers for making me so pretty!!

The rest of the look:  Lashes - Cake, Shoes - Armidi, Poses - *TorridWear*

Shot on Location!

This is one of my favorite places in SL, the Wilder sims. Not only do I fly my p51 Mustang here ... but end up using the beaches for photos. Trying to find right location on the sim to show off this cute casual but yet dressy beach party outfit, I endured bombings and fly-bys ... I so needed those laughs! If you haven't seen these sims, check it out.

Okay, back to the outfit:

This started due to a skirt called "Romance" from Moonshine. I've paired it with several different tops, jackets, sweaters, etc., dressing it up and going completely casual - it ran the full gauntlet and passed! This is what I finally decided using my "every day look" for the basics of skin, eyes and lashes:
Hair: [Aden] Madison (DarkBrown)
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Honey- Peaches Freckle
Lashes: MM-Catwalk Eyelashes
Eyes: MMS-Deep Blue Eyes
Tank: *Hexed* White Sashed Halter (Pink)
Shirt: tres blah belted top
Skirt: MS-Romance Skirt White
Shoes: ETD - Peep Slingbacks (Linen)
Jewelry: *MM Luxe* Bamboo & Pearl (silver)
Ring: H&M - Citara Diamond Cluster Ring (minus the bling *thanks, you!*)

Mundane Monday

Mondays should be mellow and relaxing especially after a busy weekend. A long tunic paired with leggings are perfect for dressing up or keeping casual. Choosing the right basics are key for mixing and matching ... so keep your eyes open as you may see more of these details again in upcoming outfits!

Here's the scoop for this quick n' easy style:
Outfit: [Random] - Tunic (Pink)
Shoes: *KL* Mary-Janes Francine Display BlkSlv01
Earrings: *kraftika No 120 Earrings
Ring: *REDGRAVE* Ring black saphire
Hair: ETD Nadia - Chocolate Burnt
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Honey- Peaches
Eyes: Burroughs Eyes - The Blue Dancers - Flex2 Out
Lashes: MM-Catwalk Eyelashes

(close up shot of jewelry)

Beautiful Stranger

Story time kiddies:
I met a beautiful stranger today ... wandering like me, alone. Somehow, he was in IMs for over an hour. My radar showed his distance but we talked like close long lost friends. After realizing a few common interests, me reading his blog, he reading mine. We laughed ... and off to shopping - together. I saw a new side to an old faithful store - Insolence.
Down the dark spiral staircase ... the room opens to an incredibly well done lounge-like room filled with a Latex line of "lingerie". A smirk slides across my face ... and well ... here is the pic from my little brain. Is the whip too much?

Outfit: INSOLENCE - Dawn Latex Body (Misty Line)
Shoes: *Coquette Noir* by Indyra - Stunner Black
Hair: [Aden] Edie (Dark Brown)
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze Just Lips 3

Boardroom Broad

My RL has been filled with board meetings this past week. Daydreaming during the financials (I know that's bad) but I thought about this "Boardroom Broad" look. If I was to attend board meetings in SL, what would I wear?
This look is not too far off from my RL suits ... just minus the red and the fishnets. Kinda laughable is that I have a huge red totebag for my laptop!
Red can be a such a "in your face" statement for any meeting. The color denotes overing powering and strength, but not in a good way. Touches here and there are ok just not full head to toe. Basic black as the highlighted color with just slight hint of red and sexay fishnets give a hint of feminity and flirtyness ... both qualities never seen nor should be seen in board meetings. This is SL after all ... and generally anything goes!

Hair: Kin-Mairi-[Brown]
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Honey- Vedette
Eyes: []::Tuli::[] bright blue eyes
Lashes: [DK] Deviant Prim Lashes 01
Manicure: [ Love Soul ] Nail*Colors-French*Red
Shirt: Armidi Limited - Rounded A001 Tee
Jacket: =E.M.A= jacket (black)---cp
Skirt: [KA] - The Last Mobstress
Hose: Battered Boudoir - Fishies Knee High
Shoes: [Armidi Gisaci] Barcelona Slingback - Falu
Bag: ETD: Everyday Tote (Red)

Spring Casual

March can be a crazy weather month, snow and sleet to sunny and warm. To help kick the wintery blues, I've paired cute platforms with basic jeans and a flouncy shirt. I found this shirt in my travels to find spring-like sims. The shirt designer, EMA, who I think is Japanese, which lately these designers have really caught my eye for one reason or another. For the hair, I really prolonged purchasing since it seems like its owned by everyone. I so love it regardless and it was painful not having it in my arsnel of wigs. Today I broke down and ran over to Cake.
Let's chat about this outfit's accessories. Each has an added bonus! The sunglasses are from *booN, which I think is another Japanese designer. They can be worn on the face, chest, and on the hip (shown) *and* the frame color can be changed. Another cute find was at ETD. A recently released bag and is packed with an AO from TorridWear with adorable bag hold poses. Ok ok, enough of my ramblings, here's the details:

Hair: Cake - Europa - Mocha - Flexi Hair
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Honey- Antique
Eyes: Burroughs Eyes - Tribute to Edgar Degas - Limited Edition
Lashes: MM-Catwalk Eyelashes
Shirt: =E.M.A= cutsew(red)---cp
Glasses: *booN glasses BF1.6
Jeans: (CS) Jeans - Dark
Bag: ETD City Handbag (Brown Croc)
Shoes: [Armidi Gisaci] Dhali Bow Platforms - Bole

Gotta Lub Pink!

Its Monday ... I hate Mondays. I decided to add alittle cheer and do a cute casual easy look using Pink! I tend to buy my jewelry in pink but rarely my clothes. Dark denim is a staple in my inventory. Using a cute bubblegum like pink and dark jeans are a great combo. The EMJ Snowflake necklace adds a hint of glam to what seems like a relaxing outfit. Since Pheobe thinks I only wear black shoes, I added alittle pink fer me feet!!
Hair: [Aden] Milla (Dark Brown)
Skin: La Sylphide - Ingrid - Medium - Sultry Dark Pink
Eyes: []::Tuli::[] bright blue eyes
Lashes: MM-Catwalk Eyelashes
Shirt: *LeeZu Baxter* Henrietta Plain /pink
Jeans: LF Ingenue Jeans [Dark]
Shoes: AC Vintish Shoes Pinky
Necklace: *EMJ* Pink Garnet Shimmering Snowflakes
Ring: H&M - Citara Diamond Cluster Ring

Skin Fair ... sorta

I made a very lame attempt at attending the Skin Fair. I did it half-heartedly as I'm such a loyal fan of Chai and a few other skin designers that I just adore.
Browsing became more comparing to the skins that I already own. I really didn't see many skins that gave me that "oh I have to buy" and not many that I haven't seen before the Fair. Did I miss those new skins? Maybe... but! I did find a cool "new-to-me"designer.
La Sylphide has some gorgeous skins that I am thinking about purchasing. At the main store, I found this freebie skin and got inspired! If her freebie sparked this outcome, then just maybe I will get a few of her not-so-free skins.
Skin: La Sylphide - Black and White I - Free Skin
Hair: /artilleri/ Jami *black*
Eyes: []::Tuli::[] steel eyes
Lashes: [DK] Deviant Lashes 01
Shirt: /artilleri/ patsy *black*
Shorts: *Cashmere*Risque
Shoes: Cybele Pontoppidan - Black

Black Widow

Being alone in SL is nothing new for me ... as I have lost my partner to RL in late October. Sometimes lately its odd being alone not really sure why ... but honestly it triggers my creative side to fill that void. Odd, yes I know, but check out what it produces. I had this idea for a simple elegant gown with minimal accessories that packs a punch.
Hair: [Aden] Brooke (DarkBrown)
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Honey- Torrid
Lashes: Adam n Eve - Dramah Prim Lashes - long - Black
Gown: GHOST! - Valle Dark
Collar: Kyoot Army - Wilted Wednesday Vest
Shoes: [Armidi Gisaci] Barcelona Slingback - Black
Ring: RH Engel-Ventura Wedding Band

Down to Earth

Earthy colors are what I tend to have the most of in my inventory. Nuturals can be a touch drab but with dramatic makeup and warm accessories any outfit can be exciting.
Hair: [Aden] Brooke (DarkBrown) & [Aden] Regina Long (DarkBrown)
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Honey- Mullberry
Lashes: MM-Catwalk
Eyes: Burroughs Eyes - The Blue Dancers - Flex3 In
Necklace & Earrings: EARTHTONES - Boho Gypsy Mixed Cherry Woods
Bracelet: EARTHTONES - bMc! Gold Giraffe Bangle
Bag: Celestial Studios - Hobo Bag (Brown Suede)
Pants: *KUROTSUBAKI* classic pants (Brown)
Hosiery: **Battered Boudoir** Boudoir Legs Opaque (Chocolate)
Boots: *REDGRAVE* - Smoke-Leather
Sweater: Aphrodite Creations - Fondant (Brown)

Cool n' Confident

Sometimes I just need an outfit that is comfy, simply put together but still commands attention. This is was inspired by the Celestial Studios hair, Delish. With the cute sassy updo with trendills hanging down it gives the the look of casual with a sweet hint of girl next door.
For the last few days, I wandered the grid looking for a place for pics. Not until I was out shopping for a bed at Deviant *giggles*, did I stumble on this chair. With the low lighting and my face lamp this snap was just prefect!

Hair: Celestial Studios - Delish (Cocoa)
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Honey- Torrid
Lashes: [DK] Deviant Prim Lashes 01
Eyes: Burroughs Eyes - The Blue Dancers - Flex3 Out (limited edition)
Shirt: G.L.A.M. Loose Neck Tunic - Blanc
Pants: *PERSONA* Itaparica - light grey
Shoes: AC Vintish (group gift)
Earrings: Ramos Designs Diamond Studs
Necklace: *EMJ* Platinum Purple Topaz Pear Drop Pendant by Elexor

Glamour

Today's look started with the Satin Ruffle Top from Muism. I absolutely fell in love with it standing in the store, but it sat in my inventory for weeks. I finally thought I'd create an outfit that just screams spring! I love little black tuxedo shorts with heels, and Storm Schmooz make some of the most amazing heels in SL.

Skin - LF Chai Skin - Nutmeg - Midnight
Hair - ETD Jessica - Chocolate Burnt
Lashes - MMSkins - Catwalk Lashes

Shirt - *Muism* Satin Ruffle Top - Blue
Shorts - *Last Call* Tuxedo Shorts - Part of Janet outfit
Shoes - Storm Schmooz - Laque Black

Bracelet - Digital Dragon Designs - Silver Diamond Wrist Bangle
Ring - *Divine Follie* Acqua Ring

Fierce

Skin - LF Chai Skin - Nutmeg - Cin
Hair - ETD - Patricia - Chestnut Burnt
Eyes -KM- Seamonster
Lashes - MMSkins - Catwalk
Manicure - (CS) Lulu - Dark Red

Dress - Casa del Shai - Giraffe Fever Tube Dress
Shoes - Maitreya - Slinky Stilettos - Red

Necklace - Digital Dragon Designs - Gold Soft Touch Necklace
Bracelets - Digital Dragon Designs - Gold Ripple Cuff
Ring - EMJ - Gold Diamond Princess-Cut Crossfire Ring

Silently Judging

Reorganizing inventory is my least fav thing. What I depise most about this chore lately is I keep stumbling over all those Last Call (LC) outfits and all the ETD hair. While at the sales, fighting the lag bald and half nekkie, I bought nearly three-quarters of the stores as my linden wallet started smokin'.For the last week or so, these new buys have just sat in a generically and appropriate named folder in my "closet" called "Sale Shit". (yeah real original but I'm not that smart to come up with anything fancy.)That folder became the sitting pink elephant. Today was the day, to tackle said elephant! Not even a third of the way thru, I lost interest. To cheer myself up, I decided to go shopping but not at LC or ETD (anywhere but, please!).As I stood in the middle of a store, looking around, it dawned on me - I am wearing LC just like everyone else! Those not dressed in clothes from LC or ETD, are they silently judging me and those that are? I know I do when I spying someone in head-to-toe LC or their new ETD hair. That "judging" quickly fades when sl-reality hits that I too will be wearing that same exact item ... and LOVE IT!! Lesson learned: Buy it all ... and wear it proudly people!!