Friday, November 30, 2012

A Night of Beauty as Danielle Celebrates the Third Anniversary

The program put together for this fashion show really had a flair for the dramatic and creative, and did an amazing job of making the clothing and its designer really shine.


The theme mirrored the red carpet time prior to an awards show. With the golden statues at both ends of the runway, the allusion to the Oscars boldly set the evening's tone.


Glitz and Hollywood glam could be used to describe the designer herself, Dani Plassitz, and every creation that appeared as a result of her talent echoed that beautifully.


Ms. Violet...


Mr. Bonie (Liam one of UEMA's many models present stands to his right and in the background)...


and Ms. Anika... all worked together as Co-Owners of the Ultimate Exposure Modeling Agency (UEMA) were present and each had a significant part in making sure this show did well.


Several of UEMA's female models were seen through the evening like Ms. Delinda seen in a floral pattern and blue...


Ms. Dreamlove shown in brilliant red, an egyptian-like look, and a classic formal...


Ms. Sessie had a unique gown with the right half ultra formal black layers and the left semi bare with gold to accent the dramatic difference, and her other gown reminded me of a flower garden...


Ms. Jessilyn showed off an array of beautiful colors, burgundy, deep purple and a flowing pink that almost looked magical...


Ms. Sienna showed a mauve gown and later came out with an elegant rich red...


Ms. SD walked through the evening in red with white lace, a pale grey, and then finished the evening off as she walked into the 'awards' show wearing the showstopping wedding gown.


The theme was clever. Male models were used everywhere on the set to add relevance to the notion that we in the audience really were privy to the unveiling of the brilliant designs presented by Danielle and UEMA. And for those who could not wait for the show to end to capture one or more of the delightful displays, all around the perimeter of the set were vendors. You could grab a loved creation the moment you saw it. Overall, this whole production from beginning to end was 'Awesomesauce!' as I like to say.

Customer Loyalty and Why I Choose Exclusive Brands

I continue to have people ask me along this journey why I would limit myself to certain brands. I understand that this is not something everyone does or something everyone should do. It's something that's important to me.

One of the things that makes a business successful is word of mouth. Having a customer talk about you product or service brings in new business more than anything else in all range of business from the small business to the mega empire.

Yesterday, I was styling a new dress and a friend asked, "Where did you get that?" I shared where, and later heard that she loved it so much, she got one. Word of mouth worked. 

In the world outside of SL, many businesses hire marketing managers who's only job focuses on customer loyalty. Statistics. Demographics. Seasons. Highs and Lows. If a car manufacturer gets you to buy a Camry each time you need a new car, this benefits the company in so many ways. 

Scientists have proven that if a human repeats the same action for 21 days, it becomes habit. Habit, when it comes to the business world, creates buzz. Buzz creates business. If someone stopped you at work every day and asked you, "Where did you get that..." and you answered Macy's every single time, eventually that information seeps into the work environment, and into other people's minds. You're helping to brand Macy's into others thought processes.

It's really no different in Second Life. If you're loyal to a brand, it becomes a habit that others notice, a thing that designers appreciate, and it creates a buzz which creates business; almost like a mirror image of the business world off line.

I wear Face Paint as a make-up exclusively so that every time anyone sees me, anywhere, doing anything, they can see the many quality products that come from Face Paint simply by crossing my path on any given day. I do the same for Emotions and their hair. I continue to look for a jewelry designer that will fill that niche, but I take time and enjoy the process.

I want to help 'brand' a store. I want to help create a habit of use and loyalty in others by setting the example myself. I want to show my support in a way that I think makes a difference.

As I said in my opening thoughts, this idea isn't something for everyone, and certainly not the only way to make a journey through Second Life. It's just the path I've chosen. Happy trails to you and your path. I look forward to mine crossing yours.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Winter Fair: h.m.a.e.m. and Intrepid Designs

What a treat to blog a fair. It really blesses me, and to all the designers who've made it possible, I wish each of you the best!



A touch of Christmas cheer adorns with the contribution of h.m.a.e.m. There are rings fit to either hand an then a matching necklace with white pearls. The shades of white will make this set an easy addition to anything you wear because it's a neutral color.



There's a place in the old version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where Mr. Wonka explains how lickable the wallpaper is, and he lists raspberries and blueberries and strawberries and snozberries... Veruca chips in, telling everyone present that there is no such thing as a snozberry. That likely is true, however the other berries do exist and in Intrepid's contribution to the fair, a whole array of berries are yours, and each color has both a sweater and a coat. Cozy and berry delicious!

Featured h.m.a.e.m. Necklace and Ring
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Joanne
5. Liv-Glam Sculpted Lashes
6. Face Paint: Chill Winds
7. Liv-Glam Lanvin Outfit Top.

Featured Intrepid Cover Me in Strawberry 
and Blueberry (Other colors available) 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Shiva Skins Boho Exclusive 1 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Lissi - White 
5. Miamai Catwalk Lashes: Pink Explosion 
6. Face Paint: Marie - Pink 
7. Candy Nails: Twinkle Pink 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Lorra Set Blush Pearls 
9. Pichi: Louisiana Western Boots - White 
10. w/Pink AP Avante 4 
11. w/Blue AP Annie Gown 7

Liv-Glam: New Vests for Women and Men

In addition to releasing an array of new colors from recent favorite outfits at Liv-Glam, two new vests have made their way into the spotlight and onto the sales rack as well.



This vest, called Mignette, already has two versions. This one in a burguny red may be found at the main store. A bright pattern with pantone color options may also be bought in world at the new Winter Fair in two days when the doors open for that event.



Though this vest was designed primarily for men, I knew I could style the 'tough girl' look and wear Aimeri myself. This color was released to the store for a sale, and a new version of this vest will be sold at the Winter Fair. I'd say this vest was distinctly androgynous.


Featured Liv-Glam Mignette Padded Vest 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Lilith *New! 
5. WoW Diva Lashes 
6. Face Paint: Kitty Cat Green 
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails 
8. [Stella] Palladium Stud Boot 
9. Artistry by ~E~: 2000th Day Earrings 
10. AP Art Hands 5 

 Featured Liv-Glam Aimeri Padded Vest 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Sarina *New! 
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia 
6. Face Paint: Midas Touch Silver v1 
7. Finesmith Silver Sculpted Nails 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Amanda Set Earrings 
9. Liv-Glam/[Stella] Exquisite Boots 
10. Focus Poses 3

Emotions: Two New Styles - Sarina and Lilith

These two styles evoke such different energy, and each have a great place in my list of 'needs' for making Second Life a favorite and fun place to be!



Sarina is an excellent combination of pieces of creativity. The base of the hair comes in all the familiar colors from Emotions. Then you have a flexible/prim piece that fits to the skull. Finally (not shown) there's the option for a mesh layer to drape over the right shoulder. I chose not to use the mesh for this photo because I was wearing a bulky jacket and didn't want too many layers covering up my face. Sarina happens to mean queen in Russian and other Eastern European languages, so if you want to be fit like a queen, this would do it for you.



This playful coif, called Lilith, has hair swept up into three ponytails. When I was younger, I would wear my hair like this to college, just to show a playful side, so when I saw this style at Emotions, I recalled that lighthearted part of my past with fondness. 


Featured Emotions: Sarina 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Liv-Glam Aimeri Padded Vest 
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia 
6. Face Paint: Midas Touch Silver v1 
7. Finesmith Silver Sculpted Nails 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Amanda Set Earrings 
9. Liv-Glam/[Stella] Exquisite Boots 
10. Focus Poses 3

Featured Emotions: Lilith 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Liv-Glam Mignette Padded Vest 
5. WoW Diva Lashes 
6. Face Paint: Kitty Cat Green 
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails 
8. [Stella] Palladium Stud Boot 
9. Artistry by ~E~: 2000th Day Earrings 
10. AP Art Hands 5

[Saltaire] and Ultra Femme for Fetish Fun

Recently a notice caught my eye that was posted by Aura Santos. She's designed a store [Saltaire] in a district called Ultra Femme for fetish fun.


This photo comes from looking out towards the places she has for rent and standing in front of her store. The idea is to fill the spaces with other designers who create fetish wear as part of their collection, and they could put that part of their collection here.


I visited her store, and got this great pants suit called Lady Q from there. It's well tailored and has sculpted jewelry and even a shirt collar, that gives the whole look depth and detail. If you like this outfit or you design fetish wear, contact Aura Santos in Second Life to learn more about her project and visit: Adult: Ultra Femme - For Fetish Fun.


Featured [Saltaire] Lady Q
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Lissi
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia
6. Face Paint: Audrey 3
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Alexandra Set Earrings
9. Liv-Glam/[Stella] Clement Pumps

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Emotions: Fame

Not every hair designer does curls well but I've found that regardless what style I try from Emotions that's basically a head full of curls looks amazing.


The recent release from Emotions called Fame is a head full of curls pulled up in an updo so most of the hair stays off the neck and face. This works really well for me as a Face Paint model. Updos are also perfect for fancy gowns or showcasing jewelry if you're a jewelry model. I'd recommend Fame because it's got an energy about it that's fun and kinetic.

Featured Emotions: Fame
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Face Paint: Call of the Wild 1
5. Candy Nails: Rosy Black
6. Liv-Glam: Gazinskaya

Liv-Glam Outfits and Shoes Galore!

The amazing designers behind the [Liv-Glam] label and [Stella] sub-label have been hard at work, pouring out goodness and glamour for all of us.



Mischka offers a simple but elegant black dress with three quarter sleeves and a hemline just above the knee covered by a cape-like jacket that's been lined at the neck and draped down the front with fur. Warm and beautiful, this dress suits many occasions.



Gazinskaya brings separates together with that animal craze in pants and neckerchief and pairs with a black belt and black sleeveless shell of a shirt.



Passionata layers lovely colors over a fishnet bodysuit, giving your outfit dimension. You see a long sleeve jacket lays over a bustier and ruffled skirts drop to mid-thigh. Boots have been designed to match this outfit as well.



The Chalayan outfit is another wonderful compilation of pieces, from a beautifully artistic bodysuit to high waisted pants to a long jacket that reminds me of a tuxedo coat with tails.

Paired with this outfit, the Palladium Boots with studded jewelry like design make a perfect accessory. You'll find that with the many pantone color options, this pair of boots may accompany most of your favorite Liv-Glam looks.



Another pair of boots paired with the Chalayan outfit also are new releases from [Stella], the sub-label that works with Liv-Glam. The Mandelli Ankle boots work with every style clothing as this seems to be the winter where all clothing styles from casual wear to dressy items may be paired with ankle boots. No combination appears off limits if you look at any of the style magazines off line, or star photos. Liv-Glam is current and always keeping you in style.


Featured Liv-Glam Mischka Dress 
Featured Gabriel Black Hat and Leather Gloves 1L!? 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Yvonne 
5. Liv-Glam Sculpted Lashes 
6. Face Paint: Leopard Cat Eyes Gold 
7. Liv-Glam Faux Leather Boots 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Indira Set Chocolate Diamond 
9. Bag Lady Designs: Brown Baggin 
10. AP AM 9 

 Featured Liv-Glam Gazinskaya 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Fame 
5. Candy Nails: Rosy Black 
6. Face Paint: Call of the Wild Female 1 
7. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Calista Set Copper 
9. [Stella] Margiella Pump 
10.AP Kia 3 

Featured Liv-Glam Passionata 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Curly 
5. WoW Diva Lashes 
6. Face Paint: Nef 2 
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Marilyn Set Champagne Pearls 
9. AP Annie Gown Pose 7, 
10. Liv-Glam Snake Effect Tote 

Featured Liv-Glam Chalayan Outfit 
Featured Liv-Glam [Stella] Palladium Stud Boot 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Taylor 
5. Liv-Glam Sculpted Lashes 
6. Face Paint: Cleo Pink 
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Donna Set Black Pearl

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Bubblez Design: An Angelic Me... Really!

I could be angelic, really... I could. Just ask... hmmm... nevermind. I don't think anyone I know would vouch for my angel-like qualities. At this time of year, however, it certainly is fun to dress like one.


This stunning confection comes from Bubblez Design. It begins with it's own jewelry seen as a sort of crown around the head, reminiscent of a halo, and a pearl necklace at the throat. I added pearl earrings from Artistry by ~E~ to match. Then something that is still relatively new, shear mesh, creates the robe-like covering. It does... maybe... a little bit... cover the body. It also divulges a lot of naughty secrets by the way it's designed. Golden panties are visible below the short skirt, and complete the look. With something this sexy, I'm not sure anyone wearing it could convince others that they were angelic! I added a pair of wings with particles, something very rare for me these days, but I just had to go all the way and get out my wings! I found mine at Curious Kitties last year as a holiday gift. Maybe you'll find some wings this year. Every time you hear a bell, an angel gets their wings.


Featured Bubblez Angelic Dress 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Anna 
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria 
6. Face Paint: Baby New Year 
7. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Colette Set White Pearls Earrings
9. N-Core: Caprice Champagne 
10. C*K* Particle Wings 
11. AP AM 1

I did a second photo for Love My Style. It's posted on my flickr and I wanted to share it here also:


Lola's Playful Trixie

"Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids..." is the first thing I thought of when I saw the name for the latest release from Lola's. Trixie definitely brought out the playful side of my personality.



The boots certainly cover the feet well. I'm sure they're warm. Meanwhile, there's a whole whole whoooole lot of skin going on everywhere else with this new outfit. A bikini top peeks lasciviously from below a white and pink cardigan, and the tiny skirt sways wickedly around the hips. I can see many uses for this sweetheart pink Trixie in Second Life, dependent on how you like to spend your time. It certainly made me feel peppy. Where are my pom poms?


Featured Lola Trixie 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Carol 
5. Miamai Catwalk Lashes Pink Explosion 
6. Face Paint: Caryn 1 
7. Candy Nails: Twinkle Pink 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Charlotte Set Pink Diamonds Necklace 
9. Focus Poses Boho Set 1

Dot-Be Fashion: Keeping It Casual and Warm - Elena

I live in the south, on the east coast of the USA. Seasons here come oddly, and there are days where I know the great Creator has a sense of humor when I wake up and it's 29 degrees out and by 5 p.m. it's 72. Who knew?!



I find Second Life gives us a taste of whatever it is we think we miss most in our world off line. Some of us seek fantasy. Others look for other ideals. I like to think about the four seasons, balanced out equally, so that by the time we get to the Winter Solstice, it's time for snow and fun and cozy fires and curling up close to someone special.

I know a lot of the mesh templates that have been made were designed for much warmer weather, so when I see designers begin to do layers, and winter wear, I silently cheer. I loved this 'Elena' from Dot-Be Fashion for that very reason. I had a knit top, a vest jacket, a pair of jeans and snuggly warm boots on and in my mind I could fly to Vancouver or Aspen and feel like I fit in perfectly.


Featured Dot-Be Fashion Elena Yellow 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Nadia 
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia 
6. Face Paint: Leonore Ochre 
7. Noya Golden Sculpted Manicure 
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Charlotte Set Pink Diamonds 
9. Focus Pocus Boho Set 5

Monday, November 26, 2012

Dot-Be Fashion and Midweek Madness

Though relatively new to design, the owner and creator at Dot-Be Fashion knows the Second Life fashion world very well and it shows in everything he sells. This week's female item submitted to the Midweek Madness event offers a teasing taste of the skill and fun he brings to his designs.



There are several color tops in addition to the white one shown in the photo. The boots and overalls with one strap loose shows the lighthearted point of view that's often a part of Dot-Be Fashion releases.

If you would like to get this or any of his other great creations, visit Dot-Be Fashion. And for more information about Midweek Madness visit their Kiosk.


Featured Dot-Be Fashion Anika Camo Pink 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Emotions Hair: Fabienne 
5. WoW Diva Lashes 
6. Face Paint: Smokie 4 
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails 
8. Mustang Trading Post Grace Necklace Dark Metal 
9. N-Core Tintable Socks 
10. AP Kitten 2 
11. AP Kitten 11

Naughty Naughty and Midweek Madness

I don't know how naughty I felt this week with Naughty Naughty's contribution to Midweek Madness, but I did feel lovely.



This outfit came with two very different skirts and a pair of pants as well (not shown in the photo). The pants suit repeated the pattern of the top and jacket layer in sleek skin tight violet. The bell of the ball gown swept sweet whispering secrets as the skirts swished at my ankles, while the soft fur skirt and wrist cuffs added warmth to an otherwise very mini skirt. The options for wear make this outfit compilation extra special.

To find this and many other designs, visit Naughty Naughty and for more information about the Midweek Madness event visit their Kiosk.


Featured Naughty Naughty Twinkle Purple 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
3. Poetic Eyes Quicksilver 
4. Emotions: Karen 
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia 
6. Face Paint: Doe Pink 
7. PM Animal Print Nails 
8. Artistry by ~E~: Angelina Necklace 
9. Felicity: Jessica Stilettos - Purple Velvet 
10. AP Kitten 9 
11. AP Leah Fantasy 1

Elegance by Elysa at Midweek Madness

Thanks to some very thoughtful friends, I've had land recently that covers enough space to allow me to rez some larger structures and review some beautiful items marketed during the Midweek Madness sale event.



This Moroccan build comes from Elegance by Elysa, and at first, when I saw its vendor photo, I did not perceive its size. I put myself in the photo of this unique build so you could see the scale a bit better. It's constructed well with wonderful textures that suit the Moroccan theme very well.

To buy this and other beautiful items, visit Elegance by Elysa and for more information on the Midweek Madness event, visit their Kiosk.



Worn in photo:
1 Naughty Naughty Twinkle Purple 
2. Custom Shape 
3. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis 
4. Poetic Eyes Quicksilver 
5. Emotions: Karen 
6. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia 
7. Face Paint: Doe Pink 
8. PM Animal Print Nails 
9. Artistry by ~E~: Angelina Necklace 
10. Felicity: Jessica Stilettos - Purple Velvet 
11. AP Kitten 9 
12. AP Leah Fantasy 1

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Absolute Beauty in Ice from Rfyre

Words cannot aptly describe the sensation I had when I put on the new RFyre Ice Mesh Mini in Fur and the matching Victorian Ice Beaded Lace Ankle Boots.



This view shows the detail on the dress itself, and the fur at the arms and waist. There's an interesting neck piece that appeals to me because it's not the average necklace. Since it's hard to find unique anything in Second Life, when I see something like the collar on this dress, I'm ecstatic.



This photo, I played with artistically. The ice color plays against the skin in varied blues and whites. You'll note that the make-up I chose also had brilliant blue to enhance the overall look. I converted everything else to grayscale, so you could see the beautiful shades of  blue and white that make the dress and boots so incredible.


Featured RFyre Winter Ice Mesh Mini in Fur 
Featured RFyre Winter Victorian Ice Beaded Lace 
1. Custom Shape 
2. Rockberry Apple 5 Natural 
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver 
4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria 
5. Face Paint: Cleo Pink + Gem Eyes Blue + Lip Pop 14 
6. Candy Nails: Diva Blue 
7. Artistry by ~E~: The Grace Set Earrings 
8. Wretched Dolls: Lady's Xmas Hat 
9. Focus Poses from Boho Fair

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Spread the Word: Stop the Violence Against Women

I rarely use this blog for anything other than Second Life news and fashion, but every so often something of vital importance pierces my heart and if my one voice makes a small difference, then that's a difference I want to make.


Today, November 25, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

“In every country, women and girls suffer from widespread and multiple forms of violence. It takes place in the home, on the streets, in schools, the workplace, during conflict and in time of peace. It manifests itself in its most prevalent forms of domestic and sexual violence. But it also takes the forms of female infanticide in the preference for boys, child marriage, female genital mutilation, “honour” killings and other forms of feminicide. 
This violence prevents women and girls around the world to live in dignity, violates their fundamental human rights and impedes them from achieving their full potential. It is one of the most potent obstacles to the advancement of women, has social and economic costs and seriously jeopardizes the progress and prosperity of the world.”
Quote from www.ipu.org