Thursday, July 31, 2014

Give Someone New A Chance To Be Great -- Featuring Zanze at The Month of Games and DE Boutique and -{ZOZ}- at Designer Showcase

Zzoiee at Zanze stole a piece of my heart when I knew little or nothing about modeling, blogging and the whole fashion business of Second Life. She seemed willing to let me learn and welcomed me as part of her team regardless my lack of experience.
I hope that I pay such warmth and encouragement forward. As I put together this style for one of Zanze's outfits at The Month Of Games, I reflected on the different pieces I've modeled for her and how striking each new piece really is, how much time she puts into her work, and how she always nails the theme of this or that event so well. I loved being the White Rook in this case.
I've also got new heels from DE Boutique from Designer Showcase August and more of -{ZOZ}- also from Designer Showcase. The heels and nails both are designed to work with SLink. If you haven't broken down and gotten SLink hands and feet, how will you ever be able to wear these artistic designs?

Featuring from Zanze at The Month of Games White Rook
Featuring from DE Boutique at Designer Showcase Shine Heels (White)
Featuring from -{ZOZ}- at Designer Showcase Shimmer Basics French Polish
1. SLink: Female Feet High
-- Elegant 1 hands
2. Chop Zuey: Black Ice Earrings
3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Pearl Skin Tone (Candice)
-- Candy Eyeshadow Midnight
-- Luscious Diva Lips
4. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
5. Gaeline: Natura
6. EMO-tions: Lissi
7. Manifeste Poses

Just A Little Bit More -- Sonatta Morales at The Month of Games and !Elemental at Designer Showcase

Yes, there's more to show you. Time is running out... tick tick tick... but that doesn't mean I can't race towards the finish line and show you a few more pieces from The Month of Games like this pretty short summery gown from Sonatta called Miss Cindy.
I've added jewelry new from the Designer Showcase for August from !Elemental Jewelry. The brilliant tones in Ophelia add a pop of color and the gold allows the tiny gold balls floating around the head like a halo and waist as well to shimmer.

Featuring from Sonatta Morales at The Month of Games Miss Candy
Featuring from !Elemental at Designer Showcase August Ophelia
1. Focus Poses
2. >Asset<: Zhuge
3. Gaeline: Fantasia
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Pearl Skin Tone (Candice)
5. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
6. Morphine: Freya Cut Lips
7. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Fashion Trend Zigzag
8. Backgrounds by KaTink

A Beautiful Distraction -- Sabra Style

I distracted myself while Second Life was making me nuts. Okay, yes, I admit, I'm already nuts, but sometimes SL exacerbates my nuttiness. I couldn't get some pieces of some outfits to rez, unless I was an Eve avi, and that just isn't quite fashionable these days. If ever???
So I put together this look with a new release from Sabra Style. I'm not sure how I got on her dropbox list, but it really brought a smile when she randomly added me and I began to receive review copies. I knew the quality was high and would go well with my Octopussy Set from Chop Zuey, and at the time, I was dressing so I could model at Chop Zuey for a while.
Everything I've put on from Sabra Style offers a chic beauty, a crisp casual air or an elegant refinement, and sometimes a little bit of all of the above. The lavender gown called Ashley suited my needs perfectly. I enjoyed styling it, wearing it for a while as a store model, then setting up a few frames for photos to show you.

Featuring Sabra Style Ashley
1. Truth: Snow
2. MG: Groomed
3. KMADD/Moda: Eyes
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Pearl Skin Tone
5. Morphine: Kazumi Lips Natural Light
6. Chop Zuey: Octopussy Set
7. Morphine Poses

Take a Bite -- Featuring Purple Moon from The Month of Games; Also Featuring *Rag Dollz*

Purple Moon created this pretty little pink dress with a peplum waist for one of the three exclusives at The Month of Games. Today is the last day and I wanted to show you a little bit more, while there's still time to shop!
I've also got on a new release from *Rag Dollz*, the cape that somehow made the essence of this photo feel more like a fantasy world. I really adored the cute little hat, so in a moment of playfulness, I resized it to a full body piece, and made it so that my head was the cherry on top of the cupcake. Just bite gently, please. I like teeth!

Featuring from Purple Moon at The Month of Games Lolli Outfit In Pink - Candyland Inspired
Featuring *Rag Dollz* Noble Cloak Of the Summer
1. Truth: Harriet
2. Gaeline: Starlia
3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skin Tone (Hannah)
-- Glamour Ombre Apple Lips
5. SLink: High Feet
-- Elegant 1 Hands
6. Bliensen+MaiTai: Bolero Heels
7. Paper Couture: Felin Earrings
8. Body Talk Poses

A Quickie Or Two -- Featuring [[Masoom]] from The Month of Games

I have a couple of The Month of Games outfits I haven't shown you yet and today is the last day. Yikes. Forgive me for the short note. Hopefully I can truncate what I say in favor of a few more photos and stylings today.
This look comes from [[Masoom]]. The designer at Masoom really puts a lot of effort into each creation she completes. She's an untapped treasure in the high fashion world of SL. If you haven't discovered it, you should visit TMoG today before it's too late and see what treasures she has in store for you.

Featuring from [[Masoom]] at The Month of Games Mistress Gown
1. EMO-tions: Shelby
2. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
3. Gaeline: Starlia
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Pearl Skin Tone
-- Alabaster Lipsticks Tangy Orange
5. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
-- High Feet Female
6. HOLLYHOOD: Black Vida Heels
7. [[j'adore]]: Tiffany
And because he asked, I'm including the location - properties owned by Marcus LeFevre

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

I Need a Hero -- Featuring Wicca's Wardrobe at Gypset; Moondance Boutique, Lindy Shoes and -{ZOZ}- at Designer Showcase, and h.m.a.e.m. at Trempe

I have the jacket from her Nancy Tux on, along with the handbag for the same outfit. These items have been available at Gypset, until the end of July, so hurry! You'll also note new items from h.m.a.e.m. - the Sultana Pants in pink, new items from August's Designer Showcase - Lindy Madlin Black Heels, -{ZOZ}- (omgossshhhh I love ZOZ!!) Basic Polish nails and Moondance Boutique beautiful necklace that has a gorgeous chain in front and also drapes elegantly in back. Since you can't see the back in these photos, I'll use the necklace another time this month to share.
--- Longer Note Follows -- Featuring Heroes and Wicca Merlin Specifically

 I celebrate heroes who have impacted my life in a variety of ways. I do this in an internet/virtual world sort of way and also in the world away from the net. These heroes have come along at times in my world where I really needed them, where they really exemplified quality and character, love and compassion, intelligence and direction. These heroes helped create the me that I am today and I know that because life is ever evolving, I haven't met the last hero who will influence my life yet, and I hope I don't for a very long time.

I know she doesn't have a FB name, but she probably has numerous friends and followers and supporters who do know her via this medium. I know she has more on her blog (I'll share her links below) and more in the world we share in Second Life because she's a dynamic model, educator, blogger and above all, friend. Today, I have on some of her items and every time I wear something from Wicca's Wardrobe, I try to think like a Wicca.

Wicca Merlin offers a perspective in modeling that changed the face of pretty in Second Life. She took her sense of self, sense of aesthetic, sense of style and then embodied it. I don't know if she's ever won awards for her amazing work. I do know that I've heard her speak several times and have taken classes where she was the educator. Every time I've been in her company, I've learned something new.

When I say I try to think like Wicca, there's a catch. The thing is, I think that Wicca asserts her will and desire to be different, to break the mold, to do what feels most like self, and though she respects the middle ground, the norm, the whatever many people might call modeling, she acknowledges, and then does what works for her. Thinking like Wicca then means to me... thinking like a me. I see influences all around me. I love a few bloggers and acknowledge their influence. I've had some amazing educators and friends who've helped. Ultimately though, I had to figure out Caryn. I think maybe Wicca might have been the most instrumental in my world related to that topic.

Even if you're new to Miss Virtual World Modeling Academy and you're taking your first class, 101 and you happen to get Ms. Wicca, who will apologize profusely for not speaking English well and then speak it brilliantly for the next hour or so, you will likely see and hear what I mean. Who is this off beat, wonderfully unusual person teaching this class? Am I in the right place? Just because she doesn't look like your canned version of model doesn't mean she's not a great model. I hope many people have a chance to know her, and in that, I hope they have also a chance to know self. If you see that she's speaking somewhere, you should go and listen. And now, because she wasn't already busy enough in SL fashion, she owns her own store and it's awesome too!

Featuring from Wicca's Wardrobe Gypset July Nancy Tux Jacket and Handbag
Featuring from Moondance Boutique at Designer Showcase Oscare Drape Necklace
Featuring from Lindy Shoes at Designer Showcase Madlin Black Heels
Featuring from -{ZOZ}- Shimmer Basics Polish (Hands and Feet)
Featuring from h.m.a.e.m. at Trempe Sultana Pants Pink
1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver
2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skin Tone (Hannah)
-- Pink Berries Matte Lips
-- Electra Barbie Eyeshadow
3. MG: Groomed Lashes
4. SLink: Mid-Feet Female
-- Hands Elegant 1
5. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair
6. PoSeSiOn Poses

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Hard On the Outside; Soft On the Inside -- Featuring from The Month of Games Boudoir and 69 Park Avenue

I'm back just in time to wrap up the Month of Games event the last few days it will be playing. Siren Productions always puts together an awesome array of events and this one was even better than others, I think, because the theme really pushed designers to think outside maybe their normal range of ideas, and encourage everyone to have fun, and think 'game.'
Boudoir put together several really playful composite outfits and I chose to share this one, The Chess Queen. It's a little bit naughty but isn't that what you expect from a place that features fancy lingerie and bits and pieces meant to tempt and tease your special someone?
I also found a pair of mens boots I really liked in one of the outfits that was marked as a male outfit. I do like to borrow from men's clothing designers all the time, especially accessories. The essence of hard and soft appeals to me, and expresses a good estimate of me, the person behind the text and pixels. I'm hard on the surface, sometimes even perceived as cold by those who know me off line, but inside, I just want to be snuggled, to be loved, and to love and snuggle others. The boots from 69 Park Avenue from their King Justice outfit added just the toughness I sought.

Featuring from The Month of Games Boudoir Chess Queen
Featuring from The Month of Games 69 Park Avenue King Justice (boots)
Featuring from [no. 7] Circus Boop Makeup
1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver
2. EMO-tions: Susannah
3. Gaeline: Magnificia
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skin Tone - Hannah
5. Manifeste Poses

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Fairytales Can Come True; They Can Happen To You -- Featuring Sabra Style, {{BSD Design Studio}} and Wicca's Wardrobe

What a difference a day makes. I'm not one who gets too tied into a specific day because I've had health issues that were indiscriminatory as the good or not so good days happened every day, special days, regular day, it didn't matter. It means I grew up learning to be flexible and also to make the best of the good moments so that when another dark valley swooped in for a few weeks or days or months, I'd have something warm and wonderful stored up in memory, close to my heart; I used those positive memories to support me. This week was part of our annual beach trip. In recent years, I've traveled and stayed in one place for two weeks consecutively. Unfortunately, the military status and leave and all that jazz is slightly different at the moment, so I'm at Myrtle this week and this time next month, I'll be at Taibee Island Georgia. I love getting away from the same four walls, even when I'm not in the best of health or head space. I also know it helps my sweetheart. I was unplugged for a bit more than 24 hours this year, just to make sure he knew he was the heart and soul of my life, and nothing was more important than him and his special day. We ate well, played well, went to see the One Show tonight, and then he's snoring and I'm writing briefly to each of you on Facebook.
It's never too late to keep up with family and friends. It's never too late to have a small vacation. An actress on one of the day time talk shows commented about making time for 'me parties'. She just put on her favorite pj's, had wine, listened to her favorite music and even danced. Sometimes we need a me party and sometimes, like today, I needed a we party. I think he does an amazing job of taking care of the details. My thought patters get terribly crossed, and not intentionally so. But when I can put aside my needs and stresses that I seem to heap on his head, I think he really does try to relax and enjoy a day all about him.
I had fun the day before yesterday putting this latest 'spy girl' look. Once dressed, I thought about the story of Black Bart and his cronies who were trying to come across the back yard of the little fella on A Christmas Story. The traditional mask paired with the black and white stripes of prison uniforms in that time period. I could have snuck away with something. I'm just not sure what I would want to take. I'd make a very bad cat burglar. I'm sure I'd sit and enie-meanie-minie-moe and my partners in crime would shake there heads and whisper as loud a whisper as possible, "Let's Go Karyn!" The Tori gown in black and white and encircled at the ankles with mounds of dark swan feathers comes from Sabra Style. The mask comes from the always clever Wicca Merlin at Wicca's Wardrobe. You'll notice a small pink bag, over the shoulder. From BSD Design studio, this bag comes with color change options on a HUD allowing you to make it suit any style and interest.

All the joy of this blog and style come as a result of a compilation of talented designers:
Featuring Sabra Style Tori Black
Featuring Wicca's Wardrobe Black Mask with Studs
Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Resort Bag Pink
1. Moondance Boutique: Livia
2. Caryn - Tattoo - No Hate
3. [Chic Zafari]: Rose Hair
4. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skin Tone
6. Poetic Color Eyes: Quick Silver

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Down By the Sea -- Featuring .:W&W:. from The Month of Games and h.m.a.e.m. from L'accessories

I'm not sure what W&W stands for but it made me think of a sequence of events in the Breaking Bad series where one of the characters asks the lead character if he knows what the initials W.W. stand for there, and the guy says, "Walt Whitman maybe?" Knowing full well the whole time he's answering that it stands for someone else much closer to home.
I didn't know what W&W stood for either but I loved the quality of the outfit created for the Month of Games. Vanilla Latte offers you a complete outfit from head to toe and the pieces are so richly and well made, you could easily pull the pieces apart later and use them for other outfits. I've seen a whole array of corsets in our Second Life. This one has a few added details that make all the difference.
The Month of Games will last through the end of the month and I know that if you haven't visited yet, you're missing out on a treat. Lexie Jansma and her team at Siren Productions put together terrific events! They're TMoG sponsors and have fashion shows, games and other things happening that coincide with the event to make it that much more enjoyable.

Featuring .:W&W:. Vanilla Latte - Full Outfit from The Month of Games
Featuring h.m.a.e.m. The Sea Clutch from l'accessories
1. EMO-tions Windblown 6
2. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Illusia
3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Chocolat Skin Tone
-- Candy Eyeshadow Coffee
5. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
6. Morphine: Kazumi Lips Blus
7. .Olive.: Rose Gold Earrings Set
8. Corpus Poses

Friday, July 18, 2014

You Should Know the Lady -- Featuring !Lyrical B!zarre Templates

I find that the closer I feel to a designer, the more I love what they do in SL. Builders. Scripters. Clothing creators. Any content. I get to know a little about their world and I want them to be happy, to feel successful, and I feel blessed to be a little part of their world. That's so true when it comes to Loredana Alexandra's world, and her business in Second Life Lyrical B!zarre Templates.
This gown, Position, expresses the inner beauty of this lovely lady. I love the way the brilliant scarlet color works as black fuses shadow to each of the pieces. I have loved every detail she's put into items since we met, and each time she's created something new, it became my new favorite. What she calls kooky - to me - it's art, and high fashion.

Featuring !Lyrical B!zarre Templates from the Month of Games Position Gown
1. FINESMITH: Tyra Tiara
2. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
3. Face Paint: Wet Paint Nails
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Walnut Skin Tone
-- Glamour Lips Sunset
-- Candy Eyes Tangerine
-- Seduction Lips Gloss
5. Gaeline: Phantasmagoria
6. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
7. EMO-tions: Antoinette
8. [[j'adore]] Poses

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Another Perspective -- Featuring Rapture from The Month of Games - Ms. Peacock Gown

After doing a Ms. Peacock gown yesterday, I thought it would be really interesting to put another one on today, also part of the themed event The Month of Games, from the same game, Clue - yet interpreted so differently.
Rapture went all out with sweeping beautiful peacock feathers, bold colors and a dramatic style overall. The feathers spun together for a headpiece only added to the boldness of this style. I love seeing how different artists interpret the same idea.
There are three board games represented in this Month of Games themed event. You can find Candyland, Clue and Chess, and every designer was asked to make a piece for each theme. Imagine all the ways those games could be portrayed in fashion and you get a smorgasbord of color and fun.

Featuring from the Month of Games Rapture Clue Dress Ms. Peacock
1. *~Damesfly*~: Trinity
2. MG: Groomed
3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Marigold Skin Tone
5. Candy Nail: Diva Blue
6. WetCat: Poses

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Most Debonair Character -- Featuring Lybra from The Month of Games,

I can remember the first time I played clue. It was with cousins and one of the cousins was a few years older than I and then her younger brother was my age. She had the game, and considered her wisdom at 14 to be worldly and elevated to heights we could not have possibly attained yet at 10 or 11. Then our mothers did that motherly thing and made us 'play nicely' together. That was good news for two of us, but the elder cousin was so miffed. I can recall her explaining with that huff that's only perfected around the age of 14!
It really was a sophisticated game, and a game for grown-ups. She told us that throughout the hour or so she was forced to play with us, and at that time, I truly had no clue what I was doing. Pun intended. I just remembered feeling like I'd reached a new stage in life. The game was about adults in adult situations in rooms that I'd never heard of, like a conservatory.
When I saw the gown from Lybra, all those thoughts came rushing back, as if they happened yesterday. The dress IS all grown up, sexy, classy, elegant and suitable to that image of one of the characters in the game. "Ms. Peacock, represented by the blue piece on the game board, is considered to be the most wealthy and debonair character in the game." Instead of taking the peacock literally and going in that direction, Lybra captured the essence of the original character, and modernized it to be a delicious evening gown, perfect for soirees, an evening at the Met or something else equally 'debonair'.

Featuring from !:Lybra:! at The Month of Games Ms. Peacock Gown
Featuring from Dulce Secrets at Designer Showcase Boudoir Tainted Eyeshadow
1. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skin Tone
3. SLink: High Feet Female
-- Elegant 1 Hands
4. [AMARELO MANGA]: Earrings
5. Morphine: Juliana Lips
6. MG: Wild Full Thick Lashes
7. Tukinowaguma: Edia
8. Corpus Poses

Misty Eyed Emotions - Featuring from Designer Showcase - Artizana and LMD; also ~SB~ and EMO-tions

Designer Showcase means awesome deals for designers you might know and love or maybe you'll find a new designer and fall in love. Either way, it's a beautiful location, and new.
Artizana offered something really different this time, the Belili, but I'm coming to a place where I really like the perspective of Artizana, so when I 'added' my flower from them, and was posed while holding the flower, it immediately evoked emotion. I think that's interesting, unexpected and beautiful. I thought about loved ones I know and have lost, and for friends and family who've lost special people, dear friends, and couldn't help but stop and whisper prayers meant to sprinkle across the world and touch each of us.
The romper also comes from Designer Showcase made by LMD, Julia Romper Goldrush. Hair new from EMO-tions as a gift added a touch of innocence and heart. I finally found a great use for my Summer Fruits nails for hands and feet from ~SB~.
The whole style made me feel summery, emotional but in the misty eyed sort of way, and then I decided to use the last of the three photos as a Stand4Love photo as well, so you can see that version up in my cover photo.

Featuring from ~SB~ Summer Fruits Nails Hands and Feet
Featuring from Designer Showcase Artizana Belili (Serendipity) (Pose included holding flower.)
Featuring from Designer Showcase LMD Julia Romper Gold Rush
Featuring from EMO-tions Holly
1. Gaeline: Felicia
2. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skin Tone
4. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
-- High Female Feet
5. Morphine: Azuka Dark Lips
-- Kazumi Eyeshadow Fresco Liner
6. Avante Poses (Sitting)
7. Manifeste Poses (Standing)
8. **Brii** Diana White Heels for SLink

Monday, July 14, 2014

Super Super Sweet From Candyland -- Featuring Haute Couture Design from The Month of Games, Wicca's Wardrobe from The Instruments, and New Designs from BSD

The fantasy world shown vividly through board games come to life in a variety of ways makes for creative designs at The Month of Games event. Siren Productions continues to bring inspiration to the fashion industry with themed events like this one. Candyland, Clue and Chess all remind me of special memories. I needed that. Maybe we all do sometimes.
This sweet gown, the Poute Frostine gown, comes from Haute Couture Design and can be found at The Month of Games til July 31. At The Instruments this month, Wicca's Wardrobe offers collar and cuffs that match. They have a dramatic flair and took this super almost get cavities sweet outfit and added just the right touch. A new Legendary Beauty handbag and Fashion Trend pair of heels completed the look with each of those items created by BSD Design studio. In both pictures, the playful youth of Candyland has been evoked.

Each of these designers are represented in the styling shared above:
Featuring from The Month of Games Haute Couture Design Poute Frostine Gown
Featuring from The Instruments July Wicca's Wardrobe Dark Desire Collar and Cuffs
Featuring from {{BSD Design Studio}} Legendary Beauty Handbag
Featuring from {{BSD Design Studio}} Fashion Trend Zigzag
1. Amacci Hair - Silvia
2. by Caryn - Black Lace Mask
3. Gaeline - Mesh Lashes Felicia
4. KMADD/Moda - Mesh Eyes
5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes - Blossom Skin Tone
6. SLink Elegant 1 Hands
7. Morphine - Heather Indecisive Eyes Blue
8. Pichi - Rich Shimmer Lips Rebel
9. Pose one (standing) - Corpus poses
10 Pose two (jumping) - [[Masoom]]

Sunday, July 13, 2014

I Can Do Anything... -- Featuring red(sans) from the Month of Games and !Elemental Designs from Designer Showcase

In the last six months I've learned more about the stress and joys that women of color face in their day to day lives. Not the ones they lead on SL because there are so many other things you can be on SL that it's rare to find any single person who's attempted to copy their 'self' into this virtual world down to the finest detail, no matter how hard they tried. Many, like me, enjoy the diversity of options and have explored everything. Because I've worked with October Bettencourt, fabulously sensational photographer, incredible plan and organizer (and if you haven't tapped into that people you do not know what you're missing!!), awesome business manager, owner and creator. Kyxe Skins & Shapes is a team effort, between October and Kyxea, and it's grown far more successful with October's hand in every aspect of the business. But some of you don't know is that she's also an amazing person off line, fiercely aggressive in a world where she's felt that if she was not fiercely aggressive, the world would pass her by, pay her no mind, because she was female and a woman of color. I often say to her, "They're idiots!" Because they probably are, if they're willing to look at this beautifully creative dynamic person and only see skin tone and gender.
As I've listened to her tell me bits and pieces of her story over the past few months, I've felt more and more connected to that story and more disconcerted by it as well. We often hear people say, "That's not fair." And another echoes, "Life isn't fair." No, life isn't. We have to make the most of any given moment, regardless of who we are, what our gender, our race, our religion and though Western so-called civilized men(andwomen??) say things in this part of the world is different, no stereotypes, quit your whining, do your job, that's really not true. The disparity between certain minority skin tones and the money they make truly exists. The jobs available to men vs. women continue to be on two different orbits, and even if the jobs have the same exact description, quite often a man will make $10 an hour while the woman in the same exact job makes $7 and hour.
I was sitting on this horse and chariot today, taking some photos. I've used this for other photo shoots, since the beginning and wanting so badly to become a model, and each time I think it's hit me differently. Today, I was a dark skinned princess, waiting for my knight in shining armor. I was thinking about skin tone, which I really rarely do, and many of the things I've heard and processed as I shared friendship with October. She is Ooo-la-licious. She's someone you should know if you don't because knowing her will affect your life. You'll learn something and gain a friend. I think all little girls dream of the handsome prince, the charming ball, and getting the lovely girl at the end of the story. I don't think race, creed or gender should affect our dreams OR our ability to make our dreams come true in our world today. It's sad that skin tone does generate completely different reactions, and provide completely different opportunities, and different in this case being a negative thing. I was sitting there, on the step of that carriage, lost in virtual space, lost in thought, praying that time would heal old wounds and allow people to be themselves, whoever self is.

http://www.sparksummit.com/2013/04/17/bright-like-a-diamond-white-like-a-princess/

A Princess styled with the beautiful creations of these designers:
Featuring from The Month of Games (red)sans Cluedo
Featuring from Designer Showcase !Elemental Designs Brielle Set
1. MG- Party Inverted Crown Lashes
2. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Chocolat Skin Tone w. Makeup
4. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
5. FINESMITH: SLink Fingernails Illustrated
6. -=UZURI=- Bibi Cuff
7. Poses Added to Prop at Image Essentials Photo Studios

Friday, July 11, 2014

A Bittersweet Memory -- Featuring -AZUL- and -{ZOZ}- from The Month of Games Event (Coming Very Soon!!)

This week has been a challenge for me. In order to put myself out there, from the beginning of my blog until now, I've had to do a lot of learning, growing, trusting that with each new trick or tip I receive and each new client I got to work with, I would naturally and in time grow better at my craft. Sometimes I have so much to share, I have compromised zealous artistry in exchange for beautiful, perhaps simpler pictures so I could do more in a day. It was a conscious choice and in other situations I might have chosen differently. I'm sure other bloggers might have had their own path to walk.

I've never been the type of person to put myself up on a pedastal, to show the world look at me, how great am I, fantastically pumping myself up, even if inside I knew I was nothing to be shared on center stage. There are divas, and people who need that attention and I do understand. Some have even earned the kudos, and to their work, I tilt my head and give credit where it's been earned.

I've also not been the sort of person who puts myself down so that all my favorite inner circle of friends would say, "Oh no Caryn, you're not terrible. You're great at this." and pat me on the head or shoulder and stroke my ego. To me, that feels false and like one fishing for compliments. That too is not my style.



I've tried to be very realistic about my understanding of fashion, worked hard, done my home work, practiced, practiced, practiced (that's why I began blogging in the first place, to practice styling so I'd become a better model eventually). I knew when I was six months old, what I thought was fair expectation of myself, where I needed to work on things, and what I was getting a grasp of, and at a year, and at 18 months, and so forth. I knew when I finally graduated MVWMA, that was a major step. I learned that I liked life behind a camera, figuring out the style, playing barbie and putting together the puzzle of styles that incorporated a lot of designers the most. It's why I put more and more time into my blog.

Then last weekend, I had a company, one of my dream jobs, "When I get better at blogging, I'm going to work for them one day..." a company who'd hired me to blog about six months ago came to me and said they were reorganizing things, and part of that would mean letting some of their current bloggers go and others would be hired. I listened with respect. Ultimately, I've always known that blogging was not meant to be about Caryn, but about the very best for any given business at any given time. I understood this business and it's desire to work with others in this line of work, and I heard clearly what was lacking in my own work and why I no longer fit into the company overall goal and dynamic. Knowing all of this, and keeping it professional did not mean it didn't hurt me and my feelings deeply. I felt like I'd failed myself. I did ARRIVE. I did get hired by that company, and then I un-arrived, because I got in essence a pink slip. I hadn't really ever considered the possibility that we could get fired here. So it's really NOT about Caryn. I really have to professionally make it about the business, each business, each time I come in and share.



I'm going to have some great days, massively creative, artistic, and fun. I'm going to have a lot of medium days, where I'm doing my work, doing what I believe is expected of me, and working my tush off to blog as much as possible to show the world how fantastic this or that thing is. But... this week, I've had to pause and take a deep breath. This thing I love, and I really do love what I do, really could be taken away from me and I hadn't considered that. It's a risk now, to stay, and let someone else say "You're not good enough." That's hard for any of us to hear. You're cut from the team. You're... out.

I really don't need or want this note to be met with that type of reaction that I described a few paragraphs up, where I tell you I'm distressed, disappointed, depressed even, and need a little time to rebalance, and you tell me, as the great friends you are, all the positive little tidbits, and all the reasons you support me, and the great things I know some of you would write. You've supported me in this adventure, from the beginning. You've seen me cheer for the amazing moments. I just need you here too, when the sad moments pop up, and I suppose there are sad moments in ever facet of life. Even the principle dancer who's won 12 Tony awards eventually gets replaced. And I'm far from the principle.

A photo that might suit the MVW 2014 entry

It gave me impetus to change in a direction I had wanted to go as December 2013 passed into memory and 2014 January loomed. I didn't make the change then but the idea was a seed that began to grow after this recent conversation with the one business owner. I withdrew from every business I worked with and changed the focus of my blog to events, sales platforms like Designer Showcase and Couturier's Docks, and find the exposure to multiple designers in this manner gives me new energy, new fuel to try new things, and new focus. I think it will in turn give me new balance, and one of my life's key words is balance. I'm not angry at the decision of the business, to drop me as a blogger, and go in other directions with other different styled bloggers. I didn't argue their decision or plead, Please please keep me. It's not my style and if we are living in a professional world, I would hope that doesn't happen in general in any place I work. I did get sad. The sadness will pass. I really really wanted to work for that business. And for a time, I did. Now, I don't know what will come next. There's a fear that crept in, a fear that somehow I'm going to lose other supporters, and grow backwards. I rarely let fear rule the day.

Today, as I begin July 12, I'm wearing a gorgeous gown from -AZUL-. It's one of those many designers whom I just loved from afar for a long time because I could not afford their designs, and I did not have the skill or time as a blogger in yet to earn their recognition. When AZUL did grant me the privilege of joining their blog team, I cried. The good things always will outweigh the sad moments. And wearing a bridal gown, in July, a hopeful romantic, I thought only of the warm and wonderful things a bride feels, the newness of life, the new things coming next, and it seemed to fit into that melancholy I'd been battling, and finally allowed me to chase away the blues. Yes, I lost an account, a sponsor I really wanted to work with and for, but I've been so blessed and worked with so many incredible people. Even if a few drops of sadness have to be included in this life and this job in this virtual universe, I wouldn't change a thing. The gown - Faith - reminds me of that fresh new life of a bride, and the name, Faith, reminds me that faith must accompany all things we attempt, faith in self, faith in a higher power, faith in friends. It's all part of what makes my world work. I'm glad you're a part of it, each of you. And if you decide tomorrow that I no longer fit your company's needs, I will respond professionally, I will be sad for a time, and then I will get on with this thing we call life, living it to the very best I know how at any given moment. **(One new designer who continues to show up at many events is ZOZ and the nails created for the Candyland theme at The Month of Games is just one more set of nails they've done and they've become my new favorite rising star designer that I believe is going straight to the top!)


I'm grateful for each designer who made this style possible:
Featuring -AZUL- Bridal - Faith
Featuring from The Month of Games ZOZ Candy Lines Polish for SLink Hands
1. [[j'adore]]: Aqua
2. EMO-tions: Pola
3. Gaeline: Phantasmogoria
4. Face Paint 2014: Breezy 2
5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skin Tone (Hannah)
6. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
7. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Month of Games and KL Couture -- Plus New From Sabra Style

I love it when something takes me back to good childhood memories. One of those things is the scent of cotton candy. I'm still a candy-a-holic to this day. I probably consume enough candy that it should be considered one of Caryn's 4 food groups. When I learned that The Month of Games, sponsored by Siren Productions, would feature three games and one of them was Candyland, I knew I was in for a delicious calorie-less treat. You can't gain weight if you nibble at candy in Second Life. Promise!
The dress with the pale pink ruffle and bow at the back comes from KL Couture. I splashed a lot more color, all around, and had to go with the cotton candy type hair, though it's originally a head piece from Lyrical B!zarre Templates. The fan skirt and shoulder are the same piece copied and one repurposed so that it matched, comes from Sabra Style Amelia Evening gown. It's beautiful, and I thought the brilliant purple plumes would suit the overall theme of indulgence in my ever avid sweet tooth.
You'll find a plethora of fun beginning July 12th, running through the 31st at The Month of Games. Along with Siren Productions, AIM, BOSL, Boulevard, Culture Magazine, Designing SL, ModeLS Magazine, SCALA, SL Live Radio, and Versus Magazine all combined efforts to produce this fabulous event. With designers galore and each designer styling 3 exclusive pieces, one for each game chosen, you'll find something to love and loads of summer memories from childhood flickering. Candyland, Clue and Chess have been chosen and those exclusive pieces will each represent something from each game. If you would like more information, you can follow this link: http://sirenproductionsl.com/month-games-coming/

Each of these designers made this styling possible:
Featuring from Sabra Style Amelia Evening Gown (Pieces) Fan Skirt
Featuring from KL Couture at The Month of Games Gourmandise 
1. AIDORU: Dream Tiptoe Feet
2. !Lyrical B!zarre Templates: Wander Necklace
-- Cotton Candy Headpiece
3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Blossom Skin Tone
-- Candy Eyeshadow Powder Blue
4. Morphine: Heather Lips Lily Dark
5. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
6. Corpus Poses

Monday, July 7, 2014

Tomorrow, Who Knows? -- Featuring ECRU from Designer Showcase, WTB, Chop Zuey, EMO-tions and **Feel**

I warn those who are close to me that my life has been on a veritable roller coaster since the day I was born. I came into the world and became a ward of the state instantly. I spent the first year and 3 days of my life in the University of Virginia's ICU for little tiny people. I've heard off and on through my life, and long before I understood words, "You're not going to make it." I suppose I just took it as a dare. "You wanna bet?" So here I am, 45 and I'm still making it, one day at a time, and hopeful that you out there, reading my words, are taking the same dare life gives. I know it's tough sometimes. A special person dies. A loved one gets injured or ill. A baby is born with special needs. I know that you can make it. If you need to take it one small step at a time, you CAN do it. When I hear your stories, turn a listening ear into a virtual hug, I also know deep down inside that if I could make the conscious decision to survive this roller coaster we all call life, YOU CAN Too!!
I love evolution of self. It happens off line and online. I also love History, a fanatic about it really. It helps to see where we've been so we can figure out what we are and where we're going. SL turned 2 shortly after I joined. There was a team pulled together of Lindens and users, creators, and important figures of that generation. Now we're in the midst of turning 11 and there's going to be an SL-2 somewhere in the future. It's evolution. And each of us will figure out how to survive. We'll find our niche, stay in the first world or travel to the second and whatever each decides, it will be for a reason, important, and wherever you invest time and heart, you will find home.
I really enjoy blogging. I know it will be here, whether it's for this sim or that designer, or even for the next incarnation of SL. For now, I'm going to do this thing, this latest evolution of my own, blogging events and specialty spaces and sales rooms. It's my way of broadening my own experiences and exposure to more, more designers, more creative people, and more friends. I have E C R U heels on in the first photo, and they're from July at Designer Showcase. I've got a new top and mini from WTB, an item that was at a recent event that's now available in their main store! Chop Zuey has a great men's belt out as a gift this month. I resized it and used it as a choker. I'm also wearing a new ring from **Feel**. And EMO-tions put a pair of new colors out for the hair "Shakira" - Snow (seen in the photo) and Black (not shown). I have it in an Ombre and another color and now have these two colors as well. Between great events, sales and the generosity of designers who share loads of gifts, there's always something fun to wear as we continue to enjoy the only Second Life we've known. Tomorrow, who knows?

The following designers made this style possible:
Featuring from E C R U at Designer Showcase Entice Stilettos
Featuring new gift from Chop Zuey (Men) American Men's Belt - Altered Size and Worn on Throat as Choker
Featuring (new to my blog) WTB MS Paillettes Mesh Outfit
Featuring (new to my blog) **Feel** Cross&Butterfly Triple Ring
Featuring new gift from EMO-tions Shakira Snow (and Black not shown)
1. Chop Zuey: Hana Shobu BellyRing
2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Orchid Skin Tone
-- Glamour Lips Butterscotch
3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
4. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
5. Morphine: Freya Cat Eyeshadow
6. Gaeline: Manificia Lashes
7. Corpus Poses

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Summer Fashion Festival (Last Day): ArisAris and Blue Couture - Designer Showcase: [Opal] and Moondance Boutique - Plus Zibska and KANDINSKY

Today marks the last day of the summer fun event, Summer Fashion Festival and I've two more items to show you from there before the day ends. If you'll notice, there's a simple black dress with white dots as the basic element of my styling. The dress is ArisAris, and its simplicity with just a few fine details like those around the bust are one reason I enjoyed this dress despite the fact that it looks similar to many I have worn. The accessories I used are from Blue Couture, and they were designed to accompany a night gown / lingerie set. Instead I pulled one of the feathered arm pieces, the unique belted posture collar and the belt and added them to spice up the dress.
Designer Showcase runs a month at a time and always brings new designers to the table, as well as providing a great venue for more well known designers to offer special prices and expose new faces to their great quality items. This styling includes items from two different jewelers, both with several pieces at Designer Showcase July. Moondance Boutique's Gaia earrings shine just a bit and lit my cheek up just a smidge when I was standing with the sun setting. It was a neat lighting effect. The ring comes in several color options from [Opal] and worked well into my shades of grey styling.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Corrupted%20Innocence/163/57/23
Zibska made this 'ball and chain' type hat for an event that occurred recently and I had not quite figured out when to use it. I almost used a different hat, but my sweetheart who's been home all weekend and thus eyes over my shoulder at times asked me, "Why would you wear a flower pot on your head?" So instead of explaining to him that it was couture and sexy ~grin~ I went through my box of hats that I haven't blogged yet and asked, "This one?" about 11 times before he said, "Yes!" So Zibska, like the judges on all these reality shows say, "You made it through." The hat's name is Sadie Noir. I just think it looks a bit like the old ball and chain used in some movies to represent poor old married folks, and in this case, the ball and chain helped me make a decision for this styling, so with tongue in cheek, yay!
I still have an array of items from KANDINSKY that I want to show. They're also from an event that concluded recently but I couldn't bear to through them away as they seem to mirror some of my favorite items from Game of Thrones, and for that alone, they get a bit longer in my inventory before I separate and discard, and low and behold, the Willow heels for SLink mid-high feet fit this style exactly! With all the puzzle pieces together, I really loved the overall look. Black and white stay in style every season. I promise to make the next blog POP with color but this time, shades of grey won the day.

So many great designers are represented here. Thanks to each of you!
Featuring from Summer Fashion Festival (Last Day) ArisAris Dots Tube Dress
Featuring from Summer Fashion Festival (Last Day) Blue Couture Sexy Night Set
Featuring from Designer Showcase [Opal] Tango Black & Silver Ring
Featuring from Designer Showcase Moondance Boutique Gaia Earrings
Featuring from Zibska Sadie Noir Hat
Featuring from KANDINSKY Willow Mary Janes for SLink Feet
1. JUMO Armorial Lips Black
2. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
-- Female Mid-High Feet
3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skin Tone
4. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
5. EMO-tions: Pria
6. Gaeline: Natura Lashes
7. Manifeste Poses

Saturday, July 5, 2014

It's Something Special -- Featuring NEW Jewelry from Chop Zuey and New Gifts Too!

There's something special about being a part of something bigger than yourself and that's always true in the Chop Zuey groups. I get to work with some of the finest, most revered models in Second Life and for one of the premiere jewelers on the grid. It's a dream job, a dream life, and one I feel like I should shout loudly, "Thank you!!!" every day or so because of the privilege.
Belle Roussel announced a new design release just in time for the weekend called Chromatica, a set of jewelry that includes earrings, necklace and a set of bracelets you can mix and match, all on a HUD that lets you choose metal and then colors to add. I mixed silver with red and blue and felt quite patriotic.
With the new jewelry, I also had a new outfit from Belle's Sky Boutique. If you haven't visited the Sky Boutique to see how Chop Zuey makes clothing and accessories into wearable flickery beauty, you should go! The Spangles Bangles and Fireworks outfit shows one example of this clothing that's also jewelry.
Also, the Yankee Doodle handbad should tempt you to try Chop Zuey accessories!

Thank you Belle and Chop Zuey for allowing me to be a part of your world and share your art:
Featuring from Chop Zuey Chromatica Texture Change Set
Featuring from Chop Zuey Yankee Doodle Dandy Bag
Featuring from Chop Zuey Spangles Bangles and Fireworks Outfit
1. SLink: Female Feet High
-- Elegant 1 Hands
2. ZoZ: Nail Appliers Hands and Feet ZoZ Dark Spring Silver
3. HOLLYHOOD: Vida Heels
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Marigold Skin Tone
5. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
-- Fabulous Darling Lashes
6. >Asset< Cao Cao Hair
7. Poses from Trinity Graves - Starlett 4 - Built into stand at Chop Zuey

Friday, July 4, 2014

Lindy and Dulce Secrets at Designer Showcase, AsHmOoT at Summer Fashion Festival, !Lyrical B!zarre Templates at Lyfe of Style, and NEW from Truth

But even in the midst of family time and that all important binging, I like to make time to poke into our shared world in SL and find a new style in the mix and match of my inventory that showcases elements from around the grid, just like this summer look that seemed to fit the mood of a holiday weekend.
Lyrical B!zarre Templates has a great Sounds Rouge outfit and jewelry as well at Lyfe of Style's sale room, and in these photos I used the jewelry here. I took the glow off and added a little shininess to the objects to make them a little darker to suit the dark reds and blacks in the top and skirt - from AsHmOoT - found at Summer Fashion Festival. The new hair from Truth - Dasha - is one of those styles that I wear all summer long and made me think of home.
Two items are from the Designer Showcase. Remember ** Designer Showcase has moved! The shoes are from Lindy and the eye shadow is new from ::Dulce Secrets::. I hope you're having a mad fun weekend with your special someones and if you're from the US, Happy Fourth!

These designers contributed to make this style possible. My thanks!
Featuring from Lindy Falyn BlackPat at Designer Showcase
Featuring from AsHmOoT at Summer Fashion Festival SS Coll KV Summer Pret a Porter 
Featuring from ::Dulce Secrets:: at Designer Showcase Boudoir Foxy Eyeshadow
Featuring from Lyrical Bizarre Templates at Lyfe of Style Sounds Jewelry Rouge
Featuring Truth Dasha
1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Blossom Skin Tone
2. SLink: Mid High Feet
-- Elegant 1 Hands
3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
4. Pichi Rich Summer Lips Color Jist
5. j'adore Poses

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

It's Not Over -- Featuring EMO-tions, Essenze at Designer Showcase, !Lyrical B!zarre Templates at Art in Hats, and [AD] - Angels and Demos

Designer Showcase comes around new every month with new temptations, and new ideas from designers you might recognize and sometimes designers who you've never seen previously. The shoes from Essenz have a color change HUD so you get 6 tones for the price of one pair of shoes and at a reduced price because it's a sale room. They have a range of colors that will work with every season as well. **Important News Designer Showcase has moved: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Corrupted%20Innocence/163/57/23
I got so invested in the project earlier this Spring put together by the team at SAVIAD that I had the choice to pick a few items I'd like to blog as a 'prize' and still have a few of those items. This Louise dress from [AD] Angels and Demons was one of my choices. I liked it's elegant texturing and the fact that it was a knee length skirt. Not too fancy, not too casual and tres chic. New hair and jewelry from EMO-tions, the hair called Roxeanne and the jewelry called Beloved come as the last pieces from my blogging for EMO-tions specifically and as I work through all the pieces from each designer who'd helped make my blog successful, I counted each piece with the joy that designer brought. Mirja Mills keeps her products up to date, with fashion and with what crafters can do in SL.
The little mesh pieces of the hat from Art in Hats by Lyrical B!zarre Templates seem to flutter away, almost like little life critters instead of a simple hat. At water's edge, with a sea breeze, it's easy to see why they would lift off and try to fly. I really enjoy Lyrical Bizarre's ability to take an idea in 2d and build it in different programs that I cannot follow for the life of me, like Greek only worse! then makes the most fascinating shapes and fashion for us to try as a result. This hat is but one small example of that.

My deep felt thanks for each designer who supplied items to make this blog possible:
Featuring from EMO-tions Roxanne
Featuring from Designer Showcase Essenz Cancun
Featuring from Art In Hats Event Lyrical Bizarre Templates Blown Hat
Featuring from [AD] Louise Mesh Dress
Featuring from EMO-tions Beloved Jewelry
1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Pearl Skin Tone
-- Captivate Juicy Lips
-- Harmony Mochatini Shadow
2. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
-- Mid High Feet
3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
4. Gaeline: Mysteria
5. Focus Poses

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Down Where It's Wetter, That's Where It's Better, Take It From Me - Featuring from Summer Fashion Festival OrsiniRed, and new from Carrie's Lingerie

One of the last things I requested for blogging comes from Carrie's Lingerie. She's pumping thunder as my gramma would say, meaning, 'working quickly' and there have been several yummy releases recently. This one called Sami I chose to wear in Slate blue.
It's paired with a unique set of head pieces created by OrsiniRed for Summer Fashion Festival and gave me the very sense of under the sea. So there I went swimming, without a mermaid's tail but I'm sure if I'd had the camera at the right angle, I might have seen one.
I love the ocean. I love the world of fantasy in Second Life, where I can dream of swimming down deep in the sea and never need to take a quick breath. Dissociation from reality is one reason among many that I love Second Life. I hope you love the lingerie, and the deep sea adventure.

Thank you to these incredible designers:
Featuring from Carrie's Lingerie Sami in Slate
Featuring from Summer Fashion Festival OrsiniRed I'm the Sea Headpiece
1. KaTink: Roxeanne Set 1
2. Morphine: Freya Cat Eyeshadow Purple Full
3. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
-- Female High Feet
4. Chop Zuey: MVW Eilfu in Black
5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Papavar Skin Tone - Candice
-- Glamour Lips Butterscotch
6. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes
7. *~Damesfly*~ Jase