Costumes and Fun -- Featuring A.F.I Designs, Sabra Style, Chop Zuey, Dark Horse Style; :{MV}: from the Promenade

This compilation began with a new look from A.F.I Designs called SheWonka. It's the time of year when designers from all over the place put a lot of fun into their already great work. It comes with a tiny Wonka top hat that I decided not to use. I pulled on a pair of dark purple Moira slacks from a new release from Sabra Style. The earrings sparkle brightly the talent of Belle and Chop Zuey.

More new nails to show you, thanks to the opening of the store Dark Horse Style, this time Gold Stripe Polka Dot Dark. A mouthful but beautiful on the hands. Beautiful sandals from :{MV}: called Liberty come from the Promenade. I have fun with every new outfit I get to put together but I do love the fun frivolity of Halloween.

Featuring Dark Horse Style Gold Striped Polka Dots Dark

Featuring Sabra Style Moira Pants in Purple

Featuring Chop Zuey Bauble Bliss Gold/Purple/Topaz

Featuring :{MV}: Liberty Heels from the Promenade

Featuring A.F.I Designs SheWonka

1. SLink: Female Feet High

-- Elegant 1 Hands

2. October's 4Seasons: Blossom Skin Tone (Laila)

-- Juicy Lips Sherbert

-- Green Grapes Shadow Sparkle

-- Innocence Shadow Lavendar Mist

3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

4. Face Paint: Avant Liner Purple

5. Gaeline: Mysteria

6. Truth: Dove

7. Image Essentials: Poses from Graceful Elegance 2 and Body Shots

Loads of New - Nailed It at SAVIAD, h.m.a.e.m. at Couturier's Docks, Belle Amie, Chop Zuey, {mv}, Ch, KMADD/Moda

Wow, I'm having fun with styling lately. Tonight I put together a whole smorgasboard of items that I haven't shared previously. The SAVIAD Fair is represented by the crafty nails from Nailed It.

This month's Couturier's Docks host an array of talented designers that include this dress from h.m.a.e.m. Chop Zuey gives away far more than one could ever imagine and I know there's a world of customers out there who are so grateful for Belle's goodness, and that includes me! The bracelet comes from one of her recent gift releases.

I had leggings from {MV} still in my inbox to blog folder from Sexxx Sells event last month. I also had items from the Jewelry Expo event still unopened, both the Dragons from Belle Amie and Ch's ankle boots seen here.

And I could not thank KMADD/MODA Designs enough for the selection of hair styles. Truly a pleasure...

My thanks to each designer who made this blog possible:

Featuring Nailed It Wedding Nail Appliers from SAVIAD

Featuring h.m.a.e.m. from Couturier's Dock Giulia Dress

Featuring Chop Zuey Heart and Soul Bracelet

Featuring Belle Amie ~Anguinam~ Dragons Earrings and Ring

Featuring Ch Laura Ankle Boots

Featuring {MV} Wild Side Leggins

Featuring KMADD/Moda Ava Hair

1. WoW: Diva Lashes

2. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Captivate Lips

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skin Tone (Hannah)

5. SLink: Elegant 1

6. Poses built into props at KaTink

The Casual Side -- KMADD/MODA, EMO-tions, {MV}, ((Crystal Line)), and .::Shellac

Recently I read a hopeful warm note from one of the many terrific people I've had the joy of working with, Maddox Dupont.

Besides being a terrific designer, he's an enthusiastic friend and shared recently that he's hopefully, deeply and happily in love.

On his Facebook wall he writes, "And one man in particular has stolen my heart at the time in my life when I was most happiest to be on my own and did not even look for a relationship. He appeared out of no where and things just clicked - don't you love when that happens?"

My answer, "YES. I do love it when that happens." And I really loved his final thoughts on this same Facebook post, "Never give up on love. Stop searching. Work on yourself. Be happy. The right person will appear when you are ready to give and receive love. If you are in a relationship... Express your love and passion every day, every moment, without fear. We never know how much time we got left on this Earth. Make each moment count and don't leave anything unsaid. Appreciate and love your partner for great relationships are rare and need to be treasured and honored."

I agree. Live! Laugh! Love! Make every moment count.

Featured KMADD/Moda: James Beanie

-- JET Sneakers Canvas

-- Wool Pants Two Tone Light

Featured {MV} Wild Side Lingerie Vitae

Featured ((Crystal Line)) Twist Chain Earrings

Featured EMO-tions Legolan Gacha Rare

Featured .:Shellac Pump Up the Volume Gloss Pink

1. MADesigns: Eyelashes Perfection

-- Eyes Confidence Subtle Moss

2. Sexy Mama Valentine Nails

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Pearl

4. Manifeste Poses

Love Is In The Air... Featuring Dot-B-Fashion

I'm a sucker for romance, a hopeful romantic at heart, and always excited for those who find their 'someone special' in Second Life. It's even more fun when it's like Fashion Royalty.

The dress I have on this evening comes from Dot-B-Fashion. The owner and designer for Dot-B-Fashion - Boniefacio - has so many accolades in the fashion industry, respected by many. The dress' name "Ponchituti Dress 2', a perfect example of that fashion royalty and sweet true love as Ponchituti also earned so much respect for her role in the fashion industry as well. The two of them together set the fashion world on fire.

A mesh dress with a subtle simplicity stuns in black and white and celebrates the delight of the new groom and his adoration for his lovely Ponchituti. May they remain ever happy!

Featured:Dot-B-Fashion Ponchi Dress 2
1. EMO-tions: Aquaria Snow
2. Poetic Colors: Quicksilver
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria
4. Face Paint: Day and Night
5. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige
6. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
7. EMO-tions: Aphrodite Earrings
8. (mv): Bitchain White Boots
9. Taken on site at Image Essentials in the Studio 

Sweet Sweet Victory

Like many of you, I spent the day eagerly watching news, waiting to hear when the second suspect has been apprehended. I have prayed for the families affected by the deadly events that unfolded this week in Boston. I will continue to keep them in my thoughts as I know you will also.

Face Paint owns a piece of my heart by now, and continues to make me smile. This past weekend, I saw a great exaggerated eyes commercial on television and loved the look. I went immediately to Google images and found the photo. I never know when Eve will be inspired, but I love sharing suggestions. She really nailed it! A whole array of colors and combinations will be at Face Paint very soon.

Featured [Mirror's Enigma] Croix Light Skintone update
Featured [[Masoom]] Zinia Outfit
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Colors - Storm
3. Vanity Hair: Opium
4. [S H O C K]: Animalier Nails
5. R2: Beige


Since it felt like such a big day for families in the US, I chose a basic red white and blue pattern for this photo, showing [[Masoom]]'s Zinia Outfit. It's not easy to just stop thinking about everyone who protects us and the sacrifices they make when they talk about the death of officers, firemen, and so many others.

Featured {mv} Derezzed Boots Quicksilver
Featured {mv} Derezzed Quicksilver
Featured 7 Deadly S{k}ins Vanity B4d+T1
Featured EMO-tions Changes (from My Attic)
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Colors - Storm
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria
4. Face Paint: Gloss #6
5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails
6. Pink Cherry: Silver Grey Hoops
7. MD Leather Cuffs Set


If you look closely,  you'll see the image of a rose in the background. Roses are symbols of love, but we all know to be aware of the thorns. With the radical fun outfit I have on from {mv} I contrasted hard leather lines and straps with the softness of the rose. I think balance is important, and when life gets out of balance, it takes a while to retrieve it. 

Chantilly Lace and a Pretty Face

I get the most unique array of little things to blog in blogger packs. The other day, I received a special sculpt for the mouth, and when it was worn, it stuck my avi's tongue out to show a gummy bear on my tongue. I love the playful along with the serious fashion. Sometimes I get a whole pack of items designed to match so the consumer doesn't have to work too hard to match shoes and jewelry with the outfits they buy.

Featured 7 Deadly S{k}inss Envy B4a T2 DEF
Featured Mirror's Enigma Superbia Eyelashes
Featurd EMO-tions Paradise (from the Fantasy Faire, 100% for RFL)
Featured Shadow Moon Wild Thing Cheetah
Featured (My Styling) N@N@ Elven Upper Arm Bracelet
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Autum Colors - Storm
3. Face Paint: Call of the Wild
4. Shear Modifiable Tights by Caryn
5. (My Styling) N-Core: Special Edition Coquette
6. Image Essentials Pose
7. Adorkable Pose


Sometimes I want to see what I can do with pieces from multiple sources, but I also want to show you what the designer created when they made a recent release, so I came up with this idea, shown above in the photograph. I can style an outfit with pieces that mix and match, and show versatility, and also show you the original pack. Shadow Moon's Wild Thing Cheetah came with everything all ready to wear. I just played with it a bit and came up with my own interpretation shown also on the right.

Featured Shadow Moon Rainy Day Pillow Bench
Feature {mv} A.L New Promo Wild Side Lingerie
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Seriramis
3. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Colors Storm
4. Natural Beauty Lashes
5. Face Paint: Jane in Green
6. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold
7. Finesmith: Belly Gems


I pulled out a pair of beautiful metallic boots made by Mary Jane two years ago. I know most of fashion has to be about 'now', but then sometimes things that repeat themselves in different ways come in and out of fashion. Metallics are all over Spring Fashion Runways in 2013. The unique lingerie  from {mv} mixes mesh top and bottom with system stockings and garter for a sensual and differently shaped bikini. Not everything has to be new. Then again, I don't usually believe in absolutes anyway. I like to find my own instrument and play it wildly.

A Little Fun With a New Friend

This week, I had the joy of working with my very first fashion show, practicing walks, getting to know other models in this amazing setting, learning, absorbing and listening.

One of the new people, someone I'd seen in passing in several environments but someone I had not worked with previously, was Paradox Messmer aka Dox.

When I realized that my first project with DEJAVOGUE also would include Dox, I realized how much bigger this fashion world was getting for me. He's got one of those big personalities, almost as big as his wild hair!

We picked some dark duds and showcased some pose sets from one of the three designers who create and work on Image Essentials property, Demise of Flight.

The ferocity of the look was made more fun by sharing it with someone interesting, and someone who has the same interests, fashion and modeling, and brought his own sense of style to the table.

You'd think by these photos that we're a bit closer than we actually are, but as he's easy on the eyes and fun so who knows. Life is funny that way, in a good way. If you haven't seen him on the runway, you will soon. Get to know his aesthetic and his sense of energy.

New from Demise of Flight
Pair set Adored and Pair Set Engaged

Style Card for Paradox Messmer:
For more from Dox visit: http://fashion-frankenstein.blogspot.ca/
Skin: Breeze by thebodyco.
Eyes: Classic gen4- black coral by Poetic Colors
Hair: Caustic by Hairoin
Shirt: Minati Suit Shirt by Inmonster
Undershirt(s): Essential T by *BOOM* plus Athletic Undies Tank by Vitamen
Coat: Inventor coat by Ladies Who Lunch
Pants: Rocker leathers by A:S:S
Earrings: Cruxi earpiercing by Pekka
Belt: Luca Python belt by Mimikri
Boots: Mullingar boots by hoorenbeek
Makeup: Castoff by Madrid Solo, also lips from Madrid Solo Pouting Thomas - Special from Fashion for Life

EMO-tions - Joshua Dark Brown
{mv} - Bad Habit Dress 
{mv} - Dominion Boots 
Mirror's Enigma - Cursed Elemental Blue Eyes 
Mirror's Enigma - Medow Dusk Skintone 
1. Custom Shape
2. Sexy Mama Valentine Nails
3. MD - Leather Cuffs
4. From Face Paint's New Gems Make-up Accessories by Caryn

Take a Walk on the Wild Side (Fashion for Life, Drean Auction)

Everything eventually comes to a close and this weekend, the incredible Fashion for Life (Relay for Life) event sadly winds down. Before its gone for good, there are several items you may not yet know. One - the giant Colossus of Rhodes, a clever build like nothing else seen in Second Life will be sold and half the proceeds go to the Fashion for Life donations.

The other big news that was announced yesterday - The Dream Auction. Several designers I work for have agreed to participate in this event and wow, what a treat it will be. You'll  want to join in the auction! The notice shares a long list of participants, including EMO-tions. If you would like the full list of designers, feel free to IM me in world (caryn Ashdene) and I'll send it to you.

When you bid on one of these designers, you're bidding on a one of a kind custom design in their field of specialty. For a designer like EMO-tions, Mirja Mills, she makes clothing, jewelry and hair, so options might be endless but if you went with a designer that specializes in skins, you would want to bid on them to create a new skin for you (and not something outside their range of interest and skill.) What an opportunity. Whoever perks your interest, you should go for it, and all the proceeds go to the Fashion for Life (Relay for Life) charity.

Featured Emotions - Joshua Dark Brown
-- Note Regarding Auction for FFL Featured
{mv} - Bad Habit Dress from Fashon for Life Featured
{mv} - Dominion Boots from Fashion for Life Featured
Mirror's Enigma - Cursed Elemental Blue Eyes Exclusive from Skin Fair
Featured Mirror's Enigma - Medow Dusk Skintone Exclusive from Skin Fair
1. Custom Shape
2. Sexy Mama Valentine Nails
3. MD - Leather Cuffs
4. From Face Paint's New Gems Make-up Accessories by Caryn

Summertime... and the Livin` Is Easy (Fashion for Life Day 5)

I happen to work for a designer who's also amazing in other ways off line - she molds the minds of the next generation. This time of year always feels taxing when you work with young people, so I feel her exhaustion about now as we discuss work in world and life off line. This song came to mine, a famous song by Gershwin.

Mirror's Enigma has a great selection of items this week at Whore Couture. I had not yet been to this event and didn't realize it was already here! You can get three different skin tones and a selection of colors in the outfit as well. I love mesh and having mesh swimwear just makes sense. Now I know I wouldn't actually dive into the water wearing these boots, but I had to walk out on the diving board and look out over the water. It's summer time...

As for Fashion for Life, I have gone over to the dark side with this really amazing corset from {mv}. I feel so fortunate at times to just know these people, rub elbows with them as we say in the south, and soak up the creative genius.

For someone who's often seen as a sweet lil ladee, this really IS going to the dark side for me. Except that I'm not sure I'm a sweet lil lady to start with but I guess that's for others to decide. Who knows? Maybe it's just a really good mask and just behind this mask, I'm me, and I'm a handful!


Featured Mirror's Enigma (Whore Couture Fair) Iona Bronze Skintone
Featured Mirror's Enigma (Whore Couture Fair) Dreamy Black Eyes
Featured Mirror's Enigma (Whore Couture Fair) Iona Full Outfit Hot Pink
1. Custom Shape
2. Calico Ingmann: April Dark Mocha
3. [NikitaFride]: Long Eyelashes Ludic Drama
4. [S H O C K]: Animalier Nails
5. Finesmith: Belly Gem
6. HOC: Heavenly Rrose Necklace One Rose
7. Onyx Paw: Lip Piercing

Featured {mv} Unhinged Corsetry from Fashion for Life
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lighthouse%20of%20Alexandria/149/191/21
Featured Mirror's Enigma Iona Native Skintone (Whore Couture Fair)
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Seemiramis
3. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Moon
4. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Mysteria
5. Face Paint: Caryn 3
6. Sexy Mama Valentine Nails
7. Donna Flora: Bonin Necklace and Earrings
8. TEN: Noma Highboots

Strangelove... That's How My Love Goes

Styling, modeling, and all things related to the fashion world created a strange love in my heart. It's something I never had time to pay attention to while I was raising my guys, and something I couldn't afford. Second Life makes it a little more affordable, which is great, but learning fashion in Second Life as it relates to the world off line has been difficult for me. Part of my desire to succeed comes from a need to be challenged, a need to think and a need to step outside my comfort zone. What a strange love it can be.

Kicking back, I find myself in a setting in a world so far away from me that the credits at the opening of my movie might read by that oh so famous sci-fi release that came out in 1977... 'In a galaxy far far away...' It's not just a small shift. It's huge. And it's not nearly as easy as it looks.

So I invest time in this wild world I've chosen for myself. I question it often. I push myself hard. I question it some more. It's certainly not boring and I've always said that boredom was a sin. I feel deeply the need to connect, and to do it correctly. I learn from many in all sorts of settings. I hope this strange love I know keeps growing and growing, a healthy growth that enhances my world and yours.


Featured: {mv} - Memoirs Tunic
Featured: Silken Moon - Twisted Nights Concept Makeup
Featuerd: EMO-tions - Strangelove
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Oriental Pearl
3. Finesmih Nails: French Sky
4. Face Paint: OMG Gloss 7
5. Just You: Chrysalis Black
6. Carrie's Lingerie: Naughy Black Lace Bra
7. Mary Janes: Bold Leather Buckled Knee Boot
8. SD Wears: Mind Bender Stockings
9. Di's Opera Poses
10. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis

A Flickering Flame

I have often heard the saying "You're drawn to that like a moth to a flame." It's a warning. Moths try to get close to light for warmth, but if they get too close, their wings are damaged with imminent peril closely ensues. So many things tempt us. We want to be near the warmth of that thing, but no one wants to be burned.

The smallest flickering flame can light the world at night. Such power. I have to be careful that I find balance and moderation so I can enjoy things like cheesecake and shopping in Second Life without getting too close that I get burned. I also carefully seek friendships, business relationships, and connections in Second Life. Occasionally those too can spark like a flame with acuity and power, and on those occasions when it burns, it's painful. Thankfully, I've had far more positive connections than negative ones!

How close should I get to the flame's bright light? I have a few little singe marks on my wings, but for the most part, I have joy and balance. I hope the same is true for you. That warm feeling is so intoxicating whether it comes from shopping or hanging out with the latest trendy crowd. I know I want it. It is so easy to be the moth flitting close to the flickering flame.


Featured: Face Paint - Sunkissed 2
Featured: Morea Style - Julie (Includes Dress + Necklace
     + mod version of Necklace used as bracelet
Featured: EMO-tions Anna 2
Featured: {mv} - Bitchchain Boots White
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
5. Noya: Silver Music Nails
6. EMO-tions: Silver Hoops Earrings
7. [LAP]