On the Go -- From DOPE Fashion Week -vibe-, [CA], and From the Cosmetics Fair blackLiquid

I went over to Image Essentials Props and Poses early in the day or late in the night. Which one is it, if it's 2 a.m. but you haven't slept yet? I love going over there because Kay Weston set out to create a whole sim suited to photography and art, and put her touch on so many little mini-settings. I go over there from time to time just to see what's new.

When I pan back on a shot, it's because I just feel the energy and warmth of a place I visit, and want to show more than just a girl in a dress and leggins. There's something special about tapping into one another's imaginations. I get to dip into hers, and when I put on designs from people around the grid, I get to dip into theirs as well.

DOPE Fashion week is now at it's midway point. I've showed a few items and have a few more I hope to get out before it ends this weekend. It's great because its for Urban Wear and it's a theme I don't do a lot with otherwise. When I get a few pieces, from those who are participating, I've had fun pushing the envelope, and pushing myself just a smidge as well.

I don't think any of us would enjoy life if we found ourselves living in a rut. I cannot stand boredom. I think it's a cardinal sin, if there is such thing as a cardinal sin. The moment I even think I'm in a rut, I'm rushing around in my head to find something fresh, some new direction, and of course, always a new way to touch the world around me as much as it has touched me.

I am grateful to the designers who are represented here for their contribution to this style:

Featuring from DOPE Fashion Week -vibe- On the Go Spring Leggins

Featuring from DOPE Fashion Week [CA] Flower Dress Grape Mix

Featuring from Cosmetics Fair blackLiquid Eyewear Feline

1. Truth: Soleil

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina

3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Papavar Skin Tone

5. SLink: Elegant 1

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Nail Appliers

7. lassitude & ennui: Nostalgia Mesh Boots Purple

8. In-Pose!

9. Demise of Flight Poses

Not A Diva! -- Featuring In-Pose!, FINESMITH, Candy Nail, and J&A Rock Couture

Today, when I put this style together, Second Life and I were not having the best of times. Technical issues kept making me growl. Yes, I really do growl! One of my favorite people came down to ask me why I was bouncing in and out of the sim at Kyxe Skins & Shapes and as soon as Ms. O appeared, I stopped bouncing. I should have asked her to come much earlier in the afternoon. By the time she came to visit, I'd probably gotten to the most extreme of frustrations, the snarl level.

In case your computer or your Second Life gives you a hard time, I know the secret now. Just invite Ms. O over to where you're trying to work. She's a force of nature, a force to be reckoned with, and she seems to have the POWER. (Insert muahahahahaha here for effect)

The dress and poses are both from In-Pose. Trinity Graves has made poses as long as I've known her but she's been working with clothing creations and other content beyond poses for a while now, and I think this unique dress shows her aesthetic very well.

Paired with a new release from FINESMITH, the unusual hat AMIT, and a pair of heels that came with color changing options (which I love) from J&A Rock Couture, I felt well put together, despite the unrelenting network challenge.

And when Ms. O appeared she commented, "You Diva!" I laughed. I'm so not! But I did wear TWO sets of lashes because one of the other Kyxe Beauties does and I like to try out new ideas. But still, not a diva.

I'm always grateful for each designer who made my styling possible!

Featuring In-Pose! Coco Dress

Featuring FINESMITH AMIT - Black

Featuring Candy Nail Twist Black and Purple

Featuring J&A Rock Peeptoe Heels

Featuring In-Pose! Sazzy Poses

1. EMO-tions: Pola

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria and Starlia

3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Hannah Skin Tone

5. Kyxe Skins & ShapesL Dreamy Temptation Eyes

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Eggplant Gloss

7. FINESMITH: Cougar Set - Leopard and Black Pewter

One Billion Rising -- Featuring !Lyrical B!zarre, EMO-tions,

One thing I love most about Second Life is the opportunity to get involved in any number of charitable events, awareness raising events and even personal events that help provide for our immediate friends and family in world. In this case, the One Billion Rising campaign has a website for those of you who find it easier to donate to just causes via real world application and a website for those who prefer to donate via SL. There are events and gifts and fun ways to show your support today. The links listed here are borrowed from Loredana's wall. Thank you for taking a few moments to read about this event and participating where you can.

RL website: http://www.onebillionrising.org/
SL website: http://onebillionrisingsl2014.wordpress.com/
OBR 2013 SL video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AUYdrhoDfE

OBR Rise SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/OBR%20Rise/186/186/24
OBR Release SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/OBR%20Release/68/68/24
OBR Dance SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/OBR%20Dance/168/68/24
OBR Justice SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/OBR%20Justice/68/186/24

Group Photo Taken at Image Essentials 

 Taken at One Billion Rising SLURL

 Posing at Image Essentials One Billion Rising Photo-op

 Another Location at the One Billion Rising SLURL

And the Last One at One Billion Rising SLURL

Featured EMO-tions Shelby

Featured Morphine Kazumi Peach Skintone

Featured !Lyrical Bizarre Rise 2014 Gown

Featured ((Crystal Line)) Mabe Pearl Grape Accessories

1. MADesigns Eyes Confidence

2. SLink Elegant 1 Hands

3. In-Pose! 

My Holiday Card... Wherever You Are, Whatever You Do... Blessings To You!! -- Belladonna Couture, MADesigns and [AMARELA MANGO]

Here I am, at the end of a very special season. For me, it's Christmas. For others, it's Kwanza or Hanukkah. Still others focus almost completely on the end of a year and the preparation for a new one. I respect and care for the vast number of people who've supported me this year and to all of you, I want you to know you're wonderful, you're appreciated, and each of you have value.

In the next couple of days, I will try to style and photo a few more holiday gowns. I've had some Christmas celebration already and will have family come in and out of town for the rest of the year. I still want to show you the talent and beauty of the people who've been sponsoring me this year.

I chose this gown from Belladonna Couture particularly because it fit the colors of the setting. I thought the hair was unique and when I twisted it and angled it, it reminded me of a holiday tree. I added garland to the version I wore for the card, but the next photo shows the hair as it was when I got it, another amazing design from MADesigns.

I've been playing with colors and settings and all that was new this year with the arrival of a new laptop. I hope that the new hardware and the hard work I've invested into teaching myself and listening to friends has paid off and through this year, you've felt like you could see designs and art from the many represented here.

As with many challenging things in life, I'm at the point where I know enough to know there's so much more I need to learn. I love it, passionately - this learning experience. I love the writing and the photography and the styling. A new year dawns with more opportunity, a chance to write for a magazine or two. I'm just getting started!

I send you happy thoughts, positive energy and the warm glow of a heart that cares. Live! Love! Laugh!

Featuring Belladonna Couture Monte Carlo Gown Red

Featuring MADesigns Sia Light Blonde

Featuring [AMARELA MANGO] Silvia Set Emerald

1. MADesigns:

- Light Blonde Hairbase

- Eyes Attention Ravishing

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:

- Orchid Skintone

- Alabaster Lips - Cherry Blossom

- Hypnotic Eyes - Shaken Not Stirred

3. In-Pose!

4 Calling Birds? -- Featuring Crie Style, Image Factory, XH, MG, Son!a, In-Pose!, .::Shellac

In my little part of the world, the Southern US - South Carolina, or maybe when I was younger, influenced by people and thoughts that were more Northern, I learned the 12 Days of Christmas with the 4 Calling Birds as day four.

I had never heard of this species of bird, however, and never really paused to figure out what exactly a calling bird was. Needless to say, I was glad to find out it had nothing to do with euphemisms for things children shouldn't know!

It made me think of other things we say, things we've heard and just repeat, and how sometimes we might be repeating something uncouth or unkind and not even know it. I think that may be even more true when we share with people all over the world.

A calling bird doesn't really exist, I learned. It's an Americanization of the word 'COLLY' bird. And a colly bird doesn't have any special significance. They fly abundantly in flocks, and in the US, they're simply called black birds.

I really wasn't thinking of being a colly bird when I put this outfit together but as I talk about the children's song and the bird, and look at this unique little dress from In-Pose! I see a resemblance. And yes, I said In-Pose. Ms. Trinity Graves offers clothing as well as terrific poses now!

I used my shorter avi for this pose series and ended up taking more photos than I ever take. I just felt the fun in the moment and had one of those shutterbug moments. I love digital photography on here as well as off line, as we can take so many photos and find the best later without so much expense for film!

It's interesting, looking into the origin of words. Interesting to me anyway. I love the interaction with so many people in Second Life that I can hear phrases and word choices I never knew. I love the chance to work with designers who have great ideas, new ideas, fun ideas, and people who just enjoy life.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Crie Style Caerus from J&A Expo

Featuring IMaGE Factory Message Bag Love Set from J&A Expo

Featuring XH Burbank Hat from J&A Expo

Featuring MG Necklace Tiffany Back Necklace 1 Silver from J&A Expo

Featuring Son!a Madie Earrings Silver Onyx from J&A Expo

Also Featuring In-Pose! Belle

- Belle Boots

- Belle Coatdress

Also Featuring .::Shellac Put on Your Face (Intensity)

1. [Mirror's Enigma]: Freya Peach Skintone

2. [Mirror's Enigma]: Freya Cat EyeShadow

3. MADesigns: Eyelashes - Simplicity

4. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence - Blonde Ambition

5. Face Paint: Classic Square Prim Nails

6. Amacci Hair: Celine

7. SAAL Poses

Where Are Your Treasures? -- Featuring Tresor

If you asked me this question, I would say the answer lies all around me in real space and virtual space. The answer is a who, not a what, and you are part of that who. How could that be possible? I don't know you specifically. I know I do not. I know you make time to read this, these very words, and for that fact alone, I treasure you.

Featuring Tresor Halloween Party Dress

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Purple Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. *booN: QPT129

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint Nails: Nail Art

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma] Azuka Eyeshadow Shine 03

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Toasted Almond Lips

8. [[Masoom]] Poses

9. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

10. Finesmith: Cen Earrings and Necklace

As I get to know someone more, it often means I also give greater value to that person. Over time, some relationships feel bound by steel, forged in the fire of life's great ups and downs. Other relationships stick together like a spider's web. The tiny tendril of web they secrete offers one of the strongest fibers known to man.

(reminds me of a scene in Hitchcock's The Birds)

Featuring Tresor Halloween Party Dress

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Purple Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. *booN: QPT129

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint Nails: Nail Art

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma] Azuka Eyeshadow Shine 03

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Toasted Almond Lips

8. [[Masoom]] Poses

9. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

10. Finesmith: Cen Earrings and Necklace

Sadly, the reverse can happen. If a relationship begins in strength but finds it's tethers tested with loss of trust, the longer the relationship exists, the more it might fray or tangle. The only good I see in this comes from the fact that we know it happens and can compare the not so great moments to the great ones and realize how incredible the good moments are.

Featuring Tresor Halloween Party Dress

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Purple Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. *booN: QPT129

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint Nails: Nail Art

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma] Azuka Eyeshadow Shine 03

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Toasted Almond Lips

8. [[Masoom]] Poses

9. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

10. Finesmith: Cen Earrings and Necklace

Most metals break down. Many fibers fray. If I considered one of the metals as a treasure to me, I realize that in time, the metal would oxidize and no matter how beautiful and shiny it is now, sometime long from now, those features would no longer be true. Thankfully not all metals disintegrate. In like manner, not all fibers fray.

Featuring Tresor Kiss of the Spider Lady Gown

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Red Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Anna 2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Finesmith: French Manicure

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster

6. Hairoin: Day of the Dead Halloween Special

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Cherry Blossom Matte Lips

8. Finesmith: Love Angel Silver Set

9. BSD: Stay Cool Model - Raw

10. In-Pose! Poses

I know when I treasure something, I take good care of it. I put more time into making sure it lasts. If I put a little heart into it, I might make the treasure more valuable and able to last longer. This happens to be true for both things and people.

Featuring Tresor Kiss of the Spider Lady Gown

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Red Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Anna 2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Finesmith: French Manicure

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster

6. Hairoin: Day of the Dead Halloween Special

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Cherry Blossom Matte Lips

8. Finesmith: Love Angel Silver Set

9. BSD: Stay Cool Model - Raw

10. In-Pose! Poses

Knowing that a little effort goes a long way with easily seen visual things like tarnished silver shining once again after polishing it, I think the inference to things less easily seen might be made. I won't see a physical shine if I make time to call and talk to one of my sons, but I know it makes a difference in his life and in mine.

Featuring Tresor Kiss of the Spider Lady Gown

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Red Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Anna 2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Finesmith: French Manicure

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster

6. Hairoin: Day of the Dead Halloween Special

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Cherry Blossom Matte Lips

8. Finesmith: Love Angel Silver Set

9. BSD: Stay Cool Model - Raw

10. In-Pose! Poses

I believe some people would share different answers to the treasure question. That's okay. We're all wired differently. Wherever you find your treasure, I hope you remember its value and make time to hold it close. Keep it shiny. Make sure it knows it's treasured. Live! Laugh! Love!

The Shirt Off Their Back Sorta People -- Featuring Lyrical Bizarre

Have you met the sort of person who would give you the shirt off their back if they knew it was helping you? A rare few people in this world seem able to really embrace selflessness. Mother Theresa comes to mind. She truly poured more out of her then she ever asked for in return.

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Fall I C/M Dress

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Hearts Jewelry Set

1. Bliss: Lavinia

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

3. Face Paint: Black Liner

4. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Tan Skintone

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Delight Matte Lips and Dark Golden Sparkle Shadow

7. In-Pose!

Many of us make the effort to be polite, even kind. Some are able to put others' needs ahead of our own but then we also have those moments of selfishness. I'm human, and I believe that no matter how hard I work towards the idea of unconditional love, I will fall short.

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Fall I C/M Dress

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Hearts Jewelry Set

1. Bliss: Lavinia

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

3. Face Paint: Black Liner

4. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Tan Skintone

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Delight Matte Lips and Dark Golden Sparkle Shadow

7. In-Pose!

Some of the people I've met in Second Life remind me of this sort of personality. They are rare gems in their generosity. Before you ever express need, they're there with a warm shirt to help ward off the chill or some other thing for a need you don't even know you have yet.

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Fall I C/M Dress

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Hearts Jewelry Set

1. Bliss: Lavinia

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

3. Face Paint: Black Liner

4. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Tan Skintone

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Delight Matte Lips and Dark Golden Sparkle Shadow

7. In-Pose!

I'm not saying I've met Mother Theresa on Second Life. I have met some really thoughtful and giving people though. One of those people is Lyrical Bizarre. She creates templates which she sells full perms and has items boxed as demonstrations of what you can do with her templates.

I thought it was primarily jewelry, but then I found an assortment of gowns she'd put together as well. This one shown here offers one example. And there are a number of skirt choices, offering more opportunities to learn about prim clothing and how to create it with a 'finished' item to show you how.

I met her some time ago, through a fair or event somewhere along my journey but I re-met her recently. I found her generosity and her warmth both infectious. Since then, our paths have crossed a few times, and I'm continually inspired by her kindness. We don't exactly have shirts, but we do use a lot of well crafted pixels, and when she shared hers at one of those junctures in my Second Life journey, it meant a great deal.

Halloween Fun -- Featuring Baboom!

I get attached to different people in different ways, which makes sense, as it's not that different online than off line. I get to know people I see more often better than those who's only crossed my path once or twice.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

From time to time I have the joy of working with people from all sorts of places in the world where their first language is something other than English and they speak/type English really well in Second Life yet spend a lot of time apologizing for not doing so. One of those neat people is Kyra Camel.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Kyra creates an array of items, from gowns to casual wear, hats and shoes, and when you visit Baboom! you immediately get a sense for the talent of this neat woman. She speaks German as a first language and communicates terrifically well in English too!

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Summers can be difficult in Second Life business and this past summer was no different. People go on vaca, they spend time with children who are at home for the summer, and so many diversions distract them (and it's a healthy thing too!!) so they're not as avidly invested in Second Life.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Sometime in late Summer, I spoke briefly with Kyra. She had been working hard, creating all that she sold and sells at Baboom! and was feeling the crunch of summer numbers not being easy and I could tell she was frustrated with it.

This last summer, a number of stores closed their doors. When that happens, the people disperse. Some leave. Some recreate themselves under new names. Some even get new names and then open new stores. I sensed for Kyra though, that this was a make or break time. I'm so glad she chose to make it work another year, and now here we are at the end of October, and she's got this amazingly crafted dress out to entice you to visit and enjoy all things Baboom!

--P.S. Some people have already asked me about the skin. I've been in Second Life a very long time. Many things people created years ago are not useful in this newer, fancier SL, but now and then items in my inventory stand the test of time. The creator 'Wretched Dolls' made outfits suitable to the Lewis Carroll version of Alice in Wonderland, and this skin was one of many items I loved and used from that designer. I don't even know if the store exists, or if the person who made the store successful is in SL at this time.

Elegance Surrounds Me -- Featuring }RC{, Finesmith and the Finesmith Stay Calm Fall Bazaar

How can I not rejoice when I am given the privilege of working with a new sponsor? What some may not know about me and may or may not make a difference, I do not really 'shop' in Second Life. I signed up for it in 2005, March and I promised my husband at the time that it was a one time fee thing.

Featuring }RC{ Boheme Glow Gown

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Checkers Jewelry Set

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Incognito

3. Sexy Mama

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Tan Skintone

5. Kyxe: Golden Kiss Gloss

6. Kyxe: Evening Splendor Metallic Gold

7. In-Pose!

I'd read the hype and seen the newscast where Philip Linden said anyone could make money in Second Life. All they had to do was work. I was certain I could pay my way so to speak by working just as he suggested. And along the way, all sorts of positions have compensated me for work done.

Featuring }RC{ Boheme Glow Gown

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Checkers Jewelry Set

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Incognito

3. Sexy Mama

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Tan Skintone

5. Kyxe: Golden Kiss Gloss

6. Kyxe: Evening Splendor Metallic Gold

7. In-Pose!

My very first friends in Second Life used to tease me about being a Yard Sale fanatic. In the old days, before a lot of the ownership laws came into effect and so many other things changed in Second Life, many many items were sold NO copy but YES transfer.

Featuring }RC{ Boheme Glow Gown

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Checkers Jewelry Set

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Incognito

3. Sexy Mama

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Tan Skintone

5. Kyxe: Golden Kiss Gloss

6. Kyxe: Evening Splendor Metallic Gold

7. In-Pose!

People could also advertise their 'yard sale' in the Events list at the time, so these became proliferate for a while and I went to them regularly. I managed a club at the time and I liked a few new items here and there to wear to work. I volunteered at the time, so every discount I could find, I'd find it.

Featuring }RC{ Centauri Gold (gown found at Finesmith Keep Calm Fall Bazaar)

Featuring Finesmith Winter Drops Natural

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Bliss: Cieleste

3. Gaeline: Divina

4. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Medium Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Butterflies Lips 08

7. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Eyeshadow Silver 02

8. In-Pose!

It's really unique to me, to see how the Lindens and their monetary system evolved. It was shaped by its citizens and laws that had to be written to protect those citizens, not much different than economics in any country. As the laws came into play, the process to shop and find good deals changed too.

Featuring }RC{ Centauri Gold (gown found at Finesmith Keep Calm Fall Bazaar)

Featuring Finesmith Winter Drops Natural

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Bliss: Cieleste

3. Gaeline: Divina

4. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Medium Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Butterflies Lips 08

7. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Eyeshadow Silver 02

8. In-Pose!

I think it was December 2007 when I went to some of the malls near the club where I worked. I saw that the holiday festivities online encouraged designers to put out at least one new item and gift that item to anyone coming or going. It was before groups and group gifts. I began 'freebie' shopping.

Featuring }RC{ Centauri Gold (gown found at Finesmith Keep Calm Fall Bazaar)

Featuring Finesmith Winter Drops Natural

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Bliss: Cieleste

3. Gaeline: Divina

4. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Medium Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Butterflies Lips 08

7. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Eyeshadow Silver 02

8. In-Pose!

Now, there are still free items, but you often belong to this group or that, and only in the group can you access the great price. There are special venues like Designer Fusion and events like Finesmith's Stay Calm Fall Bazaar now that encourage designers to reduce one item or more, and share in tandem with other quality events.

As a matter of fact, the two dresses shown, The Boheme Glow Gown -1 and The Centauri Gold -2, on this blog plus the gorgeous Finesmith set, Winter Drops Natural, all come from the Finesmith Stay Calm Fall Bazaar.

I count every penny on every dollar on every Linden. I cherish the trust designers put in me who send me products to blog. I work to show my very best skills so their items have the greatest chance of being well marketed and hopefully bought.

I built my blog originally at the behest of a friend's advice at the time. I created it so that I could practice styling. I knew that as I developed as a model and blogger, I'd have the opportunity to work with more and more designers and that's come to pass.

I never looked down on the 'small business' or the 'new business' or the road less traveled. I styled to the best of my ability, no matter how artistic the designer was, how well they designed, or how well they were known in fashion circles.

I could not afford to go shop every day or every week at those super popular, super couture stores and blog their items I bought. To this day, I rely purely on the generosity of the designer who sends me items to review.

My personality really never changed. I still count carefully any Linden I spend. The irony to me at this point is that I receive some stunning pieces, lovely works of art, and because of the job I've chosen wholeheartedly - to blog daily-ish - I almost never get to wear an item twice.

That's okay to me though, because my heart's desire is that 1000 people see my new items daily and then they go to those designers, buy their clever work, and wear their purchases all over the grid.

I pause now and then to say thank you, to those who helped me get started, and to those who work with me currently. I've added RC Couture as a new sponsor, and it leaves me feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. I couldn't be happier with what I do in Second Life and how I spend my time.

Autumn Fashion -- Featuring Zanze and ~ghee

It's truly time to take a walk outside, breathe in the fresh air after living in canned air for the summer. Though to be fair, it's still quite warm during the day in my part of the world, but I saw on the news this morning that we might be in the high 50's tonight. For southerners like me, that's called 'COLD.'

Featuring Zanze Nina Dress

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion White Sneakers

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Light Skintone

4. Angel D-Signs: Piercing

5. Paddling Melody: Ripple Earrings

6. Pure Poison: Silver Tomnia Necklace

7. Tentacio: Winter Leggings - Green

8. [LAP] Poses

It's that time of year when you can wear a cute dress like this Nina Dress from Zanze, pair it with leggins for the cooler part of the day, then slip them off when the sun appears. I like to think of practical things as I'm styling, even if it's a pixel world where anything could exist, so having a versatile little dress like this one makes that kernel of reality that much better for me.

Featuring Zanze Nina Dress

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion White Sneakers

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Light Skintone

4. Angel D-Signs: Piercing

5. Paddling Melody: Ripple Earrings

6. Pure Poison: Silver Tomnia Necklace

7. Tentacio: Winter Leggings - Green

8. [LAP] Poses

It's not a bad thing at all that this dress made me feel a sense of child-like playfulness. It's one reason I chose to pair the dress with new tennis shoes from Dot-Be. I've only owned four pair of tennis shoes in Second Life, and this now makes five pair.

Featuring Zanze Nina Dress

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion White Sneakers

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Light Skintone

4. Angel D-Signs: Piercing

5. Paddling Melody: Ripple Earrings

6. Pure Poison: Silver Tomnia Necklace

7. Tentacio: Winter Leggings - Green

8. [LAP] Poses

For me off line, I'm a jeans and tee-shirt kinda girl. Not only that, I rarely get 'dressed' for the day in street clothes. I live in my jammies. I don't have a shopping fetish in Second Life because I'm constantly measuring the money I invest into it.

Featuring Zanze Nina Dress

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion White Sneakers

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Light Skintone

4. Angel D-Signs: Piercing

5. Paddling Melody: Ripple Earrings

6. Pure Poison: Silver Tomnia Necklace

7. Tentacio: Winter Leggings - Green

8. [LAP] Poses

Despite being born without the shopping gene, I do love to have a varied inventory in Second Life full of items that are nothing like what I wear off line. I think that's part of the fantasy for some of us. It's one reason blogging continues to truly thrill me. I get to style 'Barbie' (except we call her Caryn) over and over again.

Featuring ~ghee Chinoiserie Gown Paon

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. Face Paint: Black Liner

4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Light Skintone

6. Chop Zuey: Venetian Honey

7. Hairoin: Incognito

8. Juicy: Classic Pumps

9. In-Pose!

As a young girl, I had two male siblings and a neighborhood filled with fellas around my age. I didn't have a close female friend in any neighborhood where I lived except when I lived in Delaware for 2 years. Between brothers and neighbors, I ended up very much the wild tomboy, determined to keep up with all of them, and win when I could!

Featuring ~ghee Chinoiserie Gown Paon

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. Face Paint: Black Liner

4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Light Skintone

6. Chop Zuey: Venetian Honey

7. Hairoin: Incognito

8. Juicy: Classic Pumps

9. In-Pose!

My mother, as I've shared previously, tended to push me into roles that were non-stereotypical. She probably doesn't realize it, but she joined a group of women who became their own stereo-type in hindsight. Dress up, playing tea party and owning a Barbie were all no-no.

Featuring ~ghee Chinoiserie Gown Paon

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. Face Paint: Black Liner

4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Light Skintone

6. Chop Zuey: Venetian Honey

7. Hairoin: Incognito

8. Juicy: Classic Pumps

9. In-Pose!

And whoa is me. If I'd actually done any of those things, I'd surely have grown up to be a girlie-girl. Horror! It helps explain why beautiful clothing in Second Life presents a level of pleasure that might not have been so important if I'd been raised differently.

Featuring ~ghee Chinoiserie Gown Paon

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. Face Paint: Black Liner

4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Light Skintone

6. Chop Zuey: Venetian Honey

7. Hairoin: Incognito

8. Juicy: Classic Pumps

9. In-Pose!

I see something glamorous like this Chinoiserie Gown Paon from ~ghee and fairly dance right out of my shoes figuratively speaking. And photos in this case don't do the gown true justice as this gown sparkles and comes alive when I wear it. ~ghee is a new sponsor to my blog and I'm excited to play dress up with more items like this as time passes!

Home Sweet Home - Featuring A.F.I Designs, Luziefee, Hairoin and Tresor

There's a saying - Your Home Is Where Your Heart Is - and I think it's an interesting bit of truth, especially since many of us have created virtual world homes that mean as much if not more to those who've done so, and in essence their whole life exists in text and pixels and connecting people.

Featuring A.F.I Cleo Gown **Only at the BOSL Location

--http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/152/75/43

Featuring Luziefee Lysa Stiletto Colors

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Noya: Gold Sculpted Nails

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

5. RYCA: Gold Box Earrings and Necklace

I really never was keen on the idea of a personal home. I have owned two very small homes along my SL journey, both of which fit on a 512x512 parcel. This was the size the Lindens offered rent free for members who joined when I joined.

Featuring A.F.I Cleo Gown **Only at the BOSL Location

--http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/152/75/43

Featuring Luziefee Lysa Stiletto Colors

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Noya: Gold Sculpted Nails

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

5. RYCA: Gold Box Earrings and Necklace

Even way back when SL was much smaller as far as land mass would take you, and the few groups that gathered like-minded people, I enjoyed those few locations more than I ever did the 512x512 piece. I needed to feel people's energy, highs and lows, and be a part of something bigger than myself.

Featuring A.F.I Cleo Gown **Only at the BOSL Location

--http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/152/75/43

Featuring Luziefee Lysa Stiletto Colors

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Noya: Gold Sculpted Nails

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

5. RYCA: Gold Box Earrings and Necklace

I've shared more of my heart and soul in my Second Life than with many who would know me from my life offline. Due to circumstances I do not control, it's very rare for me to travel to visit family, to go 'home' for the holidays or attend special events like weddings and graduations.

Featuring A.F.I Cleo Gown **Only at the BOSL Location

--http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/152/75/43

Featuring Luziefee Lysa Stiletto Colors

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Noya: Gold Sculpted Nails

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

5. RYCA: Gold Box Earrings and Necklace

Maybe that's why I really need this world we share. I've met others, many many others, who also deal with health issues and have their world and their home at their fingertips. I'm not special in that regard, just one of many who learned how to distract myself in a computer so I did not dwell on the less fortunate details.

Featuring Hairoin *New Release* Blair

Featuring Tresor Couture Zuri's Elegance Power Blue

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. Finesmith: Lillies Set

5. In-Pose!

There was a time when people online would see another person stressing out about some activity in their online world and in text, the one person would tell the other to 'GET A LIFE'. It was meant as an insult, to their intelligence, to their ability to actively accomplish something off line, and to imply all sorts of rudeness.

Featuring Hairoin *New Release* Blair

Featuring Tresor Couture Zuri's Elegance Power Blue

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. Finesmith: Lillies Set

5. In-Pose!

Times have changed in that regard. Many people make this world their life for many reasons. Who am I to judge when a person can or cannot function in society that's beyond the virtual world where I know them? If I judge harshly, I should be prepared to be judged harshly. I prefer to accept what I see and hear until such a time may come where I learn it wasn't real or truthful.

Featuring Hairoin *New Release* Blair

Featuring Tresor Couture Zuri's Elegance Power Blue

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. Finesmith: Lillies Set

5. In-Pose!

I've heard the phrase a number of times in my many explorations. Some things I've done were for the pure fun of it, role-play and all sorts of imaginative things. They resembled things I'd done as a younger woman, like Dungeons and Dragons, only pixelated and more intense.

Featuring Hairoin *New Release* Blair

Featuring Tresor Couture Zuri's Elegance Power Blue

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. Finesmith: Lillies Set

5. In-Pose!

I've made this my life. THIS thing I do, this thing I enjoy, and these people I get to work with here. In a new Cleo gown from A.F.I Designs, only available at BOSL Renaissance Galleria paired with stiletto boots, Lysa by Luziefee or wearing a new princess-ish gown from Tresor called Zuri's Elegance and brand new hair from Hairoin called Blair I'm right at home, where my heart is, enjoying the life I've created for myself, It's my life, and I know I make the most and best of it.