Taking Time To Relax, Chill Out and Recover From Family and the Holidays -- Immerschoen-Body Cult and Odelitte from Winter Market, Chop Zuey, October's 4Seasons and {{BSD Design Studio}}

I put together a very casual array of items this evening. It just felt like one of those nights after all the bright and beautiful and party-fun-terrific brilliance to embrace things that were simple. I loved the idea of a knit cap called Beanie Svenja (with hair already added!) for instance, because wearing one means one does very little to pretty-up the hair under it. Convenient, warm, cozy... and it's part of Immerschoen-Body Cult's pieces sold at the Winter Market. The Skinny Pants Tweed also come from them and are sold at the Winter Market as well. Odelitte created this oversized sweater in an Ombre blue tone for Winter Market. I then added a pair of boot-like shoes from BSD Design studio called Billionaire Baby, a new release and one of the unique designs that Chop Zuey so lovingly shared during the season of gifts that helped close out 2014 called the Mysterium Necklace. And finally, though I have settled on October's 4Seasons Chocolate Cosmos as my 'default' skin tone, when new faces, special releases, gifts and the like come to October's 4Seasons, I'm excited to share, and this is Keiko with the Marigold Skin Tone and Brown Brows.

* {{BSD Design Studio}} Billionaire Baby Silver Black
* Odelitte Oversize Sweater from Winter Market Event
* Immerschoen-Body Cult Beanie Svenja Black Hair
* Immerschoen-Body Cult Skinny Pants Tweed Black
* Chop Zuey Mysterium Necklace
* October's 4Seasons Keiko Marigold Brown

- MG Wild Full Thick Lashes
- October's 4Seasons Tangerine Delight Lips
- .:Shellac Autumn Palette Nails
- Morphine Kazumi EyeShadow Fuel Liner

Standard Items:
-- SLink Hands and Feet
-- KMADD Mesh Eyes
**Personal note in response to some questions I've received since posting my personal choice in skin tone at October's 4Seasons. I absolutely adore blogging, but it's only one of many ways I want to use the skills I've developed in time related to styling and modeling. Recently, I was invited to participate in a photo advertisement and had one of the pale skin tones on because it was the one I'd happened to style that day, and had not made a conscious choice regarding skin tone prior to that day. We got to see the 'copy' before the add was published, and I realized after the fact that a sea of pale tones dotted the advertisement, but the world I live in contains people of so many different skin tones, such beautiful creams and coffee colors, burnt rich russet and freckled, tanned and tones as dark as night, but in the experiences I'd had in fashion in Second Life, the vast array of tones seemed neutralized to a few basics. At least with the 14+ shades that October has created for October's 4Seasons, I had choices that were different than the median tone, and if I embraced one of those darker tones, it would add depth to the overall photo selections for advertisements, for displays, vendors, and blogs. So I wear Chocolate Cosmos; It's a touch darker than my tanned version of me in summers past, and about three shades darker than my lighter olive skin that stays with me through fall and winter. I really loved the special edition tone she created called Cinnamon but that one hasn't returned yet. If it ends up with a neutral or natural option down the road, I might switch to Cinnamon instead of Chocolate, but for the same reasons. Being a brown tone amidst a myriad of elegant ivories and peaces feels like it's harmonizing, making the overall picture complete for all of our worlds.

Upon My Return -- Featuring !Lybra, h.m.a.e.m., Morphine; American Outfitters at The Promenade; and [[Modern Couture]] at The Instruments

It's always a little odd to have to be away a while, then return to this shared virtual world and virtual life that criss crosses so many peoples' worlds it astounds me. My world gets very very small indeed when I get to a point where I turtle into my shell and invest more energy into making it through a day than anything else. When I finally peek out of that shell, it's unusual because I often feel like sooo much time has passed, and it's only been a few days, and because in some cases, even those few days make and break people, and some names I will never see again.

I have the true blessing to know so many of you via different forms of art and artistic discussion, the same passions, the same energy and drive. Lybra recently went from being a well known high end designer to an off the charts oh my goodness WOW designer. I think there are several reasons for this, but ultimately, it's a good team, people at each level working together to accomplish a really great result. The gown I have on called Isamu, recently released, shows exactly my point. It's hot, yet elegant, culturally relevant yet unique. I love it.

When I saw the [[Modern Couture]] jewelry set from The Instruments this month, I was thinking, "What an awesome look for that gown I want to blog." So you have it to accessorize. American Beagle Outfitters created the wire cuff on one wrist for the Promenade, Morphine made the heels, and h.m.a.e.m. created the necklace. All of it adorns the perfectly tinted selection of skin tones found at October's 4Seasons like this Blossom Skin Tone with dark brows.

Featuring [[Modern Couture]] Jewelry Silver from The Instruments

Featuring American Beagle Outfitters Wire Cuff Bracelet The Promenade

Featuring !Lybra Isamu 

Featuring h.m.a.e.m. Irie Necklace Silver

Featuring Morphine Color Change Heels

1. Morphine: Juliana Eye Shadow

-- Juliana Lips Color

2. SLink: Female Feet High

-- Elegant 1 Hands

3. October's 4Seasons: Black Brows Blossom Skin Tone (Laila)

4. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

5. Gaeline: Mysteria

6. EMO-tions: Maresol

7. Manifest Poses

8. KaTink Backgrounds

Laughter -- Featuring Xen's Hats from the Instruments, M&M from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week, Dark Horse Style, Also :jazzitude, LOoLOo & Platypus, ORQUIDEA and [B!asta] from the Promenade

I love to laugh. I think it's healthy too. I looked up an article printed by the Mayo Clinic about laughter and found this in summary. For short term stress relief, laughter stimulates oxygenation of the body and thus improves the state of most organs in the body, laughter stimulates the same region in the brain that anxiety or fear might stimulate, and by exercising that part of the brain in a positive way, it's easier to stay calm, also, with the same increase in oxygen to the body, blood circulates and eases tension that might otherwise affect our muscles. In the long term relief category, negative thoughts manifest their way into actual chemical reactions that deter health while laughter and positive energy works in the opposite manner, laughter can produce the natural endorphins the body needs to combat pain, in essence easing pain through laughter, increase personal satisfaction, and lastly it can improve mood.

I think the personal satisfaction element is so important to someone like me who's got chronic illness to deal with, as often there are no cures, no new answers, no solving the problem. People care and often say, "I hope you feel better soon." Chronic illness doesn't allow for this. Instead, someone with chronic issues has to find a way to accept and adapt to the world. I might not always be happy, but I work on being consistently content.

I've found some of the new releases for October already tickling my fantasy, like this hat here with spiders that comes from Xen's Hats at The Instruments. M&M's dress from .PENUMBRA. Fashion week called Shelena, and on my nails I have another new look, Dark Horse Style Butterfly Cutouts Dark. :jazzitude provided the Acorn Bracelet from the Promenade. Also from the Promenade are the Sage Scarf from LOoLOo & Platypus, the Vampire on White handbag from ORQUIDEA, and the [B!asta] :LEENA LUX heels in Emerald for mid-high feet.

Featuring Dark Horse Style Butterfly Cutout Dark

Featuring M&M Shelena Dress Flowers from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week

Featuring Xen's Hats Arachnophobia Hat Black from The Instruments

Featuring :jazzitude Acorn Bracelet from the Promenade

Featuring B!asta :LEENA LUX: Emerald (for mid high feet) from the Promenade

Featuring LOoLOo & Platypus Scarves Sage Plain from the Promenade

Featuring ORQUIDEA Halloween Handbags Very Vampire White Bag from the Promenade

1. EMO-tions: Brian

2. MG: Wild Full Thick

3. October's 4Seasons: Milk Skin Tone (Angelina)

-- Adriana Pink Berries Gloss

4. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

5. SLink: Mid High Feet

-- Elegant 1 Hands

6. Morphine: Kazumi Lime/Liner

7. .::MS::. Soul Poses

An Array Of Autumn Goodies - Featuring Divalicious from debra Charity Event, Chocolate Atelier's from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week, Lumiere and Persefona at Four Seasons Market

This morning, I woke with those snifflies that come around this time of year. I couldn't go right back to sleep, so at 5:30 this morning, I put this style together. By then the snuffles had calmed enough to rest some more. I laid down and 5 hours later!! I got up...

I have a plethora of things to tell you about, so let me start with the charity event debra that I will be blogging of and on from now, through the event's duration from October 25 - October 30. Since designers are already sharing items, I will try to sprinkle them through the month to remind you to mark your calendar. I also have a link to the website for more information and a place you can donate directly.

debra of America RL website: http://www.debra.org/
debra of America RL address: 75 Broad Street, Suite 300 - New York, NY 10004
(Phone) 212-868-1573 / (Fax) 212-868-9296 / Email: staff@debra.org

Divalicious donated an array of items that include the Mesh Stone necklace seen in the photos. There are also SLink heels and a Halter Dress Outfit. The new dress comes from Chocolate Atelier, debuted last week as part of the .PENUMBRA. Autumn/Winter 2014 Fashion Week. The shopping zone remains open to shop for fashion shared during this event for two more weeks, and you're also encouraged to visit the designer's main store to find more of their new releases. The incredibly FUN Autumn Wellies, a bright slicker white with leaves on them, come from Lumiere's selection of things at Four Seasons Market. Also from Four Seasons Market, I have little Leaf Accents from Persefona. There are several color choices and preset 'add' locations to wear them, but adjustable so you could move them around a bit like I have done.

Featuring Chocolate Atelier Xandy Dress from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week

Featuring Divalicious Designs Mesh Stone Necklace from debra Charity Event

Featuring Lumiere Autumn Wellies from Four Seasons Market

Featuring Persefona Leaf Accents from Four Seasons Market

1. ~Shabby Cat: Braided Leather Bracelet

2. EMO-tions: Maylea Earrings

3. >Asset<: Summer's End

4. Maxi Gossamer: Groomed

5. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

6. October's 4Seasons: Latte Skin Tone Laila Makeup 2 Light/Thin

7. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

8. [Mirror's Enigma]: Juliana Eyeshadow Teal w/Liners

9. Manifeste Poses

You Ain't Seen Nothin` Yet - Featuring Morphine from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week, Persefona from Four Seasons Market, !Lybra, and Chop Zuey

I hope that though .PENUMBRA. Week, ( Penumbra Fashion & Events ) draws to an official close today, the new collections I've had bits and pieces to share with you might still be shared. Designers will be taking their new designs home with them and stores will have all sorts of new goodies to tempt you. The SL - Morphine sandal heels are the last official post I'll make for .PENUMBRA.

A new event begins today and has an array of Autumn items styled for both avatar wear and decor. I hope to share a little of both though I primarily stay with fashion these days, I don't want to disappoint the Event organizers or the many creative people who participated. The wreath from Persefona is one of several autumn leaf color accessories. Whether you're looking to add to an outfit for a night by the campire, something adorably perfect for such an outing, or searching for a unique piece to wear in your next Autumn fashion show, you might enjoy this from Four Seasons Market.

!Lybra has gone out of their way to make their world accessible even while they build a new store around their ever present ever classy designs. I had read about the special little corner they set up for those who maybe never tried Lybra before or are new to Second Life or simply on a very threadbare budget - this corner has an array of really darling designs for almost any occasion and they're all 1L. This Nurit red dress came from that section. It was the perfect frock for playing at a Carnival tonight.

When you live life fully, to the edge and then some, everything fires on all cylinders. You're a human engine and whatever your passion, it's pumping thunder and creating lightning. Some designers offer a few new items each year while others create scads each week. One designer that uses her imagination brilliantly is Belle Roussel. Today, she released Be Da' Buddha as a clutch (not shown) and as a shoulder bag. If this isn't clever, and beautiful, and so perfectly Chop Zuey, I don't know what is. Every time I think I've seen it all in Second Life, I realize that certainly hasn't happened yet!

Featuring Chop Zuey Be Da' Buddha Clutch

Featuring Morphine Slink High Heels Sandals from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week

Featuring Persefona Autumn Wreath from 4Seasons Market

Featuring !Lybra Nurit

1. {NanTra}: Wanderlust

2. Chop Zuey: Kharma Earth Gold Set (Bangles and Necklace)

3. SLink: Female Feet High

-- Elegant 1 Hands

4. October's 4Seasons: Chocolate Cosmos

5. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

6. Truth: Chilali

7. Gaeline: Starlia

*Living Imagination* Changed Its Name To *Whimsical Imagination* and Has a New Limited Item at The Couturier's Docks

Living Imagination with Bodza Mubble shared The Couturier's Docks item with me along with the news that she's renamed her store. It's now called *Whimsical Imagination* I look at the flights of fantasy that come from Ms. Bodza's imagination, and I think often that the word whimsical helps define her enter aesthetic. I loved the new business name change. I'm going to update it on my blog and hopefully you'll have a chance to visit her store as well as the once a month Limited items to show event at Couturier's Docks.

This mermaid style gown has all the beautiful colors of the season, and the name 'Royalty'. I had fun figuring out a style to accompany such a colorful gown. If I wear a gown like this, I often leave shoes off because my feet stay hidden.

I must share, however, that when I go visiting, someone should nudge me if they see me kicking up the dance floor or sitting on furniture, because those bare feet appear and sometimes this is not the best comment on fashion. Since this happened yesterday, to my cherry faced, embarrassed chagrin, I know I must not forget the feet!

Featuring *Whimsical Imagination* Royalty at Couturier's Docks

 ****(Formerly called *Living Imagination*)

1. Image Essentials Props and Poses: Graceful Elegance

2. EMO-tions: Eternal Jewelry Set

3. Lips by Caryn

4. FuLo: Bangles

5. Morphine: Freya Cat Eyeshadow Yellow Full

6. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

7. October's 4Seasons: Papaver Skin Tone

8. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

9. Maxi Gossamer: Wild Full Thick Lashes

10. [elika]: Breathe

A Viking Valkyrie - Featuring h.m.a.e.m., >Asset<, .: LIKE DESIGN :., and M. Mayako; Also Featuring Xen's Hat from Rock Your Rack

This morning, I'm glad to show a few more items from the 24 Squared event that begins tomorrow (September 5), and more from Rock Your Rack, which has another week to go. Please remember that items from Rock Your Rack purchased will go to support an awesome cause, funding Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please visit to enjoy the terrific designs created for this event and to participate in the charity fundraiser. If you prefer to donate directly, visit this website: https://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=283425

Xen's Hat - the Green Beret - made me think saucy and sweet. It's easy to imagine being mischievous.  h.m.a.e.m. continues to create brilliant new shapes with a sense of joie de vivre. The mini dress Tasha has a sleek figure form, but then it plays with geometrical lines and shapes. Each of them are a solid color, yet because of the overall design, the dress itself stands out within an endless stream of basic minis. You can find this dress at 24 Squared.

Also from 24 Squared, a Viking styled Valkyrie hair from >Asset< will catch your eye. I styled it in the true Viking Rus (red) style to go with Kyxe Skins & Shapes Marigold version of Laila. Additionally, .: LIKE DESIGN :. created a new ankle boot that sports a metallic shine on the primary color, then accents with bold gold; you can find these boots at 24 Squared. M.Mayako also has a few items to tempt you, and from the outfit called Marinahh, I pulled earrings and bangles to complete the look.

Featuring Xen's Hats from Rock Your Rack Green Beret

Featuring h.m.a.e.m. from 24 Squared Tasha

Featuring >Asset< from 24 Squared Valkyrie Hair

Featuring .: LIKE DESIGN :. FROM 24 Squared Exclusive Boots

Featuring M.Mayako Exclusive from 24 Squared Marinahh (Gold Bangles & Ring)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Marigold Skin Tone Laila

1. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

2. [Eve n Better]: Cintia

3. Morphine: Freya Cat Eyeshadow Melon

-- Azuka Eyeshadow 10

4. SLink: Female Feet High

-- Elegant 1

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Glamour Lips Sunset

6. MG: Inverted Crown

7. Manifeste Poses

On Changing Your Mind - Featuring Poet's Heart from Rock Your Rack, .:JUMO:. and Baubles! by Phe at 24 Squared; Also >Asset< New

The gown from Poet's Heart comes in several styles has a beautiful tropical option that I've seen blogged in several wonderful ways, and it's the 100% donation for Rock Your Rack, a fundraiser where designers like Poet's Heart contribute items and the funds go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I chose a different color, and when I saw one called Frozen, I had to pick it.

I read an article today about the movie, the animated full length picture from Disney animators that became an international success, grossing higher than any other Disney film yet. Some of the success, I thought, was related to the sound track and particularly the one track, "Let It Go." When the musicians for this film submitted the song, it was like a bulb turning on in the midst of a frustrating course of weeks and attempts at early writing to go with the tag boards and screen writer's concept.

After everyone heard the song, the entire movie was rewritten. The whole thing! The character Elsa was redrawn. The screen play was rewritten. The artists tag boards were rearranged, and on and on... everything changed. I often think as humans, there's some pressure on our shoulders to stick with an idea once it's spoken, and changing of minds is a 'bad idea'. Go with your gut, they say. I don't think that we're necessarily waffling or unable to commit if we feel that urgent need to change our minds. Sometimes, sure... you should stick with exactly what you've said, you've committed, you've promised, but sometimes, I think we should 'let it go' and give up everything to change. If we do, we might find ourselves living box office lives.

Shoes from .:JUMO:. fit the gown's coloring exactly. There are two colors of the Mannequin Stilettos, and both are done with the speckles and gold. These shoes can be found at 24 Squared. Also seen in this styling is the set of jewelry from Baubles! by Phe called Garden State. The green polished stone and coppery metal worked well for me, but there are other color options and metals to add to the diverse use of the set.

>Asset< created another slicked back unisex style, Leppard. As I've watched some of my favorite reality shows like So You Think You Can Dance, I've noted that hair products are coming back in a big way. It's not quite the big hair of the 80's yet, but hair stays exactly as you put it with the right goop! At least in our second lives, the goop doesn't get all over everything or make such a mess! 

Please make time to visit the Rock Your Rack charity. If you choose not to buy items, you could donate directly to any of the kiosks at the event or you might visit this website to do so: https://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=283425

Featuring Poet's Heart from Rock Your Rack Leaf Lady (Frozen) 1 of 7 colors, 100% donations from Tropic

-- PLUS - 6 Poses!

Featuring .:JUMO:. from 24 Squared Manhattan Heels Sequins

Featuring Baubles! by Phe from 24 Squared Garden State Set

Featuring >Asset< Leppard Hair

1. Silken Moon: Elmslight

2. Gaeline: Magnificia

3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Orchid Skin Tone

-- Copper Metallic Lips

5. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

-- Female Feet High

6. Morphine: Heather Indecisive Eyeshadow (Cyan)

7. h.m.a.e.m.: Salmace Bracelet Gold

So Much To Show You -- !Lyrical B!zarre Templates!, Couturier's Docks, L&H, and Chop Zuey

If only I had more hands or hours in the day, I could keep up with some of the creative ladies and gents who make these garments for us day after day. I could never keep up with some of them and one that comes to mind is Loredana Alexandra and all she does at Lyrical B!zarre Templates.

The thing is, each time she makes something new, I want to stop what I'm doing and style it and photograph it, before I do anything else that day. http://issuu.com/rboniefacio/docs/modelsissue16 She's recently had a spread done for modeLS magazine and several recent designs of hers were showcased there.

I'm soooo squishy hug smushy wet stuff proud of her too. It's a great thing when this thing we do that's definitely a business becomes entwined with unbreakable friendship. How lucky I am!!

If you touch the bangle, you have an assortment of color tones, all suited to the fall colors that are trending. I've also got a new head wrap to share as one of the ladies who work on Our VOICE shared it with me and I used the other one (see my new Cover photo).

And though some pieces I share with you from Chop Zuey may not be new releases, they're new to me, and my blog so they're a part of this look also, the aptly named Mooncrystals.

Featuring !Lyrical B!zarre Templates! from Couturier's Docks August Ripples

Featuring Maxi Gossamer Bangles Painted Daisies

Featuring L&H Headwrap Afrique Noire

Featuring from Chop Zuey Moon Crystals Necklace (#3) and Earrings

1. Demise of Flight Delicate 1-5

2. Morphine: Juliana Eyeshadow Orange

3. Dulce Secrets: Boudoir Tainted Eyeshadow

4. .:JUMO:. Armorial Black Lips

5. HOLLYHOOD Tangerine Vida Heels

6. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

-- High Female Feet

7. {ZOZ}: Who Polish for Hands and Feet

8. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skin Tone (Laila)

9. Maxi Gossamer: Inverted Crown Lashes

Beautiful At Sunset -- Featuring Morphine and Kyxe Skins & Shapes

I had fun with photos and lighting and backdrops and more today. It's rare that I do three blogs in one day AND post one of them to Versus, so it feels like an awesome day. This gown comes from a designer that used to be called [Mirror's Enigma] but has since rebranded and now calls herself SL - Morphine.

I know her as a skin designer, and she's talented! She sent me this pretty gown, that has the option of being a dark blue (shown in the photos) a dark red or a black. If you don't know Ydreece Forester, she's someone worth meeting and her designs are made with talent and a whole lot of heart. That's the best sort to me. I was grateful she thought to send me one of her new releases.

The other thing I'm happy to show you is the next in the series of the new FACE at Kyxe Skins & Shapes - Laila in the skin tone Blossom! One of many reasons why I adore Kyxe's products is the amount of work that goes into each skin release. You'll find a number of options, with hair base, without, with teeth, without, with light brow, with darker brow, and on and on... these things make every Linden you invest go further and the quality of each new skin FACE shows the craft of the designer partners as it develops betterer and betterer.

Featuring Morphine: Jade's Long Dress (DARK)

Featuring Moondance Addiction Nails

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Blossom Skin Tone Laila

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Luscious Lips Crave

-- Hypnotic Eyeshadow Malibu

2. Gaeline: Felicia

3. *~Damesfly*~: Trinity

4. Image Essentials Poses

Using My Living Imagination -- Featuring *LI* Living Imagination, and A&A Hair

Couturier's Docks will have a whole array of new items very soon and this stunning gown from Living Imagination will be there. It's called Angel Garden - Heaven, and it made me feel like I was wearing a little piece of heaven. I wore one of her gowns for my MVW audition on Saturday and I'm including a photo of that gown as I styled it as well. I'm grateful to Bodza Mubble for her support and friendship.

I have one of those special sister friends who's always looking out for me, holding my hand when I'm anxious, listening when I need to talk, and who bonks me over the head when it's needed. She pointed out this hair style from A&A - Viennara. I hadn't been to that store in ages.

I'm not always sure how to style the darker skins from Kyxe Skins & Shapes but I love that she and other gorgeously darker skinned ladies have offered their input. And I love the challenge. Why do I change skins all the time instead of sticking with one? Because one of the nicest people I've met creates them in 12 shades and I want to represent all of them as part of her team of Kyxe Beauties. Laila will release in all 12 shades over the next few weeks and I look forward to showing you all of them!

Featuring Living Imagination Angel Garden - Heaven from Couturier's Docks August

Featuring A&A Viennara Hair Mixed Brown

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. Maxi Gossamer: Swallow Wings

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skin Tone (Laila)

-- Innocence Eyeshadow Spring

4. Morphine: Ghail's Chic Mint

5. Manifeste Poses

I Could Be An Exotic Princess! -- Featuring from Artizana at Designer Showcase, Image Essentials at The Black Fair, Kyxe Skins & Shapes and Chop Zuey

All summer long... I could wear this little dress everywhere. I wish I owned one in my closet here in my world off line. It's sleek and sexy and comfortable. This month at Designer Showcase, LAYIDU VI as well as four other items are on sale. Get to know Artizana - "Ethnic inspired fashions for women & men - mesh clothing, accessories & decor. Exotic African, Caribbean, Indian, Indonesian, Persian fabrics. Africa ethnic couture boho and more..."

Kyxe Skins & Shapes have a new 'face' coming very soon - Laila. This is the Chocolate Cosmos version. I find the eyes and brow notably different from some of the other faces created by the same designer. My favorite feature on this newest face is the dark thick brow. It's fashionably fierce. More new poses from Image Essentials Props and Poses allow me to show you the best curves, oh la la!

Chop Zuey sells something you want. I just know they do. I know this because every single time I visit, there are many somethings I want. From the very unique items that you might not ever even envision to the classic wedding bands to the casual everyday colorful stones sets, it's there. This Romance in F set is just one example. I loved the button style of the ring, so I turned it to the side and converted to earrings to add to the overall look.

Featuring Artizana from Designer Showcase Layidu VI

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Laila w/Dark Brows

Featuring from Chop Zuey Romance in F Bracelet and Rings in Black

-- Plus Re-purposed rings as earrings

Featuring Image Essentials Props and Poses from The Black Fair

1. Kazimir: Heels Black

2. Dulce Secrets: Boudoir Peace Eyeshadow

3. Morphine: Azuka Dark Lips

4. **Feel**: StarDust Nails

5. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

6. EMO-tions: Estelle

7. Gaeline: Divina

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

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

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

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]]

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

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