Get It While the Gettin's Good -- Featuring !Prism from PENUMBRA and Asteria Creations and HOLLYHOOD from FASHIONART Faire

Let's go for a walk. It's a pretty day and the ocean breeze is blowing. Whisps of wind tickle the tangled weeds by seaside and the song of the sirens' call cries out over all. Alone for a moment, lost in time, she looks around, and on all sides, she sees nothing but beauty. Is this paradise?

I visited http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Braveheart%20Isle/196/31/24 Poppy's Paradise to take these photos and truly, it was breathtaking in every direction and this is just one spot in the midst of the whole. I'm sure there's much much more to see.

I have a new top on from Prism Designs SL, a sweater called Marilyn in Herringbone Bamboo that is part of the items shown in PENUMBRA's Fashion week this week. The Asteria Creations Hans Mesh Pants and Tangerine Vida Heels from HOLLYHOOD both come from FASHIONART Faire. Both events end at the end of May so if you like what you see, get it while the gettin's good.

I would not be able to blog without the sponsors, the terrific designers who make each style possible:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Braveheart%20Isle/196/31/24

Poppy's Paradise

Featuring !Prism Marilyn In Herringbone Bamboo by Journey for PENUMBRA

Featuring Asteria Creations Hans Mesh Pants for FASHIONART Faire by Glamourist

Featuring HOLLYHOOD Tangerine Vida Heels for High Slink Feet

1. Truth: Dove

2. MG: Wild Full Thick Lashes

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Hannah Lily

-- Kyxe Glamour Butterscotch

4. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

-- High Feet

5. N@N@: Caryn Jewelry Set

6. PosESioN: Piero Poses

A.F.I Designs, N@N@, AIDORU, Kyxe, KMADD, .::Shellac, [UNDERSCORE] and Yasum from Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

What an eclectic group of designers I got to share with you this time. I also created a whole array of photos.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Forbidden Dress

Featuring N@N@ Caryn Set (Thank you for doing a set in my name, N@N@, I was so touched and grateful)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Black Brows, Bald with Eyeshadow and Lips

Featuring MADesigns Eyelashes ~ Precision

Featuring MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

Yasum Dead End Boots from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/125/127/21

1. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

2. EMO-tions: Tyra *4

3. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

For those of you who do not know, DJAFI is one of those gals who can do anything if she sets her mind to it. She's a rad DJ and a creative designer and I'm certain she's many other things as well!

Featuring A.F.I Designs Forbidden Dress

Featuring N@N@ Caryn Set (Thank you for doing a set in my name, N@N@, I was so touched and grateful)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Black Brows, Bald with Eyeshadow and Lips

Featuring MADesigns Eyelashes ~ Precision

Featuring MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

Yasum Dead End Boots from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/125/127/21

1. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

2. EMO-tions: Tyra *4

3. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

Many of her items have an edgy nature. Either they're daringly revealing like this open-fronted dress, or they're exotic in some other way. Before I even know the designer, I can often tell her pieces from others.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Forbidden Dress

Featuring N@N@ Caryn Set (Thank you for doing a set in my name, N@N@, I was so touched and grateful)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Black Brows, Bald with Eyeshadow and Lips

Featuring MADesigns Eyelashes ~ Precision

Featuring MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

Yasum Dead End Boots from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/125/127/21

1. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

2. EMO-tions: Tyra *4

3. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

In addition to the great attire she's created, I get to show you these Dead End boots from Yasum. I got the chance to speak personally to the designer and I thrilled at the chance. The boots look fantastic and have a HUD that offers so many options too!

Featuring A.F.I Designs Forbidden Dress

Featuring N@N@ Caryn Set (Thank you for doing a set in my name, N@N@, I was so touched and grateful)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Black Brows, Bald with Eyeshadow and Lips

Featuring MADesigns Eyelashes ~ Precision

Featuring MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

Yasum Dead End Boots from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/125/127/21

1. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

2. EMO-tions: Tyra *4

3. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

I have to say, this jewelry set called Caryn, delivered as a gift to me this morning stunned me. N@N@ sent the set and they suited me so well. I have such a sense of the balance of energy in our universe and this set spoke directly to that. Thank you so much N@N@.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Stache Jeans Outfit

-- Also A.F.I Designs Rare Gacha Design Mustache Cuff

Featuring AIDORU Starry Night Perfect Fit Flats

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Solid Darks

Featuring [Underscore] Lyon Hair

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

2. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Fabulous Darling

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Cruel

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone (Silken/Light Brow)

4. Photos Taken on Image Essentials' Sim - Poses Built Into Studio Props

A bit more fierce, this urban outlet has its own story to tell. DJAFI asked if I wanted to do this one too, and I said "Of Course!" I love being nudged out of my comfort zone.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Stache Jeans Outfit

-- Also A.F.I Designs Rare Gacha Design Mustache Cuff

Featuring AIDORU Starry Night Perfect Fit Flats

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Solid Darks

Featuring [Underscore] Lyon Hair

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

2. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Fabulous Darling

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Cruel

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone (Silken/Light Brow)

4. Photos Taken on Image Essentials' Sim - Poses Built Into Studio Props

As you can see, there's actually a third piece of the outfit, a mesh bit that's attached with chain and draped to the right hip. It's the first time I've seen a wallet like this in mesh, so that was a great addition. Also, she's gotten so clever with her mesh that she's begun to add jewelry. If you want to try her Gacha machine in the store, you could get the cuff seen in my set of photos.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Stache Jeans Outfit

-- Also A.F.I Designs Rare Gacha Design Mustache Cuff

Featuring AIDORU Starry Night Perfect Fit Flats

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Solid Darks

Featuring [Underscore] Lyon Hair

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

2. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Fabulous Darling

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Cruel

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone (Silken/Light Brow)

4. Photos Taken on Image Essentials' Sim - Poses Built Into Studio Props

I pulled a pair of AIDORU flats, the nail paint from .::Shellac, dark colors designed to wear with SLink hands, and then wore a brand new hair style Lyon from [Underscore]. It all seemed like it was meant to go together.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Stache Jeans Outfit

-- Also A.F.I Designs Rare Gacha Design Mustache Cuff

Featuring AIDORU Starry Night Perfect Fit Flats

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Solid Darks

Featuring [Underscore] Lyon Hair

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

2. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Fabulous Darling

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Cruel

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone (Silken/Light Brow)

4. Photos Taken on Image Essentials' Sim - Poses Built Into Studio Props

You can see how simple yet unique the hair style is in this close up. I absolutely love the diversity of the designer behind A.F.I Designs. Every time I get to style an outfit from her, I get to step into a new role and play for a while.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Now Open - Featuring Items from TBCF [free bird], AIDORU, Legal Insanity, [Mirror's Enigma]

I try to blog about 5 items a week. Please bare with me as I pepper you with blog posts.

Featuring TBCF Items

-[free bird] TBCF Boho Jacket

-AIDORU 70's Vintage Earrings

-Legal Insanity Rowan Long Boho Skirt

-[Mirror's Enigma] Ashley Brown Skintone

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. N@N@: Bag Butterfly Tattoo

5. Quintessencia: Square Nails

6. Manifeste Poses

I pulled a lot of items from their boxes, and still have more to unpack. That way I can mix and match some of the items.

Featuring TBCF Items

-[free bird] TBCF Boho Jacket

-AIDORU 70's Vintage Earrings

-Legal Insanity Rowan Long Boho Skirt

-[Mirror's Enigma] Ashley Brown Skintone

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. N@N@: Bag Butterfly Tattoo

5. Quintessencia: Square Nails

6. Manifeste Poses

This array of items includes new items from [free bird] - the jacket, AIDORU - the earrings, Legal Insanity - the skirt, [Mirror's Enigma] - the skin.

Featuring TBCF Items

-[free bird] TBCF Boho Jacket

-AIDORU 70's Vintage Earrings

-Legal Insanity Rowan Long Boho Skirt

-[Mirror's Enigma] Ashley Brown Skintone

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. N@N@: Bag Butterfly Tattoo

5. Quintessencia: Square Nails

6. Manifeste Poses

The details on the jacket and earrings really stand out even on the tiny prims needed to make earrings.

On Being a Moon and Not a Sun -- Featuring Evolve, Pure Poison from 24 Event and Warm Animations from 24 Event

We think of the moon as a light source that comes to our aid in the night. There are times that the light is not so great in the tiny sliver of a crescent period, but even that tiny bit of light shimmers and can make the difference between being totally lost in the dark and able to find your way.

Featured Pure Poison Angela Dress Black for 24 Event

Featured Warm Animations An Array of Games for 24 Event

1. [noname]: Defining Boho Sandals

2. RYCA: Earrings and Necklace

3. FuLo: Bangles and Watch

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

5. Face Paint: Fall Matte Lip Scarlett and Liner

6. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

7. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

8. EMO-tions: Nova

9. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

All levels of models have been involved this week in the 24 Event. Some have been around a very long time and have earned their classy reputation from time invested and respect earned. Others are newer, like me, "Little Sister Models". I see the radiance of a seasoned model and all I really want to do is reflect on their source of light and learn from it.

Featuring Evolve Romanticism

1. N@N@: Seraphine Bangle

2. Finesmith: Aqua Earrings and Necklace

3. *Glance Skins: Anais

4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina

5. Calico Ingmann: April

6. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

Though we perceive the moon as a light source, it really only reflects the brilliant majesty of the sun. The sun seems to disappear for a time, allowing the moon's light to glow. I think there are times when models fit into one of these categories, the sun or the moon, and sadly one other category, that of a black hole that sucks energy and life out of people but thankfully that's a rare and small group.

Featuring Evolve Romanticism

1. N@N@: Seraphine Bangle

2. Finesmith: Aqua Earrings and Necklace

3. *Glance Skins: Anais

4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina

5. Calico Ingmann: April

6. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

It's probably that many models who begin their role in Second Life fashion as emulators and reflectors, little glowing moons of enthusiasm will eventually become a sun in their own right. It comes with determination, dedication and a willingness to be patient for the time to come. It's so easy too, to want to have everything happen NOW. But most things that are great are worth waiting for, and whether you're the powerful ball of sun or the reflective glow of the moon, you have your place in this virtual-verse.

Sweet and Sexy -- Oh La La! -- Featuring Luziefee Quin in Red

The other luscious outfit I began styling Friday comes from Luziefee. I have a thing for Q and Z names for anything. It's a weird fanatical, but then you may have guessed by now, I'm weird! This outfit has an outer sweet side that reminds me of the burlesque style so hugely popular on and off line...

But it also has a layer I have not yet revealed, a sultry lacy bit of material to wear under this layer. It's twice the sexy and thus the ooh la la.

When I met Bliss, she was just venturing into creating gowns. The gowns in the early days were designed to be very texturally unique and using very static prims (no flexi, no sculpt, nothing but prims and texture). She'd done hair for a while at that point, and was one of the first women I knew who moved from prim to flexi hair when it was available. She's been amazing on this whole journey. Our paths crossed many times. Like many others, I went and continue to visit her sale, this time adoring and buying hats and hair. You'll see a few now and then in my blog, but sadly I cannot advertise for her, so I can speak of her and wish her blessings on her next leg of life's journey. I do think she met her goal and helped provide a lot of people with a little taste of bliss in their life.

Thank you!

Featuring Luziefee Quin Red Dress
Featuring Bliss Yanni and Rosanna Hat
1. IKON: Sunrise Steel Blue
2. Face Paint: Square Prim Manicure
3. Face Paint: Audrey
4. Mirror's Enigma: Vanity Tan Skintone
5. Liv-Glam: Odeur Over Knee Boots
6. N@N@: Upper Arm Bracelet
7. Heart of Rubies from Zarah Dawn's previous store
8. Taken on location at The Creative Loft

The Unexpected Act of Kindness -- Featuring Evolve 55L Thursday Deal

We all work in situations where we learn the patterns and daily drill of whatever it is we're invested in, work or play, people or art. The probability of patterns repeating encourage us in a way that psychologically, we may not even realize. That dependable thing though gives us stability and comfort and feed our most basic needs.

When we add new things, or meet new people, or any other first time activity, we have little ability to predict what will happen. It's logical to attach some similar thoughts to similar behaviors, so when I add new designers to my blog, I have some idea what to expect because I've worked with other designers. However, I do have to learn the new designer's personal tastes and ways so that I find balance and make myself the most useful.

This past week, Evolve added me to their blogger list. I was thrilled. When I began blogging over a year ago, I worked really hard to find designers who would work with first time bloggers and for those who helped along the way, I will be ever grateful. Some businesses however, seemed so far removed from something I'd ever earn the privilege of doing. Acceptance as a blogger for this company was one of those impossibilities in my thoughts.

Yesterday, the artistic creator behind the scenes at Evolve contacted all her bloggers and did something so unbelievably kind and unexpected that I sat in silent awe and thanksgiving. I know she's a gifted designer. I knew she had earned her reputation through hard work which I admire. I did not know her personally and so I did not know her personality. This unexpected act of kindness opened my eyes to know her a little better, and I hope to share with those who read my blog and follow my Facebook and Flickr - Reign Congrejo goes beyond the standard, and touches lives in a real and personal way.

Thank you, Ms. Reign, from the depth of my heart.

Featuring Evolve Fantasy 3
1. EMO-tions: Lissi
2. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia
4. Face Paint: Sophisticates
5. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige
6. Mirror's Enigma: Nixie Light Skintone
7. N@N@: Gold Heart Bangle
8 HollyWeird: Harmony Necklace
9. Felicity: Harlow Stilettos
10. [LAP] Poses

11. Taken on location at Image Essentials

Things That Just Fit Into Place -- Featuring Evolve, {{BSD}} Design Studio

Sometimes I love puzzles. I was the type of child who could fiddle for hours until I could solve how to get the little ball to the center of the toy by slowly and patiently tilting it this way and that. To this day, I can take the time, and enjoy the process of puzzles.

Featuring Evolve Shine - 9

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Giuls - Orange

N@N@: Earrings Gift

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors Storm

2. [elika]: Breathe

3. Chop Zuey: Men's Necklace and Bracelet

4. Face Paint: Flora Eyes with #6 Lip Gloss

5. Face Paint: French Square Prim Manicure

6. Face Paint: Long Prim Eye Lashes Black

7. [:Mirror's Enigma:]: Nixie Light Skintone

So when I get an array of new items from multiple designers, it looks like my "Items to Blog" file suddenly becomes a puzzle I get to solve. I want to combine elements, create unique ways to wear them or simply display them in a manner that appeals to many in hopes that my photos and blog encourage you to try a new outfit from Evolve or Dot-Be Fashion or Luziefee, or maybe some terrific new shoes from {{BSD Design Studio}} and jewelry from one of my all time favorites Chop Zuey.

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Giuls - Black Triangle

Featuring Luziefee Agatha Black

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion Striped Special Pants

1. EMO-tions: Karen

2. Poetic Colors: Quicksilver

3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia

4. Face Paint: Blush Pink, Gem Eyes Grey, Glitter Lips Red

5. Candy Nail: Rosy Black

6. Glam Affair Skin

I can pull pieces together like this, where I have on a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Then other times, I receive entire outfits in one box. Shop and wear can be fun too, and if a designer throws a lot of options into the box, you don't have to ponder what goes with what.

Featuring Evolve Shine - 9

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Giuls - Orange

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors Storm

2. EMO-tions: Chevia

3. Chop Zuey: Impossible Dream Hummingbird Set

4. Face Paint: Grace

5. Face Paint: French Square Prim Manicure

6. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

7. [:Mirror's Enigma:]: Nixie Light Skintone

To me, both ways are enjoyable. Every now and then, I realize I have to be somewhere 5 minutes ago and I feverishly look for something stylish, chic and easy to wear. Other times I may sit and play with a look for hours, coming up with plausible options that differ slightly (like the top photo shown here today and the bottom one). It's a privilege to have the chance to do both, and something I never take for granted.

Sex Sizzles at Carrie's Lingerie

There once was a girl who really enjoyed Second Life and all the possibilities seemed endless. In May of 2011, she applied to work as a store model for a really classy lingerie company then anxieties got the best of her. The store manager at the time was remarkable and warm, aware of my anxieties and made me feel at peace with my fears and told me to let her know when I thought I might want to interview. I continued to shop and happily so, for several months following that, at Carrie's Lingerie and get to know the place, the people, the basic process, and details I thought would eventually help me build my confidence to a point I might interview.

When I was hired in August, I embraced this new facet of my Second Life experience with a passion. I'd done other odd jobs along the way, but this was the closest thing I'd found to work that reminded me bygone years where I was healthy enough to work offline. The atmosphere was one of a Sorority of women (with a few handsome men to keep life spicy and interesting) run by a business savvy woman - Carrie Bridger. Had I never stepped into Carrie's that day in 2011, I would not have ended up 2 years later on a path that's a tangent to my current Second Life identity. 

This beautiful blue outfit came out this month for June's VIP members. It is a special color of the beloved Obsession designed for VIP members only, and it's even more breathtaking in person! Quality and Carrie's go hand in hand, and whether you visit for a Hunt and are successful in finding the treasure or spend the money, well worth it by far, on each month's Limited Edition, the tasteful and very sensual lingerie reminds me of the notion of "Top Shelf". She doesn't care if it's a hunt give-away or a one of a kind Limited, she puts the energy and beauty into every piece, making sure that ALL Carrie's Lingerie is 'Top Shelf.'

Since my time at Carrie's, I've explored many different businesses, many different things related to fashion, and I still reflect back on my experience at Carrie's as one step towards my overall goals and joy in what I do to this day. I've modeled a little bit of everything, but it all began with a shy girl who was uncertain she could do the job justice in 2011.

Featured Carrie's Lingerie VIP Gift June Obsession Blue
1. Poetic Colors: Quicksilver
2. [elika]: Breathe
3. Natural Beauty: Eyelashes
4. Face Paint: The Pout
5. Rockberry Skin: Apple 5
6. N@N@: Gold Heart Bangles
7. Chop Zuey: Blue Beads and Gold Clasp Necklace
8. Face Paint: Modern Drops Earrings

9. Bax Boots: Prestige White Leather 

*Thank you Naughty for buying my first pair of Bax Boots. To this day, they're some of the highest quality products I've found in SL.

Quiet... Just a Little Longer

Just when I thought I had everything shifted into a new modus operandi, things change again. I celebrate the graduation of one son from college this coming weekend. The other comes home tomorrow and isn't sure he's going back to college. The world was quiet, for a little while, and it will be, but only a little longer.

As I perched in this tranquil setting, I pondered this loss of peace and return to full time parenting, I was thankful for the refuge that blogging and modeling has given me. I know we all escape into games or television series or Second Life, for a little vacation from reality. Even more so when our reality challenges us. I had a great time working with Baboom!'s newest release and these amazing heels from {{BSD}}. I happened to receive an array of items all at once that looked as if they were designed to make one outfit, and I celebrated. The jewelry  and hair from EMO-tions rounded out the look as I braced for the wave of reality to sweep in close and knock me to the ground. Where's the life vest? I need one nowww...


Featured Baboom! Kelly Mesh Dress
Featured EMO-tions Forever
Featured {{BSD}} Stay Cool Model
Featured EMO-tions Orion Necklace and Earrings
Featured Mirror's Enigma Azuka Tan Skintone
Featured N@N@'s Seraphine Bangles
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Colors - Storm
3. Face Paint: Liner and Lash
4. Noya: Golden Sculpted Manicure
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina

It's Not Easy Being Green...

I grew up during a time where network television offered limited programming and every so often, there were specials. Every year, we tuned it to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mary Poppins and The Muppet Show. Those specials often meant we could stay up later, and enjoy a family night.

My favorite among the specials and shows aimed at young people was the Muppet Show. An entire set comprised of puppets of all shapes and sizes entertained us once a week. Though they were furry monsters with friendly smiles on their face, they had surprisingly human conflicts. In a song written for the famous "Kermit the Frog", Kermit emotes that it's not easy being green. I think maybe a bigger message came through that sweet innocent little tune. It's not easy being different.

In my world off line, I have dealt with physical handicaps all my life. There were times I had tubes still attached when I was sent home from a hospital, and always new scars from surgery. I stood out, in my family, in my immediate group of friends; the song resonated in my head. It's not easy being green. On a side note, when I get to wear beautiful designs in Second Life, from the incredible hair at MADesigns to the beautiful top from ::B:U:B:: as well as the sweet mesh mini from Demise of Flight, I get to be normal. I pulled this look together and smiled.