Summer shines. People in general spend more time outdoors, enjoy longer days, and spend more time on vacation at this point in their year than any other time. Long lazy summer afternoons give way to lightning bugs and fireworks and other evening entertainment at this time of year.
For some of us, I've learned that it's certainly not only me, our world out of doors really seems as foreign as life on Venus might be, and the seasons that come and go do so out the window where we can watch but maybe not experience. It's one of many reasons why Second Life can be so valued by us.
Some have said casually or curtly, "Get a real life." Many say this who don't know me well. Even family and friends who live a good distance away from us express concern for me and my time online. What they don't realize ~ I love my online world because while I watch the world outside my window change, spring, summer, autumn, winter - I don't experience it, but in Second Life, I embrace everything. Summer still shines for me, but it's just the virtual reality of summer, and for me, it's priceless.
These sherbet colored dresses fit naturally, hugging to the body and leaving just enough skin to entice without being overly bold and they made me think of summer spaghetti strap dresses I used to wear (and fight with those awful straps constantly!!) and all the fun activities I enjoyed while wearing them. Any time art and crafty design in Second Life can help me remember a moment from my past or enjoy a moment in my present, it's a very good thing. I hope you too find that Summer Shines!
Featuring Totally Random Shades of the Summer - Moss
Featuring Chop Zuey Always True Bangles (1)
Featuring Chop Zuey Always True Necklace (part A)
1. EMO-tions: Fabienne
2. Poetic Colors: Quicksilver
3. Face Paint: Niki Lip Gloss 6
4. Candy Nail: Rose Garden Classic
5. Oceane's: Rose Natural Coffee Tan
6. N-Core: Slingback Xtreme Heel II
7. Taken on location at The Heating Pool
Do you know those people who seem to be able to do everything and when they do, it looks effortless?
I look to those people for inspiration. I respect them. I notice the ways they use their talents and creatively construct an exciting world all around them.
When I met Zzoiee, she had qualities I could heartily admire and learn from as well. Since I've met her, the world she exists in has grown exponentially and each step she's taken to make this so much fun to watch.
As I take photos, I feel them viscerally. It wasn't that way at first for me, but the more I do this, the more I feel it way down deep inside of me. It comes from the clothes, the designer, the experience and the art of it.
Much of my life could be expressed in song, so when things move me emotionally, I begin to hear music in my head. This series of photos come from Zanze's Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week Black and White Collection. Zzoiee, I don't even know how you do the way you things you do, but you do it brilliantly.
Featured Zanze Blair {Charcoal} Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week
Featured EMO-tions Audrey .theevent.
1. Custom Shape
2. Finesmith: French Sky Nails
3. Mirror's Enigma: Socordia V2 Skintone (Bleed)
4. Mirror's Enigma: Dreamy (n): Black Colored Eyes
5. {what next}: Rainy Day Pose Props
6. Chop Zuey: Kharma Lovers Earrings
7. Chop Zuey: Kharma Lovers Bracelet Worn as a Choker
8. DADAbeiz: Black Half Ankle Boots
9. Lace Tights by Caryn
10. Shot on Location at Image Essentials (The Maze)
11. Pose Built into Umbrella
Featured Zanze Bridgit {Checkmate} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured EMO-tions Keyla (LEEZU Hunt)
1. Custom Shape
2. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Starlia
3. Face Paint: Spring Gems Special
4. Mirror's Enigma: Dreamy (n) Black Colored Eyes
5. LAQ Tasha
6. HollyWeird: Ice Queen Piercing
7. Moonshadow: Gipsy Set
8. Bootgasm: Sleek Boots Black
9. Shot on Location at Image Essentials
10. Prop and Poses: "This Image Essentials Prop is a combination of items purchased from various merchants as well as items created by [Kay Weston]."
Featured Zanze Cinch Dress {Zebra} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured EMO-tions Pola
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. Sexy Mama Valentine Manicure
4. Mirror's Enigma: Iona Native Skintone
5. Chop Zuey: Men's Margherita Necklace
6. MIA: Rock Leather and Country Lace Cowgirl Boots
7. MIA: Rock Leather and Country Lace Cowgirl Hat
8. MIA: Rock Leather and Country Lace Cowgirl Lace Pants
9. Props and Poses: "This Image Essentials Prop is a combination of items purchased from various merchants as well as items created by [Kay Weston]."
Featured Zanze Clarice {Abstract} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured EMO-tions Liberty Turquoise Earrings and Necklace
Featured Face Paint: Jessica Smoke
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. EMO-tions: Silja
4. 17 Quintessencia Model Square 1
5. Oceane's: Rose Natural Honey Tan
6. R2: Azuli Silver
7. "This Image Essentials Prop is a combination of items purchased from various merchants as well as items created by [Kay Weston]."
This year may be the best yet in my Second Life. I began in 2005 as another version of Caryn and have seen it grow and evolve in so many ways. I love the history - Once upon a time bling jewelry was THE it thing to wear and if you could blind your neighbor, that was better still. Now? No way. I think the speed we live life online makes experiences curious. It's hard to perceive how much or little time has passed since... If you're on vacation and away for a few days, literally off line for 3 days, and you return, it feels like you've missed an eon. If you stay up all night typing or talking in voice, the newer faster and finger friendly way to connect, the night seems to pass as quick as lightning, and then ... gone.
I'm so blessed to be working with an array of stellar designers. Mirja Mills creates new hair week after week, and does so in such a way that regardless how you live your life in Second Life, a new release will suit your needs often, from the calm and sweet to the vivacious and wild. This hair called Sunburst reminded me of flames all around my face and as a massive James Taylor fan, the song Fire and Rain came to mind. How apt is that song to this world in our shared Second Life. Some days are so incredible, and I feel like I'm on top of the world. Other days are challenging or sad.
I had not yet unpacked this beautiful gown from Azul that a generous friend gave me at Christmas. It also reminded me of flames blazing, a world brilliant and crazy and wonderful. However, my January has been on of those months that JT sang about when he considered the rain. He was only 20 and he'd just lost a friend to suicide when he wrote Fire and Rain. I spent the month in fear of that big C word - Cancer. Biopsies. Medicine. Doctors. I would have preferred to be across the world playing hooky from my life, but I think the universe keeps us in balance with the fire an the rain, the light and the dark, and the ups and downs... If we did not have one, we would not understand the other. The biopsies came back - BENIGN. It was the light I needed after a long storm.
I put this outfit together, celebrating the warmth of the sun and the warmth of friendships that burn brighter than any fire deep in our souls. I've seen fire and I've seen rain. I've seen lonely days, but I've been blessed and found friends to carry me in the weak moments, and keep me warm. The jewelry fit in well to this theme today. Chop Zuey has several locations where there are exclusive items sold. Ms. Belle told me of October Bettencourt's Fashion Chamber and I visited today, happy to find the "Love Struck" set, hearts and white gold, reminding me in another way of how love works. It can be bold and blunt or quiet and calm, and from those who know us best, they often know what we need without ever speaking a word. I'm glad for those people in my world who remind me of all the brilliance in my world, both on and off line. It's priceless.
Also seen in photo: Oceane's Rose Natural Honey Tan, Poetic Eyes - Autumn Moon, Gaeline Mesh Lashes - Divina, Noya - Red Ribbon Heels, Face Paint: Lip Pop and Sparkle Shadows, Poses by Focus Poses and Wet Cat, all photos taken on second floor of October Bettencourts Fashion Chamber
I've had the joy of working with Violet Crush Bravin in several settings and admire the amount of work she accomplishes on any given day. Wow! One of her tricks up her sleeve is to create and create and create some more... new clothing that includes system style, sculpts, flexi and mesh for great combinations. As this is the end of the month of January, this is the last of the January items I will post. I had to choose one that was fun and different from what I'd tried other times this month and this outfit is cool.
A black long sleeve lace top keeps the arms warm over a sweetheart neckline mini dress. Flexi flairs around the waist and lace poufs just right below the first dark blue layer of the skirt tying together the look.
I paired this with new releases from Chop Zuey, pieces used by those awe inspiring MVW finale candidates. The Eilifu Black Set decorated my throat, nestled very close as a choker, earring match and a bracelet completes the set. After seeing all the work those women put into the contest, it's special to own a little piece of history linked to that momentous event.
Featured VCB Black Lace Dress
Featured Chop Zuey MVW Eilifu Black Set
1. Custom Shape
2. Oceane's Rose Natural Coffee Tan
3. Poetic Eyes: Hot Mocca
4. EMO-tions: Greece
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Davina
6. Face Paint: Sophisticates Poison
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails
8. Stella - Macy Stiletto Ankle Boots
9. Image Essentials Studio Poses
Once in a while, I receive a blogger pack from Stars Fashion, and always there are a wide variety of styles to choose from and I try to post at least one new look from them after I look at the options.
I've had a sweetheart home on medical leave after injury sustained while serving overseas. Yes, he might be making me slightly insane at this point, but I still love him all the same. As it it is, he's been far more involved in what art I do online and how this blogging thing works. He was watching over my shoulder as I pulled out Stars Fashion looks and THIS is what HE chose this time. He said it was fun, different and made him feel like the person wearing it had not a care in the world, could play as they wished, and get the most out of life. I had to share. This outfit is called "True Love" which also seemed apt, because after 23 years, we still have that true love that makes things okay when everything else in the world seems to blow around like a hurricane. I'm glad he had a hand in this, and I enjoyed the very different look from Stars Fashion even more because of his input. Have fun at Stars Fashion. They have a vast array of items, and very good prices.
You'll also note a new release hanging from my ears from the Liv-Glam Curiosity line. The stars have color options for the gems as well as the metal and can be resized. I thought they had the same fun energy the outfit had, so I was happy to show you a new Liv-Glam release too.
And a quick PS... pop over to Image Essentials property to try their photo studios, their outdoor props and settings, and other ways to enhance your modeling needs and blogging.
Featured Stars Fashion True Love
Featured Curiosity Star Earrings at Liv-Glam
1. Custom Shape
2. Oceane's Rose Natural Milk Tan + Cleavage
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. EMO-tions: Anna
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
6. Face Paint: Panda Purple Gradient
7. SHOCK: Frosty Penguin Nails
8. Image Essentials Studio Poses
The designer Lethe Scar always pushes me to the edge of my comfort zone with dramatic style.
This outfit has been designed to look like there are a number of leather and latex belts wrapped around the body from head to toe with skull images on various belts. You do not end up revealing anything directly when 'bound' in this outfit, but it does flirt with the whole realm of naughty bedroom behavior.
Featured Rock Oil Confined
1. Custom Shape
2. Ocean's Rose Natural Vanilla Tan
3. Poetic Eyes: Oriental Pearl
4. Emotions: Heaven
5. WoW Diva Lashes
6. Face Paint: Restless 4
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Lashes
8. Bootgasm: Sleek Boots Black
9. MD Collar Black
10. Art Hands 1
You find the generous heart of many this time of year on line and in your world off line. It's a time for sharing. For me, I'd rather have the most amazing relationships and no material objects. I'm blessed to have those relationships and hopefully I convey that emotion in word and photo in my blogs.
Up close and personal, you can see the wide dramatic eyes with a soft grey and brown puff of shadow and those lips, so kissable and sweet. They look like candy meant to be plundered.
Ah... brilliance. I wear Emotions dark brown 95% of the time. However, special times call for special deviations from my norm. The release that came out today from Emotions, Christmas Angel (and a special gift for men only as well) celebrates the season.
Glamour will be free one of the 12 Days of Face Paint's Christmas and Emotions Christmas Angel is available today through Christmas, also free.
Featured Liv-Glam Winter Palazzi Silver
Featured Emotions: Christmas Angel
Featured Face Paint (1 of 12 Days of Christmas) Glamour
1. Custom Shape
2. Oceane's Rose Natural Vanilla Tan Cleavage Freckles
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
5. Finesmith: Sculpted Nails
6. Finesmith: Lulu's Melody Set
7. Stella: Shanti Knee Boots
8. Avante Pose, Dakara by Kim, WetCat
Every week Liv-Glam provides new and up to date fashion for the "NOW". With it winter and the holidays for many, the outfits coming out of Liv-Glam currently seem to resonate a holiday-like theme without being too focused on one special date of the year.
There are several options programmed into the HUD for this outfit, but I chose the grey because I was working with a new make-up and jewelry too. It just all flowed together. Liv-Glam offers 6 different patterns.
The make-up from Face Paint is coming soon, Grace. I've fallen in love with most everything created by Endra Graves and Artistry by E, but there are a few I really adore and the Deborah set in every color, wow. Oh, I also noticed that the secondary store for Emo-tions has many hair styles on sale including the one in the photo. I took a friend by to see if the Madame in a lighter color would suit her, and we were happily surprised it was 99L!
Liv-Glam released several versions of the Palazzi, but I had to photograph the silver. It's got a wonderful swirling pattern, and as always amazes me, Samantha has figured out how to make the cloth look metallic. How does she do it??
Booooots... yes, one of the Stella pair. I adore Stella boots.
Ms. Mills and Ms. Quaggy of Emo-tions provided a special Christmas gift called "Angel" and it's white as snow with flakes of silver in it.
When I put it on, I knew just the jewelry to accent, something from Finesmith early in the year of 2012. It's been a great year!
And if you haven't followed my blog for long, you'll know that every single photo ever posted here showcases Face Paint, and this picture has the new Glamour 2 a treasure that will be under our tree as we count down to Christmas. Something new every day till the 24th.
Featured Liv-Glam Electrique Embellished Dress
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Madame
5. Liv-Glam Sculpted Lashes
6. Face Paint: Pure Drama Storm
7. [SHOCK] Penguin Nails
8. Liv-Glam Zoffany Boots
9. Artistry by ~E~: The Deborah Set Black Pearls
10. AP Zress Elegance 1
Featured Liv-Glam Winter Palazzi Silver
Featured Emotions: Christmas Angel
Featured Face Paint (1 of 12 Days of Christmas) Glamour
1. Custom Shape
2. Oceane's Rose Natural Vanilla Tan Cleavage Freckles
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
5. Finesmith: Sculpted Nails
6. Finesmith: Lulu's Melody Set
7. Stella: Shanti Knee Boots
8. Avante Pose, Dakara by Kim, WetCat
Stars Fashion has a number of special deals on a regular basis. If you haven't been by to see, check out this recent release and while you're there, you might find other fun looks for winter fun.
Layers that tease the eye make winter as much fun as those warmer seasons when you get away with wearing almost nothing. The outfit comes with a mesh hoodie, a tank that reveals more skin than it covers, a pair of jeans with the message 'sexy' written on one of the legs and holes that make the jeans look 'old but comfy'. You also get a pair of simple winter black boots.
Featured Stars Fashion New Girl on the Block
1. Custom Shape
2. Oceane's Rose Natural Vanilla Tan
3. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Moon
4. Emotions: Lissy Flames
5. Face Paint: Mix & Match Hollywood Old School
6. Nikita Lashes
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails
8. LAP Baby Got Back Too + Barbie 9a
It's great when composite pieces come together so well. I pulled colors from these different designers' contribution.
The dotted leggins are from Wunderland and free for the finding as part of the ongoing PMHH. If you're a good treasure hunter, these pants will be yours.
The top comes from KCode and a series called Corinne which has several color palettes. These tops are available till the end of the month when the Boho Fair ends.
Booties come from Pichi, also from the Boho Fair, come in a wide range of colors also. You will find a pair that matches almost anything you own.
Featured: Wonderland - Dot Leggins PMHH
Featured: K-Code - Corinne 3 Boho
Featured: Pichi - Adele Flat Booties - Antique Pink
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Taylor - Dark Brown
5. Oceane Lashes
6. Face Paint: Spring Pop 4
7. Artistry by ~E~: The Caroline Set Pink Diamonds
8. [LAP] C-Barbie9a
The dress this week that's out for Secret Wednesday does a great job of presenting a softer side of Liv-Glam, something that makes you look delicious and innocent at the same moment.
The Terri Balloon Dress in Violet uses a large floral print across a youthful design with accent of pink and blue to make this dress fresh and lovely for use almost anywhere you might go in Second Life. Because it's short sleeved, you have the option of adding a shrug or cape, a pair of winter boots or a scarf and making it warm and cozy. In spring, just pull this look out again. You'll enjoy this investment in Liv-Glam.
Featured: Liv-Glam Terri Balloon Dress - Violet
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Lala - Brown
5. Oceane Mesh Lashes
6. Face Paint: Temptress Smoke
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails
8. Mind Games: Valentina Boots - Purple
9. Artistry by ~E~: The Noor Set
10. AP Extreme Modeling 6 Mirror
