52 Weeks Of Color: Tangerine

When I found out that this week’s color was tangerine I really wanted to wear this dress from House of Beningborough. Soooo tangerine, right? But then I tried to find a location, a backdrop, anything that would suit. And then there was hair. You can’t just throw your hair in a ponytail with a dress like this—a fiery creation like this one needs dramatic hair to accompany it! When  you want dramatic, 3636 is the way to go. Dianny3636 Aeon makes some of the most over the top hair out there, and it was just the ticket today. Also of major assistance was the Elysium Eilde Orange Creamsicle windlight setting.

Another dreamy orange item that came out just in time for tangerine week was the Ayelet Gold and Orange earring set from Yula Finesmith. They have beautiful shimmer and shine and are a perfect buffer between wild hair and wild dress!

Next week’s color is olive—nice, neutral olive. As fun as tangerine is, I bow my head in gratitude for a color that will not give me a headache after fifteen minutes.

Skin: Artemis_bronze_M05

Dress: BB Sensai Gown-Tangerine

Hair: 3636 Ari-Sahara (only on Marketplace)

Earrings: Finesmith Ayelet earrings gold+orange

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Light Gold (ML)

Waiting for a Visitor

This adorable lake cottage is available at TWLOHA, and it is full of charm and coziness! And best of all, it is full of windows so it lets in lots of sun--a perfect place to meet a friend for tea. TWLOHA only runs through Sunday, so get over there while you can!

I am also still crushing on the new Allura skin from Miss Roux, so sweet! Today I wore it with the gorgeous group gift from Kunglers for April. If you are not part of the Kunglers group, you definitely want to be--when there are new releases at Kunglers you shouldn’t walk, you should run to get there!

Dress and Necklace: (Kunglers) Group gift Apr2011

Boots: J's Western Boots DarkBrown

Hair: >TRUTH< Imogen - java

Skin: [mISs rOUx] Allura Tan Pale

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Clover Green (L)

Lake House: {T}-Cet Armour Lake Bungalow (TWLOHA item!)

Allura, Etc.

This is one of the gorgeous new skins from Miss Roux, called Allura. Not only is it one of my all-time favorites, but I have gotten a lot of thumbs up among my not-so-fashion-conscious friends, so that’s quite an impression! To complement it I went with a wavy, in-your-face hairstyle from Truth Hawks and Ikon Innovia’s mesmerizing gold eyes.

If you are in Luna Jubilee’s 52 Weeks of Color Group in-world you have probably heard a lot of freaking out about this week’s color, tangerine. I suppose I had that color on the brain today with this lovely top from Anubis Style and a perfectly matched necklace from Eolande. And not to be omitted are these completely fabulous pumps from Pixel Mode.

Hopefully a full-blown tangerine post is not too far away!

Hair: >TRUTH< Samantha - night

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Light Gold (ML)

Jewelry: Eolande Dragon's Eye Necklace - gold

Top: Anubis Style Camelia shirt

Pants: *elymode* Cyd's Leather Pants- white

Shoes: [PM] Baby T's Plain : Hot Orange

Skin: [mISs rOUx] Allura Tan Pale

More love for Belle

I can’t help it, I am so in love with Lily Ixtar’s Belle Bayou! I can’t stay away, every day I find another amazing area that I want to photograph! This fishing shack was the perfect place today for a little porch sittin’ and water haulin’!

 

Today my skin is by Livla Roux and I’m loving it! Livla has two new skins at her store, and her work is beautiful, so check back in the next few days for a preview! And don’t forget to check out the TWLOHA event!

 

Shorts: Zaara : Neha spring shorts *candy*

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Azure Deep (L)

Hair: >TRUTH< Eloise – mocha

Skin: [mISs rOUx] Livla / Fair tone 5

Hoodie: [arnadi] - Hoodie Tshirt "to write love on her arms"

Boots: J's SABO Boots L (Pink)

Bucket: Medieval Bucket_4 - by e-brink

Location: Belle Bayou

More TWLOHA Goodness

Today I had so much fun with some of the new items being offered at The Love Movement. One I particularly like is the Nostalgia set by Crissy Linette. I also love this bookcase/reading nook from Tasty. Some of the vendors have been acting up due to some rolling sim restarts, but your patience will be rewarded, so keep trying!

I also wanted to showcase the Cherry skin from Bare Sensual—don’t you love the smoothness and the flirty eyelashes?

TWLOHA Items:

House: buttons. lil charm her cottage

Shoes: Absolution - Cotton Rose Flats

Furniture: Nostalgia: A Sign Of Life;  {Tasty}-.I.Me.Mine. Space

Other items:

Eyes: ! FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes – Violet (ML)

Top:  !RIGHT Blouse & Pant Emie blue

Earring: (Caroline's Jewelry) Kennedy White Pearl Jewelry Set

Pants: *GF* Capri Jeans black

Hair: AD - nadia dark

Skin: BS Cherry Skin

To Write Love On Her Arms

TWLOHA is a benefit that is going on through April 30th, on behalf of those who suffer from depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. As a high school teacher I have seen quite a bit of this among teenagers and it is something that breaks my heart—the teenage years are hard enough without having to deal with these crippling feelings. I am including some information here from TWLOHA’s website that indicates how widespread these issues are.

• 121 million people worldwide suffer from depression. (World Health Organization)
• 18 million of these cases are happening in the United States. (The National Institute of Mental Health)
• Between 20% and 50% of children and teens struggling with depression have a family history of this struggle and the offspring of depressed parents are more than three times as likely to suffer from depression. (U.S. Surgeon General's Survey, 1999)
• Depression often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse, with 30 percent of teens with depression also developing a substance abuse problem. (NIMH)
• 2/3 of those suffering from depression never seek treatment.
• Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. (NIMH)

100% of the money raised from the items at TWLOHA is donated directly to the organization. Aurora Deischer has  been very clear about providing documentation to follow up on the allocation of these funds. In a world where we see so many scams, it is refreshing to find a worthy cause and to work with people who are dedicated to making a difference. Please take the opportunity to check out some of the great items being offered this week only!

TWLOHA items:

Cottage: buttons. lil charm her cottage:

Step Ladder: [Scusi] Garden Ladder

Shirt: * RezIpsa Loc * ~ Love, Pink

Pose: Baffle

Other items:

Boots: ::Duh!:: Women's Cowboy Boots Brown

Shorts: DCNY_Lacey Shorts_Dark Wash

Hair: Maitreya Moon - Almond

Where The Boat Leaves From

Get away to where the boat leaves from
It takes away all of your big problems
You got worries you can drop them in the blue ocean
But you gotta get away to where the boat leaves from
-Zac Brown Band
I was listening to this song as I was on my daily run with my dog yesterday. Apart from the grammar making me crazy (I am a language teacher after all) it really made me long for summer vacation—that magical time for teachers where you get to let down a bit and sit in your boat or on the beach and just think about nothing. There is still over a month to go, but I can dream, right?


Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Absinthe (ML)
Shorts: (nova) denim jeans SHORTS light wash
Shoes: ::Duh!:: Women's Cowboy Boots Brown
Shirt 1: [AE] Casually Perfection
Shirt 2:  jane.intrinsic.tank.wh milk
Hair: Maitreya Dylan – Hazel
Skin: Unique Artemis
Hat and Fishing Pole: AZ Fishing Set (location  in-world not available at this time, but items are available on Marketplace)

In Full Bloom

A bush of May flowers with the bees about them;
Ah, sure no tasteful nook would be without them;
And let a lush laburnum oversweep them,
And let long grass grow round the roots to keep them
Moist, cool and green; and shade the violets,
That they may bind the moss in leafy nets.

-John Keats

 

Jewelry: (Caroline's Jewelry) Eva Statement Jewelry in Amethyst

Top: *LPD* - *Feathers' Breath* Pink (no longer available)

Skin: Artemis_bronze_M01                 

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Deep Violet (ML)

Shorts: [SC] Surf Couture - Cafe Shorts - White

Hair: Maitreya Zoe - Ash Blond

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Periwinkle

Periwinkle is one of those soft young colors that abounds in springtime. Since spring is the season of renewal, it seemed a good time to try some new offerings from the fashion world. I am wearing the new Alicia skin from Apple Spice. It is a very pale skin so I am wearing it with a tan layer tattoo, but it is gorgeous in its full anti-UV-ray version as well! I love how this skin manages to be smooth and youthful but still have some subtle definition. My top is from Ivey Deschanel at Sn@tch. As always, when I have color challenge issues, Ivey usually has just what I need. To set off the periwinkle I am wearing a new necklace from Lisanna Lauria.

One thing I notice is that designers lately are spreading their love all around—for example, Apple Spice has not only skins but also poses and clothing. Same goes for many others—Lisanna seems to always have something new in the works. I think I am liking this trend!  And happily, spring still has a way to go before it’s over so I look forward to a lot more newness!

 

 

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Light Blue (ML)

Top: :::Sn@tch Tapestry Tank (Blue):::

Necklace: [Lauria] Double Boheme necklace

Skin: Apple Spice - Alicia1 – LnSt

Hair: Maitreya Green – Pecan

Pants: =DeLa*= Jeans "Stacy" Capri Navy

Background flowers from Free Your Nature

Forest Floor

At school we teachers swear that the short weeks are the longest. This one was no exception! Now it’s time for a long weekend over the Easter holidays, and I chose to wander around the Forest Floor sim, which calmed me considerably. Here no students come to me to tell me why they cannot take their test, or why their homework for the last three days is not done. Here I wander around listening to nobody but the swans, and when it comes to swan conversation, less is more, and that’s a good thing!

If you are celebrating this weekend, may you enjoy the time with family and friends!

Hair: Maitreya Green II – Walnut

Shirt: {Gisaci} Cambridge Cuffed Shirt - Popita Pink

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Silver&Green 3 (L)

Pants: Zaara : Jeans *blue* (Classic)

Pareo: Mimikri - Pareo / Starlet lava

Location: Forest Floor

New Releases Galore

If you have ever worn or shopped for an evening gown in SL you have undoubtedly heard of Agnes Finney. She has been creating beautiful, dreamy gowns for years and she seems to be on everyone’s short list for favorite evening gown designers. She has just released Isabella, which I wear here in red. One thing I always appreciate is her smooth textures, particularly  between bodice and skirt.

To set off such a spectacular gown I went in search of hair and found it in the form of Lila, by Dianny3636 Aeon. Just imagine the wind fan blowing it all over the place!

Today I am also showcasing the new Ashley skin from Spearsong. I am new to Jared Spearsong’s designs but I am in love with this skin—beautiful, creamy and delicious! I am sure this relationship will endure!

Hair: 3636-Lila Black (only sold on Marketplace)

Dress: Agnes Isabella Red

Jewelry: Alienbear Design (Platinum Queen Felicitas set (red))

Skin: .:SS:.Ashley-Light-Mauve

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Silver&Rust 3 (ML)

New Release @ Has Been

Terrie Dreadlow released this sweet vintage lingerie set this week and I couldn’t resist the chance to show it off. It is available in four colors but must admit a preference for the white. What can I say, I’m an underwear purist!

Lingerie: Has Been – Demure Latte

Shoes: Shiny Things Tuli Pumps – blush

Hair: >TRUTH< Marianne – espresso

Skin: LAQ ~ Maria - 03 [Fair] Glow skin (at Project Fur Japan)

Pose: {what next} 'So Boho' Dressing Screen (with 10 poses)

*Interiors by Stewart Jacobus

Saddest

Now there's no sense in seeing
The colours of the morning
Can't hold the clouds at bay
Chase them all away,
Chase them all away
And I'm frozen still
Unspoken still
Heartbroken
Remembering something I forgot,
Something I forgot

The Saddest Song I’ve Got--Annie Lennox

 

So when I was trying to find an outfit that would go with Ikon Innovia’s black eyes I just kept going back and looking at how nice they are. So today they get their own post. Black is a tough color for eyes, a lot of light can be lost in them, but these have shine and reflection and still manage to draw you right in.

Today the black got me thinking about the tough times in life (be they RL or SL) and the feelings many of us experience. If you don’t then I am very happy for you and hope you never do!  For those of you who have passed through some hard times, you know the feelings I am talking about—the conviction that nothing can ever be beautiful or happy again, that there’s nothing left to look forward to, or the awful, sucking emotional or physical pain that you are sure you are never going to be able to endure, although somehow you do. Facial expression is extremely difficult to capture in SL—there are a whole lot of serene countenances all around us all the time, but emotions run rampant, believe you me. The new Demanding shape by Mimosa Devin helped me capture a bit of sadness and supplication. Also of assistance was Photoshop, although any of you photoshoppers out there can undoubtedly  tell how big an expert I am not at using this tool. It was interesting to try the sad experiment with my avatar—maybe next time I will go for happy!

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Black (ML)

Hair: >TRUTH< Nora - night

Shape: Shapes by Mim - Demanding (Runway Model version)

Skin: LAQ ~ Nellie 01 [Nougat] Glow skin

Big Hair

I haven’t been such a big fan of the haute couture-type hair that is seen on some runway models in SL. I mean, without a doubt it is incredible work and worthy of awe and respect, but seems a bit much to be wearing around all the time—I think of showing up to teach my Spanish classes in SL with that kind of hair on and imagine the reactions I would get from my students. Then again, that might not be such a bad conversation starter….

You’ve got to admit it’s pretty fantastic. Today it was a great style to accompany a new set released by Yula Finesmith, and a lovely new gown from Entre Mares.

All in all a very satisfactory hair day which, thanks to SL, is easy on and easy off and aerosol-free!

Shape: Shapes by Mim - Demanding (Runway Model version)

Hair: Miamai_Never WitchBlack

Dress: [Entre Mares] Liz Black

Jewelry: Finesmith Rissa Demure

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Bronze (ML)

52 Weeks of Color: Eggplant

Sunrise, sunset,
Swiftly flow the days.
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,
Blossoming even as we gaze.

Sunrise, sunset,
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears

-Fiddler On the Roof

It’s pretty obvious that I am obsessed with Ikon Innovia’s line of eyes—it’s been difficult to wear anything else since they were released. I was skeptical about this color offering—who really has purple eyes, right? But for this week’s color challenge they are perfect and very aptly named, with the purplish blue combination invoking beautiful morning skies just before the sun decides he’s going to join us once and for all.  Or, for you color purists, a ripe, glowing eggplant ready to be picked!

Shape: Shapes by Mim – Demanding

Skin: LAQ ~ Susan 07 [Peach] Glow skin

Hair: Clawtooth: Blown Away - Black beauty

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Deep Rising Sun (ML)

What’s Your Digits?

Berry’s post on http://www.strawberrysingh.com/ got us all started talking about our shapes the other day and I am just getting around to posting mine. The hard thing about this is that I wear different shapes almost from day to day, so my digits change. Also, depending on my makeup, pose or clothing, slight adjustments may need to be made! So in the end I just went with my digits from today. Check out the post and throw up your digits!



Top: A&M:. Summer Tank Top (B) - Light Blue Bandana
Shorts: [SC] Surf Couture - Cafe Shorts – Brown
Hair: >TRUTH< Josephine - espresso

Eclectica

Tiffy Vella released this lovely set of gloves with matching collar and I have been trying to come up with something suitably dreamy to wear them with. How did I do?

They are available in several colors, and include a short glove option and two collar color combinations. Go forth and be elegant, my friends!

Earrings: nova Earring Gold Hoop (from Relaxed Elegance outfit)

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Steel Blue (M)

Skin: LAQ ~ Maria - 03 [Fair] Glow skin

Shoes: SLink Tiger Heels Brown

Dress: LAQ ~ Gold Cocktail Dress

Gloves and collar: Eclectica "Swoon" (cornflower)

Hair: >TRUTH< Leighton 2 - espresso

Back Porch

Anyone who has a dog probably knows the feeling that you get when you walk in the door at the end of the day and are accosted by a delighted, furry, wriggling creature. MY delighted, furry, wriggling creature happens to weight eighty pounds, so unless I brace myself a collision may occur! As with most dogs, Pup here likes nothing better than to be where I am—and mostly the feeling is mutual. So today we hung out together and enjoyed the sunshine. Ange Jacobus has made this easy with her new spring tanks and shorts.

And speaking of newness, Queue Marlowe has some new hairstyles out and that is always cause for celebration. I have serious hair envy towards people whose hair look like this; fortunately, thanks to Queue, mine can too!

Shoes: J's flip-flap & Barefoot

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Light Absinthe (M) 

Hair: AD - tea espresso

Shorts: .Ange. White Shorty Shorts

Top: .Ange. Blue Spring Tank

Down on the Bayou

I discovered Lily Ixtar’s beautiful Alabama bayou sim last week and I have been looking for opportunities to go back ever since. Spooky  Mistwallow at Kastle Rock has some new items coming out at the end of this week and she was gracious enough to give me a preview. Entranced is a lovely, summery dress that is perfect for those hot, humid afternoons down South.

One of Truth Hawks’ new offerings is just right for keeping cool without sacrificing updo elegance. And I still haven’t managed to even scratch the surface of all the colors of eyes Ikon Innovia is cranking out. I have begged him to slow down, but it has been to no avail, so I chose a deep silver that suited my mood and the sultry climate of this gorgeous sim.

Now I am off to find the bluegrass band and and dance partner!

 

Dress: :KR: Garden Party - Entranced Red- Available April 15th

Hair: >TRUTH< Alison – treacle

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Deep Warm Silver (M)

Location: Belle Bayou

Solitude

 

Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone.
For the sad old earth must borrow it's mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.

Rejoice, and men will seek you;
Grieve, and they turn and go.
They want full measure of all your pleasure,
But they do not need your woe.

-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

 

 

 

Hair: >TRUTH< Kelsey – espresso

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Azure (ML)

Shoes: [SC] Surf Couture - (F) Saturday Moccasins– White

Shorts: K.I.T. - Shorts / Deauville white

Top: *LpD* - *Country* Top Lilac

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Asparagus

They say it ain’t easy being green, but I always love wearing green clothes and had so much already in my inventory to choose from for this challenge, so I must disagree. I stumbled upon this beautiful sim created by Maria Vought, and the only difficulty was choosing a specific location! Fortunately a kind soul and new friend showed me all the possible locations. Eggplant next week…I think I like these vegetable colors!

Skirt: ::P:: Silky Mini Wrap Skirt, Green

Top: PIDIDDLE - Kimchi Racerback - Olive

Hair: AD - ais cherry

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Deep Clover

Skin: LAQ ~ Susan 02 [Peach] Glow skin

Location: Loch Haven

Sascha’s and Pocket Mirrors

Sascha Frangilli released Raphaella this week, and the ensemble has all the beauty and quality that we have all come to take for granted when the Queen puts her hand to the drawing table! In an additional stroke of genius, Sascha put together a selection of colored jackets that can be worn with the Raphaella dress or with whatever coordinates you like. If you happen to be at Sascha’s, chances are you won’t have to look far.

I also wanted to showcase two items that are being offered at special events in SL right now. First of all, Mallory Cowen has released Maria, another of her luminous glow skins. Maria is available only at the Project Fur Japan event. Also released recently is the Brooke hairstyle by Alair Cortes for Pocket Mirrors. A good updo in SL is hard to find and this one inspired me to go blonde. Two years in SL, my friends, and today I am a blonde for the first time! Now that’s inspiration! This style can only be found at the Pacific Crisis Fundraiser, which only runs through April 10th, so hurry over while there is still time!

 

Dress: SAS – Raphaella Black

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Steel Blue (ML)

Skin: LAQ ~ Maria - 02 [Fair] Glow skin (available at Project Fur Japan)

Hair: **Pocket Mirrors** Brooke Updo Light Blonde (available at the Pacific Crisis Fundraiser)

Hairbase Tattoo: LAQ ~ [Peach] Blonde Hairbase + Eyebrows

Shoes: *GF* Flower Pumps "Eve" black

Pants and Belt: SAS - Izzy Black Pants and Belt