Anticipation

I remember back in August when Janie Marlowe released her first mesh clothing designs. We had all been “waiting” for it for awhile, but boy did it ever explode once Janie started making it available. And boy did she crank out a lot of stuff those first few months! It was all anyone was talking or blogging about. There may have been quite a bit of viewer-based consternation about it (and the Phoenix people probably cried buckets), but the variety of mesh designs has continued to grow and now there are many designers who are getting on board. Janie, Damien Fate and Zyrra Falcone are now collaborating on a new mesh-based venture together, called coldLogic. They are opening on February 1st, so only two more days to wait. coldLogic has offered a free welcome dress in three colors to subscribers and it is a real beauty—style and comfort together! If this is what they start with, I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Hair: Maitreya Ymre II – Walnut by Onyx Leshelle

Necklace: Addiction Wise Owl Necklace by Atiya Masala

Dress: coldLogic dress - free winter.stone by coldLogic

Tights: JANE - lil piggies tights.fuzzy.br champagne by Janie Marlowe

Socks:  [knickknack] knitted sock SOIL by Levia Larsson

Boots: Quality Designs Flat Boot Leather in earth tones by Jessie Auer

Location: Huntress

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Patina

First of all, congratulations to the winners of the Maggie Set from Artistry by E!
1. Jasmine Ballinger (incidentally it’s her rez day so HAPPY REZ DAY!!!)
2. Aeva Nikolaidis

Now for today:

pa·ti·na

noun \pə-ˈtē-nə, ˈpa-tə-nə\

1a : a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color

  b : a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use

2: an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character

3: a superficial covering or exterior

It’s the last definition that intrigued me, particularly as it relates to SL. What do you hide about yourself with your SL patina? Does your SL exterior cover up things about you? Is SL the ultimate patina? Ok, philosophical rambling over.

My patina today is comfortable and casual in great mesh pants from DCNY and a ruffled vest from Malt. I have the perfect  backdrop in one of Lily Ixtar’s rental cottages at Belle Bayou.

This week I am going to give away a few pair of Arkesh Baral’s new mesh eyes from Mayfly! I fell in love with them a few weeks ago, and what can I say? I must share the love! Winners will be able to pick out the mesh eye color of their choice, and Keshie has offered to throw in the system eyes as well in case there are a few of you out there that haven’t made the switch over to mesh yet. And if you haven’t seen the unbelievably huge variety of colors she has available, check them out here. Go ahead and leave a comment below, even if it’s just to say “gimme the eyes!!!”

Hair: ::Exile:: Miu:Wedge by Kavar Cleanslate
Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Mesh Eye (Viridian) by Arkesh Baral
Earrings: Gossamer - Earring-Lealao-Turquoise by Maxi Gossamer
Vest: Malt Frilled Vest – Seaweed by Khea Karas
Top: (nova) silk turtleneck WHITE by Novastar Shilova (no longer available)
Ring: Paper Couture Polished Stones Ring – Aqua by Cora Lu (Marketplace)
Belt: EarthStones Sol Mix Belt – Latte by Abraxxa Anatine
Pants: DCNY Mesh_Suede Pants_Deep (Silver) by Dawn Memorial
Feet: Maitreya Gold * Bare Feet Flat by Onyx Leshelle

Inundated

Over the past three days half the ceiling in my classroom fell in due to a leak in the roof. The roof is one of those flat seventies inventions that make it completely impossible to find where the leak is coming from, so I’ve been teaching this week with random streams of water pouring in on top of students, books and equipment. Just so you know, trash and recycling bins make very good water catchers and the combination of water and LCD projector makes for some very interesting effects! So today I am ready for whatever the weather may bring, in my adorable Wellingtons from Gospel Voom and umbrella from The Sea Hole Collabor88 event. Here’s hoping for a drier week next week!

 

Hair: >TRUTH< Tammy – espresso by Truth Hawks

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Grey (ML) by Ikon Innovia

Jewelry: Beauty Code Pearl by JaneDark Miles

Jacket: aDiva couture Alissa Boucle Fur Mix Jacket by Annejoy Paine

Top: *Crazy* Panadera Top Blue by Ioan Jogiches

Skirt: The Sea Hole - Heron Skirt – Clayberry by Drinkinstein Sorbet

Umbrella: The Sea Hole - Heron Parasol – Clayberry by Drinkinstein Sorbet

Boots: [Gos] Rigged Wellington in Merlot by Gospel Voom

Ingrid

Ava and Barbara Kungler released another beauty this week--when their notices come out there is not a lot that can keep me from instantly teleporting to the store! Today I have my lovely friend Kat modeling Ingrid, Kunglers latest release. This is an amazingly gorgeous sculpted gown—I love the realistic drape and shine of the bodice and skirt.

Kat also looks great in this dainty, intricate necklace from Smooth Designs.

Hair: Truth Valerie by Truth Hawks

Skin: eStyle Manila by Dragos Janus

Necklace: Smooth Designs ~Ophelia~ necklace - g/tourmaline by Aeris Shenlin (Marketplace)

Dress: Kunglers Ingrid Old Rose by Ava Kungler

Location: Alirium

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Iron

First things first: Thanks to everyone who commented last week--the lucky giveaway winners are (drum roll…..):

1. Ygrey Auer
2. Lashae Karsin
3. Nicandra Laval

Congratulations ladies! Watch for your gift in-world! And for everyone else, keep on reading because I had so much fun with this I have decided to make it a weekly color-challenge event!

Now, however, we move on to Iron. There were so many ideas that came to mind--Iron Man, ironing, wrought iron, Iron Maiden (yikes!)…why don’t we just stop there! What stuck in my head most though was a song I sang in college, and it is pretty appropriate for the kind of weather we are having lately in my neck of the woods:

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

-Christina Rosetti, Gustav Holst

So what did I do? I grabbed my friend Caroline and we took to the snow, I in my ultra-chic jacket from Sascha Frangili and Caroline in a beautiful jewelry set from Endra Graves and one of this week’s color challenge offerings from Rezzie Luckstone:

So now for the giveaway…it will be the same as last week, you’ll have until Friday, January 27th at 11pm SLT to make a comment on this post. Winners will receive the Maggie Set from Artistry by E, beautifully modeled by Caroline. This week I will randomly draw two names from the list of comments. Now, I am not going to do jewelry every time, there will be other items in the future as well (guys, I am keeping you in mind!), but the talented Endra Graves has generously agreed to be my giver this week.

And even though we are past the Christmas season, if you are feeling like reliving the season a bit, here are two versions of “In The Bleak Midwinter”, the first by the great Annie Lennox and the second more traditional version from the Gloucester Cathedral Choir:

 

Eliza:

Hair: **Pocket Mirrors** Dilara Updo Dark Brown by Alair Cortes

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Grey (S) by Ikon Innovia

Jewelry: MG Necklace - Silver Twin Hearts – Medium by Maxi Gossamer

Jacket: SAS - Tali Silver Jacket by Sascha Frangili

Top: Rezipsa Loc  Dress Dark Iron by Rezzie Luckstone

Pants: **GizzA** Flax Pants Female [Grey] by Giz Seorn

Shoes: Maitreya Gold - Esprit-Xtd Noir by Onyx Leshelle

Nails: * RezIpsa Loc * ~ Iron Nails by RezIpsa Luckstone

Caroline:

Hair: EMO-tions Carmen  Blonde by Mirja Mills

Eyes: Fashism Sunrise Eyes Warm Silver by Ikon Innovia

Jewelry: Artistry by E Maggie Set Silver by Endra Graves

Dress: Rezipsa Loc  Dress Dark Iron by RezIpsa Luckstone

TGIF

Another week comes to an end…another opportunity to wear some fabulous items from SL designers. Today I wanted something casual and this short dress from Rezzie Luckstone was just the thing. It’s simple, it’s short-but-not- too-short, and it comes in all sorts of colors. A perfect staple to have in your SL inventory. My scarf is from League—there always seems to be just the perfect item or accessory at that store!

I am also reminding everyone that today is the last day to enter my giveaway of Maxi Gossamer’s mesh Shell Earrings fatpack! If you want to enter, comment on last week’s Color Challenge post today  before 11pm SLT.  I am wearing one of the colors in my photos below… you know you want them, don’t you??? I will be announcing the three winners on the next color challenge post on Saturday, Jan.21st!

 

 

Hair: >TRUTH< Andrea w/Roots – espresso by Truth Hawks

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Silver&Green (S) by Ikon Innovia

Earrings: MG – Mesh Earring-Shell-Teardrop-Pearl Green by Maxi Gossamer

Scarf: *League* Vintage Scarf -Soft Silver by Nena Janus

Dress: * RezIpsa Loc * ~ Short Sleeve Mini, Raven Black by Rezzie Luckstone

Bracelet: Artistry by E, The Helena Bracelet (Silver) by Endra Graves

Tights: JANE - lil piggies tights.fuzzy.bk charcoal by Janie Marlowe

Boots: *FIR & MNA* The Orann Boots Grey Womens by Rob Moonites

Suprising

With all the holiday hoopla, the color challenge starting again, and oh yes, work in RL, there are quite a few items that I love but just haven’t gotten to yet. One of them is this beautiful gown from Meiling. I am always pleasantly surprised at the variety of styles Meiling makes available. This one, called Club 51, mixes just the right amount of casual sexiness with elegance, with its long flexi skirt and adorable back-tie.

When I think of elegant places in SL, the lovely, sun-drenched Solaria always comes to mind. I haven’t found a bad angle there yet, it’s totally and completely picturesque. And a kind gentleman I ran into today told me there are even underwater ruins—another delightful surprise! So if you haven’t checked this beautiful sim out yet, put it on your list. It is a rental area so please be respectful of the residents.

Hair: Exile:: Colette:Roots-Pecan by Kavar Cleanslate

Dress: Meiling Club 51 Sexy Dress by  Meiling Couturier

Necklace & Earrings: Gossamer Silver Twin Hearts by Maxi Gossamer

Bracelet: Bracelet Music silver by Jamman

Location: Solaria

Poise

Today I went for a stroll in this cute, comfy set from Poise. I really like the set up of the Rejectz sim. This is an adult role-play sim though, so if you visit make sure you are aware of and follow the sim rules.

I am also trying out a new skin from Inaya. I love the sassy face and straight-across eyebrows. While Naalyeh Raleigh makes some very charming faces (and her darker skins are really lovely), they lose a bit of smoothness with atmospheric settings or shadows turned on. I took the photo below with only basic lighting. I am enjoying getting to know her work and look forward to what she comes up with next.

Hair: >TRUTH< Evelyn w/Roots – espresso by Truth Hawks

Skin: [inaya] Skin Linh by Naalyeh Raleigh

Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Mesh Eye (Green Tourmaline, w3) by Arkesh Baral

Earrings: BeautyCode::. reflection teardrop Earring by Janedark Miles @ Designer Circle

Necklace: Mermaid's Heart - Short – Silver by Maxi Gossamer (Marketplace)

Outfit: ::Poised:: Peri - teal/magenta by Poise Collins

Shoes: VF Canvas Sneakers No2 Hearts Pink by Viviane Hobble

Location: Rejectz

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Electric Indigo

Today is my one-year blog anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with a great color challenge???  I was actually thinking this was going to be a hard week, but the problem turned out to be too much indigo rather than not enough!

For our first electric color, I decided to honor Ben Franklin, that canny jack-of-all-trades that brought us greater understanding of the properties of electrical forces. (I stole that line from my scientifically-minded friend Stewart) While perhaps his key did not glow, and he definitely did not have as sassy a kite as I have, he certainly paved the way for future electric fabulousness. For those of you who don’t know the key story, you can read about it here.

Now for a couple of fabulous new items. First of all, Arkesh Baral at Mayfly has released her first mesh eyes. I have to admit to some uncertainty about how a mesh eye would work, but they were a cinch, and even better, they are resizeable so if the iris is too big or small you can adjust. And yes, they do work with the GI eye autofocus hud. All good so far! Oh, and did I mention how beautiful they are?

And last but not least, Maxi Gossamer is jumping on the mesh bandwagon with her gorgeous jewelry designs. These earrings were perfect for this week’s color, although I have to admit I loved all the colors that were available:

And since it’s my blog anniversary, I wanted to do a little something on the fun side…so I will be giving away a fat pack of Maxi’s earrings to three lucky commenters on this post. Here’s how it will work: next Friday, January 20th, I will randomly choose three names from the list of comments. Please feel free to comment, even if you are not a blogger! The only restriction is that the prize will be delivered in-world and you must have a Second Life avatar name!

So many of you leave the sweetest and most encouraging comments here and this is my way of saying thanks for your wonderful camraderie. Here’s to you and to many more blog posts, my friends!

Hair: ^;^CaTwA^;^ Amylee/Cocoa by Catwa Clip (new)

Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Mesh Eye (Midnight Purple) by Arkesh Baral (new)

Earrings: MG - Earring-Shell-Teardrop-Peacock Eye by Maxi Gossamer

Top: Pixel Dolls Indigo Reveiller Long Top by Dolce Blackflag

Shorts: K.I.T. - Shorts / Deauville white by  Mimikri Kit

Shoes: :{MV}: Dottie Cobalt by Lokii Violet

Kite: Turquise Balloon Kite by  Martini Discovolante

Gentle Grace

It’s been a great week for new releases and a couple of them have been of the ocular variety. Eyes are hard to make well, especially if you want them to be at all realistic-looking. I look at some of my snapshots from my first days in SL and I look like Cruella Daville much of the time—psycho crazy eyes. In this SL day and age there are a lot more options—some uncannily beautiful. Now Agnes Finney has gotten onto the eye bandwagon and she has recently released some lovely designs, which should come as a surprise to no one who knows Agnes’ work. My friend Isabelle was gracious enough to model them for me.

Isabelle is also the embodiment of grace in this timeless classic from Carisma Creations.

 

Hair: Analog Dog gala paprika by Queue Marlowe

Eyes: Agnes Beaute_Eyes_Gentle Grace (M) by Agnes Finney

Necklace: Single heart letter gold chain Necklace V By Jamman

Dress: Carisma Creations Fairy Dress Sky by Antonin1

Earrings: Gossamer Earring-Shell-Teardrop-Peacock Eye by Maxi Gossamer (Marketplace)

Bracelets: Gossamer Boho Bangles - Gold and Lapis Lazuli by Maxi Gossamer (Marketplace)

Location: Welsh Rainbow

Collaboration

I have so enjoyed the Collabor88 event series, and I have to admit that I dropped quite a chunk of L’s there this month. My shirt, pants and jewelry all come from Collabor88, and this is only a peek at what is actually available. Check it out!

Hair: >TRUTH< Gabriel – cocoa by Truth Hawks

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Steel Blue (S) by Ikon Innovia

Jewelry: (Yummy) Hodgepodge for Collabor88 by Polyester Partridge

Top: Willow~ Scalloped Shirt (MESH) Ghost – XXS for Collabor88 by Weezey Warwillow

Jeans: caLLie cLine jeans - Culture Fusion Dark Wash for Collabor88 by Callie Cline

Pose: Magnifique

Location: Belle Bayou Cottage Rentals

Remember Me

Today was a day when only Agnes Finney would do. And fortunately she has released one of my favorite ensembles to date, Remember Me. It is available in different color combinations but my favorite was the green top and champagne skirt. Light, lacy, and utterly feminine. I have to admit it made me feel nostalgic and wistful. About what I don’t know, but still. Maybe it’s the name. That’s some dress, right? Now I just want to go put my arms around someone I love and dance the night away.

Hair: >TRUTH< Pandora – mocha by Truth Hawks

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Clover Green (S) by Ikon Innovia

Necklace: Gossamer Pearl Daisies - Pink Pearl - DT - Short+Long- Gold by Maxi Gossamer (Marketplace)

Top: Agnes Remember Me Green by Agnes Finney

Skirt: Agnes Remember Me Lace Skirt Champagne by Agnes Finney

Shoes: Karried Away Ballet Flat Khaki by Karrie Kweller

Location: The Muse Conservatory

Poses: The Secret Store, Purple Poses (Private Room Event)

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Coral

This week I was totally uninspired. Not an auspicious beginning! Maybe it’s the January blues. Anyway, all I really wanted to do was wear this dress so that is what I did. Better luck next week!

Hair: ! SugarsmacK ! ~ Cole/Coco Pudding by Accountant Adzebills

Eyes: Fashism Sunrise Eyes Peach (S) by Ikon Innovia

Skin: Apple May Designs Eliza Carmel by Apple May

Dress: haut.monde - Floral Mesh Dress – Coral by Teresa Republic

Bag: {mon tissu} Weekend Traveler ~ Salmon (Mesh) by Elie Spot

Shoes: Leverocci – Passaggio Autumn (Mesh) by Jin Elfan

Jewelry: undefined lilies - holly is manifold (gold/pink) by Liliana Barrs @Etheria

Pose: Magnifique

Hello Kitty

Today one of my colleagues was telling me about her twenty-year old cat who is on her last legs. As cats go, she is a beautiful one, and the sweetest love I ever met. Sadly I am allergic to cats and have to admit to being a dog person, but if I could have cats, I would have loved to have  a girl like Sugar. So today’s post is for her--may you chase many mice in the great hereafter, dear.

My outfit today covers me completely—allergens, I am on to you! My sweater is from Inge Rang for Crank Design and it’s on sale at the Designer Circle through tomorrow, so grab it while you can!

 

Milly is one of the newer skins by Apple May—a lovely creation with it’s delicate and pixie-like face.

Hair: elikatira Melody - Brown 09 by Elikapeka Tiramisu

Skin: Apple May Designs Milly – Carmel by Appel May

Eyes: Fashism Sunrise Eyes Deep Grey (S) by Ikon Innovia

Sweater/Ring: Crank Design Sharleen Outfit by Inge73 Rang @ Designer Circle through Jan 7th

Earrings: LOGO Byzantine Graduated Earring Silver by Polly Pavlova

Pants: AA-Jeans Grey by Swan Ling

Belt: Nyte'N'Day - Nine Belt- Black by Nyte Calgari

Boots: J's Fringe Cowgirl Boots (Black) by JB Gasov

Poses: DeePose, !bang

Location: Hayden’s Haven

Put A Coat On

Today I made the very big mistake of thinking that today was going to be like every other day weather-wise that we have had lately; namely forty-degree weather even though it is January. It would appear that Mother Nature finally woke up from her nap and realized she had been quite remiss with regards to her winter weather! I walked out the door in my jacket and my hair (which was still partially wet because yeah, I’m just super chic like that) immediately froze. So I had a choice, run back inside and get a coat, or run for the car. I chose the latter. This seemed like a good idea until I got to work and had to walk a quarter mile down the street to my school. Let’s just say lessons learned.

So my girl today is similarly inappropriately dressed, in low-rise leather pants and a wispy short-sleeved thing from League. My only nod to practicality are my boots from J’s and my arm warmers—and even they are too lacy for much protection. But they are so cute! And I had been waiting for a chance to wear this great feather necklace from Graffitiwear.

I am really enjoying trying out the different mesh hairstyles that are increasingly available—this one is from Wasabi Pills and you can see that my av managed to get her hair dry before leaving the house!

Hair: /Wasabi Pills/ Orion FEM Mesh Hair - Black coffee by MissAllSunday Lemon

Eyes: Fashism Sunrise Light Brown (S) by Ikon Innovia

Necklace: Graffitiwear FWH Feathered Aztec Pendant by Chalice Piers

Shirt: *League* Seashell Blouse –Brown by Nena Janus

Undershirt: [Plastik]-Valerian-F-US-Bra-Crimson by Aikea Rieko

Bracers: *DL* Kimiko - Arm warmers by Tera Gearz

Pants: *League* Zipped Leather Pants -Faded Black by Nena Janus from Four Corners Event

Boots: J's Ankle Boots Square(Black) by JB Gazov

Bag: Maitreya Leather Satchel * Mustard by Onyx Leshelle

Location: Caledon Ahavah

Poses: Posture by Saeriah Thei

Back To Work

Tomorrow the holiday break ends in RL and it’s time to go back to work. For my last day as a free woman I chose to try out Luna Jubilee’s new Snowday windlight setting. You can download it from Luna’s website. It was perfect for my dreamy and slightly blue mood at the impending end of vacation. I stayed warm with a thick fur jacket from Reila Karu and a snug cap from IrEn.

 

Hair: Iren Winterly brown by Irischka Hotshot

Eyes: Fashism Sunrise Light Brown (S) by Ikon Innovia

Jacket: Reila Skins - Winter jacket brown by Reila Karu

Pants: *League* Zipped Leather Pants –Diesel by Nena Janus (from Four Corners event)

Boots: WOot Booty FUR brown by Joice Dreamscape

Ring: Lapointe & Bastchild "Ethereal" Engagment Ring – Platinum by Bastchild Lotus

Location: Edloe

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Champagne

It’s BACK! Here we are in a new year and looking forward to 52 weeks of colorful inspiration. To learn about the color challenge check out Luna Jubilee's introductory post. To start off: Champagne--which I imagine was consumed in copious amounts last night. And since we are reflecting on past years and looking forward to the new I wanted to pull out some old favorites. I have always loved this gown from Leezu Baxter. It’s an older dress from 2010 or (yikes!) 2009. But the exploding skirt prim and beautifully patterned bodice never lose their appeal. So to everyone, keep in your minds the very best of the past and look forward to a bright future.




Hair: elikatira Past Brown 09 by Elikapeka Tiramisu
Eyes: Fashism Sunrise Bronze (S) by Ikon Innovia
Dress: LeeZu La Vie En Fleur Champagne by Leezu Baxter
Jewelry: salt. vintage mixed pearl by Tammany Goodliffe
Earrings: Swallowtail Full prim short earring pearl by Natsuko Paravane
Shoes: B&G Melody Champagne by BG Planer
Poses: Juxtapose