Couture Conundrum Has Moved

Thanks for reading Couture Conundrum. Please click here to be directed to our new blog home at http://gabby.inworld.sl

Be sure to update your readers and link pages!
More Photos and Info After The Jump

A Girl Can Never Have Too Much Makeup!

I will admit that I am a wee bit addicted to make up. In SL, I collect skins like some collect art and in RL,a trip to Sephora is practically a religious pilgrimage. So when I started the Creators Stamp Rally at Kurotsubaki, there was no question as to what I would buy in order to receive my first card.

The Makeup Belt by Kurotsubaki is 252 prims of beautifying goodies. From lipsticks and eye shadows to lash curlers and a blow dryer. This belt is a makeup snob's dream come true. My fellow makeup aficionado, Jezabell Barbosa commented immediately that the eye shadows reminded her of Dior...and I couldn't agree more! You can pick it up at their main store and then travel around to the other stores participating in the CSR, stamp your card and pick out a fun gift. I haven't filled my card yet, but I'll be sure to let you know what I choose when I do.

I also started playing around with some photo editing techniques. Adding some lens flares, playing with the lighting and shading, experimenting with some brushes...inspired and guided by my friends Ana Lutetia and Tucor Capalini. The photos above and below this paragraph are what I came up with. What do you think?

Style Notes:
Belt: *KUROTSUBAKI* Makeup Belt
Panties: Long Johns Underwear - Boy Undies for Men in Red
Shoes: Urban Bomb Unit - PornStar Xtra Hi-Tops MultiColor v2
Socks: SiniStyle Designs - SiniStyle Tube Black
Jeans: Armidi Limited - A001 Jeans (Light Industrial)
Shirt and Scarf: =DeLa= Tank Top "Jessie" in Red w/ Nostalgic Strip Scarf
Earrings: Paper Couture Disco Earrings
Hair: Deviant Kitties - Machete in White
Hair: House of Heart - Earth in Rosewood
Skin - Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Skin - ::Tuli:: Elizabeth (sunkissed) - Shy (br)
Lashes - MMS Photoshoot Eye Lashes
Nails - Fleur Nails Regular Dark Set in Red and Coal
More Photos and Info After The Jump

Shining In Chrome

Iota Ultsch of Tres Jolie Haute Couture has released her Chrome gown and it is a work of art created in honor of a dear first life friend of the designer.



Iota shared with me the touching story of her friend, who is battling breast cancer. The metallic texture of the dress represents the strength with which she has faced her disease and the metallic intervention against her body. The single exposed breast symbolizes the beauty of the feminine form and the vulnerability one feels when faced with the loss of such personal magnitude. A full-coverage version of the bodice is also included for the more demure.



The digitally generated design of undulating liquid chrome moves beautifully about the body. The belt is accented by Mother of Pearl medallions and horsehair tassels which add an earthiness to the otherwise industrial textures. This gown is central to Tres Jolie Haute Couture's current collection which is inspired by Iota's love for, and work in, the architecture industry.



Iota includes all of the accessories necessary to complete the look as it is intended, with a tall collar of polished chrome, large, but simple, hoop earrings and a contemporary take on the bindhi.

You can find this, as well as other Tres Jolie Haute Couture styles, at the main store in Slusteria. Iota Ultsch's designs range from classic to couture and each is exquisitely detailed and flawlessly finished. Be sure to visit Tres Jolie! and say hello to Iota while you are there...you won't be disappointed.

Style Sheet:

Gown and Jewelry: Chrome by Tres Jolie Haute Couture
Hair: Machete in Black and White & Piper in Black and Grey both by Deviant Kitties
Boots: Latex Boots by Yummy
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Nails: Fleur Nails Regular Dark Set in Red
Eyes: Mid:OceanBlue by Glanz
More Photos and Info After The Jump

Couture Conundrum is Moving!

It's official! Couture Conundrum is moving away from Blogger and to a new hosted site generously provided by my very dear friend, Marx Dudek.

Please update your links and bookmarks to include the new address: http://gabby.inworld.sl
I'll see you there!
More Photos and Info After The Jump

Hair Fair 2008: Let The Countdown Begin

Only ELEVEN days to Hair Fair 2008! Have you been saving your Lindens? If not, you will want to start now! With close to 90 virtual stylists participating, this year's Fair promises to be bigger and better than ever!

Here is the official Press Release:

HAIR FAIR '08
August 22 - September 7, 2008

The 3rd annual Hair Fair will soon be under way! We are very pleased to have almost 90 participants this year, spreading across four sims. The Hair Fair will be sponsored by Rezzable, who have donated the islands for this charity event.

Hair Fair donates proceeds to Locks of Love, an organization that donates wigs to children who suffer hair loss due to cancer, burns, and other conditions. This year, all designers at the fair will donate 50% of one style to the charity.
We will also have donation kiosks placed around the fair, where you can donate directly.

Landmarks to the event will be posted on our website, and to the Subscribe-o-Matic group as we near the event. We'll have many events this year, including Bandana Day, the Fashion Show, quizzes, and the Flickr Contest. Joining the Subscribe-o-Matic will give you the benefit of being the first to hear about these!
Please head to Hairspray to join the Subscribe-o-Matic group. There are also other Hair Fair Subscribe-o-Matics around grid. For a complete list of kiosk locations, go to the SOM groups page

Our Subscribe-o-Matic was generously donated by MSo Lambert. Thank you!

——————————-

To find out more about events and news, please join our Subscribe-o-Matic group.

To learn more about the Locks of Love charity, please go to http://www.locksoflove.org/

——————————–

ChairWoman - Paisley Poindexter
Participant Coordinator - Mikayla Kohl
Events Coordinator - Serendipity Nerd
Building Coordinator - Washu Zebrastripe
Charity Coordinator - Sasy Scarborough

Don't miss out on the Bandana Day and other great events this hard-working group has planned!
More Photos and Info After The Jump

Of Content Theft and DMCA's

I was reading Ryker Beck's blog today and came across the open letter to Content Creators that she composed with Sasy Scarborough. Because I believe in the importance of their message, I asked Ryker's permission to reprint it here:

Who Has Our Backs?

In the past months, and most recently, it has come to light about yet another DMCA filing between designers. That’s not what this post is about. What we’d like to address here is the “keeping things quiet” aspect of these situations.

We completely understand the need for silence when dealing with said issues. However, one thing that has consequentially occured from doing so is that many, many bloggers are continuing to post on items they are unaware may turn out to be stolen. This is painful in the end for not just the designer - and we totally share your pain in this - but also for the many bloggers who have showcased/reviewed the products, filling their blogs with praise for the items, only to feel let down in the end and ultimately have their own values questioned.

Such widespread covereage on the SL blogosphere also leads to more customers/readers considering the products in question for purchase, and again the bloggers do feel very responsible for that. As many designers know, if a blogger at any time suspects an item’s integrity, they will immediately contact the designer to make them aware of the situation. In a lot of cases, this is what leads to DMCA’s being filed. Not everyone can have eyes everywhere to see their own content has been stolen.

But who looks after us?

Second Life fashion bloggers are valued and sought after to showcase items for many designers, but that is where the respect seems to end. We hold designers in such high regard. If we were told via IM or notecard that something was amiss with the content of one creator over another, we would be perfectly capable of keeping that to ourselves should you request that. Naturally, further blogging on the items in question would cease to occur. We understand that designers dealing with the trauma of having their work stolen may not have considered alerting the bloggers as a course of action in the past, but now is when it is crucial to stand united in this and feel more like a community than ever before.

Keeping it to yourselves is what is letting many content thieves get away with thier thievery. Without an undisputable display of theft, these “content creators” are able to continue producing, and in doing so they will inevitably use bloggers and fashion feeds as tools to spread the word. Bloggers, like designers, also spend many, many hours behind closed doors compiling blog posts and genuinely working hard on their own written content. We don’t always see and hear everything. In the past, too many newer bloggers have been attacked in comments on their own blogs because they weren’t aware of theft with a particular store. That in itself is reprehensible. If you know something the blogger doesn’t, IM THEM and let them in on it. If you don’t want to consider it as helping the blogger, at LEAST think of it as helping the designers that have been stolen from.

We hope that people will help us in the future by letting us know, privately and anonymously if necessary, that there is questionable content making its way around the blogosphere. We have no interest in spreading gossip! But we DO have interest in, as well as obligation to our readers to know about, content theft. Hopefully, in the end, we will not feel like we have to rip our blogs apart and delete older posts (which will consequentially punish other designers who were mentioned and linked to) in order to hide what has been done innocently.

Sincerely,

Ryker Beck & Sasy Scarborough

...Thanks, Ryker and Sasy, for having our collective backs.
More Photos and Info After The Jump

Everything's Bigger & Better in caLLiefornia

Callie Cline has finally opened her new store in caLLiefornia and I have to tell you, the new build is a shopper's paradise...and it's not even completely finished yet! From the light, bright and spacious design to the elegantly ornate decor, not a single detail has been overlooked.


From the outside, the new building is sleek and whimsical, much like the designer herself. You may or may not know that when Callie first started designing, she wanted a store dominated by skull designs. Over time, though, her styles have evolved through glitter and gowns to vintage cocktail. Her current releases are eclectic and daring, fun and fashion-forward.
Step inside and watch the magic unfold before your eyes. The massive staircase and chandelier that are the focal point of the store's interior were once the standout features of the Opera House on the Intempesta Nox sim. Both were created by Sue Stonebender and Baron Grayson, and was acquired by Callie when the Opera House was destroyed in October of 2007.
When Callie won the staircase at auction, she didn't know what she would do with it, only that she had to have this piece of SL history...partly for it's historical significance and partly because it was Sue who introduced Callie to SL and Baron is an artist whose work she greatly admires.

As soon as Callie rezzed the staircase, she knew she wanted a store around it and called on Moxie Polano to help. Together, they, along with Barnesworth Anubis, created, moved, textured and retextured walls and floors and windows, then moved them around again until the current structure materialized. Callie calls her new store a work in progress, and you can hear the excitement when she talks about how inspired she is by that prospect alone.
Each room is themed...there is the "pink room", "wild room', "aquarium" (for swimwear), "dark room", "runway room", and each showcases a different aspect of Callie's eclectic personality and diverse tastes. And because the store is so large, Callie will be able to finally release the designs she has been working on for the past year that she just has not had the space for until now. And watch for the store to evolve over time, because now, when she gets bored, she won't have to build, she can just redecorate a room or two!

The rooms on the lower level feature Callie's ready-to-wear collections and the caLLie cLine HOME store. Here you will find the new Create-a-Dress Cruise Collection, accessories and her fun and funky casual styles.
Take the staircase to the second level and you will find the formal gowns, couture collections and Callie's own line of intimates.

Callie is planning a proper grand opening event for the fall and will begin hosting fashion shows on the grand staircase. She also intends to start the "rock-n-fashion" events as the new shop has a huge open space perfect for events without a lot of product in the way. In the future, look for artists whom she admires showing their work in the store.

But the really exciting part...watch for Callie to also introduce her brand new poses, skins, hair and shoes!

Take this opportunity to visit the new caLLie cLine store at caLLiefornia and discover the style and design that is beautifully, and unmistakably, caLLie cLine.

More Photos and Info After The Jump

More Love For Marie

Tesla's new Marie Heels truly are fantastic. I just couldn't resist taking some more photos to show you how exquisitely detailed and beautifully designed they are.
The Maries, created by the one and only Tesla Miles, come in ten color combinations, with the toe cap in a color or tone complimentary to the rest of the upper. The colors range from a basic black, with it's grey, almost silvery toe cap, to a Torley-friendly watermelon, whose green and pink add playfulness and whimsy to a summer wardrobe.
Look closer and you can see evidence of Tesla's talent. From the stitching, even on insole, to the subtle shine on the buckle, no detail has been left to chance. The highlight and shading on the leather texture itself adds a depth and richness not often seen on the grid. The shoes feature a resizing script, as almost all of Tesla's designs do, to insure a perfect fit on any avatar. The moderate platform under the toe and the vintage-like T-Strap create a shoe that is grounded enough for casual, daytime wear, yet elegant enough for formal evening wear.

I'll stop for now and let you run on over to Tesla and pick up a pair or ten for yourself.
More Photos and Info After The Jump

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

That is what I started singing, literally, when I logged in today and found that Tesla Miles had left a little gift for me. Well, not a little gift by any means, but all ten pairs of her brand new Marie Heels. Few things make me happier than new shoes, and new shoes from Tesla...that definitely takes the cake.

With so many color combinations to choose from, I was faced with a little conundrum: What to wear with these gorgeous T-strap pumps? I rummaged through my hopelessly unorganized inventory until I finally gave up and headed to NovoCaine for some quick shopping.

The Natsuki Obi Dress is the latest release from Novo Zimerman and Caine Lewinter, and is available in ten color combinations. From the delicate rouching on the bodice to the fit of the bow-belted skirt, every detail of this short, strapless dress is finished flawlessly. And the Earth version that I selected is a perfect match for the Chocolate Caramel Marie Heels.
But I couldn't stop there. I really wanted to show you more of Tesla's shoes, so I picked up the amiYumi Halter in Mink and the fat pack of Frayed Tops to show off a few more of the Maries. Then I camped out on Torrid's steps (well, the Step Pose Set, anyway)in my favorite jeans from Maitreya, and took a few pictures.

Go directly to Tesla and pick up these great pumps, and then take your happy feet over to NovoCaine and pick up some new clothes to go with them. It's Saturday and that is reason enough to splurge a little! Happy Shopping!

Style Notes:
Dress: Natsuki Obi Dress by NovoCaine
Shoes: Marie Heels by Tesla
Halter: amiYumi Halter in Mink by NovoCaine
Tanks: Frayed Tops by NovoCaine
Jeans: Raw Jeans by Maitreya
Necklaces: *MM Luxe* Stranded Disc Necklace and *MM* Hot Lips Charm Necklace by MiamMiam
Earrings: Glam Earrings in Wood by Creamshop
Manicure: Dark Sangria by NyteRave
Hair: Lydia in Blonde by ETD
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Eyes: mid : FreshBlue by Glanz

More Photos and Info After The Jump

I Am A Fashion Assassin

A few weeks ago, Iota Ultsch sent a very special gift to her Tres Jolie group members with the following message:

"Are you a fashion victim or a fashion assassin? Get Dressed to Kill in Tres Jolie!"

Now, I will freely admit to being a little out of touch the last few weeks, but to have missed this?!? I must have been living under a rock. Why, you ask...Because the gift was this amazing Dressed to Kill Umbrella! And not just any umbrella, mind you, but a fire arm fit for a fashion assassin masquerading as a gun! Yes, weaponry and weather-proofing in one very fashionable accessory!


While I was photographing Torrid Midnight's Paraplu pose set and AO, I was chatting with the Tres Jolie group, and asked Iota to suggest a frock to go with my red paraplu. When I arrived at her boutique on Slusteria, and Iota graciously offered the umbrella I had missed out on, I knew instantly that I would be doing a second umbrella post. This time with Iota's Rouge Metallique dress as the star of the show!

As the name suggests, the frock is metallic in texture and hued in a vibrant red. The bodice features an offset neckline, perfect for framing the included choker. The skirt moves beautifully, as though made of silk, but it is the creative way in which Iota has used something as industrial and architectural as metal, softened it, and created a gown that is, at once, high-fashion and completely wearable. Iota also includes a gorgeous pair of pave diamond earrings to complete the ensemble.

Iota suggested these white patent ankle boots from Bax Boots, and they are perfect. They are also scripted for infinite customization. Wear them with or without the lace topper, change the color of the soles, the heels, the grommets, the laces...the possibilities are endless.

But there was one problem. How to shoot a photograph of myself using the umbrella as a weapon. If there is a way to take a photo of yourself while in mouselook, I don't know it. So, I called on fellow Tres Jolie group member, Applonia Criss to help out. She graciously provided the photos I needed and we spent some time chatting about her in-world magazine, NuView. Wow! What a passionate and creative person she is! I'll be sure to tell you more about Applonia and NuView really soon...I might even do a couple of articles for her! Wheeee!

So, don't be a fashion disaster. Everything you need to look and feel like a Fashion Assassin is available at Tres Jolie. And if you ask really nicely, maybe even add Tres Jolie to your profile picks, I'll bet Iota will give you the Dressed to Kill Umbrella, too!

Style Notes:
Dress and Jewelry: Rouge Metallique by Tres Jolie
Shoes: Ankle Boots White Patent by Bax Boots
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Hair: Davina II in Blonde by ETD
Umbrella: Dressed To Kill - Tres Jolie Group Gift
Top two photos by Applonia Criss

More Photos and Info After The Jump

Blame It On The Rain

I love the rain. I love listening to thunderstorms and curling up with a good book while raindrops beat against the window. And I love the way the air smells just after a soft, spring shower. It's no surprise then, that I also love umbrellas and rainboots. Think back to when you were a child and how much fun you had splashing around in puddles. Brings a smile to your face, doesn't it?


When I received notice that Torrid Midnight released her Paraplu Pose Set and AO, I knew immediately that I had to have it! The paraplu, or umbrella, comes in two versions, open and closed, and features scripted color and texture change. Or you can custom modify your umbrella as I have done here. The pose set also includes ten poses.
The AO comes with the umbrella, also scripted with seven textures, four stands, a walk, hover, sit and ground sit animations. Perfect for a day of shopping...now there is no need to let a little drizzle keep you away from the boutiques!

For my day of shopping, I've chosen a classic Trench from Armidi Gisaci and wellies from Urban Bomb Unit. The breezy blue color is the perfect offset for my red paraplu and the polka-dotted boots add just a touch of whimsy. I'm all set for some singing in the rain...come rain or come shine.

Style Notes:
Umbrella and Poses: *TorridWear* Paraplu Pose Set and AO
Trench Coat: {Gisaci} Francia Woven Coat in Breeze
Wellies: UBU Dots Rain Boots
Hair: ETD and Aden
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3
Eyes: ~Glanz~.::Eyes::.mid:FreshBlue

More Photos and Info After The Jump

Happy Anniversary to Me! Oh Wait...

It is actually the first anniversary of the Retrology sim. So...Happy Anniversary, Retrology! Though, to be honest, with all of the gift-giving going on, it's definitely an anniversary we can all celebrate! I stopped in yesterday for just a quick look around and came away with some really fabulous goodies.


::eLDee:: actually put out two great little outfits and I added the Lara jacket layer, a jade green shrug, to the skirt and top from the Zana outfit. The result, a perfect blend of greens and blues, with an urban-grunge look. I added a leather cuff and collar, a midnight blue manicure and a hip belt to complete the look.

What is my favorite part of the outfit? The shoes, of course! Tesla's Ziggy Heels in Heaven are a perfect match. Tesla Miles is the queen, in my book, of uniquely detailed shoes...and the Ziggy's are no exception. I especially love the scripted resizer so that I can custom fit them to my avatar.

Retrology is home to some of Second Life's most talented content creators as well as several nightlife and recreational venues, including: *Alchemy*, *ICING*, *Thimbles*, ..Marlys.., /artilleri/, ::eLDee::, Long Awkward Pose, Anessa Stine Studio, Battered Boudoir, comme il faut, Hairapy, HANG THE DJ!, Hell Bop Clothing Company, House of Nyla, Ingenue, Jeepers Creepers, Kid Asia, Killing Moon Records, King's Corner Ice Cream Stand, Kitsch*en*Couture, Old School Shop, Periquita, PIN UP Dolls Boutique, PIN UPS Night Club & Burlesque Bar, Punch Drunk, RetroActive Furniture, Retrology Square, Savvy?, Split Pea, The Killing Moon Cafe, The Lover's Walk Park, The Mistral Theatre, The Obscure Finds Flea Market, Total Betty, Urban Bomb Unit, and more!

Be sure to visit Retrology and take advantage of the generosity of these talented store owners. You won't be disappointed.

Style Sheet:
Shrug Sweater: ::eLDee:: Lara Retrology Jacket
Shirt and Skirt: ::eLDee:: Zana Retrology Outfit
Shoes: TESLA - Ziggy Heels *Heaven*
Bracelet: !!Husky GFX!! Dragon Leather Bracelet Female Black
Belt: Fancy Schmancy Boucle Belt
Collar: !M&S Multi-gem Ultra Collar v4a
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3
Eyes: ~Glanz~.::Eyes::.mid:FreshBlue
Hair: Armidi Hair - The Roxy - Light Blonde
Manicure: Fleur Nails Regular Dark Set - Midnight
Tattoo: Primal Art Tattoos - Tribal Dragon Leg

More Photos and Info After The Jump

Who Wants Pancakes?

Sunday mornings are all about being comfortable and maybe even a little lazy, right? Sometimes, though, I feel inspired and will actually venture into that seldom used room in my house, brush the dust off the stove and prepare a breakfast. Today, it felt like a pancake day!
Jacek Antonelli is terribly talented, undeniably brilliant and is, quite literally, the very definition of sweetness. She also, bless her, thinks that my name is Pancake as opposed to Panacek. And you know how touchy these creative types can be...I just hate to correct her. *winks* So, today's look is inspired by my favorite Cuddlefish. Enjoy!
Okay, so I guess we can't really call this a fashion blog unless I talk about something more fashionable than lying around in a pool of syrup. Is that even possible? So here's a quick peak at what I'm wearing.
A totally casual look for a day of lazing around. The jacket from Novocaine is beautifully textured and features a belt with scripted color change. Which came in very handy when I decided to add a little sparkle to the outfit and chose MichaMi's Glitter Tube in purple. The hair is from Detour, and I really think I'm starting to like their wigs. It's just taking some getting used to, as I'm a diehard ETD girl. It's the jeans, though, that really anchor this look for me. The Raw Jeans from Maitreya were my very first SL purchase. I love love love them, and wear them constantly. The shoes are from Shiny Things and I'll talk more about them in my next post. The skin is Fleur, as usual, Feline, of course.

That's it for now...Happy Sunday!

ETA: The Pancake Couch was found at Paper Street Soap Company. There are tons of fun little novelties there along with some great Neko, Grunge, and Urban clothing and accessories.
More Photos and Info After The Jump

The Black Swan Sings

The Rezzable sim, Black Swan, is filled with glowing water and impressive works of art. In celebration of the sim, Callie Cline teamed with Nebulosus Severine to create a look that is at once uniquely couture and signature Callie.
The sculpted skirt features circular orbs filled with water and the aquatic movement is encapsulated in the jeweled pendant and earrings.

The bodice of the dress is made of crushed velvet and the plush texture is echoed through the soft feathers of the skirt and sleeves.

In addition to the the sculpted water orb skirt and feather train, the seventeen-piece Swan Song Collection by Callie Cline includes a ball-length skirt, a mid-length skirt and a shorter mini-skirt, a plain black sculpted skirt, eye-flashes, gloves, a water ring with the same glow and movement as the sculpted skirt, stockings, gloves and a fat belt. And of course, the bodice and shorts can also be worn on their own.

The Swan's Tears jewelry collection by Nebulosus Severine includes two necklaces, two pairs of earrings, Sea Green Glow Contact Lenses, and both black and white blank eye bases to be worn with the contacts.

Each piece by these two artists is impeccably designed and beautifully detailed. Visit Black Swan and take the black feather to the vendor area where these and other limited edition designs await. But don't delay as this exhibit will end August 4, 2008.
Other style notes:
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Hair: MMSHair - Medusa - Limited Edition in Jet and ETD Alina in Black
Shoes: Maitreya Frenzy in Dangerous.


More Photos and Info After The Jump

A Balancing Act:

The Beachwear and Lingerie Expo is in full swing at Vanity Universe. I stopped in this morning to have a look around and was fairly impressed with the selection of high quality fashions available...and I picked up a couple of gifts while I was there, also.

In the end, though, I looked at my overloaded inventory and realized that I had more swimwear than I need, so I decided to beef up my lingerie collection in an attempt to even things out.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love love love a long, flowing bedroom jacket over my lingerie. (I offer my need to wear Digit Darkes' Determined Coat almost daily as Exhibit A) So, when I walked into the Nicky Ree shop at the expo, there was no question as to whether or not to purchase the Vicky Lingerie Set. The textures are beautifully detailed from the embroidered lace on the edge of the jacket to the little ribbon tie on the brassiere. The set also comes with a lovely, satiny chemise for when you want a little more coverage, but still look sexy and chic.
It seems that each time I wear a babydoll anything, I'm greeted with the inevitable "Preggers?" question from Guy. I doubt he'd find anything remotely maternal about this stunning little bit of nothing from Casa Del Shai, though. The hand-drawn design is captivating and the modestly cut panties are demurely enticing. The sheer teddy skirt on the Malena Lingerie Set can also be removed exposing just the tiniest ruffle underneath the breasts.

For shoes, I made a mad dash to Stiletto Moody and picked up the Mary Jane Sandals in Johns Silver and the Gladiator Sandals in Tan-Brown. Though, I could kick myself now for not splurging on the color change option. Oh, well, the Shoe Expo is going on, so I'm sure I will find something worthy of my hard earned Lindens there...but that is another post for another day.
Some other details...I toned down my usual raspberry-hued lips and opted for a glossy, pale pink, but kept my signature cat-like eyeliner (I could kiss Roslin and CJ for this Vivant Feline skin from Fleur, it is indeed my very favorite and I'm rarely seen in any other). My nail color is Super Nova from Nevermore Studios. And for hair, the blonde wig I'm wearing is Lindsay by Dernier Cri, and the brunette is Eva II in Caramel by Maitreya.

That's all for now. Be sure to visit the Swimwear and Lingerie Expo, it's going on until July 26, 2008. As for me, I'm off to count my pennies and head back over to the SL Footwear Expo. Four sims of treats for my toes, all to benefit the ASPCA. Stay tuned for more info!

More Photos and Info After The Jump

Oh My MichaMi!

I'm currently working on an SLNN article about blogger-turned-designer, Milla Michinaga. Her wildly popular blog, MichaMi, is probably responsible for my addiction to SL Fashion, and it was through her blog that I discovered many of my favorite designers (yes, Milla is to blame for my Digit Darkes addiction). So when I heard that she had begun selling her own designs, under the same name, of course, I had to rush right over and buy her entire debut release!

Today, though, when I logged in, I found that she had sent me a review copy of her her latest release, and I was on cloud nine! On top of that, I finally found Creamshop and these giant earrings I have been lusting over for ages! Don't ask me why, but on the few other occasions I've tried to find this store, I've found myself in some really crazy shopping sim and not able to actually find the store and too rushed to spend enough time looking...yes, it appears I only have half a brain on occasion).
The texturing on the bustier is gorgeous, notice the delicate boning and seaming. Each article of clothing is available on all possible layers for easy layering. Milla also packs a photo of the outfit and includes a notecard listing her styling suggestions. I love this as one of the things I've always loved about Milla's blog is her careful selection of accessories, so even though she is no longer blogging, she's still giving us her fashion tips!
I love the giant Glam Earrings from Creamshop and couldn't pass up the Cock? Swan? Necklace. It's just too fantastic. I also found the Lily Bangle and thought it would work to add a little splash of color to the outfit. Add J's Gladiator Sandals and I'm ready for a summer night out on the grid!

Be sure to visit Milla's store, MichaMi, on Rue d'Antibes. You won't be disappointed in her classic style and beautifully designed wardrobe staples. And check back often, as I know she is working on even more products as I write. Ciao!

Style Sheet:

Outfit: MichaMi Bustier and Shorts Suit in Coffee
Earrings: Creamshop Glam Earrings in Wood
Necklace: Creamshop Cock? Swan? Necklace
Bracelet: Creamshop Lily Bangle in Orange
Shoes: J's Gladiator Sandals in Dark Brown
Eyes: Dramavatar Eyes Dark 12
Skin: Fleur Vivant Buff Feline/Rebelle (Custom)
Hair: ETD Lynne II in Blonde Burnt
Mani/Pedi: Nyterave Dark Sangria

More Photos and Info After The Jump

I'm Loco for Loco Pocos

My friends Damien Fate and Washu Zebrastripe are incredibly talented. I've always known that. But, even with that knowledge I was not prepared for the wonder and awe I discovered while visiting their latest endeavor, Loco Pocos Island. Here are a few pictures I took while exploring the sim with Damien Fate, Washu Zebrastripe, Sasy Scarborough, Gwyneth Llewellen and Ana Lutetia.

Please follow the jump for the full press release and be sure to watch Sasy's amazing You Tube video filmed on Loco Pocos Island.


"LOCO POCOS ISLAND - Damien Fate has gone out on limb, literally, to bring to the Second Life grid an interactive destination unlike any other.

On July 9, 2008, Second Life (tm) residents will be able to experience, first hand, the magic that is Loco Pocos Island. The island is built with a story in mind, and visitors are invited to search the island for pages from the unfortunate Captain B. Bonnik's journal. Each journal entry will piece together the history of Loco Pocos Island and will lead the visitor to secret locations where special tasks and rewards await. The centerpiece of the island is the mythical tree, Rokeden. With it's rich texturing, imaginative design and Fate's characteristic attention to detail, visitors to the sim will instantly become immersed in, and a part of, the fantasy that is the story of Loco Pocos Island.

Fate felt inspired to create Loco Pocos Island hoping to bring a unique experience to Second Life residents. "My dream was to create something new in SL, not with just a product, but a whole island experience. Something that is intuitive, bringing things to a whole new level and above all, bring everyone in SL together by removing all language barriers possible." Fate continued. "Sims can be so much more than just a store, avatars can be so much more than just prims."

Loco Pocos, which, loosely translated, means "crazy tinies", are the inhabitants of this magical island. Each sculpted avatar, equipped with a user-friendly HUD, is meticulously detailed and textured. The Loco Pocos are infinitely customizable via the HUD for maximum personalization. Each avatar is able to emote and gesture via the HUD and wearing any of the multiple Loco Pocos accessories automatically updates the HUD with the appropriate customization options for that item.

The HUD itself is designed to offer maximum ease-of-use. The graphic icons are easily recognizable and a users manual, translated into seven languages, has been provided for those who prefer text based instruction. Overall, though, each avatar and it's HUD was designed so that the end-user could visit the Island Store, purchase an avatar and begin exploring all of the island's adventures within minutes.

Prior to beginning the Loco Pocos project, Fate worked with the Electric Sheep Company, playing a major role in the development of such notable projects as Ben and Jerry's island, IBM Sentinel 2.0, and CSI:NY (tv shows and inworld game/machinima), independently developed a popular line of Final Fantasy avatars, and the mirada.smartHUD, an emotion HUD which, to date, has sold over 5,000 units.

Fate was joined in this endeavor by his partner and wife, Washu Zebrastripe. Zebrastripe is a beta lifetime member of Second Life and is the original creator of prim hair. Fate and Zebrastripe are also co-owners of the Hairspray Sim.

To kick off the Grand Opening of Loco Pocos Island, a massive scavenger hunt event will begin at Noon SLT on July 9, 2008. Visitors to the sim on this date will have the opportunity to win a unique avatar which will only be available during events at Loco Pocos Island.

For more information about Loco Pocos Island, please contact Damien Fate or Washu Zebrastripe or visit the Loco Pocos website.

Photos are available from Damien Fate's Flickr Photostream and from the Loco Pocos Flickr Group page."


See you at the Opening!
More Photos and Info After The Jump