Facets in Black

I’ve been favouring a lot of black in my outfits lately, as it seems to suit this avatar, and there have been quite a few releases in black that merited more than a little attention.

This is what I wore for my rezday, and a few days prior whilst working on my last release. This is certainly overkill in a good way – I received a lot of compliments on these outfits, and they require only a few accessories to round out the look. The basis for all three is the top of the Arachne dress from the Last Call: Catwalk Collection, with the sleeves reduced. The Cecilia skirt may require a little bit of work to look right without the bottom prims, but I was very pleased by the result. The addition of the tilted hat, and indeed the outfit in the middle, was inspired by Christian Lacroix, though I couldn’t find a smooth and voluminous black skirt and opted for this instead for a similar silhouette.

Left: Bodice and feathered collar from Last Call Catwalk Collection: Arachne; Comfort Skirt in Grey from Pixeldolls, slightly tinted; Gloves from the Cecilia outfit, Paper Couture Fall Collection ’07; Charcoal Tights by Caliah Lyon (unreleased); Black High Heels & River Stone earrings from Paper Couture.
Middle: Bodice from Last Call Catwalk Collection: Arachne; Shortened skirt, belt and gloves from the Cecilia Dress, Paper Couture; Charcoal Tights by Caliah Lyon (unreleased); Eliza’s Ascot Hat from Illusions by Siyu Suen, heavily modified, tilted, and tinted; Jane ankle-strap stilettos in Night from Tesla; River Stone necklace and earrings from Paper Couture; Alyssa Diamond bitchstick from Foxy’s Smoke Shop.
Right: Bodice and feathered collar from Last Call Catwalk Collection: Arachne; Skirt, belt and gloves from the Cecilia Dress, Paper Couture; Charcoal Tights by Caliah Lyon (unreleased); Black Feather Hat by Caliah Lyon (unreleased); River Stone earrings from Paper Couture.
Hair: Gwen in Ash from ETD.

I couldn’t get enough of the equestrian-inspired looks from the last LC release, so I put this together from another LC outfit, Danae. The dress on the right is one of Rosemary Galbraith’s older designs, the Frontrunner Dress.

The Catwalk Collection by Last Call

Beautiful does not even begin to describe the Catwalk Collection, the latest release by Last Call. When I mentioned Jean-Paul Gaultier’s stunning fall collection and some highlights of the fall fashion shows in my previous posts, I’d hoped that some of the visual elements of this season would serve as inspiration to designers and find their way to SL; I was surprised and delighted that Ginny not only took notice, but took these elements and turned out a release of such quality that it is easily one of her best to date.

Here are my picks from the Last Call Catwalk Collection.

When I was perusing the new releases, one kept catching my eye. It was in the colours that I used to favour before I’d changed skins, and the uniqueness of the coat in the photo intrigued me. As it turns out, the Dominica Nordic Riding Coat easily became one of my favourites of this collection; this is an outfit that one can take pleasure in with just a leisurely appraisal of the details. Photos really cannot do the crystal-studded coat and riding breeches justice; this particular outfit should be seen to be appreciated.

Last Call Catwalk Collection: Dominica. Liah Boots in Gunmetal by Lyra Muse, Last Call Vamp. Hair: Europa in Taupe by Stumbelina Ophelia of Cake; Heirloom Memories Locket in Multi/Gold by Lucas Lameth of Earthtones.

The first I had to acquire was this, the Equestria outfit. Sleek, chic, androgynously elegant yet feminine, given more flair with epaulets and dramatically long, sweeping coat-tails, this coat and breeches ensemble suits my taste perfectly. The texture of the coat is such that you can almost feel the weight and density of the fabric. The floral detail on the blouse, the delicate lace at the sleeves – all in all this is a beautifully detailed riding suit that should satisfy the most discerning of tastes.

Last Call Catwalk Collection: Equestria. Melisande Boots in Onyx by Lyra Muse, Last Call Vamp. Hair: Europa in Coffee by Stumbelina Ophelia of Cake.

Monochrome

I’m still in a dream-state over some of the runway shows for fall. Limited as your choices in SL are, the latest releases have offered us a chance at capturing the stark elegance of the season.

One of these, Saeya Nyanda’s Wilted Wednesday Vest, is a must-have for your wardrobe. I photographed it here coupled with one of Bare Rose’s newest designs, Noble Fleur, and a glittery Paper Couture skirt to add a touch of glamour to the richly textured black of this outfit. A pair of ankle-strap stilettos would suit this look as well, and I would recommend using a different pair of black gloves.
*The Fleur brocaded coat has a set of ties up the front that may detract from the overall look, so I lowered the front of the collar to 0 in appearance mode. Click for larger versions of the photos.

Outfit: Wilted Wednesday Vest from Kyoot; Noble Fleur Seducer in Silver from Bare Rose (top, coat skirt, and arm ruffles) tinted dark grey; Undershirt from the Satin Pantsuit with Bowtie Neck by G.L.A.M; Stray Horse skirt from Paper Couture, remade into a slender, longer skirt to fit under the coat. Tights are from the Attendant outfit from Bare Rose, tinted dark grey; gloves from the “Vincent” outfit from Bare Rose, shortened. Earrings from the Muse Claris Black Pearl set in Silver.
Hair: Anisa/Anne from ETD (modified combination of both hairstyles)
Shoes: Quinn in Black from Last Call Vamp.
Cigarette holder is optional 😉

This look is vaguely reminiscent of “upscale newsboy” *laughs* Another example that monochromatic grey and black does not necessarily equate to formal or gothic. This outfit was based on the gorgeous pants from the Jersey Girl outfit by Alla Ruff. I exhausted myself looking for a pair of sleek black boots, but nothing in SL at the moment fits, so I gave up and created the pair I should have made months and months ago, of both sculpted and ordinary prims.

Left: Undershirt and shirt from the Satin Pantsuit with Bowtie Neck by G.L.A.M.; Pants from Jersey Girl, by Veschi; Devyn Hair and Hat from Moderno; Black Socks from the Kushukushu Kutsushita set from Shop Seu; gloves from the “Vincent” outfit from Bare Rose; High Class Evening Bag from the Diamond Cocktail Set from Deux Filles; Muse Sleek Black Boots, by Caliah Lyon (unreleased). Earrings from the Claris Black Pearl set in Silver & Classic Tank Watch in Black/Gold from Muse.
Right: Catherine Top from Dazzle (discontinued); Pants from Jersey Girl, by Veschi; Devyn Hair and Hat from Moderno; Black Socks from the Kushukushu Kutsushita set from Shop Seu; gloves from the “Vincent” outfit from Bare Rose; High Class Evening Bag from the Diamond Cocktail Set from Deux Filles; Muse Sleek Black Boots, by Caliah Lyon (unreleased). Earrings from the Muse Claris Black Pearl set in Silver.

Shopping Information:
Kyoot by Saeya Nyanda, Vakkert Gal (190, 224, 22)
Bare Rose Haute Couture by June Dion, Black Cat (203, 222, 27)
Paper Couture by the Lus, Tableau (160, 106, 0)
G.L.A.M. by Chloris Hathor, Sunset Arts (157, 223, 550)
Veschi by Alla Ruff, Hopes Point (167, 85, 23)
Last Call Vamp by Lyra Muse, Dazzle (193, 9, 27)
Deux Filles by Heidi Herbst, Desire (137, 131, 105)
Shop Seu by Seu Ahn, Shimokitazawa (209, 83, 27)
Moderno hair by Starley Thereian, Dazzle (130, 12, 27)
ETD Hair by Elikapeka Tiramisu, ETD Isle (212, 216, 26)

Have a good weekend, everyone 🙂

A Few Fall Looks

I’ve been trying lately not to be so complacent in coming up with looks for myself; the Fall 2007 collections, in particular, have been pretty inspiring, though one may be hard-pressed to come up with their equivalent in SL. In a little fit of creativity I decided to root in my closet and attempt to redo my look for fall. One aspect of the fall collections that is extremely difficult to capture is the silhouette – the long coats and straight shift dresses are not very well mimicked by SL’s babydoll-style prim skirts. I’m no style expert but overall I really like the fall collections; the sleeker, more spare silhouettes, judicious use of volume and rich jewel colours coupled with stark black, grey and white – are more to my taste than what was out for spring.

Two of these three outfits were at least partly inspired by Philip Lim’s RTW collection, esp. the shoes, tights and use of colour. I would have preferred to remove the bows on the Tuxedo Pumps so the shoes would fit the look properly.

Left: Relika Tubetop in Beige from the Relika Love Lace set; Piano Skirt from BettyPage (shortened to miniskirt length); Pixelmen Velvet Jacket in Grey (shortened); Satchel from Happy Bivouac (slightly retextured and stripped of prim chains and rivets); Plain Transparent Tights (freebie) from Paper Couture; Discreet Demi-Boot in Gunmetal by Lyra Muse (discontinued); Claire Diamond Earrings from Muse, Journey Drop Necklace from Earthtones. Hair: Nicole in Driftwood from Naughty.

Middle: Jacqui outfit from Last Call (shop freebie); Stray Horse Jacket (from the Stray Horse outfit) by Paper Couture; Janine Zippered Booties in Black from Jeepers Creepers; Black Orchid Necklace (from the Black Orchid Set) by Paper Couture. Hair: Jack (men’s hair) in Cafe from Moderno, by Starley Thereian.

Right: Relika Tubetop in Beige from the Relika Love Lace set; Boho Skirt (from the Fall ’06 Boho Summer outfit) by Paper Couture; Sweater, Cropped Wrap: Black Jacket freebie from Pixeldolls, Hose in Pale from Blaze, Tuxedo Pumps in Khaki from Shiny Things, Vixen Premium small shoulderbag in Black from Bare Rose, Claire Diamond Earrings and Classic Tank Watch in Black/Silver from Muse. Hair: Drama in Driftwood from Naughty.

The boots in the middle look can be replaced with some pointed-toe heels to look a bit classier (like the black Quinn heels from LC Vamp).

I thought I’d have a bit of fun with a fur stole I’d acquired as a prize from Siyu Suen’s store and added the prims from the Black Orchid jacket from Paper Couture. Though the fur prevalent in the fall couture collections seems to be more in the form of fur trim, collars and small embellishments, I got a little carried away with this. The left outfit looks very 80’s though! The addition of the clutch was inspired by Valentino.

Left: Fur Stole in Black, Illusions by Siyu Suen (worn without the back prim); prims from the Black Orchid outfit, Paper Couture (collar reattached to the spine rather than chest, to make way for a necklace); Black Jacket freebie from Pixeldolls (tinted black); Regina top and skirt in Black from Bossa Nova; Hose in Black from Blaze, Essential Stilettos in Charcoal/Black from Sylfie Minogue’s Prim Seduction; Claris Black Pearl Set & Elegant Black Clutch in Black/Gold from Muse.

Right: Fur Stole in Black, Illusions by Siyu Suen (worn without the back prim); prims from the Black Orchid outfit, Paper Couture; Black Jacket freebie from Pixeldolls (tinted black); Luce top, skirt and brooch w/ scarf, Last Call (discontinued, tinted a dark pewter); Essential Stilettos in Charcoal/Black from Sylfie Minogue’s Prim Seduction; Triste Coeur Silver Earrings from Muse. Hair: Tyra from ETD.

And this extra, somewhat plain tribute to the grey dresses all over the runways:

Catherine Sweater Dress from Dazzle (discontinued); Manna Tights from Savvy?; Discreet Demi Boot by Lyra Muse (discontinued); Business Class blazer by Simone (tinted grey)

I suppose I should add more richly detailed outfits but a lot of what I’ve been seeing seems the wrong kind of busy for fall, if that makes any sense. Obviously I love picking apart the PC outfits and some of Ginny’s creations to mix and match, though I’ve generally kept within my more minimalist sense of style with these.

Have a great weekend!

Cherry Blossoms

It’s rather rare these days that I see something on the blogs that immediately qualifies as a must-have. I’ve grown much pickier than I was as a dewy-eyed noob, so much so that I spend a lot of my shopping time searching fruitlessly for something to satisfy my acquisition fetish.

When Cherry Tokyo announced this release I knew I absolutely had to have it. If, in Western dress, my tastes tend to run toward the simple and monochromatic, when it comes to Japanese attire in SL I have a weakness for sakurabana (cherry blossoms) and the colour pink on kimonos and furisode – so long as the pattern is intricate and the kimono of good quality.

Cherry Tokyo Pink Uchikake and Kimono; Momoware Hair by Ruru Nagy of Lala Moon

This was not just a kimono, but an uchikake – the long, ornate overcoat once worn by women of the upper classes prior to the Edo period, now traditional wedding garb. There are two obis – a geisha/maiko obi, tied at back, and the oiran (a highly-ranked courtesan) obi, tied at the front. All nineteen pieces of this ensemble are no copy and no mod; however, there is a modifiable shape included made to fit the kimono exactly. I chose to see if I could get my uchikake custom-fit, as everything else fit perfectly. Cherry was very accomodating, and spoke of how she takes the kimono prints from her own collection.

The pink uchikake/kimono with a Kasa (parasol) by Rumi Simpson. The Kasa can open and close, and drops particle cherry blossoms.

The kimono, sans uchikake. Hair: Left – Smooth in Black by Kin Keiko; Right – Momoware by Ruru Nagy