Thanksgiving and Inclement Weather

 
A five-minute shot at the Rainy Town / Creamshop sim, which was difficult to take as there were avatars there almost all the time. I’m aware this is my first post in a while, but I couldn’t help but blog this, which I wore to the ice skating party at Oubliette earlier this week (a great time was had by all, thank you Saiyge and Whimsy). I’ve been out of touch with both shopping and new sights and sims, so Koinup’s Top Ten at New World Notes was very useful in seeking out the beautiful new sims that have sprung up in my absence. I also took this opportunity to post as I’ll be busy again before the week is up and won’t likely have the chance.

 
While I don’t normally wear plaid these sculpted coats from Cachet fit the occasion perfectly. They come in six colours and two options (with or without an AO, a good idea in case you don’t have an animation set that fits narrow or rigid prim clothing). Warmly bundled in one of Zaara’s lovely pashmina shawls (tinted, it worked well over plaid) I only had a few minutes to wear these chic leather boots with cozy sock uppers from Aura before I had to trade them in for ice skates. The boots themselves may show a bit of foot but they are mod, so you can fit or add invisiprims as needed. Altogether a simple outfit for the season – look for the coats to be released in the coming week or the next. The boots are available only on SLEX last I checked, though another version (with different uppers) is available at the Aura mainstore. ^^

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones, and thank you for all the support you’ve shown us over the past year. 🙂

Shopping Information:
Lala Coat in Plum (with AO) by Cachet, to be released
Sculpted Pretty Autumn Boots by Aura (Mapycr Roffo, available only on SLEXchange/XstreetSL), $450
Pashmina Shawl in Almost Black by Zaara, L$175
Signature Tote in Black by SLink, L$200
Han Hana Leaflet Earrings by Lucas Lameth Fashion Jewelry, L$179
Gloves from the Stan Outfit by Bijou, L$300
Pants from the Charm School outfit (underpants layer) by Savvy? L$100
Morgan Hair by Truth, Browns 1, L$225

Black Widow

 

 
  

 

Take one black swimsuit. Cover with a satin shrug, add billowing black sleeves and a sculptured cowl for volume. Top with a vintage black hat, add heavy gold jewellery. Sleek black footless tights optional. Serve chilled in stiletto heels.

Bijou’s new releases occasioned for a shift in my usual clothing routine. I rarely wear swimsuits unless for a photo shoot, and so I tend never to buy them. Kotobuki Jewell’s new Fabulous swimsuit, however, I thought merited a buy, and I found myself getting the fatpack for the coloured wrap tops (that come on separate shirt and jacket layers). Temptation got the better of me and I set out to have some fun with the swimsuit in black, which, for me, usually means more black, big shades, and a resulting outfit that I usually wish I hadn’t come up with, as I always end up looking kookily overdressed (my definition of fun is strange, I know). That’s what SL is for, though, isn’t it?

If the first outfit seems to bare a little too much belly, I’d suggest layering a sheer undershirt beneath the shirt and jacket layer. I’m afraid I’m not the best at pulling off colour, so I opted for a sheer grey jacket from Shir Dryke (shop coming soon), though the end result is far less dramatic than with just bare skin.

My only complaint on the Bijou swimsuits is that the bottom half has a noticeable seam along the navel, though it’s only obvious at a closer glance. The detailing on the gold ring buckle and the texturing isn’t bad at all, and at Bijou’s prices, I don’t regret buying the fatpack. I suspect it will be a challenge to mix these tops, though.

If you read all the way through this post, it’s time to reap the rewards – that is, if you’re fast enough. The first three posters to reply (with a complete sentence) will receive this unreleased black pearl and diamond cocktail ring from Muse in their choice of gold or silver, and will have it delivered to them as soon possible. Happy posting!

In Equal Measure

My Valentine’s Day finds, and this week’s events

Sculpted Hat with Birds, free Valentine’s gift from Happy Mood. 

While I’d recovered from the flu fairly recently, my periods of fatigue seem to have only increased (common, I’m told, after being ill). On top of which my beloved (and new) laser mouse decided to develop a bad case of drift, making it impossible to even rotate a large item I’d rezzed. I rely on this mouse’s sensitivity for finer control over my primwork, so you can imagine how much of a setback this is.

Fortunately, this past week, in which we’ve been quite thoroughly spoiled by the grid-wide Valentine hunts and gifts being so freely given in all the update groups, seemed one for as much good as it was for the bad. Firstly I was invited to become the editor of Glam SL Magazine, and had the honour of modelling in the magazine launch fashion show for Ghost, Muism, Leezu Baxter, Nicky Ree, Paper Couture, and Cachet. In my opinion this was one of the most well-produced shows I’ve modelled in. It was an opportunity to work with folks like Tamara Kirshner and Miko Omegamu, and the drive of everyone involved was nothing short of inspiring. I’m looking forward to what I can contribute to the magazine, and have already begun work on next month’s issue, which I promise you will be worth the wait.

 
 

The new home of Fleur, formerly Tete a Pied skins, opened with a Casino Royale-themed party next to Nicky Ree’s Tropical Orchid sim. CJ has done wonders with the build, which I recognised from the interior as being a beautiful re-creation of the world-famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore, and I only regret that I was late to the party. There was much banter and a roulette table, and the partygoers won gift cards for both Fleur and Nicky Ree. Of their new Shoujo skin line my favourite has to be the one inspired by Isabella from Paradise Kiss – you’ll know which if you’ve watched the series 🙂

As for Valentine’s gifts, you won’t want to miss out on some of the offerings from smaller boutiques that aren’t on any of the feeds. From the items that have been blogged elsewhere, I liked the gifts from Celestial Studios’ group, Veschi in the La Reina hunt, as well as the Alchemy dress (still available until the 14th at Alchemy).

Happy Mood is best known for its adorable sculpted pets (especially its cuddle rabbits) and its whimsically decorated shop in Osaka. I was fortunate enough to hear of their free Valentine’s Day gift available today, a beautifully sculpted hat with birds and a sprig of leaves, shown above. I think this is one of the best Valentine’s Day gifts out there, so be sure to stop by and get yourself a copy. Note that you have to find the item 😉

Kiki’s Closet, which has a number of very well-done goth accessories and chokers, is giving away a very detailed V-day belt. I would prefer this in black or white leather rather than brown, but it’s mod, so the textures can be changed. The belt is located on the boardwalk rather than the store itself.