Bunny Tales

  

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!

Variations on a Theme

As I’d been feeling under the weather for about a week I decided to mark my recovery with this post, which I’d been saving for a rainy day. Posting is oddly therapeutic.

Clothing: Rose Hood Jacket, DP YumYum, L$120; Pleated Neck Babydoll in Ash, Armidi, L$135; Short Pants in Black, Shop Seu, L$90; Metallic Tights in Mauve, Glanz, L$120.
Accessories: Hobo Bag in Black Suede, Celestial Studios, L$150.
Hair: Amber in Blonde, ETD, L$150.
Boots: Tainted Spring (Unique Edition) in Gold Crush, Fuel, L$400.

Left: Grey Hood Jacket, **DP** YumYum, L$120; Frontrunner Dress in Black (Top), Oh! What a Neat Boutique, L$100 (on sale); Shorts from the Manna Outfit (L$200) & Leg Prims from Colleen Bib-Shorts in Charcoal, L$100, Savvy?; Sheryl Skintight Jeans (underpants layer) from the Sheryl outfit, Last Call, L$100 (on sale); Azuki Socks, Hal*Hina, free at store;
Shoes & Accessories: Eva Pumps in Blood, Lassitude & Ennui, L$230; Dotty Belt, Bossa Nova, free gift in store.
Hair (L-R): Nana in Dark Brown, Luxury Hair Jade, L$100.

Middle: Rose Hood Jacket, **DP** YumYum, L$120; Pleated Neck Babydoll in Ash, Armidi; Short Pants in Black, Shop Seu; Tights in Red, Shop Seu, L$50.
Shoes: Tainted Spring (Unique Edition) in Gold Crush, Fuel.

Right: Black Hood Jacket, **DP** YumYum, L$120; Striped Dress, ❤ Cupcakes, L$100 (on sale); Colleen Bib-shorts in Bronze, Savvy?, L$100; Tights in Blue, Shop Seu, L$50.
Shoes: Aphrodite Creations Vintish (Group Gift)

Left: Indigo Couture Top, Culture Vulture (originally Downtown, store is missing); Bottom of Rainy Day Dress in Black, Armidi, L$235; Metallic Tights in Gold, Glanz, L$120;
Shoes and Accessories: Maitresse Metisse Boots, Storm Schmooz, L$500; Glitterati Hobo Bag, Celestial Studios, L$150; Courtney Buckled Belt, Armidi, L$125; Eclectic Necklace in Silver, Muse, to be released; Whisper Bracelet in Uni/Silver, Earthtones, L$159.
Hair (L-R): Amber in Tawny & Amber in Blonde, ETD, L$150.

Right: Sweater from Hunting Season in Blue, MG Fashion, L$425; Alligator Corset from the Editorial Outfit, Last Call, L$100 on sale; Brown Check Pants, Kurotsubaki, L$200; Hose in Brown, Blaze, L$100 for pack.
Shoes and Accessories: Sculpted Boots in Smoke, Redgrave, L$450; BBB Bag 10 Three-Pose Bag, Big Boob Boutique, L$348; Tank Watch in Caramel/Gold, Muse, CSI:NY free gift.

Redefining the Classics

Grey may have been the choice staple this fall/winter, but for those who prefer richer colours and a more traditional autumnal palette the deep metallics – bronze, gold – as well as the usual red, sienna, and orange – are a sure way to add a touch of warmth. The silhouette is slim and spare in these five outfits, but the look is far from minimalist with fur, wool, brocade, muted prints, and crocodile.

Designers have achieved near-perfection with many of the sculptie knee-high boots recently, and the choices here are must-haves.

Noir
The Nicole Suit from Nicky Ree is perhaps one of the most versatile of dressy alternatives to a gown; with Nicky’s usual array of skirt and pant options and a few choice changes of accessories one can have a myriad of variations on the basic suit. Wear with a delicate cocktail hat from Morrigan Hyun, some fur trim and the long centre skirt for a touch of Old Hollywood, or a high-collared undershirt and Siyu Suen’s Sun Hat tinted dark grey (free at her store) for a costume with a hint of the Edwardian, sans corset.

Nicole Suit in Black,  Nicky Ree, L$800; Fur Collar in Grey from the Duchess Coat, Casa Del Shai, L$750; Fur Cuffs (tinted dark grey) from the Anneline Brown Jacket by  Ivalde, Calla Anniversary gift; Leather Gloves in Black, Tete a Pied, L$100; Valena Hat in Black, Elegance Hats, L$175; Alyssa Diamond Bitchstick, Foxy’s Smoke Shop, L$290, Claris Black Pearl Choker and Earrings, RFL Limited Edition, Muse; Ten-Colour Ankle-Strap Pump, Stiletto Moody, L$2750. Hair: Christina from ETD.

Autumn
The Virginie Breeches and Liah Boots in Chocolate both have a rich bronze gleam; matched with a leopard-patterned silk blouse, leather gloves and the Tilo leather posture collar/scarf, this may be orange overkill, but the combination of textures in the same palette made this outfit too fun to resist.

Secretary Blouse in Brown, Casa del Shai (pack), L$400; Gunmetal Breeches from the Virginie Riding Suit, Last Call, L$450; The Marquise Corset in Chocolate (undershirt layer), Casa del Shai, L$450;  Posture Collar from the Tilo outfit, Last Call, L$400; Short Leather Gloves in Tan, Tete a Pied, L$100; Tri-Colour Ethnic Wood Bangle, Earthtones, L$129; Classic Tank Watch in Natural/Gold, Muse, $200; Liah Boots in Chocolate, Last Call: Vamp, L$250; Hair: Gwen from ETD.

Crimson
High-quality open coats for women are still a rarity despite the recent windfall of coats, and as such the fact that this striking metallic red crocodile trench was made for men shouldn’t discourage one from wearing it. Tone down the effect with a a black sweater dress, a scarf rather than the fur collar, and play up the manga-esque element with some metallic leggings, dyed hair and a slick pair of boots.

Le Smoking Croc Trench Coat in Red, Casa del Shai, L$700; Rainy Day Dress in White (tinted dark grey), Armidi Gisaci, L$235; Metallic Leggings in Bronze, Armidi Limited, L$95; Electric Bugaloo Patterns Scarf, Gritty Kitty (Block Party Limited Edition); Fear and Loathing Watch, Wilted Rose, L$120; Kyoto Boots in Black/Black, L$375, and Fi Umo Sunglasses in Black Tortoise/Black Lens, L$225, Armidi Gisaci. Hair: Pasadena Girl III (full flex) from Armidi.

Gold
The same fitted dress from Armidi can be paired with this golden brocade blazer for a different and very versatile, sophisticated look; change the bronze leggings and sleek boots to hose and a pair of pumps, and you can go from dressy casual to all business in a matter of seconds. Add chunky gold jewelry and a vibrantly coloured crocodile bag.

Jennifer Brocade Belted Blazer, Last Call, L$200; Rainy Day Dress in Black, Armidi Gisaci, L$235; Metallic Leggings in Bronze, Armidi Limited, L$95; Sculptie Boots in Black, Redgrave, L$450; Freja Shoulder Bag in Pink, Bare Rose, L$140; Fi Umo Sunglasses in Black Tortoise/Gold Lens, L$225, Armidi Gisaci; Gold Necklace from Muse (as yet unreleased); Triste Rosette Earrings in Gold, Muse, L$300. Hair: Phoebe from ETD.

Bronze
Comfortable enough for drinks at the pub but dressy enough for an evening out, this look hinges on the richly textured sweater with a trompe l’oeil rose and string of pearls. Complete with prim cuffs and collar and a plain option, they’re available in a variety of colours and a steal at 10L.

Cuddly Sweater in Red with Rose, Simone at Fashion Avenue, L$10; Skirt from the Nouvelle Librarian in Corn and Brown, Casa del Shai, L$250; Red hose from the 13-colour hose pack, Blaze, L$100; Sculptie Boots in Smoke from Redgrave, L$450; Freja Square Handbag in Brown, Bare Rose, L$140; Freshwater Pearl Necklace, Muse CSI:NY free gift, and Claris Pearl Earrings in Gold, L$50. Hair: Phoebe from ETD.

Have a good week 🙂

Gold Rush

 

G . O . L . D : R . U . S . H

Gorgeous makeup by Tete a Pied starts the inspiration for these looks (TaP Vivant Buff Glam 1 L$500). For Jewelry, Lunaria Necklace with Laurel earrings (L$399) from EARTHTONES boutique make subtle highlights. Breezy hairstyle is ETD – Flapper in Chestnut (L$150).

Here we have out first outfit featuring Relika’s Love Lace outfit in Brown (L$400 entire set) worn as a Jacket layer and tube top also from Relika worn in black. EARTHTONE’s Angela Fleur ring & cuff set in clear crystals and gold (L$159 for set).

 

Gold Jacqui Pants by LAST CALL (L$1 As Customer Gifts). Paper Couture’s “The Signature Bag” in tan (L$125). While Tableau is closed, snatched PC goodies at Barcola.

Autumn Gold Outfit : Manna Style Watch

This outfit we use Savvy’s? Mean Business Wilhelmina Jacket and undershirt as inspiration (L$xx for Savvy? Wilhelmina Outfit). I wanted a luscious full skirt to keep this look feminine so I used elka lehane’s Boing Fromage long tiered crochet skirt in Off-White (L$110) and tinted both the prim skirt and pants layer in a light cream to mix with my color palette. Must-have seasonal accessories include Muse Classic Tank Watch in Natural/Gold (L$200 for a set of two), Muse Simple Drop Necklace (L$1 Free Gift), Muse Claris Pearl Earrings in Gold (L$50) and Tete a Pied Gold Pailette Clutch (L$100). Metallic Disc Sandals in Natural (L$150) also from Tete a Pied perfectly bring out rich autumn colors. Hair is ETD’s Phoebe in Dirty Blonde (Currently FREE!)

Gold n’ Glamour Outfit : Manna Style Watch

Center of inspiration for this outfit is the Armidi Gisaci Bunni 45 Mini Dress – Gold (L$235).Very rich luxurious texture. Also from Armidi Gisaci new Rio Beleza Wedge in Black (L$295) and Hair – The Glamorous I in Nutshell (L$295). Pantyhose in Sheer Ebony by 1-800-BETTIE’s (L$60). For accessories we have Savvy? Repairs Necklace in Gold/Onyx (L$100), EARTHTONES Ladys’ Hoop, Gold/Stud1 XL (L$100) and EARTHTONES Solaria Cuff & Ring Set Gold Black (L$199)

 

More gold accents, Fallingwater Cellardoors Shiny Things Ruffle Boots in coffee (L$400). All poses featured by Reel Expression (L$150 each). All eyes are Grey Eyes from FNKY (L$60).

Happy Fashion Affair Second Life!

 

Shopping References from this Post:

1-800 BETTIE’S Roosa (235, 21, 28) Armidi Gisaci Armidi (128, 128, 0) EARTHTONES boutique Muse (90, 161, 107) ETD: Elikapeka Tiramisu Designs ETD Isle (194, 192, 31) FNKY, FNKY Cake (128, 43, 24) LAST CALL Dazzle (128, 128, 0) Muse Fine Jewelry Linji (143, 152, 49) Paper Couture Barcola (80, 125, 26) Reel Expression Lalique (209, 115, 26) Relika, Eventide Far East (77, 185, 48)Savvy? Froth (103, 229, 23) Shiny Things Shiny Falls (163, 181, 37) Tete a Pied Nouveau (197, 149, 23)

 

A Darker Season

The month of October, and Halloween, draws nigh, and with it its balls and costume parties and masquerades.

It’s fitting that these outfits here have a slightly darker, yet elegant edge to them, though I feel it’s too early yet to don a mask. Nicky Ree’s Swan Queen in Black is a dramatic ensemble appropriate for the season, and I couldn’t resist including it in my style diary post during my break. I rather like how the feathers in the skirt look like brush strokes from a painting in this particular photo.

Left: Shirt and shoulder prims from the EGA Noble Black, Bare Rose; Black Stripes Austere Corset from Kyoot; Gloves, underpants and pants from the Rebecca Outfit, Last Call; Liah Boots in Onyx from Last Call Vamp; Chatelaine Shoulder Brooch in Silver (chains removed), Ariane Ring in Silver/Diamond and Dauphine Earrings in Silver/Jet (unreleased) from Muse. Hair: Paris in Harbor, Naughty.

Right: Swan Queen in Black by Nicky Ree; Hair: Hermia in Nickel Burnt (tinted) from ETD.

Shopping Information:
Bare Rose by June Dion, Bare Rose, (146, 11, 38)
Kyoot by Saeya Nyanda, Vakkert Gal (190, 224, 22)
Last Call/Last Call: Vamp by Ginny Talamasca & Lyra Muse, Dazzle (68, 11, 27)
Muse by Caliah Lyon, Linji (143, 151, 49)
Naughty (Influence Hair) by Lost Thereian, Naughty Island (82, 112, 23)
Nicky Ree by Nicky Ree, Deco (86, 97, 34)
ETD Hair by Elikapeka Tiramisu, ETD Isle (212, 216, 26)

I may be on a short break with smaller releases rather than large ones, as I’ve decided to move stores, and the preparation will likely last all month, even if it’s already underway. I’m hoping I won’t be too overworked for new releases and freebies. Stay tuned 🙂

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.

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!