Red and Re-read

Odds and Ends

I was looking at the mess of my inventory, thinking how woefully behind I am in sorting, when I had an idea.  I decided to see if I could create a cohesive look, using only items from my unsorted inventory.  So, I started with the first unsorted non-system folder, right below the trash, and worked my way down.

The process was oddly refeshing, allowing the look to develop organically and build upon itself.  I can get caught up in trying to achieve a specific look, looking only at items that meet my predetermined visual expectations.  Meanwhile, forgotten favorites moulder away in the inventory.  So, this was fun — no prior expectations, and using awesome items before they disappear into the dark abyss of sorted inventory.  Interestingly, the lovely Stacie Pryor of Sheek posted a similar concept just as I was editing my pics.

Now, while many of the items I’m wearing are previous group or hunt gifts, you may be able to find something similar in the creator’s store.  In addition, there are a few items in particular I’d like to draw your attention to. › Continue reading

TAGS: 5th & Oxford, Dark Mouse, Ducknipple, Imagen, Mirone, Niniko, SLink, Surf Couture, Zaara, [LAP]

The Siren's call

First, let me say that this is a rare unfreckled skin feature.  Shocking, I know, but I was lured by the sultry beauty of Siren.  This girl is seriously smoulderingly hot.

Siren is part of Adam n Eve’s new generation of skins, and she’s truly stunning.  While Portia focused on the lighter skin tone range, the new Siren shows us sultrier darker tones.  Like all Adam n Eve skins, Siren is available in four skin tones, pictured below, from a not-quite-light-skinned shade through caramels to a rich mocha shade.

› Continue reading

TAGS: Adam n Eve, Dark Mouse, Insolence, Madsy, Tiny Bird, Tyranny Designs, [LAP]

If spies kept scrapbooks.

Damn, why is it that I’m always at a formal event when Uncle calls? I think I’ll just finish my martini before I disappear down this shady alley.  Also, why are there always shady alleyways near these galas?

Shit!  I’m being followed!  Did I get burned?  › Continue reading

TAGS: Adam n Eve, Dark Mouse, ETD, Free*Style, LeLutka, [LAP]

Bliss, Beauty, n Portia

Adam n Eve recently released the Portia skins — the first in a new generation of skins by sachi Vixen.  Let me tell you, they are gorgeous.  Now, you know now much I like comparing things, so here we’ll take a look at Portia with two previous Adam n Eve skins, Bliss and Beauty.

About Portia:  she’s beautiful.  Notably, she comes with a hairbase (not shown here) in three different haircolors: dark, blonde, and red; each has matching eyebrows, which I love love love.  The eyebrows are, in my opinion, perfection.  The arch is graceful and classic, and there’s just enough detail of individual eyebrow hairs.  The eyes are lovely, as always, and Portia’s nose has more definition than previous versions.  The lips have a pleasing shape, and I’ll draw your attention to the subtle shading below the lips and into the chin — it’s well-done and shows a keen eye for detail.  The freckles are the same as the previous generation of skins, but as I love them, that doesn’t bother me a bit.  New with Portia is freckled/unfreckled options in each makeup, as well as the hair color/hair base options.  I also like the overall blend of youth and sophistication Portia brings.

I’ve only shown neutral makeup here, but there is a full line of 12 makeups available, with a variety of eyeshadow/lip colors and a few “exotic” makeups.  Check the full line of makeups here.

Now, the differences in the bodies of theses skins is particularly striking to me, and › Continue reading

TAGS: Adam n Eve, Exodi, Ingenue

Insomniatic Pop Star

So I was up late the other night — late enough that MTV was actually playing music videos.  After that early-morning insomnia-induced TV hypnosis, I pulled together this look.

Ok, so I kinda failed at looking like a badass — the skin combined with my shape still retains a certain sweetness.  Maybe my av is just getting into the music business and isn’t all hardened and cynical and jaded yet?  Whatever.  Also, I also find it interesting that that while the look is sexy, very little skin is actually showing.

Anyway, about the look.  › Continue reading

TAGS: Bijou, Bryce Designs, Dark Mouse, Detour, MichaMi, Sheer, [LAP]

Hairstylists are so strange.

I’m one of those odd people who generally like their Second Life to somewhat mirror their real life.  So when I got my RL hair cut, and Truth released my new hairstyle, I immediately had to do an in-world before and after.

On the left is before, and on the right is after.  For some strange reason, hairstylists insist on drying and styling my hair straight, no matter how many times I tell them that I like the natural wave of my hair.  These SL styles reflect that perfectly!

My skin is a new release from Adam n Eve, the Portia skin.  The creator, Sachi Vixen, has released the skin with a ton of options, including the red brows and freckles you see here.  I <3 me some red brows and freckles.  The sparkly tank is a cute little number from Cupcakes, perfect for a sunny summer afternoon.

*Please note that I flipped the pictures.  In-world, the hair is parted on the opposite side.

Credits:
Hair, left: Truth Sophia in Copper
Hair, right: Truth Gabby in Copper
Skin: Adam n Eve Portia – Tone 1 Red – Natural Freck
Tank: Cupcakes Squiggles Tank – Glitter – Black

TAGS: Adam n Eve, Cupcakes, Truth

Freckleface: Four that fit me

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the quantity of quality skins on the grid.  On the other hand, the selection means that we can find just the right skins to suit us, that feel right.  You know what I mean — ever tried on a skin that looked amazing on everyone else, but when you slapped on the demo, it looked like a stranger was staring back at you from your screen?

Here are four skins out right now that feel right to me.

Each of these faces are unique and have their own personality, yet they all have that special something that makes them feel right to me.  The bodies are equally unique — see how each creator has approached the stomach and back in a different way?  (I so love comparing things side by side.)

Want to try these skins on for yourself?  Here’s the info you want.  From left to right:
Adam n Eve Bliss T1 makeup Freckly
5th & Oxford Medium Fresh Freckles 6
*blowpop* N2 Elizabeth tone C 5.1 Graphite 1
Imagen Irene – Este – Patricia

TAGS: 5th & Oxford, Adam n Eve, Blowpop, Imagen

Panties

The Starlust Panty Raid is on.  Good times to be had by all, hunting for golden clams stuffed with unmentionables.  Anyway, last night was the panty party at the motel.  Of course, the sim crashed shortly after I arrived, and then RL called me away.  Which brings us to this outfit.

I love costume parties; I love getting all dolled up and working within a theme.  And I’m always caught by surprise when I log in and find I haven’t changed, and look slightly ridiculous out of context of the theme party.  This one so amused me when I logged in that I thought I’d share.

Items of note today:
The awesome hair is an upcoming release from Tiny Bird, and I totally adore it.  I’ve been playing around with pin curls in RL, and love this retro version.  You should go to the subscribe-o-matic and sign up so you’ll know as soon as the hair is released.

The panties, from Madsy, are part of the Panty Raid prizes.  Madsy has a total of 7 cute panties hidden away in three clams.  There are a ton of cute panties and panty-related items to be found in the Raid, so get to it!

The poses are part of the Tongue in Cheeky set from Long Awkward Poses, which is my favorite set of poses right now.

(Oh, and yeah yeah, I’m supposed to be on a break.  Maybe I should call it cutting back instead?)

Credits:
Hair: Tiny Bird – New Soul – Ginger (coming soon!)
Skin: Tuli Kalista Light Valentine (previous group gift)
Scarf: Pretties by JB – Wilds Scarf – Zebra
Earrings: Woos! Hooptastic Zebra Schmebra Pink Earrings
Tank: Cyanide Tank – Gray
Panties: Madsy Zebra Undies (part of Starlust Panty Raid)
Shoes: Kookie – Phoebe – Noir
Poses: [LAP] Long Awkward Poses Tongue in Cheeky set

Disclaimer:  I know designers.  Maybe even the designers in this post.  I might even be friends with them.  If this bothers you, don’t read my blog.

TAGS: Cyanide, Kookie, Madsy, Pretties by JB, Tiny Bird, Tuli, Woos!, [LAP]

Feature: Blowpop N2 Skins

Outside cirumstances mean that this post will be significantly less word-heavy than I’ve intended.  There are still a boatload of pics for you to eyeball, though.

Annyka Bekkers has released the N2 lines of Blowpop skins.  These are updated and expanded versions of the former Infinity lines, and they’re awesome.  If ya like a particular makeup, click the picture for details on flickr.

There are four separate lines, each with four tones. 

In each line, there are a total of 6 eyeshadow options, each of which comes with two lip options.  With the four tones, that makes a total of 48 faces for each skin line.  For full makeup options, check out Annyka’s flickr pages: Maya Carmen Ava Elizabeth

Don’t mind the dropshadow fail on the last pictures. 

All hairstyles are from Tiny Bird, which as awesomely amazing hair.  The lingerie is from Artilleri, and all poses are from [LAP] Long Awkward Poses.  You can get slurls at http://slurls.wordpress.com.

Celebrating July 4th with NO H8

We interrupt your regular fashion programming for a rare political message.

Today, the United States of America celebrates its Independence Day.  While our customs and culture are not the only way, or the right way for everyone, they are mine.  And I’m proud today to exercise my freedom of speech to remind Americans of our separation of church and state.  Specifically regarding gay marriage.  At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you believe to be right in God’s eyes — so long as marriage is a legal governmental institution, religious beliefs are irrelevant.  Separation of church and state.  The end.  (For more information about the NO H8 campaign, please visit their website.)

I also have a few notes about my fashion credits today.  Yes, I’m featuring an international group of designers, rather than an All-American lineup.  That was totally accidental — I simply chose the items in my inventory that I was in the mood to wear.  For a moment, I felt guilty.  Why not feature US designers?  There are certainly enough talented US designers to choose from.  But, after a moment of thought, it seemed appropriate.  Today I celebrate my country’s independence, but not to the point of excluding acknowledgement of the fact that we are a part of a larger global community, particularly within in Second Life — OUR global community. 

Credits:
Hair: Maitreya Aisha in Ginger
Skin: Adam n Eve Bliss skin, T1 tone, Freckly makeup
Eyes: Exodi Zbilja Eyes in Hazel
Lashes: LeLutka Seductress Volume Scripted Lashes
Shirt: Zaara Isis Shirt in White
Jeans: Zaara Classic Jeans in Indigo
Pose from Long Awkward Poses
NO H8 Face Paint and Duct Tape: Exodi

TAGS: Adam n Eve, Exodi, LeLutka, Maitreya, Zaara