Couture Conundrum » couture

Aria Pompadour

Gabby Panacek — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:54:26 +0000

One of Eshi Otawara’s latest releases, Aria Pompadour is a whirlwind of tulle and silk. Hand-painted layers and meticulously-sculpted prims combine to create five (at least) different looks, including the full gown shown here.

Visit Eshi Otawara to see all of the designs…each more fantastic than the last.

© Gabby for Couture Conundrum, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Eshi Otawara, Fashion Feed of SL, MV-SL-Fashion, Shopaholic Feed

I See The Moon & The Moon Sees Me

Gabby Panacek — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:54:21 +0000

I’ve recently become reacquainted with Moonshine. No, I haven’t taken to distilling my own liquor, but I have rediscovered my fondness for Shelly Toonie’s designs. I have an alt (shhh…don’t tell) whose inventory consists predominantly of Moonshine clothing, yet I have only a few pieces on my main account. So, I was delighted when Shelly, a relatively new friend thanks to plurk, offered me her new Fleur Smock to feature here.(...)
Read the rest of I See The Moon & The Moon Sees Me (482 words)

© Gabby for Couture Conundrum, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Argrace, AVANISTA, ETD, Fashion Feed of SL, Flirt, Kookie, LeLutka, Moonshine, MV-SL-Fashion, Pretties by JB, Shopaholic Feed

The Armoire: Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before

Gabby Panacek — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:05:36 +0000

For the next five days, March 18th through March 22nd, five of Second Life’s most renowned and talented jewelry designers present for you a very special trunk show: The Armoire. Candy Cerveau of Eye Candy, Caliah Lyon of Muse, Violet Voltaire of Violet Voltaire, Kesseret Steeplechase of Kess Kreations, and Saiyge Lotus of Balderdash have each created living dioramas to showcase the mood and theme of their collections. These unique exhibits are hidden in a mystical labyrinth with a shopping pavilion nestled in its core.

So what makes this jewelry showcase different than any other? Its designed to be interactive. The jewelry will be displayed by live models positioned in each diorama and visitors are encouraged to join in the Journeyman’s Quest to collect gemstones that will lead them to spectacular qifts, including some limited edition items. Here’s a bit of information about the quest as it was shared with me:

You are a journeyman jeweler newly learning your trade. You have traveled to a magical labyrinth where you’ve heard you can perfect your skills with some of the finest jewelers in the land. You’ve been given a jewelry box to collect gems for your creations, and in the labyrinth, your task is to seek those magical gems. Collect six of each color to gain a Key of Knowledge that opens magical chests — do they hold the knowledge that you seek? Open the chests of silver and gold, and your quest for the Master’s exemplary jewelry is complete.

Take this magic carpet to the event site and begin your own quest. Keep reading for more information and photos of some of the designs that are featured.
(...)
Read the rest of The Armoire: Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before (222 words)

© Gabby for Couture Conundrum, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Armoire, Balderdash, Eye Candy, Fashion World of SL, FashionFeedofSL, Jewelry, Kess Kreations, Muse, MV-SL-Fashion, Violet Voltaire

Très Généreux

Gabby Panacek — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:51:25 +0000

By now, I’m certain you are all aware of the tragic brush fires that have impacted so many of our Australian friends. Second Life residents from around the globe have come together, as a community, to raise money and awareness to support the relief efforts. Dakota Buck and Autumn Hykova head up one of the fundraising efforts currently underway, and content creators from across the grid have joined in, offering limited edition items, holding auctions and collecting donations. You can find the current list of participating designers on Dakota’s blog.

Iota Ultsch of Tres Jolie, herself a native Australian, generously offered the Le Jardin Oriental dress in Valentine, to anyone who made a donation of L$1000 or more at her store’s donation kiosk. To date, the Tres Jolie group has raised over L$200,000 in support of this worthy cause.

The dress is made of floaty, ethereal, French silk chiffon in an intense cerise. As is to be expected of a Tres Jolie design, the craftsmanship is flawless. Iota also includes a matching necklace: a ruby heart ringed with diamonds on a delicate chain. Here, though, I’ve chosen to wear Maitreya’s new Long Scarf in Sangria. And, as always, I’m wearing a skin from Fleur. This one is the Fleur Allure Valentine in Cinnamon, part of the Vain, Inc. Kissed Grid Wide Hunt.

Please support the Victorian Brushfire Relief effort by visiting Tres Jolie or any of the other designers.

Style Sheet:
Dress: Tres Jolie Le Jardin Oriental in Valentine
Scarf: Maitreya Long Scarf in Sangria
Hair: Lamb Breeze in Snickers
Skin: Fleur Allure Cinnamon Valentine
Shoes: Pixel Mode Leeza in Liquid

Have you seen Georgiabean, lately?

Gabby Panacek — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:15:54 +0000

Georgiabean Lately is the latest endeavor by the multi-talented SL fashion icon, Babyhoney Bailey. Located on Crush Row in Doll City, Georgiabean Lately offers a range of vintage-inspired accessories from the glam Muffums with Head Crown (created in collaboration with *BOOM*) to pearl necklaces and a collection of fabulously over-sized cocktail rings.

I’m particularly enamored by the snowflake rings which come in two sizes…big and bigger! The larger size comes in a Silent Film version, with both diamond and onyx stones, and has been released with matching cuffs and necklace. The Caridaisee rings I’m wearing in Rockstar and Oceanic are big, bold, colorful and are the perfect statement-making accessory. But there is also the Ladybug Cocktail ring, the Crimson Cocktail collection, the Twilight Collection, the Love/Hate cuffs, the 90 Degree Blowout set with it’s gorgeous pearls, and so much more!

Bho, as she is affectionately known to her friends, always has her finger firmly planted on the pulse of the SL fashion scene. She brings the outside world to the grid through not only her designs, but her personal style. One look around her store on Crush Row and you will find a lush space that is both open and coolly modern, while being warm and inviting. Just like the designer, herself. So, stop in, look around, pick up some great jewelry to brighten your winter wardrobe (did I mention she even has some scarves and belts? No? Well, you’ll find them here, as well), and I hear there might even be a little freebie hunt taking place on Crush Row. So what are you waiting for?

You can also find a selection of Georgabean Lately designs at caLLie cLine in caLLifornia.

Style Notes:
All Jewelry: Georgiabean Lately by Babyhoney Bailey
Bustier: Carmela by MichaMi (part of outfit)
Skirt: FooFoo Tutu in Black by Canimal
Hair: Pasadena Girl in Dark Auburn by Armidi
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Lashes: Bedroom Lashes by Cake
Vanity: Creamshop Toon Heart Vanity (monochrome)
Poses: Long Awkward Pose – Eye Candy Pose Set (15)
Mannequin: Tricolore Photo Studio Poche Limited (unopened)

Shining In Chrome

Gabby Panacek — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:40:46 +0000

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

I’m a Fashion Assassin

Gabby Panacek — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:20:59 +0000

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

Moonlight Serenade

Gabby Panacek — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:28:00 +0000

In case you couldn’t tell by my last post regarding Chambre du Chocolat, I am quite the fan of Eshi Otawara’s designs. Having had the opportunity to spend some time with her lately, watching her transform a barren sim into a work of art (check back for my upcoming post on the opening of said sim, Rouge), I’ve become even more of a fangirl.

Her latest release, Moonlight is a vision in slinky sexiness. Beautifully textured with a to-the-knee plunging neckline, mermaid skirt and a sculpted hood draped down the back, the dress is perfect for an evening of dancing with that special someone. Eshi has also included a necklace and earrings that perfectly complete the ensemble. The dress is also available in red and teal.

Words alone cannot describe the refined elegance of this gown, so I will let the pictures speak for themselves and cut right to the style sheet.

Oh, but I will leave you with one, final thought…get thee to Chambre du Chocolat tout de suite and buy out the store! There is not a single uninteresting or less-than-stunning design to be found. You won’t be disappointed.

Style Sheet:
Dress, Gloves and Jewelry: Moonlight by Chambre du Chocolat in blue and in white
Shoes: Elegant Slingbacks by Stiletto Moody in Silver Twinkle
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Hair: Davina II in Black Faded by ETD
Lip Piercing: Monroe by Fuel
Ring: Black Sapphire by Redgrave
Poses by Torrid

Style Flip: Cyber Punk

Gabby Panacek — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:29:00 +0000

Sofia Gray mentioned, on her blog, a new store called .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::. . This futuristic build carries a very limited selection, at present, of well-made clothing.

Their design aesthetic is decidedly CyberGoth/CyberPunk, and is a complete departure from my usual style. But, lately, I’ve been itching to mix it up a little bit, and the outfits I picked up at .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::. provide that opportunity.

There are three outfits currently available for sale: Invader, De/konstrukt, and Monokrom. Items are hand-drawn and are provided on multiple layers for easy mixing and matching (check out how Sofia used the top from the De/konstrukt outfit with a tutu and created a completely different look).

The hair that I am wearing in these photos is fantastic and is also sold at .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::.. Be advised, though, it is sold separately AND is included in the Invader outfit (I didn’t realize this and now have two of each color). But, the texturing on this wig is phenomenal. I think I could wear this everyday, but it doesn’t really fit with my “everyday” wardrobe. So, don’t be surprised if you see me wandering the grid in cyberpunk fashions more often just so that I will have the opportunity to wear this hair!

Some may find the prices to be a little out of their budget, but considering how exceptionally well-made the pieces are and the accessories included, I didn’t even bat an eye. Individual pieces are available and are reasonably priced.

Be sure to visit .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::. soon and while you are there, take a minute to look around the unique build and fly down to [Schema Oxymoron], a furniture store that features sleek, contemporary designs. I wonder if it might be time to do some redecorating?

Style Sheet:
All clothing by .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::.
White Outfit – Monokrom
Black Outfit – De/konstruckt
Hair – Invader Cyberlox with Goggles in Silver and in Black
Boots – J’s Belt Boots
Skin – Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3
Piercing – Monroe Piercing by /Fuel/

Black & White Done Right

Gabby Panacek — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:50:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, while shopping with Codie, I picked up these great over-the-knee boots. But, I was never really successful at pairing them with anything but a latex catsuit (Dionne from Insolence’s new Misty Line, please). After spending some time with her again this past weekend, I was inspired to put together a look that was a little edgy, a little couture and a little glam. So, who does any fashionista turn to for edgy couture glam? Digit Darkes, of course!

Oh, sure, I could have paired the boots with DD’s new Determined coat (try the black coat with these boots and the bra and panties from Insolence’s Melanie in Red…hot, hot, hot!), but several other bloggers have done a great job photographing the DD’s newest release. Besides, I really wanted something a little more suitable for an evening of dancing with Guy. Since our favorite DJ, Jen Noel, let us know in advance that the theme for the night was Black and White, I started looking for something that would show off the boots, look great on the dancefloor, and still complete my edgy-couture-glam vision. I think it works, what do you think?

I’m also trying on a new skin. This is Nemesis – Bronze Skin 03 by Beauty Avatar. I am huge fan of Ryker Beck, so when she posted these on her blog, I knew I had to run out and try them on. She has a great review of the entire Nemesis line, so be sure to check that out. Oh, and did I mention she is one of the sweetest, most generous girls I know? If not, it’s out there now. ::blows kisses to Ryker::

Style Sheet:
Skirt: Digit Darkes Couture Separates-Half Tulle Skirt
Bodice and Tights: Last Call’s Delilah (part of outfit, no longer available)
Boots: Drawmachine Overknees – Black
Lashes: Minnu Model Skins Photoshoot Lashes
Bracelet: +Plus *Wide Bangle in Silver*
Bracelet: Armidi Gisaci Metallic Tres Bangles – Silver
Skin: Beauty Avatar NEMESIS – Bronze Skin 03
Hair: Maitreya – River II – Natural Blond
Eyes (full length): Dramavatar Eyes Dark 12
Eyes (close up): Glanz Eyes mid:OceanBlue