When it comes to skins, I’m not a huge shape tweaker. That’s probably why I stick to Exodi and 5th & Oxford most of the time. It’s pretty much a given that any skin from either of these two brands will fit my shape without any modification. And, that’s probably why I liked the skins that Gandalf Edman presented to me for review. GeEs Design is a new-to-me skin shop and has three new skins available at the 2009 Skin Fair that is going on now.
Tara America has a darker skin-tone, Tara Australia is a nice sun-kissed tan and Tara India is quite pale. The makeup selection for each ranges from subtle to glam, and are all quite well done. Though it is a bit darker than what I usually wear, I think I actually prefer Tara America and really had a hard time selecting my favorite makeups to feature in this post. And I think they all look great with the new Athshe necklaces, shown in Silver, Gold and Ice, designed by my uber-talented bestie, Jori Watler and available at alaMood.
And while I’m talking about features…take a look at the top photo. That was created in the new Photoble by MudHoney Designs. Rayvn Hynes has created a collection of mini-rooms specifically designed for photography. Though built with photography in mind, they are really quite versatile as the pieces can be used independently. Some versions, like the Glam Girl room I’ve used, have poses built in and texture-changing walls. You can see all of the designs at the MudHoney main store.
And, back to the skins. While I’ve never been one to inspect every pixel of a skin, I’m very picky about what I like and what I don’t. These skins have a lot of what I like: Nice, even skin tones, well-placed highlighting, and pretty lips and eyes with colors that are saturated and not overly smudged. I spent a good amount of times in these skins and did not come across any noticeable seam issues. These are skins I will definitely wear over and over again.
Keep reading after the jump to see my four favorite makeups for each skin tone…and then skip over to GeEs Design to pick out your favorites. Read the rest of this entry »
Lily, the latest of Ryker Beck’s skin collections at Exodi, should be released sometime in the next week or so, but I couldn’t wait. You see, a couple of weeks ago, Ryker sent me a prototype of this fantastic skin to try on. To say I fell in love instantly would be a gross understatement. When I learned that Lily would be featured in the auction at Requiem, an event held last weekend to benefit the Human Rights Campaign, I knew I had to have it…the fact that proceeds from the auction were going to such a worthy cause was just a bonus.
Read the rest of this entry »
When I logged in Thursday, moo Money sent me a teaser photograph of Delora Starbrook’s latest release at Haven Designs. Stunning was the only word I could think of to describe it. Later, when Delora offered a review copy of the dress, I couldn’t wait to put it on! I wasn’t disappointed.
Many have tried, not always successfully, to design a high-quality bandage dress. Delora got it exactly right! The texture seems to have a bit of shimmer and stretch, the shading on the torso accentuates the body-conscious and form-fitting design, and the line of the halter-style neckline, the way it frames the bust and wraps around to an almost sporty racer-back, is a unique and interesting touch. I’m wearing the dress in Purple and Blue, but I’ve already been to Haven Designs to pick up the Purple and Pink style that is a Limited Edition with all proceeds benefiting Relay for Life.
The shoes are from N-core, a shop that is new to me. This ultra-high heel features a prim foot and several customizable options. The skin tone menu was a bit confusing at first. When you select the menu, first choose from options A through E. These are the base skin tones. Once you’ve selected a tone, you can choose from 11 shades. It took a bit of trial and error, but I quickly figured out that 5C is a very close match to the Fair tone of LAQ’s new Glow version of her classic April skin line. April is delicately freckled and comes in two skin tones, Milky and Fair. The line is created specifically for red heads, but I think it works well for brunettes, also.
Happy Fourth of July to all of my stateside friends…and for those of you outside the US, have a very happy and relaxing weekend!
Style Notes: Dress: Haven Designs Sasha in Purple/Aqua Shoes: N-core Stylus XtremeHeel in Black Bracelet: +plus Wide Bangle in Silver Ring: Paper Couture Times Square Ring in Kyanite Glasses: Suite 17 Sunglasses in JetGloss Clutch: Fabulous Dynasty*StreetLife Hair: @Waffles! Bonbon in Blackberry Manicure: J’s Nails in Black (vivid pack) Skin: Laqroki April 01 Fair Glow Skin with Brown Brows Eyes: Exodi Vetro Eyes in Blue (large, veins) All poses by Long Awkward Pose, Photographed on a PhotoStage with Tillie’s Posestand and HUD
Who’s that girl going down the street? It’s Candace! She’s the girl next door who is a pop diva by day and a Hollywood bad girl by night crossed with an old school glamour goddess I’d like to meet. It’s Candace! -Phineas and Ferb
The new skin by Genesis designer, Ryker Beck, is, yep, you guessed it, Candace! She is not a rework of Genesis’ inaugural skin line, Eden. Rather, Candace is a brand new skin from head to toe. There are several reviews of this skin already on the feeds, so I’ll just hit a few highlights that really appeal to me.
I love the highlights and shading on this skin. The first time I tried the beta version, I thought them a bit dark, but the final version is just right. There is just enough definition, without being too harsh, and the facial highlighting is glamorous and runway-ready. I love that Ryker has included tintable brows and “landing strip” panties. There’s also a cute little belly ring. The tintable gloves are designed to hide the fingernails on the skin when wearing prim nails. This feature I definitely love because I wear a lot of prim nails in photos, and I hate having to tint the gloves to match my skin. The gloves are tintable, though, so you can tweak them however you’d like. And check my cute butt-dimples! Who doesn’t love butt-dimples?!?
Now, on to the makeups. Read the rest of this entry »
Ryker Beck, noted artist and the designer behind Genesis, has as much drive and determination as she does talent and creativity. For the last few weeks, I have stalked her plurks and flickr relentlessly, just waiting for her to give us yet another glimpse into her quest to design a new skin line. Along the way, she’s asked for comments, suggestions, criticisms…and she’s taken them all into account, incorporating those that fit her vision, and filing away the rest for future reference.
In the end…Eden was born!
I’ve seen this skin on several different avatars, each with a unique shape, and what I find magical is this: Eden seems to morph itself onto whatever shape you are wearing and play up its best features. I was talking with Jori Watler about Eden on Sunday night and her comment was, “It should be called Chameleon.”And she’s right.
I’m obsessively particular about skins and rarely find any outside of my beloved Fleur that fit my shape. Genesis is a whole new world. This is no fly-by-night, first-time skin designer throwing new makeups on an open source base. No. Ryker Beck has painted, tweaked and refined this skin with a sense of artistry and eye to detail that rival even the most accomplished and experienced skin makers.
Keep reading to see the rest of the twenty (That’s right! T.W.E.N.T.Y…and each comes with a freckled version, too!) make up styles and a full-lenth photo of the body. Read the rest of this entry »
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)
I’ve mentioned before that Skinkie Winkler of ~flirt~ makes my favorite piece of jewelry, the Tiffany Ring in Ruby and Platinum. So, I was beyond thrilled to receive a review copy of her Hearts & Diamonds series.
~flirt~ Hearts & Diamonds version 2 contains a multi-script written specifically for ~flirt~ by Tecak Oyen, which provides resizing and texture changing options via an easy to use menu. Each piece in the Hearts & Diamonds series is available in versions that allow you to change either the stone texture, the metal texture or both the stone and metal texture so you can choose the level of customization you will need to perfectly compliment your wardrobe. And the resizing script is so easy to use, there is no excuse for ill-fitted accessories with this gorgeous collection. In this photo, I chose the bracelet, choker and earrings with the Silver texture and Black Onyx stone options…and my ever-present ring, of course.
Just one more note about ~flirt~ jewelry. I don’t know about you, but often I use jewelry to add a little “shine” to my wardrobe. The challenge, though, is often in finding the little bit of shine and glitz you want without the dreaded bling. Skinkie has solved this challenge for me. Her designs sparkle without being the least bit blinding or ostentatious, and they are so meticulously designed. You can find a close up photo of my ring here, if you would like to see the detail.
Be sure to visit the ~flirt~ blog for information about new releases and the upcoming opening of the new ~flirt~ Mainstore.
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Nexeus Fatale, SL veteran, DJ par excellence, and multi-talented content creator. has begun his latest endeavor: [nf_d]. The first release in the Pin-Up Pose Collection contains 8 poses inspired by classic Pin-Up photographs and a study of the female form. Priced at only $L75 per pose, each is M/C/NT.
Nexeus has been taking a break, lately, from his rigorous DJ schedule to focus on transitioning his old brand, Apex High Studio, to [nf_d], or Nexeus Fatale Design. The new brand will see a re-release of some of his older builds outfitted with new textures and updates. But, to focus on his foray into the world of pose design, very soon you will be able to find a line of male urban poses that will feature a number of sits and stands, more female poses and, possibly, a complete AO.
You can find all of the poses featured here at [nf_d] in Skiddaw. And stay up-to-date with all of the [nf_d] releases on the official website.
Style Sheet:
Lingerie: [Intimizzio] Harlow Rhinestone – Blushing Chocolate Choker: ~flirt~Hearts & Diamonds Choker:MIXEDStone/Metal Bracelet: ~flirt~Hearts & Diamonds Bracelet:STONEChange Earrings: ~flirt~Hearts & Diamonds RtEarring: STONE Change Ring: ~flirt~ Tiffany Ring – PLAT/RUBY [ARC25] (Right Hand) Shoes: Maitreya Grace Heels Lashes: Bedroom Lashes By Cake and Celestial Studios Prim Lashes-Size 3 Skin: Fleur Allure Caramel Lounge 3 Hair: Armidi Hair – The Glamorous I – Orchid
This didn’t start out as a halloween post. In fact, I’d planned to blog jewelry and shoes. For now, though, I’m going to blame Callie Cline for the change in plans…Just as I was about to take photos, she sent a group notice about a sale on her latest Swan Song dress. So I dressed quickly and tp’d over with no shoes, no AO, no facelight…I might as well have been naked. But just inside the door, I found this adorable broomstick…and here we are!
The outfit is from a new-to-me store called The Bunker, and they have a great selection of mens and womens goth and punk outfits, seperates and accessories. I’m wearing the Carved outfit. The texturing is well done, as you can see from the lacing on the corset, and the prices are exceedingly reasonable. I’m certain this outfit was under L$200.
I love the Wish hair from Katat0nik, for a couple of reasons actually. First, I love Katat0nik’s sense of humor and style and second, I love special-occasion items. I actually bough this hair to wear to my friend Nimil’s birthday party. The best part of Wish? It’s all scripted! Change the hair color, the size, the color of the stars, the ribbon, the lace, the bow…change it all…as often as you’d like!
But the shoes that inspired the original post could not be left out, because I simply can’t bear to take them off! Tesla Miles is a sculpted-prim genius and she has once again outdone herself with the new Hylda booties. The are available in 9 different colors including two snakeskin textures that are to die for gorgeous! From the inside zipper to the horse bit detail around the heel, every detail is well thought out and executed precisely. You will definitely want to add these to your fall and winter wardrobe!
Style Notes:
Outfit: Carved – The Bunker (Donau Tal (137, 217, 32)) Hair: Katat0nik – Wish Shoes: Tesla Hylda in Olive, Brown Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline Eyes: Glanz Mid:Ocean Blue Broom: Little Heaven Lovely Witch Ver2, Type 4 Poses: Long Awkward Pose
Alidar Moxie is a brilliant scripter and a very talented designer…she is also one of the sweetest and most humble people I know. She is the creative and technical force behind Mechanized Life and Ali, her self-named store full of uniquely designed and scripted furniture, time pieces and decorations.
I spent some time wandering around Ali today and wanted to share with you some of my favorite pieces. I love her jewelry boxes. I had a music box ballerina as a child and the Sophistication takes me right back there. The lid and drawers open with a touch to reveal the hidden jewels, and hiding inside is a lovely dancing ballerina. A touch will also give jewelry to the owner…and who doesn’t need more jewelry?
The Rainforest Vanity is meticulously detailed with a hair brushing animation, just click the bench for a brush. The drawers here open and close also, to reveal their contents.
The Cafe Table and Chairs features an umbrella that opens and closes by touch and the food and drinks can be de-rezed via menu. This set is perfect for any patio or outdoor area.
The Coffee Stand is a must have for any commercial area that wants to create and inviting and comfortable atmosphere. the rezzable food tray offers coffee, tea, cookies and rolls for your customers to enjoy. And you can customize the canopy with your personal logo by simply dropping you texture into the cart.
But my favorite piece, the one I’m obsessed with, is the Spider Set. I love the modern, architectural look of the piece and the brushed bronze finish really caught my eye. When I talked to Ali about it, she said the design just came to her when she saw the texture. It really is a statement piece, don’t you think?
Oh, and in case you haven’t heard, MichaMi released her new Joanie pant and blouse outfit…and I’m going to assume you already know this since I ran into every fashionista on the grid while I was picking up one in each color. Here, I’ve mixed the gloves and belt from the Black Outfit, The blouse from the Pink and Brown set, and the pants from the Purple and Gray package, then I threw on the Satin Bustier from G.L.A.M. for a little more contrast. I added earrings from Creamshop, shoes from Tesla and Hair from Novocaine to complete the look. Oh, and I can’t forget my favorite Tiffany ring from Flirt…Skinkie Winkler is my new favorite jewelry designer!
Now get to Ali and buy some new furniture! Go!
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.
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
