It All Started With A Simple Dare

That’s right, one tiny little challenge has snowballed into THIS. And what exactly is THIS? Come closer and I’ll let you in on all the fun…

While I sit, innocently minding my own business after a fun-filled day at the RFL Art Auction – over L$300K raised, by the way! – my dear friend Jori Watler pops up in my IM with a link to a photo and announces that her partner, the ever-charming Reacher Rau, has challenged her to wear this lovely outfit for a full week. Knowing Jori’s taste in clothing, I knew she’d never go for it, but I took the bait anyway. “I’ll match it if you let me drag you around to events all week.” Jori’s reply, “TP me.” Lo and behold, she is wearing the lovely ensemble seen below. Not only will she wear this for the full week, she informs me, she will donate the funds to Eshi Otawara’s RFL team. What a generous sport. But wait! There’s more…

While shopping for the outfit, Jori was torn between the one she chose and another. We have to take some pictures, she announces. And, off I go to pick up the second outfit. When I came back wearing the delicious-looking fruitiness, an idea was formed. Both Jori and I will parade the grid in our new and delightful ensembles – I agreed to participate when Jori anted up 10K of her own to the cause. But…and this is a fantastic but…if we can gather 100K in donations to Team Eshi, all funds to benefit Relay For Life, we will ditch the fruit and flowers (and, yes, the bling…gawd yes, the bling!) and pose together wearing nothing but a smile…and maybe some smexy pumps.

So, open up your wallets fashion fans and we’ll treat you to a skin review the likes of which you’ve never seen! Donation Kiosks have been placed on Night Flower and at Jori’s store on Fusion. Give generously, give often, just give, give, give!

Shining in Chrome

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

Everything’s Bigger & Better in caLLiefornia

Callie Cline has finally opened her new store in caLLiefornia and I have to tell you, the new build is a shopper’s paradise…and it’s not even completely finished yet! From the light, bright and spacious design to the elegantly ornate decor, not a single detail has been overlooked.
From the outside, the new building is sleek and whimsical, much like the designer herself.  You may or may not know that when Callie first started designing, she wanted a store dominated by skull designs.  Over time, though, her styles have evolved through glitter and gowns to vintage cocktail.  Her current releases are eclectic and daring, fun and fashion-forward.
Step inside and watch the magic unfold before your eyes.  The massive staircase and chandelier that are the focal point of the store’s interior were once the standout features of the Opera House on the Intempesta Nox sim. Both were created by Sue Stonebender and Baron Grayson, and was acquired by Callie when the Opera House was destroyed in October of 2007.
When Callie won the staircase at auction, she didn’t know what she would do with it, only that she had to have this piece of SL history…partly for it’s historical significance and partly because it was Sue who introduced Callie to SL and Baron is an artist whose work she greatly admires.

As soon as Callie rezzed the staircase, she knew she wanted a store around it and called on Moxie Polano to help.  Together, they, along with Barnesworth Anubis, created, moved, textured and retextured walls and floors and windows, then moved them around again until the current structure materialized.  Callie calls her new store a work in progress, and you can hear the excitement when she talks about how inspired she is by that prospect alone.
Each room is themed…there is the “pink room”, “wild room’, “aquarium” (for swimwear), “dark room”, “runway room”, and each showcases a different aspect of Callie’s eclectic personality and diverse tastes.   And because the store is so large, Callie will be able to finally release the designs she has been working on for the past year that she just has not had the space for until now.  And watch for the store to evolve over time, because now, when she gets bored, she won’t have to build, she can just redecorate a room or two!

The rooms on the lower level feature Callie’s ready-to-wear collections and the caLLie cLine HOME store. Here you will find the new Create-a-Dress Cruise Collection, accessories and her fun and funky casual styles.
Take the staircase to the second level and you will find the formal gowns, couture collections and Callie’s own line of intimates.

Callie is planning a proper grand opening event for the fall and will begin hosting fashion shows on the grand staircase.  She also intends to start the “rock-n-fashion” events as the new shop has a huge open space perfect for events without a lot of product in the way.  In the future, look for artists whom she admires showing their work in the store.

But the really exciting part, watch for Callie to also introduce her brand new poses, skins, hair and shoes!

Take this opportunity to visit the new caLLie cLine store at caLLiefornia and discover the style and design that is beautifully, and unmistakably, caLLie cLine.

More Love For Marie

Tesla’s new Marie Heels truly are fantastic. I just couldn’t resist taking some more photos to show you how exquisitely detailed and beautifully designed they are.
The Maries, created by the one and only Tesla Miles, come in ten color combinations, with the toe cap in a color or tone complimentary to the rest of the upper. The colors range from a basic black, with it’s grey, almost silvery toe cap, to a Torley-friendly watermelon, whose green and pink add playfulness and whimsy to a summer wardrobe.
Look closer and you can see evidence of Tesla’s talent. From the stitching, even on insole, to the subtle shine on the buckle, no detail has been left to chance. The highlight and shading on the leather texture itself adds a depth and richness not often seen on the grid. The shoes feature a resizing script, as almost all of Tesla’s designs do, to insure a perfect fit on any avatar. The moderate platform under the toe and the vintage-like T-Strap create a shoe that is grounded enough for casual, daytime wear, yet elegant enough for formal evening wear.

I’ll stop for now and let you run on over to Tesla and pick up a pair or ten for yourself.

Oh, What A Beautiful Morning

That is what I started singing, literally, when I logged in today and found that Tesla Miles had left a little gift for me. Well, not a little gift by any means, but all ten pairs of her brand new Marie Heels. Few things make me happier than new shoes, and new shoes from Tesla…that definitely takes the cake.

With so many color combinations to choose from, I was faced with a little conundrum: What to wear with these gorgeous T-strap pumps? I rummaged through my hopelessly unorganized inventory until I finally gave up and headed to NovoCaine for some quick shopping.

The Natsuki Obi Dress is the latest release from Novo Zimerman and Caine Lewinter, and is available in ten color combinations. From the delicate rouching on the bodice to the fit of the bow-belted skirt, every detail of this short, strapless dress is finished flawlessly. And the Earth version that I selected is a perfect match for the Chocolate Caramel Marie Heels.
But I couldn’t stop there. I really wanted to show you more of Tesla’s shoes, so I picked up the amiYumi Halter in Mink and the fat pack of Frayed Tops to show off a few more of the Maries. Then I camped out on Torrid’s steps (well, the Step Pose Set, anyway)in my favorite jeans from Maitreya, and took a few pictures.

Go directly to Tesla and pick up these great pumps, and then take your happy feet over to NovoCaine and pick up some new clothes to go with them. It’s Saturday and that is reason enough to splurge a little! Happy Shopping!

Style Notes:
Dress: Natsuki Obi Dress by NovoCaine
Shoes: Marie Heels by Tesla
Halter: amiYumi Halter in Mink by NovoCaine
Tanks: Frayed Tops by NovoCaine
Jeans: Raw Jeans by Maitreya
Necklaces: *MM Luxe* Stranded Disc Necklace and *MM* Hot Lips Charm Necklace by MiamMiam
Earrings: Glam Earrings in Wood by Creamshop
Manicure: Dark Sangria by NyteRave
Hair: Lydia in Blonde by ETD
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Eyes: mid : FreshBlue by Glanz

I’m a Fashion Assassin

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

Blame It On The Rain

I love the rain. I love listening to thunderstorms and curling up with a good book while raindrops beat against the window. And I love the way the air smells just after a soft, spring shower. It’s no surprise then, that I also love umbrellas and rainboots. Think back to when you were a child and how much fun you had splashing around in puddles. Brings a smile to your face, doesn’t it?

When I received notice that Torrid Midnight released her Paraplu Pose Set and AO, I knew immediately that I had to have it! The paraplu, or umbrella, comes in two versions, open and closed, and features scripted color and texture change. Or you can custom modify your umbrella as I have done here. The pose set also includes ten poses.
The AO comes with the umbrella, also scripted with seven textures, four stands, a walk, hover, sit and ground sit animations. Perfect for a day of shopping…now there is no need to let a little drizzle keep you away from the boutiques!
For my day of shopping, I’ve chosen a classic Trench from Armidi Gisaci and wellies from Urban Bomb Unit. The breezy blue color is the perfect offset for my red paraplu and the polka-dotted boots add just a touch of whimsy. I’m all set for some singing in the rain…come rain or come shine.

Style Notes:
Umbrella and Poses: *TorridWear* Paraplu Pose Set and AO
Trench Coat: {Gisaci} Francia Woven Coat in Breeze
Wellies: UBU Dots Rain Boots
Hair: ETD and Aden
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3
Eyes: ~Glanz~.::Eyes::.mid:FreshBlue

Happy Anniversary To Me! Oh Wait…

It is actually the first anniversary of the Retrology sim. So…Happy Anniversary, Retrology! Though, to be honest, with all of the gift-giving going on, it’s definitely an anniversary we can all celebrate! I stopped in yesterday for just a quick look around and came away with some really fabulous goodies.


::eLDee:: actually put out two great little outfits and I added the Lara jacket layer, a jade green shrug, to the skirt and top from the Zana outfit. The result, a perfect blend of greens and blues, with an urban-grunge look. I added a leather cuff and collar, a midnight blue manicure and a hip belt to complete the look.

What is my favorite part of the outfit? The shoes, of course! Tesla’s Ziggy Heels in Heaven are a perfect match. Tesla Miles is the queen, in my book, of uniquely detailed shoes…and the Ziggy’s are no exception. I especially love the scripted resizer so that I can custom fit them to my avatar.

Retrology is home to some of Second Life’s most talented content creators as well as several nightlife and recreational venues, including: *Alchemy*, *ICING*, *Thimbles*, ..Marlys.., /artilleri/, ::eLDee::, Long Awkward Pose, Anessa Stine Studio, Battered Boudoir, comme il faut, Hairapy, HANG THE DJ!, Hell Bop Clothing Company, House of Nyla, Ingenue, Jeepers Creepers, Kid Asia, Killing Moon Records, King’s Corner Ice Cream Stand, Kitsch*en*Couture, Old School Shop, Periquita, PIN UP Dolls Boutique, PIN UPS Night Club & Burlesque Bar, Punch Drunk, RetroActive Furniture, Retrology Square, Savvy?, Split Pea, The Killing Moon Cafe, The Lover’s Walk Park, The Mistral Theatre, The Obscure Finds Flea Market, Total Betty, Urban Bomb Unit, and more!

Be sure to visit Retrology and take advantage of the generosity of these talented store owners. You won’t be disappointed.

Style Sheet:
Shrug Sweater: ::eLDee:: Lara Retrology Jacket
Shirt and Skirt: ::eLDee:: Zana Retrology Outfit
Shoes: TESLA – Ziggy Heels *Heaven*
Bracelet: !!Husky GFX!! Dragon Leather Bracelet Female Black
Belt: Fancy Schmancy Boucle Belt
Collar: !M&S Multi-gem Ultra Collar v4a
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3
Eyes: ~Glanz~.::Eyes::.mid:FreshBlue
Hair: Armidi Hair – The Roxy – Light Blonde
Manicure: Fleur Nails Regular Dark Set – Midnight
Tattoo: Primal Art Tattoos – Tribal Dragon Leg

Who Wants Pancakes?

Sunday mornings are all about being comfortable and maybe even a little lazy, right? Sometimes, though, I feel inspired and will actually venture into that seldom used room in my house, brush the dust off the stove and prepare a breakfast. Today, it felt like a pancake day!
Jacek Antonelli is terribly talented, undeniably brilliant and is, quite literally, the very definition of sweetness. She also, bless her, thinks that my name is Pancake as opposed to Panacek. And you know how touchy these creative types can be…I just hate to correct her. *winks* So, today’s look is inspired by my favorite Cuddlefish. Enjoy!
Okay, so I guess we can’t really call this a fashion blog unless I talk about something more fashionable than lying around in a pool of syrup. Is that even possible? So here’s a quick peek at what I’m wearing.
A totally casual look for a day of lazing around. The jacket from Novocaine is beautifully textured and features a belt with scripted color change. Which came in very handy when I decided to add a little sparkle to the outfit and chose MichaMi’s Glitter Tube in purple. The hair is from Detour, and I really think I’m starting to like their wigs. It’s just taking some getting used to, as I’m a diehard ETD girl. It’s the jeans, though, that really anchor this look for me. The Raw Jeans from Maitreya were my very first SL purchase. I love love love them, and wear them constantly. The shoes are from Shiny Things and I’ll talk more about them in my next post. The skin is Fleur, as usual, Feline, of course.

That’s it for now…Happy Sunday!

ETA: The Pancake Couch was found at Paper Street Soap Company. There are tons of fun little novelties there along with some great Neko, Grunge, and Urban clothing and accessories.

The Black Swan Sings

The Rezzable sim, Black Swan, is filled with glowing water and impressive works of art. In celebration of the sim, Callie Cline teamed with Nebulosus Severine to create a look that is at once uniquely couture and signature Callie.
The sculpted skirt features circular orbs filled with water and the aquatic movement is encapsulated in the jeweled pendant and earrings.

The bodice of the dress is made of crushed velvet and the plush texture is echoed through the soft feathers of the skirt and sleeves.

In addition to the the sculpted water orb skirt and feather train, the seventeen-piece Swan Song Collection by Callie Cline includes a ball-length skirt, a mid-length skirt and a shorter mini-skirt, a plain black sculpted skirt, eye-flashes, gloves, a water ring with the same glow and movement as the sculpted skirt, stockings, gloves and a fat belt. And of course, the bodice and shorts can also be worn on their own.

The Swan’s Tears jewelry collection by Nebulosus Severine includes two necklaces, two pairs of earrings, Sea Green Glow Contact Lenses, and both black and white blank eye bases to be worn with the contacts.

Each piece by these two artists is impeccably designed and beautifully detailed. Visit Black Swan and take the black feather to the vendor area where these and other limited edition designs await. But don’t delay as this exhibit will end August 4, 2008.
Other style notes:
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Hair: MMSHair – Medusa – Limited Edition in Jet and ETD Alina in Black
Shoes: Maitreya Frenzy in Dangerous.