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

Moonlight Serenade

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

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

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

Chouchou et Chocolat

The first time I met my very dear friend CodeBastard Redgrave, she was wearing the most gorgeous dress covered in sparkling red paillettes. A gift, she said, from her friend Eshi. Like a fool, I only nodded and complimented it’s beauty, never asking more about the designer.

A couple of weeks later, I received an invitation to a taping of Tonight Live with Paisley Beebe at the SLCN studios. The featured guests were to be Eshi Otawara of Chambre du Chocolat and the musical group Chouchou. Finally making the connection between Codie’s friend Eshi and Chambre du Chocolat, I visited her boutique for a look around and instantly fell in love with the glowing, ethereal Smokey Tux Dress.

Having visited the seductively barren Chouchou sim before, I knew at once that this dress would photograph beautifully there. I wasn’t disappointed.

Because the dress is so captivating in its composition and movement, I chose to keep my accessories simple.

The dress does come with a pearl choker that is lovely, but I chose to wear black pearls to accentuate the smokiness of the gown itself.

I chose a simple updo from ETD that had some volume to balance the width of the skirt. I also opted for the Diamond Bee Ring from Paper Couture that I am in love with and tend to wear with just about everything.

Please click on the pictures for a larger version. You can also find more photos on my Flickr page.

Style sheet:
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3
Hair: ETD Holly – Blonde
Eyes: ~Glanz~ .::Eyes::. mid : FreshBlue
Necklace and Earrings: Paper Couture p.c. Black Pearl Set
Ring: Paper Couture p.c. Diamond Bee Ring
Dress: Chambre du Chocolat Smokey Tux Dress in Gold
Poses: Boudoir Rouge Collection by Alexx Markova available at OPC Store

Come Sail…er, Speed…Away

Have I told you about my new home? Guy and I recently moved to Balboa Beach, where we share a sim with new friends Donal and Lorrie. It is a beautiful place with lots of lush landscaping, white sand beaches, and, because it is a part of the United Sailing Sims, wide open water for boating. So, of course, I am learning to sail. I have the sweetest little Pine Tako that Guy outfitted with new sails that depict the perfect sunset. It is just the thing for romantic jaunts across the USS or competitive races at Starboards Yacht Club.

Sometimes, though, a girl needs something a little racier. This new boat from MaxMarine and the new bikinis from Mimikri are just what the doctor ordered.

The new Swordfish 40 from MaxMarine owner and creator, Maxmilian Milosz, caught my eye the first time I laid eyes on it. And the fact that it was available in pink was just a bonus! I haven’t bought one yet (I think it will be a little present to myself once my inventory is under control…call it incentive), but that didn’t stop me from visiting it at the marina and taking some pictures of the new St. Tropez line from Mimikri.

The textures of the bikini are gorgeous, creating a subtle sparkle on the otherwise simple triangle top and the thong bottoms fit my avi very well. The optional skirt and top pack includes a maxi skirt (as shown below), a babydoll top and miniskirt. You can see more of the collection on Mimikri’s blog. My only complaints: there is no fat pack available (I want it in all colors!) and the bikini and skirt set are sold seperately. I’m trying to clean up my inventory, remember, so it would have been nice to have all of these items in the same folder without having to move them there myself. I can be lazy like that. Gee, maybe that is why my inventory is such a mess now, ya think? Ah well. It is what it is.

Here are some pictures of the St. Tropez bikini on its own and with the maxi skirt. And don’t you agree that my future pretty in pink love boat makes a great backdrop?

Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3… of course
Eyes: ~Glanz~ .::Eyes::.mid:FreshBlue
Hair: MMS-MessyHair – Natural Blond
Bikini and Skirt: Mimikri St. Tropez – Black
Shoes: *HUB* Venus Sandals in Sleek Noir
Jewelry: -Earthtones-Chakra Boho Beads Hoop Earrings and Necklace, Black/Gold
Hat: Cachet-TiffanyHATearth (retextured)
Handbag: Everyday Tote (Steel)
THE Boat: MaxMarine’s Swordfish 40 in Pink
Photographs taken at Max Marine

Cachet To Spare

Cachet – \ka-ˈshā\ – noun – 1: an indication of approval carrying great prestige, 2: a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige.

Minnu Palen and Thora Charron embody the very definition of the word, so it is no surprise that their latest foray into haute couture should be branded accordingly. With the release of their Spring 2008 line, I have decided to post a retrospective of my favorite pieces from their debut line and a sampling of new releases.

More Photos and Style Sheets after the cut…

Let’s begin with Cachet’s debut release…
The Ford (Ice) Dress, with it’s short white skirt and cut-out at the midriff, is textured beautifully and gives off a sheen that feels almost iridescent. The two photos featured here show off the dress in a setting with more natural daylight and with with the windlight settings manipulated to showcase the iridescence of the texture. Thanks to Tucor Capalini for providing the photos and allowing me to shoot at his Lunar Landing location.

The Spider outfit, with its wrap of tulle, sleek pants and fashion-forward belt, is edgy and fun. Though the tulle wrap floats around the body fluidly, one would never consider it “fluffy” or “confection-y,” this is couture, for sure.

The Marlene dress takes the inventory-staple Little Black Dress and pushes it into Haute Couture. The low-cut bodice is perfectly complimented by the futuristic headpiece, with it’s silver and stiff netting, and the strong profile of the shoulder pieces. The simple silver clutch, which comes with the outfit, is a simple and elegant touch that serves to ground the outfit, not overpower it.

Victoria takes the classically feminine line of the babydoll dress and infuses it with a lot of style. The rich plum color and sheer white tights can be dressed up or down without detracting from its couture tilt. Here I’ve chosen to pair it with some sculpted boots from Redgrave.
And now….drumroll, please…for the new releases…
Alex is a vision in chiffon chic. The skirt moves beautifully and the slight slit in the front of the skirt offers an occasional glimpse of the matching panties. This dress needs nothing more than a pair of nude, snakeskin peep-toes to make this fashionista feel like a lady.

Recently, I read a comment from Caliah Lyon (she of Muse fame), praising the detailing of Cachet’s pants. The Tilda outfit demonstrates this beautifully. And though I love every outfit I have purchased from Cachet to date, this is the one I would kill to be able to rez into my RL wardrobe.

Finally, GoldGlam is delicately textured with an upscale leaf-like pattern that takes the metallic gold from day to night with ease. I’ve photographed the skirt here, but when you purchase the outfit, you’ll also receive pants with the same attention to detail mentioned above.

If you’ve not yet visited Cachet, I encourage you to throw on your stilettos and head over there tout de suite. You won’t find an overwhelming number of items, but a carefully edited selection of designs and accessories. Each item is fashion-forward yet wearable, and, to my mind, very well-made. In other words…this is a boutique with Cachet to spare.

Style Notes:
All Clothing and accessories by Minnu Palen and Thora Charron for Cachet
All Hair by ETD (Except cover photo, which is from BooN)
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Eyes: Tuli Bright Blue Eyes
Shoes, by outfit:
Ford (Ice) and Marlene – Stiletto Moody Pumps (color change)
Victoria (cover photo) – Stiletto Moody Elegant Slingback (Silver Twinkle)
Victoria (article photo)- Redgrave Boots, Black Leather Sculpties
Alex and Tilda – Kittie’s Lair Peep Toe Pumps Tease! in Snake01
GoldGlam – Armidi Gisaci Barcelona Slingback in Black with Gold

Très Jolie…Très Fabuleux

As I mentioned earlier this week, I spent a good deal of time at the Stiletto Moody sale last weekend. While coming out of my post-shopping-frenzy stupor, I noticed the most striking Avi at the front of the store. I immediately had to inquire as to where she found the fabulous outfit she was wearing. As luck would have it, the Avi in question was, in fact, the designer of said fabulous outfit! Within minutes, I had a landmark and found myself chatting with Ms. Iota Ultsch of Tres Jolie and her delightful assistant, BritneyParis Underwood in their boutique.

What a treat! I always enjoy meeting designers in-world, it really gives you the opportunity to “see” their designs from their point of view. I appreciated the way Iota was able to look at my skin and my hair and make suggestions as to which of her designs would best compliment my features.

I immediately fell in love with the green hue of the outfit that first drew me to Iota and snapped up Le Singe en Vert with it’s faux fur empire waist, silk bow, cupro leggings and velvet top. We styled it with the Gold O Wedge from Stiletto Moody and some giant gold hoops that were a gift from Iota. Totally glam and completely fabulous! Of course, I couldn’t get away without picking up a hot little platinum sequin cocktail dress and a darling little black dress.

Guy made such a fuss over the sequin dress, that you know I had to drag him back there with me the very next night! He generously purchased the Aboriginal Lace Dress for me (yes, he spoils me and yes, I love it!) Again Iota was in the store, quick to offer guidance for adjusting the dress to just the right color for my skin tone and she made several suggestions for the shoes, hair and jewelry that would best suit the dress and my avi.

The designs offered by Iota Ultsch at her Tres Jolie Boutique are not inexpensive…nor are they unreasonably priced. And, quite possibly, they are not for everyone. But, what I can tell you is this…Ms. Ultsch is an artist. Each texture is hand drawn, each seam is finished flawlessly and each piece transitions beautifully into the next. One only has to look at the creations “in-avi” to recognize the hours of work and meticulous attention to detail required to create a final product as well-crafted as those offered at Tres Jolie. These are quality items created by a designer who puts a higher priority on artistic expression and design than the quantity of items sold.

So, am I going to tell you to run down there and snap up every outfit in the shop? No. But, do make the time to visit the boutique, chat a little with Iota and BritneyParis, and treat yourself to an outfit or two that makes you feel a little more glamourous, a little more sexy or even a little more exotic. I, for one, look forward to collecting these wearable masterpieces created by a true fashion artist.

I think this is as good a time as any to address content theft in SL. There are a number of designers for whom I have great respect. These artists toil tirelessly to make sure that our avis are stylishly dressed and accessorized, that we have beautiful homes and furniture for relaxing, and that our skin, shapes and hair are always perfectly styled…we have so many options for creating cyber versions of ourselves (or our alter-egos) thanks in large part to the creativity, drive and talent of these enterprising individuals. They deserve our respect and admiration, and they deserve to be compensated for their efforts.

Content thieves rob these designers of their intellectual property and compensation. So, whether you choose to spend 5L for a dress or 15ooL…make sure that you are purchasing from the original creator of that dress. Do not support those who make their SL living by stealing from others. And if you find something you think has been stolen and copied, contact the original creator right away.

Until next time, Happy Shopping! And I hope to see you at Tres Jolie!

For a larger view of each photo, please visit our flickr site.

What I’m Wearing (visit our In-World Locations page for slurs and teleporting):
Left Photo
Dress: Tres Jolie – Platinum Limited Edition
Shoes: Stiletto Moodie – Elegant Slingback in Silver Twinkle
Hair: ETD – Ashley in Blonde

Center Photo
Dress: Tres Jolie – Aboriginal Lace Dress
Boots: Maitreya – Dune Boots in Brown
Jewelry: Last Call by Ginny Talamasca – Wood, Metal and Opal Jewelry Set
Hair: Analog Dog – New Pom Dark in Brown

Right Photo
Outfit: Tres Jolie – Le Singe en Vert
Shoes: Stiletto Moody – O Wedge in Gold
Jewelry: Gift from Iota – Gold Hoops
Hair: ETD – Sofia in Black

Photos by Tucor Capalini – Visit his Flickr page or contact him in-world.