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

Oh My MichaMi!

I’m currently working on an SLNN article about blogger-turned-designer, Milla Michinaga. Her wildly popular blog, MichaMi, is probably responsible for my addiction to SL Fashion, and it was through her blog that I discovered many of my favorite designers (yes, Milla is to blame for my Digit Darkes addiction). So when I heard that she had begun selling her own designs, under the same name, of course, I had to rush right over and buy her entire debut release!

Today, though, when I logged in, I found that she had sent me a review copy of her her latest release, and I was on cloud nine! On top of that, I finally found Creamshop and these giant earrings I have been lusting over for ages! Don’t ask me why, but on the few other occasions I’ve tried to find this store, I’ve found myself in some really crazy shopping sim and not able to actually find the store and too rushed to spend enough time looking…yes, it appears I only have half a brain on occasion).
The texturing on the bustier is gorgeous, notice the delicate boning and seaming. Each article of clothing is available on all possible layers for easy layering. Milla also packs a photo of the outfit and includes a notecard listing her styling suggestions. I love this as one of the things I’ve always loved about Milla’s blog is her careful selection of accessories, so even though she is no longer blogging, she’s still giving us her fashion tips!
I love the giant Glam Earrings from Creamshop and couldn’t pass up the Cock? Swan? Necklace. It’s just too fantastic. I also found the Lily Bangle and thought it would work to add a little splash of color to the outfit. Add J’s Gladiator Sandals and I’m ready for a summer night out on the grid!

Be sure to visit Milla’s store, MichaMi, on Rue d’Antibes. You won’t be disappointed in her classic style and beautifully designed wardrobe staples. And check back often, as I know she is working on even more products as I write. Ciao!

Style Sheet:

Outfit: MichaMi Bustier and Shorts Suit in Coffee
Earrings: Creamshop Glam Earrings in Wood
Necklace: Creamshop Cock? Swan? Necklace
Bracelet: Creamshop Lily Bangle in Orange
Shoes: J’s Gladiator Sandals in Dark Brown
Eyes: Dramavatar Eyes Dark 12
Skin: Fleur Vivant Buff Feline/Rebelle (Custom)
Hair: ETD Lynne II in Blonde Burnt
Mani/Pedi: Nyterave Dark Sangria

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

My Sweetly Dark Side

One of the things I love most about SL is being able to change my look any old time I want to. And lately, it seems I’ve been more interested in “darker” styles. That would explain why I didn’t hesitate to pick up this Ghost Princess outfit from !* REBEL-X-*! (though, honestly, given my love of accessories, it was probably the umbrella and the crown, not pictured, that did it for me). My only complaint? The skirt is too big and does not mod down any smaller. Hula hoop, anyone?

While trying on this outfit, a friend passed me a landmark to a store called Katat0nik. Always up for exploring a new store, I teleported over there to find some really cute stuff. The black boots are an in-store freebie, as is the adorable pink skirt.

The too-cute hoodie has a really great little fish (wearing a crown, no less!) on the front. The texture is a little blurry around the waistband, but all in all, it is well-done. And very reasonably priced. The pink boots were a little pricier, but have a beautiful texture around the leg prim and are a lot of fun to stomp around in. And can I just say that I looooove when designers include multiple sizes for their boots. I’m always nervous when I have to resize something like that.

Thinking that maybe my regular, blonde, ETD hair wasn’t edgy enough for these outfits, I wandered over to Maitreya to see if I could find something more suitable. What luck! I found the Aimee style in a free fat pack. Free hair is always a good thing…well, usually.

For the skins, I just did a search for Goth and came up with one from ‘<3 cupcakes that I wore with the Ghost Princess outfit and I chose the RFL exclusive, Lust, from La Sylphide to wear with the Katat0nik outfit.

I’m thinking about exploring the whole Goth Lolita look a bit more, so stay tuned!

Style Sheets:

Outfit 1:
!* Rebel -X- *! Ghost Princess P. Outfit (included crown and cape not shown)
Boots: Axis Mundi Sculpted Boots by *katat0nik*
Skin: Random – Gothy by ‘<3 Cupcakes
Hair: Aimee by Maitreya in Jet
Lip Piercing: Monroe by /Fuel/

Outfit 2:
Jacket: Little Swallow Queen Hoodie in blue by *katat0nik*
Skirt: Plaid Butterfly Skirt in pink by *katat0nik*
Socks: !* Rebel -X- *! Ghost Princess (part of outfit)
Boots: Ghostfire Boots [Stomp Lightly] in pink/black by *katat0nik*
Skin: Ingrid Light – Lust by La Sylphide
Hair: Aimee by Maitreya in White
Lip Piercing: Monroe by /Fuel/

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/

My Personal Trainers

Call them what you will…trainers, sneakers, tennies, running shoes…I love them! And I’m especially a fan of good old Converse All Stars. (You just can’t beat a great pair of Chuck Taylors!) So, when I saw these sneakers on Sofia’s blog, I immediately jumped on Pyper with a torrent of ZOMG’s and Squeee’s. I knew right away that I had to have a pair…and they are every bit as fabulous as I had hoped.

To showcase the shoes, I decided to put together a totally casual and comfortable look, perfect for lounging at the house and trying to get a little work done.

Keep reading after the jump…
I headed out to DeLa* where I picked up this great tank and scarf combo. I love shorts, so I was having trouble deciding between the cute and baggy black ones or the totally comfy cargo shorts. Which do you prefer?

Let’s talk about the shoes. These are from Urban Bomb Unit and are the PornStar Xtra Hi-Tops and they are Unisex. Every piece of the shoe is modifiable via a scripted menu. You can modify the size, wear them straight up or folded down, change any of the textures individually, change the laces, the lace rings…everything! I had so much fun mixing and matching textures and in then end, for this look, I settled on a very tame Falu Red and Burberry Plaid.

The attention to detail on these shoes is fantastic. Check out the scuff marks on the toe of the shoe…even a little handwritten “I heart my shoes” written in ballpoint pen. I mean, who didn’t write on their shoes in high school?!?

So, if you need to give your tootsies a break, slip your feet into these adorable shoes…and then have fun playing around with the options to make them uniquely yours.

Oh, and while putting this look together, I couldn’t help but stop in AnaLu and pick up some new poses…yeah, like all of them (gasp!). Ana Lutetia makes some great poses and even offers a free-to-use photo studio at her main store location. And if you really want to keep up with all of the new releases, be sure to check her blog…this girl is quick! quick! quick! when it comes to reviewing all of the latest and greatest from SL fashion designers.

Style Sheet:
Shoes: PornStar Xtra Hi-Tops by Urban Bomb Unit
Tank and Scarf: Jessie in Red by DeLa*
Shorts 1: Short Pants Black by *Shop Seu*
Shorts 2: Dora Jean Shorts in Blue02 by DeLa*
Socks: Knit Knee Socks in Olive (Darks Pack) by Shiny Things
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3
Hair: Brittany in Blond by ETD
Poses: AnaLu

An Armidi Vacation

I have to admit a little secret…I’ve not always been a big fan of Armidi. I know, I know, I’ve probably just ruined any credibility I might have had with that little confession, but, alas, it is true.

However, that has changed dramatically over the last few months. I have really been impressed with their most recent releases, particularly the Vacanze collections. So when I received the group notice, I scrambled over there to pick up a fresh batch of loveliness…as did everyother fashionista on the grid, it seems, as I ran into half of them while I was there.

So, to make up for lost time, here is an Armidi-centric post showcasing two of the latest releases in the Vacanze Collection Deux line: The Trend du Jour dress and Triple Pearl Bracelets. As usual, click the link and jump on over for more photos and style sheets.

Style Sheet:
All Clothing and Accessories by Armidi Gisaci
Trend du Jour with Fleur Skirt-Verde
Pearl Egg Necklace – Black
Porta Corsico Bag – Black
Triple Pearl Bracelet – Black
Dalia Pump – Limon

Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Hair: ETD Davina II in Blonde