You may have either heard my bitching on Plurk or read some of it here, on my horridly degrading Internet service.  I cannot do anything about this.  I have no other options.  I am very rural, and until the big conglomerate decides it is worth their while to put out the cash to string my backroad, I am pretty much screwed.

The wireless cell extender tower that I get my signal bounced off of is over booked and worn out, and my internet is now barely slighty better than dialup.  I used to be able to get some bandwidth after midnight when the rest of the homes off the same tower went to bed, but I can’t even bank on that anymore.

Why am I subjecting you to my whine? Well now. See, it’s like this.

I love fashion blogging, and blogging about things I love…whether it is someone’s design work, a great sim, or an art display.  When I only have bits of decent online time, my actual “Life” on SL is chopped into trying to find something awesome, trying to rez vendors, trying to dress, trying to rez my outfit, trying to do a photoshoot.

I am a Virgo to the core, and can not whip off a fast shot, and slam up a list of basic info on what I was wearing.  You may have noticed.  I need good pics, detail, and slurls.  I can’t do a crappy job.  So this brings me to making a choice.

I love my Second Life.  I miss exploring, hanging with friends, dancing, having long talks, just playing and having fun.  The ability to do all these things has been shrinking along with my bandwidth.  I want to be able to do that, in the limited window that I am allowed, so I have to make it so.

I am giving up my scheduled Friday spot on SCD, and hope to be able to spend the time I would have spent on the blog doing the things that give me the joy that keeps me in SL.   When I do get occasions to blog, I will throw them up on my sadly neglected personal blog at islelunasea.com. I am still going to be around, shopping and fashionista-ing my face off when I can, but just can’t commit to a schedule, and SCD has no shortage of bloggers wanting a spot.

I am grateful to Tenshi and Iris for giving me the opportunity to blog and be exposed on the most highly read SL blog in existence,  and I know I will be kicking my ass as soon as I hit “publish”, but I know I have to do it.

I will leave you with a shot that I actually got to take myself and play with when I was at work the other day.  Being the Tech and network admin has its benefits.

I call this picture “Time”.  That is all I want.

Thanks again SCD, and loyal readers.

<3  Isle.

Lokum Shilova:”Ready to delete “

I saw this plurk yesterday morning, and my plans of blogging half the store  I bought out the night before vanished.

I want to focus today on the closing of another great Rezzable sim, Crimson Shadow.  I knew it was coming,  but the actual delete and removal ticket were an odd shock, a sad moment.

Crimson Shadow was a big part of my earlier impressions of exploration in Second Life.  The fantastic architecture, the fashion,  the pure stunning visuals of this creation came to represent the dark and mysterious, the edgy and and secret side of Second Life that appealed to me. (Machinima of the Killer Designers event available here)

Created in fall of 2007 by the incredibly talented Jimmy Thomson, it became an icon of mystery, dark desire, entertainment, fashion and fun, a meeting place and a lifestyle.  Winter Jefferson summed it up so well in his farewell blog: Crimson Memories.  I encourage you to go read it, he says so much better than I what it meant to those who spent so much time there.  For more info, pics and some words from Lokum Shilova, please continue after the break.

As Lokum said to me:

“These random places in SL don’t mean anything to some people, but for some it becomes a home, work or family. I don’t see this as deleting a Sim, I see it as ending many relationships which on a personal level really affected me. We move on with our memories in our hearts, also hoping that we will meet them somewhere in our new ventures.  I have endless amounts of special memories in Crimson Shadow. So thank you , Jimmy for building a wonderful castle and everyone who worked there to make it a very special place for many.”

It has been over a year since the Rezzable sims started closing down, and many have felt the loss.  Cannery, The Dump, Surfline , Greenies Lawn, Stratos, Toxic gardens, Tunnel of Light, Carnival of Doom, and Crimson Shadow.  More about this here.

Greenies will stay as long as Rezzable is in SL.  I think they need Greenies to be there as much as the rest of Second Life does.

The last on this sad role call of departures will be Black Swan.  I think out of all the closures, this one will affect me personally the most.  I have been there for the fashion events many times regardless of my internet connection, and just enjoy wandering, looking at the art in the shop (drooling over the ballerina) and hopping from stone to stone over the lava.

As you may be able to tell from the outfit, I took this picture over a year ago.. maybe more, and it is still one of my favorites.

The final event, the Swan Song of Black Swan will be a wonderful yet bittersweet event.  A celebration and a goodbye to an incredible sim.

It will kick off on the 27th of July, and  will be a month of celebration of fashion, with many of the best fashion designers in SL participating.  For a full list of participants, please go here. This is an incredible lineup, and also includes several latecomers,  Elizabeth Tinsley of Frippery Jewellery, Neferia Abel of Ivalde and AvaGardner Kungler of Kunglers Couture.  This is a not-to-be missed final Swan Song of one of the best sims I have ever been to.

Prad Prathivi, blogger and architect/designer extraordinaire has been roped in to do the runway work, and as Lokum said: If his name is in print over it, well then the pressure will be on.. So Hi Prad! *waves* Looking forward to seeing that runway!

This the reality picture.  My main reason for writing this is for the people involved who are feeling a loss, and a goodbye for the removal of Crimson Shadow, Carnival of Doom, and all the other Rezzable sims.  For the builders, the managers, DJ’s, designers, employees, visitors and enthusiasts, as well as casual visitors and all those who have had memories and experiences in these sims.

“Our main focus is now to grow Heritage Key, and we will have many exciting opportunities for the SL community in the Rezzable grid… so keep following us at www.rezzable.com . This is definitely not the end ”

For more information about Heritage Key,  The King Tut Exhibition, and Open Sim access,  go here.

Today Lokum Shilova pressed the delete button. I love this picture of Lokum, and it does say a thousand words…but the picture I don’t have, and the one that would have said it far more eloquently would have been the one of Lokum Shilova, in RL, at her desk, pressing that button.  It isn’t just a game.

Cheers and a toast to the crew at Rezzable, and best of luck in your future endeavours.  Thanks for the enjoyment and experiences you gave all of us with your sims.

Isle Lunasea.

*thanks to Lokum Shilova, for taking the time to chat with me, and for the great pictures.  All but the first and 3rd are Lokum’s work.*

Warning: Long post.  Grab a coffee, or a beer, depending on your time of day. Settle in, and hope you enjoy it.

I didn’t realize that this week would be such a challenge until I started getting dressed in the outfit I had mentally put together.  In my tiny mind, it was a wrap already.  Cool stockings, shorts, tank, cropped jacket, tattoos. Simple, right?  Oh, no. Not simple. No no no. 

This issue has nothing to do with the great designers that I chose, because each and every one of the pieces came in every layer known to mankind.  The issue was that each item was comprised of many layers, and they overlapped and cancelled each other out.  Making it work and not giving in.. that was the challenge.   Have I ever mentioned that I am stubborn?

I put on the High Waist Shorts from Artilleri, and was already aware that they were 2 layers for the high waist. Ok, no worries there.  The panic started with the Garter Stockings from League.  I opened the folder, looked in, and went.. oh..crap.

The stockings were 2 layers. Sock layer did the leg up to the knee. Thigh and garter was either pant or underpant.  But.. the shorts were pant, underpant…both needed. ..Oh! look what Antie did. *also jacket, shirt, undershirt*. Ok.  Needed jacket layer for the Jacket… shirt for the cami, undershirt for the tattoos.

My head was starting to hurt.  Needed the stockings for this look. And the high waist shorts.  I think I ended up dropping the tattoo undershirt layer, using that for the cami. Shirt layer for the jacket, because I needed the jacket layer for the top of the shorts, cause I used the underwear layer for the socks? and the pants for…the.. pants?

I eventually got it sorted, but as you can see, had to ditch my precious tattoo layer.  As a tattooed person in RL, I did not like to have to do this.  Can I get a HELL YEAH for a tattoo layer please??

I must mention certain items one at a time, they deserve special attention. I will work from the top down.

The hair, by Truth.  I know people get sick of seeing Truth on the feeds, but the plain truth (hah) is that his hair just keeps getting better.  The mix of sculpt and flex is excellent.  Too much flex looks like transparent cloud against some things, and too much sculpt looks solidly fake.  This just works.   Look at the blend of sculpt and flex in the close up at the end for a side view.  Oh and yeah, mod. WIN.  When will I learn to buy fatpacks instead of colorpacking myself to death? 5 packs is kinda dumb.

The glasses, by primOptic.  I bought these glasses a year ago, and it was one of my best purchases.  They are totally customizable, frame color, glass color, opacity and more.  They can be worn on the nose, or clicked and worn on the head.  (I changed them to chin attach so I could still have eyelashes, ’cause I am vain that way) These glasses also have gadgets.  A proximity scanner, online monitor and flight enhancer.

The Belt, by Maitreya.  Yes, I use these belts constantly, and so do many of you.  This is a new one, faded red.  The reason I mention it is for its versatility and modability.  I made a copy, renamed it to suit the outfit, then I edited it.  Stretch only took it down so far, so I hit “edit linked parts” and shrunk the leather and messed about until it worked.  You can copy and edit these belts to suit every outfit you have.

The Shorts, by Artilleri.  As I mentioned, it does take 2 layers for these high waisted shorts.. (but even the regular waist one layer looks good.)  Antie offers every damned layer option possible in order to make high waist doable, and for the price, you really need to fatpack these.  I bought the fatpack of all 4 colours and think it was only $400L??  Look at the detail on these.  Fantastic textures, and they make my ass look awesome. Ty Antie.

The Stockings, by League.  I first saw these on xstreet, and fell in love with them.  They come in 2 color packs, bolds with red, blue, green and purple (red I have on, not so bold to put your eye out, more a distressed rich color) and naturals with black, light grey/brown, light brown and faded blue.  Each color pack also comes in either brown leather garters, or black garters.  I bought all 4 fatpacks.  *IN* the fatpacks, you also get garter options of height. You can have the garter waist strap actually peeking over your shorts if they are lower waisted.  These are huge packs. Detail is awesome. Yes, I planned my outfit around these stockings.

The Boots, by Pixel Mode.  Tya Fallingbridge goes above and beyond the call of ‘footwear selling duty’ with her shoes and boots.  I am very happy that I found Pixel Mode.  When I went to buy these boots, the black was not clickable in the vendor.. why, you ask?  Because with every color you bought, you got the black boots FREE. Yes, Free.  Funny, because I loved the black, and the brown. I bought the brown, and yes, these were free.  Her prices are very low as well.

I also bought 2 beautiful pairs of ankle boots that also came with a free pair each.  One of the styles also came with the option of wearing the boot as one piece, or as 2, lower and upper, so the ankle prims don’t embed into your foot when your AO moves you.  These are excellent quality boots, some of the best I have seen, bar none. Super low prices, and free pairs?  No Brainer. Go there.

The Necklace, by Cailyn.  It isn’t seen very close up, but the shine and quality is great.  This brings me to another issue.. more attachment points.  I wore the black, but also bought the red. if I had worn both of them, it would have really popped this outfit… but I needed the spine for the jacket prim.  ‘Nother attachment point please?

The Cami, by Dark Eden.  This is another fatpack worth your while.  Each cami comes on all top layers, and are offered in see thru and solid, so you can play with them in many ways.  A great staple for when you are trying to match stubborn stocking colors.

The Jacket, MichaMi.  The nice thing about this jacket, the sleeve prims and jacket body prim come in 3 sizes and a modable mid size.  Of course I had to use the mod size, since mine was between the small and medium. I love CHOICES. Ty.

My overall message this week is “We Love Choices!” Many layers, many options, modifiable, YES!  Thanks to all the designers who get this, and to LL: please look into another layer for tattoos, and a few more attachment points, please and thank you. 

Cheers, and enjoy shopping, 

Isle.

Credits:  (aka Shopping List!)

Hair, Truth Grazia – sangria

Skin, *League* Medium -Misty- Greenglade

Glasses, primOptic Arach

Necklace, *Cailyn’s* Polished Beaded Necklace (Black)

Jacket, MichaMi Noomi jacket in Black

Cami, Dark Eden [DE] Blood Shorty Solid

Belt, Maitreya Faded red Leather belt.

Shorts, Artilleri  Johanna highwaist shorts

Boots, Pixel Mode PM Beebs Suede Flat Boot -  Black

Stockings, *League* Ella Stockings Red-Low waist-Black Garter

Photography, Raven Haalan

Sometimes blogging on Fridays sucks.  End of the week after Hair Fair has been did like a squid? Yeah.  Rough to follow that up.  Sucks when I see blogs popping up with what I have put together to cover, and I can’t really change (cause I can’t rez anything else dammit)

I was bothered by this, and had some good feedback on it.  Cajsa Lilliehook (who is pretty damned cool and always has excellent words of wisdom in discussions) opined that although things may be on the feeds, there are those who might not have seen them anyway, so just do what you feel.  Good point.  And maybe, as Cajsa mentioned, it is time for another round of The Same Damned Thing.  I’d love that.  Anybody have ideas on what we could do? That Cambridge Shirt thing was a blast.

I know this hair has been done to death, but you know what?  I really really like it.  Same with the outfit.  I bought the jeans in fatpack, and half a dozen of the tops, and I really like them.  So here they are, with a fun and funky belt for all you retro geeks, and a great new favorite skin.

This hair by Argrace has flex, is flattering, and has a very cool Fedora. Colour change fedora even.  I have several favourite Argrace hairs, and although they aren’t mod, they have a resize script that does work for me.  The no-copy thing is odd, but hasn’t affected me yet.

Love the pocket on the jeans, with the rag (colour change!)- but you know attachment points, and I couldn’t wear both the pocket and the awesome Retro Belt at the same time, so we shot both views for you.

This belt needs to be seen close up.. it is that great.  Bottle caps, Activision game, Etch-a-sketch (oh you have to see what is drawn on it, NSFW haha) Silly Putty and more.  This belt wearing is dedicated to the wonderful Pothead-Sheepshooter, Vivianne Draper.

This bag is one of many in my inventory by Gazov Designs, -creations of Greta Gazov and her sis, the infamous razor-biting Bunny Brickworks. (haha infamous, love that)  -Many of their bag offerings come with not only shoulder and hand holds, but bracelets, hairsticks, hairbow, necklace, gloves, and umbrellas! Yes Umbrellas!  I chose this bag for its simplicity and match to the dark areas of my shirt and shoes.  Oh yes, I <3 the bags now. I am doomed.

Ok here is the skin shot.  There are several reasons this skin is my new fave, but I think mostly it is the under-eye shading.  I have the ‘Misty’ League skin as well, and went back for the Kate because of the eyes. Kate has softer lips, but sharper nose shading and under eye realism, that does it for me.  I really *Really* love this skin.  It suits my shape well, and the makeups are all very subtle and realistic.  I have 2, Forest and Glam, but would fatpack it in a sec if I has $L to do so.

The shoes… what more can I say, the pic is everything.  These shoes are so realistic, my daughter thought it was a rl shot and wanted them.  Look close at the ink on scuffed toe.  (I <3 my shoes) For those of you who don’t know, these shoes are so changeable, you can literally wear them with any outfit, any mood. Change the fabric, laces, rubber on a click menu.  Yes, most of you are quite familiar with UBU shoes, but they deserve the attention for the quality. <3 my Ubus.

In closing: Raven mentioned a thought he had last night about why certain items are plastered all over the feeds: Quality.  This is true.  If you see something covered by so many well known bloggers, it is because it is a true quality well done item.  Kudos to the designers.

I would love to find those smaller less-known shops that have unique quality fashions, cool and different styles.   Hit me up inworld, I don’t bite.  Look at is a way of helping me not run behind the pack on Fridays.  Show me what you have, or tell me of your cool new finds.  I would like to see.  You would be doing me a favour.

Credits:  -aka shopping list

Hair: *ARGRACE* ~ Fedora Hat “Glamorous wavy” ~ (Black)

Jeans, Shirt: *League* Garage

Skin: *League* Skin Deeptan -Kate- Forest (Hairbase)

Eyes: Poetic Color, eyes by LL – gold flakes – aquamarine

Lashes, Cake Bedroom Lashes

Tattoos: Garden of Ku, Sacred

Shoes: UBU PornStar Hi-Tops MultiColor v2

Belt: Ducknipple, Retro Toys

Bangles: TPDesigns, (Xstreet)

Handbag: *GaZoV*DeSiGnS* – Haze WN – Bag (Hand) (Xstreet shop)

Gloves, F.A.T Designs BLACK GLOVEZ-GOLD

Photography: Raven Haalan -Again, patience is a virtue that Raven has in spades. Ty. <3

I remember Hair Fair last year, and was so looking forward to it this year, but unfortunately, SL was plagued last weekend by horrendous server issues, and my Internet has degraded to the point that even if I could login to Hair Fair (Which I haven’t been able to yet) I likely couldn’t rez anything well enough to enjoy it.

Looking forward to an event like this for so long and being denied is like being the kid standing outside the carnival, holding onto the wire fence and yearning for a ride, with one small tear sliding down a grimy cheek.  Yes, that would be me.

Cue the wonderful idea.

I saw a plurk that Helena Stringer had finished her One-Of-A-Kind special hair for the Hair Fair Auction, proceeds to Locks for Love.  I had the brilliant idea of blogging the hair and auction, since I couldn’t get there myself. (yet)

Helena liked the idea, but was honour-bound not to let the hair leave her hands even temporarily until the winner of the auction was determined.  I agreed, and thought that this was morally and ethically admirable.

Soooo… I kidnapped her and her little hair too. (cue the maniacal evil witch laugh now) – For my favourite pics ever, and proof of our torrid fishy affair, click thru for more.

Helena (in pink and orange) is wearing the One-of-a-Kind Auction Hair -Satin Fantail in Pink Shine.

I present to you:  Helena Stringer and the One-of-a-kind Hair, and yours truly (Me!) in one of the best and most fun shoots we ever did.  Before I kidnapped Helena, I realized I needed to compliment the awesomeness of Satin Fantail and sexy mermaidness, so I went shopping at The Stringer Mausoleum, found this Summon Winter, and fat packed it.  I am so in love with this hair.

Of course I had to hunt down an appropriate skin, and plurked up a request for suggestions.  One of the first was Alpha Tribe, and all I can say is OMG.  I don’t ever want to take this off. Ever. (‘Cept I bought 2 skins with outfits, and need to try the other one at some point)

To own something this unique, by Helena Stringer of The Stringer Mausoleum… you must go bid at the Auction. What more can I say?  It is a one of a kind treasure, and you know the proceeds go to a worthy cause.  Do it.  If you can’t top the current bid, I would suggest going to the main store to get the hair I have on, Summon Winter, or any of the new releases available at Hair Fair and fat pack them, because you need to.

Helena’s hair must be seen to be truly appreciated.  The shine and flexi movement is incredible. She took a small vid to show this, view it here. Look at the different pictures to see how the hair moves and falls at rest.  The hair also comes to the winner in a fatpack of 12 shades and blends.  I love it, reminds me of peacock feather earrings with extreme attitude.

This beautiful skin, Aqva, from Alpha Tribe comes with slippers, skirt, hoop fishies (and the hoops, waist and head both have a wonderful travelling glow that revolves along the metal) and headdresses.  It also comes packaged with male, female, PG and naughty skins.

The hoops on this outfit emit fish…the fish in the shot are coming from my skirt.  It also comes with 3 different headdresses, 2 of which emit fish, one just has fish on it, but it was mod, so I lifted the fishies so they didn’t interfere with my hair.  I bought another gorgeous skin/outfit with this, but have loved this one so much and how it went with the Summon Winter hair that I haven’t taken it off yet to try the other skin.  Next time maybe.

My evil love slave plans were eventually foiled as it seems that I was the one who fell under Helena’s spell, and had to let her go.  <3   Thank you Helena for doing the shoot with us, and having hours of patience, (and trying out all those great Boudoir Rouge couple poses, woot!!)

Pictures shot at the wonderful Templum ex Obscurum.

Credits:

* Helena Stringer, Mermaid in orange and pink is wearing:

Hair by- The Stringer Mausoleum, One-of-a-Kind Hair Fair Auction Hair-Satin Fantail in Pink Shine

Mermaid and Skin Parts: NiXie. (Helena mixed and matched them all up from both the Bloode Mermaid Set and the Treasure Mermaid Set).  Skin is included in the Bloode Mermaid set.

Eyes – House of Ruin – Eyes in Amber pale

Lashes- La Sylphide -Natural Prim Lashes

Necklace- Made in Hell -Voodoo Necklace

* Isle Lunasea, Fishy in Blue is wearing:

Skin and Outfit: Alpha Tribe, -Aqva

Hair by- The Stringer Mausoleum, – Summon Winter in Rock Camo3

Poses: from Rouge Boutique, - Boudoir Rouge Couple Pose Set

Photography by Raven Haalan <3

This look started with an innocent plurk about Callie Cline’s new tank tops.  Believe it or not, I had never been to Callie’s store. Yes, I admit it.  I manage to log on, and stand for a long rez.  (My end, not Callie’s store)  Loved the tanks, nabbed mega fatpack, and Callie gave me a free glitter tank (woot!) -She was there hanging out, (and as it happens my apparent twin sis rezzed right beside me) and we had a fun chat.  This was merely the beginning. 

I logged off, and returned later when I had some bandwith to rez the rest of the store, and that is when I saw the vendor for the UBU Rubber rain boots.. OMG.  Skulls, retro-tattoo theme, instant love.  Do I need to mention the quality of UBU products?  I think not.  Resizer in boots, fantastic detail.  CaChing, boots.  I stood in the store, looked around and said wow! Then the boots told me: reddish jeans needed.  CaChing.. oh wait, look at those other…CaChing CaChing…

I now had on the boots and the Reddish jeans.  Boots now tell me they needed one of the tanks, so I rezzed box after box right in the store (love being able to do that, TY!) until I found the best match in the pack of blue tones, yeay! 

Now needed something on top to bring the jeans into it and balance it out. Fishy Strawberry Minihood saved the day, the brown was just close enough to be in the same ballpark.  Spent half an hour trying on hair to find a shorter one that wouldn’t mess the hood prims, and would still tone well with the outfit.  Found this Uncleweb Burley. (Since the new MAD Designs hair I wanted to use isn’t out until tomorrow..Hair Fair!!!! WOOT!!!!)

At this point I needed a long hangy necklace to break up the expanse of tank.  I remembered a necklace that I bought  but had given away to a <3 friend as a fun gift.. and had to go look for it.  Off to Fashion Mode to find Creamshop. 

What a great mall btw. The most realistic mall I have seen so far, food court, escalators and I had Zero lag.  Raven (Did I mention I was dragging the poor guy all over with me?) found Creamshop on the second level (he is my seeing-eye shopper’s aid as well) and I bought the necklace.  Worked perfectly.

While I was editing the necklace, I realized I was standing about a meter away from a Creamshop display of handbags.  I must mention at this point that I have NEVER bought a bag in sl before. Ever.  I looked at my outfit and knew that it needed a blue tie-in item, and over on the display stand was a very nice looking bag in the right shades…so I clicked to buy.  $375L??? WTH? for a bag? I had to think for a bit, plurked for advice, did some closeup zooms and went ..OMG.  I took a leap and bought the bag.

I put the bag on, and realized not only were there awesome things IN the bag… it had poses!  I did not know this, and still don’t know if it is typical, but definitely made the bag SO worth the money.  Beautiful detail, cool things in it, charm outside dangling, and poses.  It just rocks, and definitely made the outfit what it is.

I had the knuckle ring set languishing in my inventory from a “come see what I found” TP invite a while back, and they suited my mood to a T.  They come with both gold and silver sets, Hate and Love, (one on each hand) and resize script works very well.

Raven found a great backdrop to go with the rainboots theme, and we were good to go.  Hour or 2 of finding the right poses, fixing the bag poses to match, Raven listening to me growl, editing shots and sending to me, then hour or 2 of PS compilations and resizing, Flickr uploading, editing, then few hours of blog writing and slurling.  Thus a blog post is born.

Below are the results of the effort.

Fashion credits and slurls:

Tank: caLLie cLine – med blue ribbed racer tank

Jeans: caLLie cLine -  fLoraL wash

Shrug Sweater: *Fishy Strawberry* minihood

Boots: UBU Tattoo Rain Boots

Bag: {creamshop} Madrid – Leather weave bag(Lightblue)

Necklace: {creamshop} cock?swan? necklace (gold)

Belt: Maitreya  Leather Belt

Knuckle Ring: QC Designs Knuckle Ring Love Gold

Hair: Uncleweb Studio, Burly-Hair  type-A

Photography by Raven Haalan  <3

I bought this :::LiNe::: FunToys sweater on xstreet a few weeks ago, and just tried it on the other day.  Love at first sight, and I am not a cuddly bunny/cutesy prim clothing person…but I love orange.  The challenge became apparent when I realized how bright the shade of orange was… ‘what the hell do I wear with it ?’   Have you ever had this problem?  …more pics and credits after the cut…

After trying on so many pants…(ok the League bluejeans looked fine, but I am sick of wearing them and they have been blogged to death as have most of my jeans.)  I even tried a great pair of camo cargos with a great paperbag waist and lots of pockets, but matching the right tank under just didn’t put it together.  Fukmi‘s red corduroy jeans worked, but I wanted more red accents in the same shade… so I went to her shop to look, and I found Sproingy!! I absolutely LOVE these capris. LOVE.  I am not a patterny person, but these look awesome on.

The top and capris in this outfit are from the “Sproingy” outfit by Fukmi Sideways.  This an incredible outfit package.  Here is a list of what you get with each colour:

2 pairs of Capris,  color and black and white (prim cuffs) Blouse, (which has great sleeve prims), Belt,  (beads cute!) Earrings, Necklace, Wedgie Shoes, Skirt.  In other words, the whole deal, for one low price. Even to buy it for separates is so worth it.  While I was there I bought fatpacks of jeans and several other tops.  Oh and the flipflops. If you need cute flipflops, go see.   Fukmi’s outfits all have many extras, it is hard to just get a few.  I need intervention.

You should stop in and see Fukmi, she rocks. Seriously smart, funny and thoughtful person, and great designer.   And.. I just found out that this weekend is her birthday mwa hahaha  

The little animals in the hood are the cutest ever, and ensure that where ever you go, you are not alone.  They talk to me now and then, but the carrot crunching so close to my ear must stop.

I decided to use these cute new shoes from :: Pretties :: to compliment the outfit, because I love the ankle straps to dress up my bare legs, and the detailed color just rocks. 

Do not ask me about messing with cuffs and ankle straps that both want to be on lower leg, or trying to link, or make cuffs behave on upperleg. I am never going to talk about that again, other than to apologize to Raven for being so damned cranky during the 3 hours it took to shoot this blog.

I really love the way the outfit came together… At that point, I had no urge to try yet more hairs that would suit and I have blogged my updo Tess enough times, so I dug to find this fantastic bandana, from Hair Fair last year, decorated by Bryce Tully.  I felt that “YES!” moment as soon as I put the piratedana on and stood back to take a look at the effect. 

Hair Fair 2009 starts soon!!!,  (June 20- July 4 2009)   (WOOOTTT!!!!!)  and don’t forget to get your bandanas too, all proceeds from bandana sales go to Locks of Love, and bandanas need love too!  (Say yes to Bandanas, leave the bananas for lunch.)

Credits and slurls:

Sweater: :::LiNe::: FunToys /Orange

Capris, Red top: *Fukmi* Sproingy, Fukmi Clothing and More

Shoes: :: Pretties :: By JB  ‘Khea’ – Berry

Belt: Maitreya (yet again, yes, this is one of my main staples. Copy it and size it for anything.)

Bandana: Piratedana, Prims by Damien Fate, decorated by Bryce Tully.

Please, go to Hair Fair 2009, and buy bandanas.  There will be hundreds of unique and awesome ones to choose from.  I challenge the rest of the fashion bloggers to have a hair-free blog and use a bandana to promote and support Locks of Love.

Thanks yet again to Raven for putting up with me and taking the pics for my blog. <3

Cheers and Happy Friday to you all.

Isle.

As I write this, I have Raven on text on my cell, since my MSN and Skype have both tanked and I just crashed out of SL due to lack of bandwidth.  Trying to do a photo shoot when I can’t see my own belt, hair isn’t rezzed, the round gazer is an octagon, and Raven has to try and send me photos of my collar so I can adjust the prims blind is one hell of a challenge.   He also acts as my “seeing-eye” chat paster when local looks like a bad acid trip. <3

I probably have no good reason for telling you this, other than to vent a bit and give you an idea of how much of a challenge something simple like logging in, thinking of an outfit, getting it to rez, changing bits, trying on jewellery and picking shoes can be when you can’t see, not to even mention getting the shots sent from Raven so I can composite them, or frame them, and upload them to Flickr.   Ok, whiney vent over, on to the point of this… fashion blogging.  Thank you if you read my rant this far, these pics are for YOU. 

Why am I hiding my hands? Hmmm. Maybe there is a surprise! Something cool?  More pics, slurls after the cut. Oh yeah, guess what skin this is before you click through

I fell for this cute dress when I saw it on Truth’s timeline in Plurk.  This caused me to go to the store, where I bought 2 jackets, (Second Hand and Sabah Cropped Jacket) this dress, 2 tops, and a long sweater.  Evil, Truth, Evil!  I ran out of $L or I would have had handbags, shoes and the rest of the clothes, believe me.

What you can’t see in the pics is the wonderful soft flexi- flounce of the skirt when you move.  Even a slight turn flares it out wonderfully. If you are a detail person like myself, take a close look at the belt.  The dress comes with various versions of the skirt and belt in brown or black.  (oh yes, also shown, the cute new Peace Sign earrings from Earthstones, and has a fantastic story behind it… join the Earthstones group and nab the notecard to read)

Ok, here is the hand shot… Look what I have!  Look! *holds out hand*  I know I am not smiling in the pic, it was a long laggy shoot and I was getting cranky… but I am smiling inside. <–see?  

Raven is a wonderful patient man, and apparently thinks I am worth the $800L that this beautiful work of art costs.  This is the EarthStones Eternal Blossom Ring. The pic does not even do it justice…  If you have a significant other and want to present them something worthy, this ring is not only amazing and detailed, it is available in different colour schemes, and comes in a lovely ring box for presentation. 

The skin is the new release Shiloh, by Ryker Beck of the newly re-branded :: Exodi :: (Genesis) and rocks my socks. Ryker’s skins suit me so well, I swear she designs them just for me.  Look at the eye detail in the top pic.  Fantastic.  The brows are darker and more natural, and suit the skin to a T.  More skin details when I get nekkid and really give it a full review soon.

I love my Second Life. I truly, madly deeply love it.  I want to explore, build, decorate, create, fly, live, love, laugh, dance and revel in all it offers.   I remain forever optimistic that I will one day have real Internet and get back to doing all I used to.  Until then, I will take what I can get.   <3

Stylin’ Details:

Hair: Analog Dog, Embrace,  cherry

Skin: :: Exodi :: Shiloh (Coffee) “Coconut”

Eyes:  Poetic Color – bright – deep jungle (m)

Lashes: Cake – Bedroom Lashes

Earrings: EarthStones A LIttle Peace Earring – Garnet

Ring: EarthStones Eternal Blossom Ring – Bouquet/Gold

Shrug Sweater: *Fishy Strawberry* minihood  black

Dress: >TRUTH< Sunday Dress [quince]

Stockings:  *Sheer* Stockings 16: Torn Stripe-Fade Black

Boots: (: PIXELFASHION Miss Arch boots (many colour legwarmers included, which is why they are still a staple of my boot wardrobe)

Photography by Raven Haalan  (Ty for putting up with me)

I call it ‘Sniping” because that is what it is.  Taking shots at someone from under cover of anonymity, for what ever the reason.  Using hurtful deliberate words to try and win some kind of verbal war ends up costing both sides in the end.  Any victory gained is a shallow one.

My solution to sniping is handguns.  Back to back, 10 paces, turn and fire. Or not.  Maybe people should just try a little harder to rein in that base instinct to snipe from the treetops, and jump down to earth and talk as rational human beings.  Person to person.  It can be done, online as well as in RL.  Try it.  You may find yourself liking the outcome.  If not, handguns.  At least it is up close, personal and in your face straight forward ‘takin’ care of business’.  I can respect that.

In this frame of mind, I segue now into my fashion blogging part.  *Side Note*-I have stopped looking at the Fashion Feed for now, since the last 3 outfits or themes I was going to go for today and had planned and partially shot were popped up in front of my eyes on the Feeds, much to my (screams of) dismay. 

In my mood over gratuitous drama, and during a hunt for red leggings to go with the last blog idea that the Fashion Feed stole directly out of my brain,  I stumbled upon this outfit at Moonshine, by Shelly Toonie. (You may all now sing “It’s Shelly TOONIE Time” to the tune of ‘Howdy Doody Time’, since I have had that stuck in my head for 2 days, ty.)  Pics and more after the cut.. (really awesome pics btw)

This outfit is called MS-Crusader from Moonshine, and consists of the ripped jeans with prim cuffs, both layers of tanks, (wearable together or separate, on all clothing layers) and wicked thigh wrapped radio. I love the fabric detail on the tanks, you can almost feel the ribbed knit, and the shadows and wrinkles are excellent.  Shelly has redone a lot of her designs, and is reopening her store to celebrate this new ‘rebirth’ and I can tell you now, her quality of work has risen to a new high. 

Check out the shading underneath the first tank on top, and waist area wrinkles. That’s what I’m talkin’ about.  I love depth shadowing, and realistic wrinkles, and just don’t wear clothes without it anymore.  I don’t need no steenkin’ body paint.

The arm ties, rope belt and boots with legwarmers are all taken from a Steampunk skirt outfit by League. Details on that are fantastic as well. See the compass on the boot in the inset shot?  That sucker turns.  Look at the arm wraps in the top pic. Leaves tied into the ropes.  This is good stuff.

Guns are Colt 1911′s (I chose them cause they are much cooler and serious than the Golden Eagles or P99′s.  These aren’t fancy pretty guns, they are just damned fine guns.) The guns come with shoulder, hip and thigh holsters, and are fully scripted to kick your ass.

The excellent poses came from Luth, and come in both gun-holding and finger pointing versions.  I had bought 4 poses at first, but they were no transfer, and Mr Fussypants wanted them in the posestand so he could move me around, so he went back to the shop and bought both fatpacks!   :O

It was a fun shoot (hah) and I am still wearing the outfit.. and the guns. Keep that in mind when you comment. 

Outfit: MS-Crusader from Moonshine

Rope ties, belt, boots and legwarmers: Steampunk Apocalypse v.2 by League

Guns: 1911′s, by *BREACH* (cost me $1000L, but now I am armed. Play Nice.)

Bangles: Bracelet No 306 by *kraftika jewelry

Tattoos: Sacred by ::Garden of Ku & G&G Designs::

Hair: Ilias Black Mesh A by Uncleweb Studios

Choker: Wired Love by Primitive Design

Gloves: F.A.T. Black Gloves-gold- BY F.A.T. DESIGNZ

Poses: *Luth* Guns by Reel Expression

Photography by Raven Haalan (aka Mr Fussypants)

Attitude: Isle Lunasea.

Technorati Tags: Isle Lunasea,Moonshine,Luth,Breach,Garden of Ku,Friday Focus,League,Ass kicking,Guns,1911

First, the fashion part of the blog. The following use the top and some accent pieces from 2 outfits by Analise, *tal* Mariposa Silk-Orange and *tal* Chalise Silk-Cafe, with Jeans by League, and Shoes from :: Pretties ::  by JB (Risque, ‘Deadly’) for the first outfit, and UBU Drunks for the second. 

I wanted to again point out that RP clothing is a great source of accessories and mix and match pieces, and should not be overlooked if you are *not* a role player.  There are beautiful colors, textures and styles of camisks and silks that can add a real flair to any outfit.  More pics and Gor questions after the cut.

The following is *tal* Jasmine-Harem Silks-Emerald also by Analise, beautifully detailed and comes with a prim veil, and long harem pants as well with flared prim leg bottom cuffs.  I chose to wear this because it is gorgeous, green, and shows enough skin to uncover the majority of the tattoo I covered earlier, ‘Sacred’ from Garden of Ku. For a close-up view of the tattoo back, check my post from earlier today.  Hair is Kira, by LAQ

Now the Gor part of the blog. I know Gor in SL is very controversial, and frowned upon by many.  Yes, yes I know.  But I have questions!  I admit to at first having been intrigued by the possibilities of exploring Gor in SL.

20 plus years ago, I read John Norman’s novels with all the imagination and enjoyment of an open minded youngster, when I didn’t really know exactly *what* sex was, but knew enough to want to keep reading. 

Mostly I wanted to ride a giant Tarn, rub feelers with Misk, drink Paga, and play Kaissa. 

My foray into SL Gor was so brief that it didn’t really happen.  I searched, and tp’d into the Gor Hub feeling extremely conspicuous walking by stalls of collars and chains.  I was standing in the center of the Hub when I was approached by a Nice Fellow who offered to teach me all about Gor.  I thanked him, and declined the offer, although he did promise to only collar me for 3 days and if I didn’t like it I could stop. (After the 3 days)

I have some questions that maybe you can help me with.  Philosophy aside, (doesn’t take a rocket scientist.. ok, a psych degree.. to figure out Gor) I did enjoy the stories and the world, and had hoped to possibly find that immersion in a way that I could recapture the entertainment that I got from the books years ago.

How is it that so many involved in Gor have never even Read The Books?  HOW??  Even the Slave Master who wanted to collar me at the Hub didn’t know what I meant when I asked if he had seen Misk.

I am sad to say that unless convinced otherwise, I really don’t think there is a place there for me.  Do not want to be a slave to anyone, ever. Nobody’s the boss of Me.  Also, I do not want nor could I respect a man that I could beat up and put a collar on, and altho it might be practical in RL, I have no dishes or housecleaning to do in SL, so being a Panther is out. 

The whole “Free Companion” thing in SL Gor is a mystery to me, I have the opinion that, as in Gor, Free Companion women are such at the whim and allowance of the men around her, and that could change at any time.  As I said, I don’t think there is a place there for me, as there is really (IMO) no place in the story world of Gor for the majority of women.

Mostly I still just want to ride a giant Tarn, rub feelers with Misk, drink Paga, and play Kaissa.  Can I do that there?  (The thought just occurred to me -if this was a Gor book, I would wake up in the morning naked on a spaceship landing on a strange planet… but unlike those city women in the 70′s, I have a clue.)

I would really like to hear from you… you who rp strongly in SL Gor.  Tell me why you do it. Tell me what it gives you, tell me about the community, the world, the life. 

And please, tell me if you saw Priest Kings.

Quick rundown on a few items in this outfit.  I belong to the LeLook update group, and had tp’d in after a notice another place, and randomly wandered over a few stores to stand and Rez. Believe me, with my horrid internet, in LeLook, it takes a while.  

When the wall vendors cleared I was standing in front of The Garden of Ku for the first time. When I laid eyes on these tattoos, I was amazed.  The color and detail are very realistic, and very close to what I hope to end up with in rl if I ever get away from the computer again and make an appointment to get back into the Chair of Pain. 

This set also comes with several white tanks and jeans in varying degrees of damage, and 2 versions of the tattoo are also included: medium and faded, and are on all layers.  This tattoo covers full body, down to mid thigh.  More view of the body of the tattoo in my post later today. It is ‘Sacred’ from Garden of Ku.

More pics and the rest of the outfit after the cut.

The top is ‘Flourish’ from Haven Designs, and the detail is fantastic.  The wrinkles and unique shape, together with the realistic shading around the outside edges make it one of my new favorites.  Take a close look at the shading where the top meets the skin.  I would love to see this effect in more tops as it adds another level of realism to the clothes.  Haven Designs specializes in very well done silks, camisks and more, and led me to pursue the topic of my next post, which will follow later today. 

 

The pants are another unique style,Spork ‘Nova’ jeans, a wrinkled and cuffed black textured jean from Spork.  I love the capri length and the little ties at the sides of the legs.  If you haven’t been to Spork yet, I suggest a visit.  They have some really fantastic clothes.  The name alone is commendable, all the world needs for true happiness is a Spork. 

Shoes are :: Pretties ::  by JB, a new release called “Risque” -  in Scarlet.  Even Raven commented on these shoes during the shoot (and he is a guy!).  There are a whack of fantastic colors available,  and you will be seeing them again in the next post.  (My favorite so far is ‘Deadly’, a wonderful shiny swirl of black and red, but these matched the top so well, ‘Deadly’ has to wait) -These are definitely a “fat-pack” necessity.

Tattoo, ‘Sacred’ from Garden of Ku.

Camisk/top,  ‘Flourish’ from Haven Designs

Pants, ‘Nova’ jeans from Spork  -Silver bangles on left wrist also by Spork.

Shoes, ‘Risque’ from :: Pretties ::  by JB

Hair, ‘Tess‘ for hairbase skin, by LAQ

Bracelette, Rt wrist -Glam bangle (Red) by Creamshop

Stockings, Special Nylon Seamed  by INSOLENCE

Photography by Raven Haalan   ty again <3

Sorry for the delay in adding the slurls;  I blame Nexeus Fatale for this, his Thursday Night Dance Party at Rouge last night did not allow me to finish this up in advance. 

Cheers,  Isle.

There’s something about revisiting my old High School that makes me feel inadequate all over again. I do make the trip now and then to take in my kids’ school play. There’s the locker bay I first necked in, there’s the vending machine that always ate my lunch money. There’s my old English teacher who I’ll never please. Sigh.

Yesterday I found myself once more picking out a tux, boutonniere and corsage, but this time in preparation for the SCD Prom.  Deja Vu or what?  There was even a limo ride to the venue.

SCD Prom

Tenshi, Iris and the team did a great job of retroing the classic cheese of a high school prom, featuring a mix of “decked to the nines” attendees in a gym-like setting, resplendent with a veneer of affordable decorations. Of course, a prom is all about who’s there, seeing and being seen…

… and see and be seen folks were, with many meeting in-world for the first time, having connected via plurk or blogs. The SCD team was well turned out,  including the evening’s DJ and SCD blogger Dancien Graves, who spun up a mix ideally suited to the surroundings. (I remember Gene Wilder singing a tune from the original Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory most vividly.)

DJ Dancien Graves

The prom was a resounding success, packed with designers, bloggers and fashion aficionados. The forest of prim clothing and hair contributed to a dreamy, slow motion mood. Lag aside, everyone eventually rezzed, found a dance ball and local chat never slowed up all night.

Winter Jefferson and Elusyve Jewell

Nika Dreamscape

Shanessa Vendetta

This year’s homecoming queen was in fact the announcement of the SCD Yearbook Winners. Similarly, a photo booth on the side wall got terribly busy just as the photographers fell victim to multiple crashes. The mandatory confused “comedy of errors” seems to have been present as well.

Callie Cline and Tenshi

Persephone Paine and Ted Cornell

No high school prom is complete without spiked punch and it would appear Ryker Beck found a bit too much of it, collapsing in the middle of the dance floor to shocked gasps. Party on!

Dion Bracken attends to a collapsed Ryker Beck

SCD staff  had a wonderful time meeting and talking with their readers. They even had an opportunity to sneak in a dance themselves.

Iris and Tenshi

Vivianne Draper

Isle and Raven

A big thank you to the generous designers who contributed great door prizes for the attendees.  A good time was had by all.

Wasn’t that a party? Coulda been the whiskey… mighta been the beer…

Photos for this post by were by Raven Haalan (SCD Prom Flickr Gallery) and Vivianne Draper (SCD Prom Flickr Gallery).  For more Prommy goodness, click the flickr links.

I have been wanting to blog about fashion blogging for a while, and although I have some prom fashion shots to cover later today, I wanted to do this now, at the end of a great week of appreciation.  I have questions -for bloggers, and those being blogged or who want to be blogged. 

Designers: What is the best way for us, as bloggers, to cover your work?  Do you want us to ask you if we see something we want to cover?  Drop a NC on you inworld?  How do you feel about this?  I know as a blogger, I can’t afford to drop large $L on an outfit I may wear once, for a shoot.  I also don’t want to feel like a begging idiot asking for it to blog.  That creates a bit of a situation in which the designer themselves may lose out when a blogger is shy to ask. 

Nobody wants to be rejected for asking, no one wants to feel like a mooch.

-As Bloggers, we all want to cover the best fashion we can, in the best way we can, and not all of us have an *In* or an auto drop from all the designers we want to blog. 

-As Designers, old or new, you may not want to drop inventory on bloggers for fear of looking like you are trying to influence.  How do we do this in the best way?

Is it possible for interested designers to even just send a NC to bloggers, with textures of outfits they are releasing, and a note to bloggers stating, if they wish to blog it, please send card back with outfit request?

I think the Fashion Bloggers inworld group is a good start.  Can we use that as a continuing communications tool? I personally would love to have a better open dialogue between designers and bloggers, without all the worry on either side of feeling like a mooch, or feeling shy to offer inventory. I know of quite a few good emerging designers, and other established designers who are very shy to ask bloggers to consider their work.

Personally, if you would like me to look at your work, and don’t want to randomly drop it on me,  please send me a NC with textures inworld, and I would be very pleased to check it out.  This actually works better for me, since I still have a very crappy internet connection, and rezzing is a real bitch until after midnight for me.

Feedback on this is appreciated.  Trolls, please play nice.  I don’t need to hear bullshit about how bloggers are corrupt, or rolling in designer freebies… or how designers are snotty and will reject inquiries.  I am talking to and about the majority of great bloggers and generous designers, and the barriers between putting it all together as smoothly as we can.

Regular Fashion blog will follow in a few hours, with yet more pics of my awesome ass. Ty.

Cheers, Isle

I love the sweater material and details on this outfit.  The button on the leg cuff is a good touch, as is the lace bust inset. 

Check out those shoes, hearts and crossbones, with sweet bows on the back.  I got the fatpack, 6 colors for less than half a pair of Moody’s.  I love fat-packing shoes, we NEED all those colors. (Oh and here’s a hint, the pink version of these shoes is on the lucky board at Fukmi’s store.)  And just a note.. my favorite SL name of all time.. Fukmi Sideways

Hair is new release from a new favorite hair store of mine, Uncleweb Studio. Very different hair there.  I just wish fatpacks were available.

Outfit: Scratch!, Gothicatz

Hair: Burly, Uncleweb Studio

Earrings, Skull Rhinestone, Creamshop)

Shoes, *Shinji* Love n’ Death High Heels, Fukmi Clothing and More…

 

 

This one is interesting.  I love the bare strip of skin under the front center, but if you are shy, this is a jacket layer, and a tank or bra goes well under.  The skirt has great flexi-flounce, and looks awesome dancing.  I usually wear it without the legwarmers, but for the shoot, I opted in to show the full outfit.

 

 

I love this hair as well, very different and edgy.  I wear a hairbase skin so the corn-row effect doesn’t show as much, but I like it that way.

If you haven’t been to Gothicatz, give it a look.  The store is Huge, women’s on the left, men’s on the right.  Updated with new products often.

Outfit: Jehanne, Gothicatz

Hair: Breeze, Find Ash

Thanks again to Raven for the photography <3

 

Cheers,  Isle

This is the greatest Monkey ever. Great animations, comes in 3 sizes, dances, throws..um.. stuff, rezzes more monkeys, and does a very naughty thing if you click him. I <3 my monkey.

Monkey Pajamas and Slippers: White Lily  Monkey: Capuchin monkey pet  Skin: :: Genesis :: Candace Coconut “Glitterati” (Free Subscribe-O-matic gift, all 4 skin tones. Get this!)

Now for the Nekkid part. Semi NSFW, after the cut… click it, you know you want to.

Ryker Beck of :: Genesis :: has release yet another skin, Candace.  I am far from a skin designer/critic, but I know my tastes, and I know skins, and I know how hard it is to find a skin that I love both the face and body equally.  I have countless skins in my inventory that I wear for one for one or the other, but this is one of the first I have found that the facial beauty and the body shading and detail are of the same awesomeness. Yes, I took my tattoos off for this, I had to to show the great shading on the back.

Ryker’s skins look so different on everyone, and I love the way they suit my face and shape.  Look at that butt. Damn that is a good butt. Love the back of the knees, the butt dimples, shoulder blades, spine. Abs are great, not overstated, but still defined, collarbone is sweet.  Boobies are awesome, but you will have to find that out yourself. I have my limits. (This week at least)

Look at that nose. I love that nose. The face is wonderful.  this skin/makeup is :: Genesis :: Candace Coconut “Spring Reign”.  Candace comes in four tones: Apple, Apricot, Peach and Coconut (ranging from pale to dark tan)  in 8 makeup shades, and each set comes with tintable eyebrows, landing strip, belly ring and nail gloves for prim nails. Heck of a deal, if you ask me.

Ohhh naughty monkey, what are you looking at?

Photoshoot by Raven  <3

Cheers,  Isle   (come see me inworld and click on my monkey. Go ahead, make my day.)

Funny thing happened to me at Redgrave the other day. 

I tp’d in to check out a cool guy’s shirt that I knew would look awesome on me, (don’t overlook the guy clothes, ladies.. they can rock) and I found it quickly, as it was the “New!” one by the door. Took me a minute as usual to rez the picture, and then I bought it.  I walked a few feet away to look at some cool fingerless leather gloves, when I got an IM, out of the blue…

[2009/04/27 ]
[7:05]  G—- L—: I saw you clickin on my man …. stay away get your own

WTF?  Was this woman serious?! I hadn’t even noticed these people, except for having to move past them to see the vendor.

[7:05]  Isle Lunasea: ahh sorry, I just bought the shirt, I have a good man of my own
[7:06]  G—- L—: : yeah right
[7:08]  Isle Lunasea: you always attack people randomly? take a chill pill.
[7:09]  G—- L—: no it wasnt an attack I saw you clicking on my man not the shirt but what ever….
[7:09]  G—- L—: : no big deal
[7:09]  Isle Lunasea: is a big deal to me
[7:09]  G—- L—: : well your making it a big deal… who needs the chill pill

At that point, I IM’d Raven, who was elsewhere, and said something like.. “dude, want to pop in here for a sec’, and he tp’d in. After he rezzed and was apprised of the situation, Raven and I had a small local chat session in which I mentioned that under the circumstances, I should consider changing the focus of my next blog from the Shirt I had just bought, to insecure women in stores who attack other women in IM for Clickin on their Men.  Then the IM changed.

[7:11]  G—- L—: : ok Im sorry
[7:11]  G—- L—: : there..Im sorry if I was wrong
[7:11]  G—- L—: : and Im sorry I IM you
[7:11]  G—- L—: : I dont want to ruin anyones day…
[7:11]  Isle Lunasea: you must have a lot of women clickin on your man.
[7:11]  G—- L—: : ok w/e
[7:11]  G—- L—: : I apologized
[7:11]  Isle Lunasea: ty

[7:12]  G—- L—: : yw

I was amazed that I had actually been IM’d for Man Clicking? 

They were standing near the shirt vendor on the wall, the only logical explanation I can think of is that my select beam somehow went by ‘her man’ and she took a fit.  I am pretty sure that you don’t show a beam of dots clicking on a person, you arent EDITING them, you cannot SEE someone clicking on another person. (Unless maybe they had on publicly vocal xcite parts, which I am unaware of in this situation, since I never CLICKED HIM)

So what did I do after this?  I plurked it. Yes, I did. And the resulting hilarious comments gave me an entire afternoon of laughs, and seriously sore abs.  To all you Plurk haters, I am sorry you don’t find it to your liking… but there is the smartest, funniest SL crowd on plurk, and they brighten my day, educate me, and just generally better the planet. Yeah, they are that good.

I also found out that there are a lot of Man Clickers on Plurk, and many men willing to be clicked.

Manclickers: Back row, left to right.  Sileny Noel, Katilina Gould, Gweneth Lange, Munchflower Zaius, Jena Indigo, Gabby Panacek (in fruit for a week for RLF!) Ravyn Hynes, Fukmi Sideways, Sehra Kauffman, CodeBastard Redgrave, and Sophia Harlow.  Sitting are Babs Loring, and myself, Isle Lunasea.

Now I can say I’ve been there, plurked it, and got the t-shirt.  (Munchflower Zaius of Nomine made the shirt, feel free to hit me or any other Man Clicker up if you want one!)  I blame Shelly Toonie  for sticking “Maneater” by Hall and Oates in my head all day with new Man Clicking lyrics, as well as killing me with the line “Get your own?? GET YOUR OWN? What? He’s a bag of Doritos? Sorry I’m cracking up here.”

So if you see any people walking around SL with a Manclicker tshirt on, or a ManClicker group title, (or ManClicked, for the lucky guys) now you have the back story.

Lessons to be learned here.  1) You can NOT see someone Clickin’ on yo Man, no matter how paranoid you are.  2) Careful what kind of garbage you spew in IM, you never know where it will end up.  3) It is always good to apologise.  *note careful blanking out of name, yw.*

Cheers,  Isle.  (Manclicker)

Her texture work is beautiful, and the colours are rich and varied.  She has a wonderful Eastern flair with many beautiful cultural designs, as well as many day-to-day separates and tons of formal wear. I decided to highlight these 2 outfits to show that beautiful formal clothes can have kick too.

Don’t just leave fancy dresses in the closet, funk them up! Have a blast…that’s what SL is about.  (Plus dressing up formally tends to bore me unless I can add guns, skulls or nasty monkeys that throw things. )

I was just itching for an excuse to wear this Baiastice_Eye Patch.  It lead to the whole Semi-Piratey goodness idea for this outfit.  For more fancy dresses, guns and skulls, click through.

The dress is :Mashooka: Amalia II, Beige. The Cavalier Hat was an xstreet find, (I <3 xstreet for enabling my shopping addiction when I cannot log in to SL) as were the Gold Hoop Earrings.  Necklace, AGAIN, is the Davarraile by Genesis. I bought 5 necklaces yesterday for this outfit, and ended up going back to that same absolute staple by Ryker Beck. Hair is Ilia by Uncleweb Studio @ Le Look, Skin: *YourSkin & YourShape* Shop  (Adriana).  Tattoos are Aitui.

I found this Leg Knife Belt by Shelly Toonie of  Moonshine in a happy random wander at Fusion Crossing, .  It seems I was destined to be a Pirate this week.  Dragoon Pistols were another xstreet find. Belt by Maitreya, Boots by PixelFashion. Stockings by *Sheer* Torn Stripe faded.

 

From Pirate to Skullygirl… here is my take on this lovely rich cocktail dress. I don’t think the local ladies’ club would approve, -if they have a problem with it, I will get the pirate going on again and force them to walk the plank.

 

I normally never do hats, but 2 hats in one post.. wow.  This little hat matches the shoes, ‘Succubus” by ::69::.  Necklace by Paper Couture, Hair is Yasmin, by Maitreya.  Bangle set is CreamShop.  Cocktail Dress is :Mashooka: Nene, Red

 

If you want to try something fun, pull the skirt off this dress, and throw on a pair of jeans. It looks excellent.  Top also comes with a gorgeous black lace insert and collar, but since it would have taken my tattoos off, I had to leave it off.

You should take a trip to Mashooka Designs and have a look around.  From the cultural outfits to formal gowns, sweaters, scarves, shoes, jewellery and more, you will be pleasantly surprised to find this gem of a shop if you haven’t already fallen in love with it.  I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting or talking to the designer, Aradhana Voight,  but I was so thrilled to find her work, and hope to see more of her designs in the future.

One last shot of the Pirate, just because I love this picture.  AAAaaarrrr Mateys!

Photoshoot by Raven Haalan  -thanks again <3        

Just for fun, leave a comment and let me know which outfit you like best.  If you say ‘neither’, I will look you up inworld and show you that these pistols really work.   Thanks for viewing, see you next week!

Isle.

Most of you who have been in Second Life and love buying clothes would have definitely heard of Canimal.   This store is a delight for anyone who loves accessories and buying many separates for mixing and matching.  Prices are excellent, and there is variety in colours and styles to suit almost everyone.  From dresses to jackets, tanks to stockings and funky rings, it is always fun to shop at Canimal.

The skirt is mod and copy, so I can stretch the skirt prims a bit and make them flouncier. (Yeay for mod!)  The fingernail shot is a bit blurred, SL would *not* cooperate when we were doing this shot, but I guarantee they are cute close up, with little cherries on a shiny black nail. (glove layer).

These shoes are an absolute delight, and if the outline looks a bit rough, blame it on my resizing and lack of photoshop skillz.  Working on it.  As far as wearing 2 different colour shoes, I would do this in RL as well with this outfit, it just works.  I have the many coloured  “Piggeh Pack” of these mules in suedes and leathers, and wear them often. I swear I have the identical ones in brown out in my rl porch right now, and wear them with jeans as well. (when the snow and mud don’t suck them off my feet) </whine>

Yes, I realize this is close to the same shot as in the ‘trio’ compilation above, but the resolution is better, and I put the Bunneh ring in.  Love the bunneh.  Canimal has many new outfits since this, I suggest a trip, bring your wallet, and have a blast.

Cheers,   Isle.

Hair: Uncleweb Studio (Hibiki) @ Le Look, Eyes by Poetic Colors, (Sunny Glade)

Skin: *YourSkin & YourShape* Shop (Adriana)  (Hair bases!)

Eyelashes, Bedroom by Cake.

Skirt (Harajuku), Tank (Strawberry), Jacket (Food fight),  Stockings, (Hearts, Red) Berry Necklace and Earrings, and Ring (Psycho Bunneh) from Canimal

Bangle Set: Creamshop Glam bangle (Red)  Bracelette: Earthstones Knotty Beads – Carnelian

Nails: Candy Nails 014 cherry black

Shoes: Pretties by JB, :: P B J :: Boho Chic Mules (Piggeh Pack!)

Photography: Raven Haalan

I love my comfy clothes. RL and Second Life, sometimes a girl just needs to chill.  Since it is a long weekend, I offer you the following outfits. They are guaranteed not to cause muffin-top, dig in after a big meal, or shrink in the dryer.

Black Track suit, Nyte’N'Day -  Incal Black.  Hair, ETD Celia.  Shoes, UBU Drunks. Necklace,  Genesis Davarriale (I wear this a lot. Goes with everything.)

Red jogging suit, [Stellar] Cropped Sweats.  Necklace, Ducknipple, Kubus. (Rubik’s Cube necklace, does it get any cooler?)  Shoes, Armidi LTD – Skull Shoe.  Socks, Creative Kaoz Chantilly Lace.  Hair::XS:: Hakuei

Outfit, FAB Designs Urban Girl. Belt and bracelettes included. Stockings, Torn Stripe Faded, from *Sheer* Hair, Cake Berlin  Necklace and earrings, PrimCision Silver Lotus (Craftsmanship on these is incredible, must see.)  Second Hair, Uncleweb Studio @ Le Look Ilias-Hair (yes, another guy hair.)

Shoes, UBU Drunks.  LOOK at those SHOES! LOOK! *sighs* Totally customizable.  Best I have seen. Ever.

Back to the start, my new favourite track suit. Love this whole outfit.

Track Suit:  *F.A.T. DESIGNZ F.A.T. SPORTZ GOLD. Hair,  *ARGRACE* Baseball Cap -Relaxed ponytail (colour change cap)

Photography by Raven Haalan

Enjoy, and don’t forget to Chill Out.

Isle.

I have been through many hair phases, from the stiff lovely ponytails that speared through my stomach when I danced, to ankle length tresses that really eliminate the need for clothing.  I have many gorgeous styles of long flexi primmy hair that look wonderful  but find that they interfere with hoods, collars and other prims.

I also have an issue with looking like everyone else.  We all know that everyone in SL is beautiful. It isn’t difficult to do. The majority of beautiful female avs have incredibly beautiful flowing manes, and although it is a wonderful look, I just want to be a bit different.

It might also be that since I have long hair in RL, I don’t mind being short haired in SL since it doesn’t involve the trauma of losing a foot of rl hair to a crummy hairstyle.  No ‘undo’ button there.

Really well made, well coloured, unique and feminine good short hair is not easy to find.. and when found, does not always suit.  I thought for the Focus this week, I would share some of my favourite finds, for those of you who have been on the same journey.

This is my favourite day-to-day hair, chances are if you see me on the grid, this is what I have on.

many more hairs and yumminess after the break…

This hair has a resizing click menu as well.  Delete scripts when you are done, save our sl! Hair packs come with 3 gradient shades of each colour.

Hair: ‘Hakuei B’  eXceSs Androgyne Style Skin: Vixen, Merlot2 by Curio

Hair: Akami (guy hair!) from MADesigns,  Sweater and hair flower are group freebies from Artilleri, and the skin was a hunt freebie from Imagen (Thanks Vivi! hugs!)

Hair: Roxie, ETD Top: Leather tank, Nevermore Skin: Adriana *YourSkin & YourShape* Shop

Necklace: Davarriale, Genesis Bracelettes: Earthstones

This hair is the same hair Dancien is wearing in his last post.  I think I am cuter in it. Thanks Dan, for the reminder that guy hair is also an option for us girls who like a well made short hair.

Hair: Argrace, Modern Rail. Top: Burnished, SSH Skin: Adriana *YourSkin & YourShape* Shop

Hair: Lio, Zero Style Top: Plica Black, Nyte’N'Day Choker: Wired Love Collar, Primitive Designs

Hair: Aveda Short Crop, ETD Necklace set: Polished Stones, Paper Couture Top: Green Metallic, SSH

A little bonus, hair I found at Argrace while buying the Dancien Hair. This is cute, and the cap colour changes. I <3 this. This is soo the rl me. (This and the previous post bun-head). Not short, but kinda ‘not dangly long poofy hair’. I am sneaking it in.

Hair: Argrace, Baseball Cap, relaxed ponytail. (red)  Skin: Adriana *YourSkin & YourShape* Shop

Just a taste of some of the short hairs out there.  I will likely do a ‘Hairy Grail Revisited’ post soon with more, as my inventory is screaming with them.

Thanks for taking the time to read (and comment, ’cause you know you want to) and hope you have found something of value.  Crossing my fingers that posting this from Live Writer doesn’t break SCD…

Thanks again to Raven for shooting me.  <3

Cheers,  Isle.

I put up an inquiry in Plurk the other day looking for a skin I had seen in the blogosphere with painted on hair and matching chignon.  Can’t quite remember *why* I was looking for it, but as always, plurkers didn’t let me down.  Winter Jefferson ended up linking me to it, and the resulting love affair is presented here for your enjoyment.  (Hair love affair…what did you *think* I meant?)

I love the softer look of this skin.  The painted on hair is a bonus, obviously low prim, just needing the bun attachment.  Each skin comes with 3 shades of hair and buns – Nut, (which I am wearing), Brown, and Black. The skin package also includes freckled versions of each shade.

I like that when I rez, (slowly as usual) I don’t appear as bald to myself when I have the hair painted on.  There is a slight seam at the top of the head, above the forehead, but not very noticeable, and does not bother me at all. (I seem to recall that this is a difficult area to work with). I wish more skin designers would offer this option.  It may take a certain head shape to wear well, and occasionally I may be taken for bald when I am grey, but over all, I am very pleased with it.

Skin and Hair: *YourSkin* Adriana Reloaded, Smokey Red w hair bases, *YourSkin & YourShape* Shop $800L ea, with many versions + freckles incl.

Jewellery: Black Pearl Necklace and Earrings, KessKreations Top: Mimikri Tattoos:  Demise (worn II) by Aitui.  Belt:   Maitreya

Photography by Raven Haalan

I realized how may outfits I had by this designer, and how unique and interesting they were as well as the inspiration behind them. The designer of the following outfits certainly merits a closer look.

Thera Taurog is a very humble and lovely lady with a wonderful talent.  She takes the mood and essence of a classic work of art, and transforms it into a wearable fashion treasure.   Her workshop in Manitova Italia is more of a gallery than a store, and it is a joy to the eyes to walk through and see her work displayed beside the Master works that inspired her creations.

Lady Thera’s Teaser, inspired by Joan Miró i Ferrà

This open backed soft silk jacket comes with black tight pants, but for a more casual look, I paired it instead with these Zaara classic jeans, accented by a black leather Maitreya belt.

The knotty beads and bangles are Earthstones. Succubus shoes from ::69::, Hair is Akami by MADesigns.

The next outfit is Lady Thera’s Rembrandt Chiaroscuro.

This outfit comes with a short flexi skirt, the long gown skirt shown, and the Medium flexi also shown.

Jewelery by Paper Couture, Faceted Dark Garnet earrings and necklace.

Hair is Hakuei B, by ::eXceSs:: Androgyne, shoes are Bella by Pixelfashion.

I would like to also note that each creation comes with a notecard on the artist that inspired the work, and a copy of the painting for your enjoyment.

The final outfit in this focus is my current favourite, as it symbolizes to me all of the freshness and promise that comes with Spring.

Lady Thera’s Spring -Claude Monet

I truly hope the photos do this outfit justice.  The gauzy wrap and double layered skirt need to be seen in person to fully appreciate how well they fulfill the promise and feel of the painting, Spring Flowers that inspired them.

Hair by Dernier Cri (DC-Sarah).

Jewelery by BastChild (Innocence).

Shoes by Pixelfashion (Bella)

Photography by Raven Haalan.

I would suggest a trip to Lady Thera’s Art and Fashion, even if just for a visual treat.  There is everything from Cezanne to Renoir to Warhol, and a beautiful new Jackson Pollock piece literally Dripping Colours.

I realize that many of you are quite familiar with Thera’s work, and although there is so much more to say and show, I thought I would try to keep it brief, and let the work stand on its own.

Thanks for reading, and thanks also to the crew at SCD for having me.

Isle

*kicks WP for making a mockery of my formatting*

Hello.

I’m Isle. (pronounced as in ‘I’ll’ or ‘aisle’, short for Islander, which I am.)  I’ve been online since the mid 90′s, always been Islander, and my friends long ago shortened it to Isle.  (I get called ‘Is-la’ or ‘Is-lee’ a lot inworld, *sigh*)

I’m a tech by trade, and have been active on tech forums and in communities of one type or another for a long time.  After many excruciating years on dialup, 2 years ago I finally had enough bandwidth to try Second Life, and it didn’t take long for it to hook me.  The variety of things to do perpetually dangles that ‘ooh shiny!’ in front of my A.D.D mind, and the creativity and incredible talent displayed by designers and builders in SL continues to amaze me every day.

Shopping and fashion are just the icing on a huge ever changing cake.  Being able to put together gorgeous outfits, take pictures, and show them to people?  Well yeah. Works for me.

Now and then I find something or someone that truly stands out, and thought this might make an interesting framework for a new blog.  A spotlight, a focus, for Fridays.   I hope you enjoy.

Until then,  Don’t forget to fly.

Isle.

‘Joy of Isle’ by Raven Haalan