Color Pop

WOW... So, today, I'm totally NOT going to do the little game I decided to play in my last blog with wearing "old" inventory items. I started with the best of intentions. Really, I did. In fact, I wasn't even going to blog tonight (okay so I started this at the crack of dawn and fell asleep and finished it this morning...). I just decided to toss on some clothes and do some random shopping. I've been somewhat busy lately with some business-type ventures I'm working on, so I started a little folder for the notices that I've been receiving through FashCon and my other groups that I didn't want to forget about. And tonight felt like a good night to wander to a few of those places and see if there was anything that caught my eye. I hate to say it, but I'm a bit Halloween-ed out. There's just SO much out there and I really don't need any of it. Not only that, but I'm sort of "Fall Clothes-ed" out, too. I have sooo many cute little pea coats and longer jackets... several cozy turtle neck sweaters and boots... and, well, honestly it's all starting to run together. So I decided to take a bit of a shopping hiatus - I even succeeded for, well, a whole 36 hours. So anyway, I saw a few notices come through that I was anxious to check out so I tossed on a little outfit to run around in. In honor of the Halloween I'm so wanting to be over, I even pulled out a dramatic, jet black hair that I haven't worn very much at all because it's just a bit too severe for my everyday look. And off I went. The first stop resulted in several "nopes" and then I left empty handed. Unheard of - I can usually talk myself in to at least ONE piece or two. But, not tonight. I've become a PRACTICAL shopper. I check the items by selecting the "buy" button without clicking "buy" again so I can see the details of what I'm about to receive. I'm trying to use a bit of foresight and look at the layer options and imagine what I think I'll want to pair it with the future. For example, I passed up a fat pack tonight of an amazing sweater/skirt combo because the sweater was short sleeved - not immediately a problem, just put it on over the cute thermals I grabbed this weekend. *clicks buy* Wait, wait, wait! It's only available on the shirt layer - NOT on the jacket layer. *checks thermals* Also only available on the shirt layer and not the undershirt layer. Well, so much for that. And off I went. Sad, so very sad. Anyway, I grabbed a few odds and ends at Cake - a bracelet I've been wanting for awhile and keep forgetting to go grab and the demo of a hair that looks like it has potential but I'll need to wear around the house tomorrow while I'm building to make sure I like it. (Okay, okay - and ONE of the aforementioned short-sleeve sweater outfits... I couldn't help it! They look so cute!) I also grabbed a scarf that I had made a notation about at some point and then I was off the next locale. Oh yes, Artilleri - I know what I wanted there...

Oh my god am I in love, lust and adoration for the new scarves! I've already issued a plea on the Artilleri blog beggggging Antonia to release a fat pack because I literally want them all. (UPDATE: I just received word from Antonia that she put out a Fat Pack of the scarves! It's a huge discount of $500L for all of the styles and colors versus $75L for one - so it's so worth it! Thank you, Antonia!) I decided to wait and see if she humors me and so I snatched up only one. When I got home and tossed it on to see if I really did love it as much as I thought I was going to, I literally exhaled audibly with glee. It's GORGEOUS. Not only is the texture to die for, but the color is absolutely phenomenal. I foresee working this little number in to many, many outfits to come. Paired with my decidedly warm and comfortable men's cashmere sweater that looks adorable with another set of tights from Armidi Limited and it's the perfect fall look. The colors of the off-white and black mixed with the pink of the scarf - yeah, I love it. The belt is one of the Shiny Things belts that fit on the first try (almost - but required VERY little editing)! The boots... well, they're a new release from Redgrave and I'm ashamed to admit I bought them in every color (and then proceeded to declare that I wouldn't shop for 36 hours). I love them - but I do have two small, small "complaints" - to start with, the hardware on them is gold... and I'm primarily a silver metal girl. And I'm also totally anal about mixing metals - especially bright gold metals. (I WILL do it - it just as to be the right look and the mixing needs to happen within the same piece or at least the same area on my body - two different bracelets or necklaces, for example... or stacked gold and silver rings.) No biggie, I figured. I can just edit. Uh, no I can't. The invisible prims are blockin' my view. And honestly, I'm afraid to start messing with them because I don't want to keep them from functioning as they should.

About those invisiprims - I do wish they were just a little bit thicker. They're not totally doing their job around the ankle joint and, well, like I said - I'm a bit, erm, anal, and it bugs me. But, I will let them be because I love the texture and the heel height and shape are great. Plus, they pull me away from the ever beautiful and ever present Melisande boots from Last Call.

Accessories are minimum - well, nil really. The pop of the scarf and the great colors of the Minnu skin are all it needs. It's framed by a different feeling hair for me usually. I like the dramatic black and like it more with the color of the scarf to frame it. I don't usually do a bang because in real life, I have a very small forehead (no really - look at my RL pic in my profile in SL - it's tiny!), so I've also made SL Kristianne's forehead small and that limits her hairstyle options, too. But the bang on this hair works - the fringe is a bit sexy, I think! My new favorite bracelet to top it off and we've got an outfit to die for!

Yes, I do think I'm in love!

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Sweater - Cashmere Turtleneck, Black - Jacket Layer or Shirt Layer, with Spine Turtleneck Attachment (not pictured) Gisaci
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armidi/135/128/26/

Pants - Metallic Tights, Champagne - Pants or Underpants Layer Armidi Limited http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armidi/132/104/26/

Scarf - Colour Thread, Pink Threads - Prim Chest Attachment Artilleri http://slurl.com/secondlife/Artilleri/91/123/26/

Belt - Stoned Belt, Black - Prim Stomach Attachment Shiny Things http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiny Falls/173/181/37/

Boots- Boots, Black- Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Redgrave http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sands Shop Art/217/47/24/

Bracelet - Amor Vincit Omnia, Silver and Moonstones - Prim Forearm Attachment Lassitude & Ennui http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/65/63/30/

Hair - Fernanda, Black - Jet - Prim Head Attachment Sirena
http://slurl.com/secondlife/West Sunset/160/50/22/

Skin - MM-Light SkinGloss-20s Minnu Model Skins
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glam World/118/136/23/

A Vintage Flair

Last night was one of those boring nights. Everyone I usually run around with - be it shopping, club hopping or people watching - was all off doing other things. So I was forced to entertain myself. That consisted of reading blogs for awhile and catching up on what everyone else out there is wearing and talking about. It made me realize that I'm going to have to start doing a new trick. For a week or so, I'm going to open my inventory and sort by "Date" and wear some of the older things in my closet. It's not thrilling to go from blog to blog seeing the same new release over and over again. It starts to make all of us SL fashionistas look like we were cut from the same cookie cutter. The same hair; the same skin; the same clothes - and there's nothing really distinguishing one avatar from the other. I don't know if my style is really that distinctive from everyone else's - I like to layer; I like high quality; and I like to look fantastic. But I'd also like to think I can insert the same originality into SL Kristianne's appearance that I do in real life. So let's see if venturing back in time a little bit helps me accomplish that!

Now, this entry just took on an entirely different spin than I originally intended and it has NOTHING to do with the cute little look I put together last night as I braved the clubs all by my lonesome.

I wanted something that was cute and a bit different but not too "I'm a sexy tramp," if you know what I mean. I dig the leggings I picked up from Armidi Limited. I like that they look a bit thicker and do a great little gathering thing around the knee and top of the calf. It's not as easy to see in the black, but I still like them. I decided to go for a bit of a vintage-y look in the bold color combination of black, white and red. The great men's white button down from Blaze offers the sexy spin with its open buttons. And you gotta love the Fat Belt from caLLie that offers a color punch and the finishing touch.

I kept it simple on the details. A fun necklace from Lassitude & Ennui and the "Love Conquers All" bracelet complete the jewelry. They're subtle enough details to pop the whole look and tie the accessories together. I love the messy hair with the crisp white men's shirt... it almost gives that illusion of hopping out of a day in bed and throwing on his shirt and some quick details to dash out the door. The peep toe heels add to the "vintage, Sandy post make-over in Grease" look. Fun and different for a night on the town.

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Shirt - Boyfriend Button Down - Shirt and Skirt Layers *free giveaway to group members* Blaze http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blaze/71/118/23/

Pants- Metallic Tights, Black - Underpants or Pant Layers Armidi Limited http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armidi/132/104/26/

Belt - fat belt, bright red - Jacket, Shirt or Undershirt Layer caLLie cLine http://slurl.com/secondlife/caLLiefornia/224/194/22

Shoes - Vidalia Pump, Metallic Noir - Foot Base and Prim Foot Attachments Armidi Gisaci http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armidi/128/140/26/

Necklace - Irina, Black and Ruby - Prim Chest Attachment (feather color edited) Lassitude & Ennui http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/65/63/30/

Bracelet - Amor Vincit Omnia, Silver and Moonstones - Prim Forearm Attachment Lassitude & Ennui http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/65/63/30/

Hair - Eva, Mahogany - Prim Head Attachment (glow and non-glow styles) Maitreya http://slurl.com/secondlife/Superieure/94/43/451/

Skin - MM-Light SkinGloss-OhWow Minnu Model Skins
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glam World/118/136/23/

Pedicure - Pedicure 04 - Sock Layer RaC
http://slurl.com/secondlife/RaC City/187/136/27

Once you start...

So I was lamenting the belt yesterday and how truly impossible it is to get one to fit properly. And then, I went to Shiny Things. I picked up every belt she had in the store on a guess that Fallingwater has probably mastered the art of belt design as well as she has shoes. The first belt that I wore last night with a great little outfit fit with just a bit of adjustment. And it actually looked like a belt and not a hula hoop. So I had high hopes this morning when looking for the extra punch for my outfit today. And the belt I chose DID almost fit. Almost. And so, I pulled up my edit screen to see if I could just close those last few gaps......... and a half an hour later, I was left with a belt that fit and looked great with my outfit - but didn't really look like the original belt I purchased. In fact, this was supposed to be a double wrap belt and I got rid of the second wrap. Oops. So sorry, Fallingwater - I do love your original design. But I guess my hips are too wide....

Anyway, yesterday was a very successful shopping day. I stumbled in to Decoy and picked up some great stuff. This blazer comes in several different colors and I loved them all and bought the Fat Pack. It has three hood options - sculpted, sculpted with strings and prim. It was the perfect topper for a preppy little look today. I' m really impressed with the quality of the hand drawn pieces from Decoy. They have an appearance of weight to them that is the result of great texture and seam work. I picked up some jeans and a few scarves and a dress, too. And the "oohs and ahhs" emitted when I got home to try them on landed all of the items in a special "Decoy" folder under the "Designers" area in my inventory. Those are the Designers I know I'll go back to.

I've read a lot of clenched teeth recognition of Ginny Talamasca and Last Call in the past several weeks. And you know, say what you will about her but she's a problem solver if I've ever seen one. She's perfected the layering options and the extra detail is what makes her designs so incredible. The prim cuffs on this shirt add a needed element to the outfit. The button-down itself was a bit too low cut, so I tossed on an undershirt. I concocted some new glitch pants that work with the bottom of the button down on the underpants layer. The skirt is also an edited version of the little black shift dress that also came from Last Call. (Gee, I'm an editing fool today).

I'm also digging the locket from Caroline's that was distributed to her group members the other day. It a great romantic accent (and a real locket!) that completes the look. I'd nearly forgotten about this new hair from Calla. It's perfectly coiffed and sure not to be forgotten again. Some nice charcoal tights and then the pop of brown tuxedo pumps and we've got my spin on a preppy coed. While brown and black historically don't belong together, it's a mix I've always done in "Real Life" and find it works with the right color palate. In this case, it's the green jacket that welcomes the addition of brown.

And while I don't usually mention my skin, as they're all from Minnu and all delectable, I do have to say that this is by far my favorite. It's one of the first that I purchased and I love the tones of the purples against the fairer skin and dark hair. While I don't wear it all the time, every time I do, I smile happily.

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Jacket - Hooded Blazer, Forest Green - Jacket Layer, Prim Hood Spine Attachment Decoy Fashions http://slurl.com/secondlife/Southern Paradise/18/102/23/

Shirt - Celine White Shirt - Shirt and Underpants Layers, Prim Cuff Forearm Attachments Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Undershirt - Kadesh Sheer Tank - Shirt or Undershirt Layer Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Skirt - Ginny Shift Dress - Mini Prim Stomach Attachment (self-designed glitch pants and stretched mini prim in this outfit) Layer Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Tights - Cozily Tintable Stockings, Gray - Sock and Underpants Layers (part of Cozily Outfit - just sock layer worn in this outfit) Veschi http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fuzzy/193/229/34/

Belt - Pouch Belt, Brown - Prim Pelvis Attachment Shiny Things http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiny Falls/173/181/37/

Shoes - Tuxedo Pump, Brown - Shoe Base, Prim Foot Attachment Shiny Things http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiny Falls/173/181/37

Necklace - Caroline's Special Cameo Locket, Gold - Prim Chest Attachment (special edition) Caroline's http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lo Lo/126/210/24/

Earrings - The Dauphine Earring, Silver/Jet - Prim Ear Attachment ~Muse~ http://slurl.com/secondlife/Linji/143/152/49/

Hair - Spanish Jasmine, Dark Mahogany - Prim Head Attachment Calla http://slurl.com/secondlife/Callatropia/125/194/24/

Skin - MM-Light SkinGloss-20s Minnu Model Skins
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glam World/118/136/23/

Petroleum

I've had a couple days of frustrating outfits. You know how sometimes it just comes together perfectly and then other times, you don't have a shirt on the right layer; the glitch pants aren't editable but for some reason are too long (or short) for the skirt; the prim belt won't stretch or shrink to fit your hips; the stockings you want to wear are on the pant layer and the glitch pants with the perfect waist band are ALSO on the pant layer and neither one is available on the underpants layer? Yeah, it's been two days of THAT. Designers, please hear my plea:

Glitch pants -

Please make them so I can change the length. Nothing frustrates me more than pants sticking out from the bottom of my skirt.

Please, please, please provide them on both the pant and underpants layer. I have so many skirts I want to wear with other pieces and I just can't.

Shirts -

Please provide them on all layers - jacket, shirt and undershirt. Again, there's so much layering I want to do but can't with the limited options presented.

Follow the lead of some of the inventive designers out there who provide longer shirts on the shirt and undershirt layer by providing a corresponding underpants that fills the gap between the bottom of the shirt and the top of the pant.

Pants -

Please provide pants on both the pant and underpants layers so that a longer baby doll with glitch pants (on the pant layer) can be worn. My favorite jeans get minimal exposure under some cute longer prim shirts and sweaters because I need the glitch pants on the pant layer.

Stockings -

Please provide the stocking tops on both the pant and underpants layers, too. See reasons listed above. To wear them with a babydoll, you gotta be able to wear the glitch pants, too.

Belts -

This is just a general comment - belts that are offered on the jacket layer are really great. There's no need to mess around with prims and the disappearing edges in to my (not THAT wide) hips.

Okay, my complaining is over.

All that said, I did manage to put together a pretty cute outfit. A few days ago, I was wandering through Shiny Things trying on fabulous sculptie demos and wondering just how many pairs of tuxedo heels one girl really needs (answer: all of them) when I "overheard" a conversation between two other fashionista shoppers. They were both wearing the same shrug in different colors and I eyed it up and down and decided I had to have it and jumped in to their conversation to inquire about its location. They directed me to MG Fashions and I scooped it up in, well, every color. And I love MG's "Petroleum" color that is featured in a few of her designs. And I love how it looks with the black and white of the rest of the outfit. While at MG, I also nabbed a few (okay, all) of her t-shirts. I love the detail on them... the neckline and sleeves, the drapey fabric around the stomach. And, you can't see it here, but the hem does this awesome little lift and fall. Here, though, I paired a white undershirt with the t-shirt to close the gab between the waistline of my skirt and the bottom of the t-shirt. The exposed skin didn't look right with the covered legs and arms.

Speaking of the legs and arms, the skirt from Devilish Cupcake is fantastic. It's available in a few different muted colors and comes with both the "smart" skirt and the regular skirt option. This, however, is the skirt I was mentioning where the glitch pants are too long and not editable. It's hardly noticeable with the fun "Weird Plaid" socks from Shiny Things and I did drop the skirt down a little bit to compensate as well. The belt is from the Last Call Sweater dress I wore in the last blog. I have to say that I love the look of it with this outfit, but it was one of those miserable headache inducers that actually prevented me from wearing it with the dress it came with. The black of the skirt absorbs some of the issues I had fitting the belt, though, so it works here. The detail of the leather straps and the charms is great - but the prim shape makes it really hard to fit on a girl with a bit of hips and butt. The belt and skirt also both attached to the same point (pelvis), so I had to attach the skirt to my stomach and move it down.

Maitreya's Blossom Boots are just indescribable. The detail is truly amazing and I spent a few minutes camming around them to take in the texture of the suede... the finishing touches on the buckle... and even noticed the scuffed soles under the toe of the boot. Maitreya also does a perfect heel, in my opinion. It's the right height, the right thickness. Just all-around gorgeous. (And, I second Iris Ophelia's comments here that this is a shoe designer who should "get real".)

I'm addicted to my Armidi SoHo hair. I can't seem to take it off. It's just the perfect casual hair look and I like the color of it very, very much. I'm trying to broach back in to my old standards, but this one is just too good.

Last Saturday night, in a fit of boredom, I headed out to Talisman for a "witch" hunt of free stuff. Last I heard, there were upwards of 50 funky witches hidden all around the area with free stuff from all of Talisman's vendors. (I was there for an hour and found less than 20 - seriously.) While there, I nabbed these awesome silver bangles. I've worn them almost every day since.

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Sweater - Crocheted Shrug, Petroleum - Jacket Layer, Prim Upper Arm Sleeve Attachments MG Fashions http://slurl.com/secondlife/Portucalis/64/166/22/

T-Shirt - Line Flower Tee, White - Shirt or Undershirt Layer MG Fashions http://slurl.com/secondlife/Portucalis/64/166/22/

Undershirt - Kadesh Sheer Tank - Shirt or Undershirt Layer combined with Pant or Underpants Layer Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Skirt - Claire Tiered Skirt, Charcoal - Glitch Pants, Pant Layer, Prim Pelvis Attachment (attached to stomach for this outfit) Devilish Cupcake http://slurl.com/secondlife/Talana/220/42/26/

Socks - Weird Plaid Socks, Black - Sock Layer, Prim Thigh Bow Upper Leg Attachments Shiny Things http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiny Falls/173/181/37/

Belt - Starley Charm Belt, Noir - Prim Pelvis Attachment Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Boots - Short Blossom Boot, Black - Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Maitreya http://slurl.com/secondlife/Superieure/94/43/451/

Choker - Chasm Necklace, Silver/Black - Prim Chest Attachment Lassitude & Ennui http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/65/63/30/

Bangles - Lady Thin Bangles, Silver - Prim Forearm Attachment (both Right and Left arms available) Talisman http://slurl.com/secondlife/Talisman/106/160/97/

Bracelet - Single Checkered Bangle, Black - Prim Forearm Attachment (both Right and Left arms available) Woo's! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Stadtrand/28/207/21/

Hair - The SoHo, Sangria - Prim Head Attachment Armidi http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armidi/135/127/26/

Skin - MM-Light SkinGloss-Blood Minnu Model Skins
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glam World/118/136/23/

Copacetic

There's something about a fall Sunday that makes me wistful. The leaves changing; the days shortening; the weather turning... and all the rest of those Fall stereotypes we're all so familiar with, fill me with a sense of longing. I'm not sure for what, exactly, but it happens every year about this time. I turn to the warmth of a familiar sweater and the company of a mug of coffee or cup of tea. While it's unsettling, I also find something vaguely comforting in its repetitive presence. As the weather droned on outside my window today - first the sun was shining brightly in the crisp blue sky before being swallowed by another convocation of gray clouds that quickly commenced with their all too familiar rain - I concocted my own cliché, watching the rain coat the outside of my window as I sat opposite the pane. I shivered in my long sleeve shirt and reached for a thicker sweater; one that would provide not only comfort from the cold but also from the craving for something unknown. And before long, SL Kristianne needed the same. While stylish in her red tuxedo heels and matching shrug over a white tank, we both needed something more. I remembered the folder of cozy dresses I scooped up from Last Call recently and pulled out the oatmeal color and slipped it on. The brilliantly soft texture was exactly what I needed to warm the chill. The prim turtleneck and cuffs are reminiscent of a sweater of sheer perfection the likes of which I slid from a shelf at J. Crew a few seasons ago and happily wore out of the store after its purchase and reach for consistently when the leaves begin their slow decent. Cinched with the rich toffee belt from Ms. Callie Cline that draws on the brown of the opaque tights and leather boots, it was an outfit that depicted precisely what I needed it to. Accessories are minimal because, really, where would they go? Messy mahogany locks, soft make up and the simple glimmer of my diamond ring and I was ready for a nice Venti Latte and an afternoon matinée with a close girl friend.

While the dress is a bit shorter than one I'd don in Real Life probably, it works with the opaque chocolate tights that are included in the pack. Because it's a system skirt (that seems to fit just fine), the dress could also be layered over a pair of jeans as well. The new belt from Callie is perfect on its jacket layer. While I didn't love the silver label adornment on the back at first glance, I do understand the desire for branding and brand recognition. And as the day wore on, I decided the metal plate gave the belt even more texture and depth. The tonality of the oatmeal sweater and the browns of the belt, tights and boots create a warm, rich color palate that compliments the colors of the season quite nicely.

I'm in love with the prim sleeves that attach seamlessly higher up on the forearm to give the cuffs of the sweater some bulk. They balance the weight of the heavy turtle neck and the texture of all the pieces is to die for. I jumped for joy when I traipsed through Maitreya last night to find the hair that I loved under the Jam hoodie in its own version now. Her mahogany color is my favorite and I would personally drop to my hands and knees and start kissing feet if it were adopted by other hair designers. For now, though, I'll stick to the Eva and the Mica as my primary styles. While it's more fixed (sculptie) prim than I usually go for, I like the tousled look of the curls around the face and can deal with its lack of movement because of them.

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Sweater Dress - Starley II Mini-Sweater Dress - Jacket or Shirt Layer, Skirt Layer, Prim Neck and Sleeve Attachments (comes in five colors and includes two colors of tights and two prim belts) Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Belt - fat belt, caramel brownie - Jacket, Shirt or Undershirt Layer caLLie cLine http://slurl.com/secondlife/caLLiefornia/224/194/22

Tights - Starley II Mini-Sweater Dress, Noir - Underpants and Sock Layers Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Boots - Melisande, Chocolate - Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Last Call Vamp Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Hair - Eva, Mahogany - Prim Head Attachment (glow and non-glow styles) Maitreya http://slurl.com/secondlife/Superieure/94/43/451/

Skin - MM-Pale SkinGloss-Smokey Minnu Model Skins
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glam World/118/136/23

It's Black and White

It's a chilly day here in my RL hometown. Fall has, er, fallen and I'm dragging my feet slowly towards my fall wardrobe both here and SL. This morning I thought I'd get myself into the spirit and go explore some of the Fall and Halloween SIMS out and about. After all, who doesn't love a trip to the pumpkin patch? After about 20 minutes of that, I was bored and needed to reestablish my roots in a more urban atmosphere. A little shopping trip; a stop in New York and I was feeling decidedly more myself. But the cute little green quilted jacket, brown skirt and boots I was wearing were just a bit sweet for my mood. I didn't want to go too punk as it is still the middle of the afternoon and all; but I figured I could get a bit edgy. I knew my new Armidi hairstyle captured the look I was going for and so I put it on and the rest just came together! It's a bit more layer-y than I usually do, but I'm getting more in to that. (After all, the rest of these blogging fashion mavens are all about wowing us with their incredible mix'n'match and layering capabilities and I do want to keep up with the trends!) I'm one who likes the unexpected mix of a Summery white skirt with the darker fabrics and knits. And leather and linen has always been one of my favorite mixes. The detail on the jacket is great with the little zippered pockets on the sleeves and I've been wanting an excuse to wear the great damask cami. Top it off with the tousled hair that looks eerily similar to how my RL hair is worn today and we've got a winner!

See, it really just as simple as black and white... Ha!

The linen pleated skirt is consistent with Last Call's usual quality. It's constructed well; it fits well; and the shading makes it look like more than just prim triangles on a white-panted rear. The appearance of the fabric has a weight to it that allows the linen to work with a heavier, Fall look.

I absolutely love the knit socks from Shiny Things. The texture is incredibly realistic and they just look so soft and cozy. They come in several different colors, but I had to stick with Black and White for today, obviously!

The "junk" bracelet from Illuminare has been one of my favorites since very, very early on in my SL days. I like the different colors and textures and it adds a bit of interest to any outfit. And, it dresses both up and down well. The "Chasm" choker is really well made and works well with the outfit. The silver, or steel, links in contrast with the diamond in the "chasm" is the perfect balance of (forgive me) shabby chic. And I love that I can layer it with another longer necklace as I've done a couple of times in the last few days.

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Jacket - Mylene Fierce Zippered Leather Jacket - Jacket Layer (part of Mylene outfit) Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Shirt - Sloxie Legend Cami-Lace Trim-Damask BW - Undershirt Layer (available on all three layers) Second Wave Apparel http://slurl.com/secondlife/Plush Gamma/96/211/21

Skirt - Callista Pleated Skirt - Glitch Pants, Pant Layer, Prim Skirt Pelvis Attachment (part of Callista Outfit) Last Call http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Tights - Indian Summer Tights - Underwear and Sock Layers Battered Boudoir http://slurl.com/secondlife/Boudoir Isle/225/31/23

Socks - Stripe knit thigh highs, black - Sock Layer Shiny Things http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiny Falls/173/181/37

Boots - Old Laceup Boot, Black - Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Shiny Things http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiny Falls/173/181/37

Glasses - Danielle Black Glasses - Nose Prim Attachment Insolence http://slurl.com/secondlife/Emmelia/93/166/65

Choker - Chasm Necklace, Silver/Black - Prim Chest Attachment Lassitude & Ennui http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/65/63/30/

Necklace - Pave Heart and Wings Necklace - Prim Spine Attachment *Miam Miam* http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sunset Arts/167/178/25/

Earrings - Black Pearl Drop Earrings - Prim Ear Attachments Paper Couture http://slurl.com/secondlife/Barcola/80/125/26

Bracelet - Junk Bracelet, Black - Prim Forearm Attachment Illuminare http://slurl.com/secondlife/Retrology/141/234/40

Hair - The SoHo, Nutmeg - Prim Head Attachment Armidi http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armidi/135/127/26

Skin - MM-Light SkinGloss-20s Minnu Model Skins
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glam World/118/136/23

"Amor Vincit Omnia"

Love Conquers All... I'm in love. Head over heels, crazy-mad, undeniably in love. It happened instantaneously, immediately and I just knew. I just... knew.

I've been looking for the perfect white pants, both in real life and in Second Life for as long as I can remember. I got pretty close in Real Life this summer with a nicely tapered pair of thin white khakis from Old Navy of all places. Still not perfect, but close.

In my blog reading frenzy last week, I crossed in to MichaMi's Style Blog and glimpsed a pair of great white satin pants from Last Call. I made a mental note and moved on. Last night, it was time to find them and I couldn't. I looked across every wall and placard and examined every outfit looking for these white satin pants and I couldn't find them. To make it even worse, I couldn't relocate Mischa's blog, either, to get the style name. In frustration I settled in to google and Firefox history and finally found her blog. I spotted the outfit I was looking for, and thus the pants. But I noticed she was wearing a fantastic shirt, as well. I couldn't bear the droves of fashionistas at Last Call again (and of course, the accompanying lag) so I figured I'd head to Redgrave first to pick up the fantastic top. After doing the dreaded walk to the edge of the SIM before being bounced back to my screen location that had me nose-to-nose with a wall, I shook myself off and decided to cam my way through the store.

I'll take that.

Oooh, and that.

And I want THAT.

And then, I rounded a corner... and there under a sign that announced "New!" - I found them. Yes, it was love at first sight... an experience the equivalent of which I've only experienced once before (and it wasn't for an article of clothing that time)! Quickly, oh so quickly, I right clicked, chose "Buy" and they were MINE! (If only real love were that easy, right?) I dashed home to try on my new purchases and put together an outfit that would show off their fabulousness right here on this page. Well, it wasn't that easy... and that's how I knew it was love... take a look:

Delectable! The satiny gathers of the prim cuffs... the perfect creases around the hips and upper thigh... the drape at the back of the knee...

And they go with EVERYTHING! They work for a luncheon or casual daytime business gathering and transition easily in to a warm evening look. The prim belt that accompanies the package changes the simplicity of the front and makes them a bit more "rock and roll" - perfect to wear for an evening out and about!

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Outfit 1:
Pants - White Satin Pants - Pants Layer, Prim Leg Lower Leg Attachments, Prim Belt (pictured in Outfit 4) Redgrave http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sands%20Shop%20Art/217/47/24/

Shirt - Grey Jacket with Ribbons - Jacket Layer, Prim Arm and Waist Ribbons Redgrave http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sands%20Shop%20Art/217/47/24/

Camisole - Soft Lace Shirt (part of Soft Lace Dress Outfit) - Shirt Layer Sensual Designs http://slurl.com/secondlife/Le%20Cadre/76/235/21/

Shoes - Sparkle, Silver - Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Minx http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hauwai/46/95/98/

Outfit 2:
Shirt - Milano Halter Top, Hibiscus - Jacket Layer Gisaci http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armidi/135/128/26/

Shoes - Shes Good, Black - Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Minx http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hauwai/46/95/98/

Outfit 3:
Sweater - Grey Transparent Jacket - Jacket Layer Redgrave http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sands%20Shop%20Art/217/47/24/

Shoes - Visions of Love, Black - Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Minx http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hauwai/46/95/98/

Outfit 4:
Jacket - Red Jacket - Jacket or Shirt Layer Redgrave http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sands%20Shop%20Art/217/47/24/

Shoes - Shes Good, Black - Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Minx http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hauwai/46/95/98/

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The sweater that prompted my initial trip to Redgrave is pristine. The small details are what make it so eye catching - the shimmer of an implied white bra hiding under the sheer fabric; the wrinkled bow of the belt and the soft gathers of the fabric at the hem and wrists. And I of course had to add the bracelet that screams the message of love that I now feel so deeply - "Amor Vincit Omnia".

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Choker - Chasm Necklace, Silver/Black - Prim Chest Attachment Lassitude & Ennui http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/65/63/30/

Necklace - Feather Pendant Necklace - Prim Spine Attachment *Miam Miam* http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sunset Arts/167/178/25/

Bracelet - Amor Vincit Omnia, Silver and Moonstones - Prim Forearm Attachment Lassitude & Ennui http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/65/63/30/

Earrings - Chasm Earring - Prim Ear Attachments Lassitude & Ennui http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/65/63/30/

Hair - Katya, Cherry Brown - Prim Head Attachment Deviant Kitties http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deviant Kitties/128/127/22/

Skin - MM-Light SkinGloss-OhWow Minnu Model Skins
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glam World/118/136/23

Undo Pressure

Well, I've gone and put so much pressure on myself with this blog that I've been virtually unable to write! It's not that I don't have anything to say (of course that couldn't be it!), but I've gone on this mad SL Blog reading frenzy and there are so many great (and not so great) pages out there that it's hard to even fathom a comparison. What is it that you all are wanting to see? More of the same? What I've found is the same stores... the same clothes... the same accessories all appearing on page after page. And in some ways, that's not a bad thing - there is of course going to be a "best of the best" - just like Gap, BCBG, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace and Prada can be seen on Real Life style mavens the globe over. So instead of running away from the popular, I'm just going to try to put my own spin on it. Give you a daily look in to my virtual closet and hopefully compile some "favorites"...

In order to start this adventure, I had to do a MASS inventory cleaning. I started on Friday and am finally finished with clothes and accessories. My "objects" folder is still in need of an OCD mood to hit, but at least my closet has been cleaned out. I was holding on to folder after folder of those freebies that I spent my first week accumulating. You know, the designer cast offs and screwy prims... the mismatched seams and (horror of horrors) system shoes. Well, I tried on every last one of them and got rid of the things that I was saving for that elusive "some night." (You know - "I may need this some night!") Well, trust me girl, there was NO way I was going to need the dress with a prim skirt that attached somewhere above my breasts and stuck out like the petals of a daisy. I did prance around my living room in it for a little while just to giggle at how ridiculous I looked. But, once I hit that "detach" button - in to the trash she went. I did contemplate the virtues of a "yard sale" - but let's face it, everyone's selling the same crap as I would have been... and I just can't bear to send any of that back on to the grid for some poor, unsuspecting newbie to pick up and start wearing. I'd rather pluck one from the ranks and take her shopping instead of subject her to the hideousness known as "Freebies".

Don't get me wrong, there are some great give aways out there and I did save quite a few. Some good camisole/undershirt layers... a few interesting pieces of jewelery that are actually bearable after a couple minutes on a pose stand with an edit window and a couple other treats I'm sure you'll see gracing the pages of this very blog sometime in the near future. So, don't fault me when you see "Freebie" in the credits... I couldn't get rid of it ALL, you know.

So, after I lightened my inventory load by a good 3000 items (um, I'm not exaggerating), I set out to find THE outfit to debut on my blog. Well, I got myself so deep inside the pressure cooker I caught myself exclaiming to the poor boy who entertains my whimsical ways on a daily basis "I just don't have anything to wear!" I heard the intake of breath on the other end of the voice line and I could see the words formulating in his head. "How can YOU... not have... anything to wear?" I whimpered and whined that it was true and declared a shopping trip as the event for the evening. "Right after I get dressed," I said. (God love him, he didn't even remark on the irony... because, after all, if I were able to get dressed... that would of course mean that I had something to wear now wouldn't it? Shhh, I didn't point it out, either.)

So, off we went. I felt this need to expand my "Accessories" folder. I have a few tried and true jewelery pieces that I turn to often when I need an extra "punch," but I find that SL Kristianne treats accessories much the same way RL Kristianne does. I'm all about the shoes - JUST GIVE ME MORE SHOES... but I'll settle in to a nice, simple necklace that has some deeper meaning and diamond studs; a watch when I'm not playing the "I don't care what time of day it is" game; and maybe - MAYBE - a ring. I'm the same way in SL. I found a necklace a few weeks ago that fits that "deeper meaning" model and I wear it, or some iteration of it, daily. It didn't take me long to find my good old trusty diamond studs that I also wear when my hair demands a little something extra. I just can't get in to the watch thing in SL - where time never really DOES matter - so I've opted for a bracelet when my arms are bare... but it just wasn't the right set of accoutrement that I've seen some of my peers do... and so off to shop I went.

I took a spin through Miam Miam (love the charm bracelets!) and stopped off at Charmed (such a cute little monogrammed ribbon choker!) before passing through Shiny Things (mmm, chunky bracelets... yummy!) and then headed to Paper Couture. "I'll take that, and that and that...."

And then, I experienced the humiliation I'll now refer to as "The PC Stairs". Good LORD am I the only one who felt like a prize needed to be waiting for her at the top of that staircase? Stairs in SL are hard enough - but a little, itsy, bitsy spiral staircase? Let's just say it took, um, a few tries. But man am I glad I made it to the top!

Because there I found... the outfit that will now mark the debut of Life by Proxy.

It's Fall and everyone's wanting something a bit warmer to mark the season. I've found a few cute turtlenecks that I throw on when it gets cooler and I've tried a few of the sweater dresses out and about. But none have hit quite the style mark as this one did for me.

It did come with a chunkier turtleneck prim attachment that looked like I wrapped my duvet around my neck and so I opted to go without.

Not bad for a system skirt and the texture of the leather is just delicious. I love how thick and cozy it looks and it does do nice things for the derrière.

The back detail on the sweater is nice and does give the illusion that one is not wearing a baggy sack but instead a fabric that accentuates her physicality nicely.

A few of my delectable new accessories to accent the detail of the bustier and high leather waist and my perfectly messy super-flex pony tail, and I'd say I did pretty well for my debut! Welcome to the blog! More to come!

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Dress - P.C. Leather and Wool - Shirt and Skirt Layers, Prim Turtleneck Attachment (not pictured) Paper Couture; House of Lu (Barcola 80, 125, 26 (Mature))

Hose - Pantyhose - Ebony - Socks and Pants or Underpants Layers 1-800 Bettie's (Roosa (235, 21, 28))

Boots - Melisande - Onyx - Shoe Base, Prim Foot and Lower Leg Attachments Last Call Vamp (Dazzle 68, 11, 27 (Mature))

Earrings - Black Pearl Drop Earrings - Prim Ear Attachments Paper Couture; House of Lu (Barcola 80, 125, 26 (Mature))

Necklace - Black Wrapped Bead Necklace, Low Shine - Prim Chest Attachment Bonita's Jewelry and Furniture Shop (, Malra (45, 86, 66))

Hair - Pony Tail - N Flip Brown - Prim Head Attachment Bang - 11pm Bang Wavy Brown - Prim Chin Attachment (sold with the "Lexy" UpDo) Analog Dog (Triggerfish (28, 27, 21)) Shoulder Length - Mica - Mahogany - Prim Head Attachment ("glow" and "non-glow" styles) Maitreya (Superieure (94, 43, 451))

Skin- MM-Pale SkinGloss-Old Hollywood (not available for sale) Minnu Model Skins (Glam World (118, 136, 23))

Poses - Luth High Fashion Poses Reel Expression (Lalique (219, 92, 26))

Life by Proxy

Do you know anything about Second Life? If not, let me fill you in. It's basically another world. It's beyond chat... beyond a video game... it's truly another plane of existence. You sign on and make an avatar - a walking, talking, laughing, flying, fucking little you. And you name your person with whatever first name you choose and a last name that you select from a list about a zillion miles long. And then... you just... be.

You can purchase land and build things... you can work for Second Life money, which is the "Linden" as opposed to dollars. You can buy Linden with real dollars... and you can shop... clothes, accessories, cars, furniture and just about everything else under the sun you could EVER imagine. There are dance clubs and shops... travel agencies and office buildings... real life companies are represented... there's even a popular real estate firm that's opened an "SL" branch selling Second Life real estate... their marketing plan is that, if they build up a clientèle in SL... when those people look to buy some real real estate... they'll go to what they know. Ingenious, really.

There is, of course, the chat element... and the cyber sex element... and they even have voice capability... there's streaming music that can be set by region... it's basically a full-frontal assault on all your senses to fully ingrain you in to this world you've become a resident of.

There is a full-blown fashion movement happening in SL. Designers - big and small - are cropping up all over the place to mimic "real life" clothing... or branch in to some of the more obscure genres... there are demons of every shape, size and affinity walking around... there are "furries" and "nekos"... there's this bizarre trend towards the post-apocalyptic Tank Girl-esque style... clothes that anyone's mamma would back hand them for walking around in to the epitome of prep - Ralph Lauren redux. High heels, flats, clogs, flip flops, boots... it's an accessory maven's dream. Trust me, I'm living it.

The more I've learned and seen, the more intrigued I've become by the movement that is Second Life. I've been reading articles in every major news source - as a friend pointed out, The New York Times... to Rolling Stone and beyond. Second Life is becoming a wave of the future. Google it sometime and see just how many bloggers are writing about their exploits... how many media outlets have something to say...

So here in this blog, I'll narrate my adventures big and small in the land of virtual living.

Hop on, it's sure to be one hell of a ride.