"I Never Did Mind About the Little Things"

Well I've done something I never thought I'd do on this blog. In fact, I structured the page with the understanding that I never would do it. But I'm someone who believes that confession is good for the soul.

So, here it goes:

I changed skins.

That's right. I actually purchased a skin that isn't from Minnu... and not only that, I've been wearing it for hours. See, I venture out and buy new skins all the time. And then I wear them for about 20 minutes and decide I can't deal with it and switch back. It's a combination of not liking my shape in different skins or not liking specific details. I'm just as picky with my real life make up as I am with my virtual shading and highlighting. When I find something that I like, I stick with it and I vary very, very little. I've been wearing the same type of purple-ish eye shadow since I was 19. I switch brands, sure - Laura Mercier, Mac, Channel, Clinique - but it's all pretty much the same. I do switch it up a bit when it comes to lipstick and lip gloss, but basically... I know what works and I stick with it.

Minnu's skins just work with my shape that was tweaked for days and days to fit. Sure, sometimes I think of different colors that I wish she'd do (an eye shadow similar to my favorite Mac purple, for example would bring tears to these Mercier-lined eyes), but overall I'm thrilled with my Minnu skins and can't ever change for any period of time.

Tonight, however, I took a jaunt to a new SIM that I'd heard whispers here and there about. After adjusting my settings for the full effect, I slowly made my way around the offerings at The Abyss and paused to review the skins. I did what I always do - pick up all the demos and wait to get home to try them on. I need to try a skin with all my favorite hair styles and a few of my favorite shirts... I need to wear it around and catch sight of my face from different angles to see if there's anything that rubs me the wrong way.

And this one? It didn't... it really didn't. The lipstick is more severe than a color I'd wear consistantly, but it's fun for specific looks. I love the smokey eyes. They're not TOO dark but dark enough to give contrast to my eyes and make them pop just the way I like it. I even love the contouring offered with the blush just under my cheek bones. Yes, yes indeed... I think I like it.

So, I teleported back and pushed my way through the lag to buy my favorite pack. I slid it on dashed back home. There was one final test that the skin had to pass. See, I'm not the only one who's pretty happy with my Minnu skins. In fact, every "other" skin I've tried on Ben has almost immediately rejected. And 9 times out of 10, I agree with him completely. So, this time I didn't say anything. I was up on a pose stand taking a few pictures when he signed on. After our usually (sickeningly sweet) greetings, he said "you look awfully cute..." I held my breath and offered a simple "/me smiles" in return... "... despite the different skin." "/me sighs" But, instead of an "I don't like it," he said, "it's a different, hot little look." Well that was positive.

I took him back to The Abyss and we shopped some more and marveled at the SIM build. (It's really, really phenomenal - if you haven't been, go. And, follow the directions for altering your settings.) As we dressed to go listen to one of our favorite DJ's, I even got a "the skin is growing on me."

So while I don't think I'll ever leave Minnu permanently (and I really, REALLY won't if the aforementioned Mac purple shows up when the SIM reopens in December), I am happy to have found a "different, hot little look."

One of the first stores I found and fell in love with in SL was Sand Shack Surf Co. I was thrilled to see a notice of new stuff from Emma today, right after I wore my ballet flats on the blog, too. She released some adorable kitten heels that I had to check out (thank god for the "shack pack!") and there are some fantastic new sweaters, too. I thought the black was perfect with my dramatic make up and hair. I like the unexpectedness of the ruffled edge and lace insets with the more dramatic elements of the outfit. I wanted a little color pop and figured the tintable tank from Persona would be the perfect option. When I put it on, it was already tinted this great deep aqua color from an outfit I wore last week. It was the perfect "pop" under the black layers so I didn't even change it. The tuxedo pants from Last Call are the manifestation of unattainable perfection. I love their low-slung nature; the fit through the hips and thighs and the smooth flare at the legs. The "tuxedo" stripe down the side is just an added finishing detail that makes these pants my favorite black "go to" pants ever.

The accessories for this outfit were simple. I added a prim belt buckle for finishing. The wrapped pearl necklace from Bonita works with the lower cut neckline of the sweater and compliments the short, modern hair. Ah, the hair. This hair is super, duper, uber flexi hair from Analog Dog. While it's officially called "Sasha," in my inventory it's labeled "Femme Nikita" and every time I wear it, I picture Bridgette Fonda calmly saying "I never did mind about the little things" in the movie Point of No Return. In my mind, it fit with the make up and the overall feel of The Abyss SIM. (Have I mentioned that you HAVE to go check it out?)

The finishing touch came from the "Diva" shoe from Tesla. I liked the height of the heel and thought that the platform sole added that touch of funk the outfit needed. Plus, in my mind I had morphed in to an assasin and for some reason, I could just see running down the street in these puppers. (Uh, in my fantasy world... in the real world, I'd trip and skin my knees and the palms of my hands which would result in my trying not to cry like a little girl while wondering which hurt worse - my owies or my ego.)

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Sweater - Frills Trim Cardigan, Black - Jacket Layer
Sand Shack Surf Co.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lions Shore/62/196/0/

Pants - Maidi Tuxedo Pants - Pant Layer, Smooth or Slouchy Prim Pant Leg Attachments (part of "Maidi" outfit)
Last Call
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Undershirt - Tank Top, tintable - Colors Available on Jacket Layer, Tintable on Undershirt and Underpants Layers (for "tucked in" look)
Persona
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Axenfall/131/61/22/

Necklace - Black Wrapped Bead Necklace, Low Shine - Prim Chest Attachment
Bonita's Jewelry and Furniture Shop
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Malra/45/87/66/

Belt - Easy Street Belt Buckle - Prim Pelvis Attachment (part of "Easy Street" outfit)
TorridWear
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chartreuse/177/69/22/

Shoes - Diva, Black - Shoe Base, Prim Foot Attachments
Tesla
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dreamworld South/231/221/22/

Hair - Sasha, Black - Prim Chin Bang Attachment, Prim Head Hair Attachment
Analog Dog
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Triggerfish/82/27/21/

Skin - Jadzi Noxious_SS, [3]C
The Abyss
http://slurl.com/secondlife/The Abyss/96/136/237/

White Shoes?!

Oh my. I've been unintentionally MIA! I hate it when bloggers pull the "my real life got in the way" thing so I won't say that. It's just been really busy in Kristianne-Land and while I've been pulling together some great, great outfits, I haven't been taking the time to photograph them. So I'm sorry, my loyal readers (all two of you!) - I promise to do better.

To compensate, I'm going to do a few quick-hitters that get the look out without all of the verbose narrative I like to use to fill in the gaps. I'll still include the detailed pictures and the Product List from Hell (as I've dubbed it), but I'll cut back on the length of the posts while I play catch up! (Well, that's the idea at least!)

So, let me ask you a question. Does your avatar follow established rules of fashion? You know, no white shoes after Labor Day; don't mix your black/brown leathers for your belt and shoes, etc? My guess is that most of the fashion-conscious SL residents will say that yes, in a lot of ways, their avatars follow the "rules" - even if the rule is to break the rule. (How do you think we wound up with the gloriousness of Winter White?) So, last week I was getting dressed for a job interview (got it! Woo hoo - more later!). I put on this great little suit outfit but the fabric colors where a bit cooler than I would usually go for in the Fall. I gave myself an out because the SIM I was going to is a bright and cheery build that resembles the beach fronts in the Carolinas. I'd actually feel strange going in a heavy wool, anyway. But when it came time for shoes... I couldn't bring myself to wear white in any way. Poor Ben teleported me in to look at some new land (we're shopping around - our neighbor is a nightmare!), and there I stood all dressed up but standing barefoot. "Where are your shoes?" he asked. (Actually, he didn't. I don't think he noticed that I wasn't wearing shoes, but that just made a far better transition than what actually happened...) "I can't decide what color to wear." "White," he answered. I don't know if my intake of breath was audible. I'm guessing it was as he quickly said "Or not." "I... can't bring myself... to wear white shoes... after Labor Day." It sounded so silly even as I said it. But I knew it was true. And so the next morning, off I went to my interview - wearing a delightful pair of red shoes!

I love this skirt. I love the structure of it. I love the fit through the hips with the flair mid thigh. I love the buttons and the fabric and the color. This skirt is what I built the whole outfit from, trying a variety of combinations of shirts and jackets and shoes and accessories. I finally decided I liked how the aqua pulled at the seersucker stripe in the skirt and the texture of the blazer was robust enough to not look too springy or too flimsy. The upturned collar of the button down plays with the angles of the sheared hair to give a bit more of an edgier frame to the face. And the cuffs of the shirt just polish it off nicely.

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

Skirt - Crinkle Stripe Sailor Skirt - Prim Pelvis Attachment, Glitch Pants on Pant Layer Boing Fromage http://slurl.com/secondlife/Overdrive Island/162/139/37/

Shirt - Sheer Buttoned Shirt, White - Shirt or Jacket Layers Persona http://slurl.com/secondlife/Axenfall/131/61/22/

Shirt Bottom: Celine on Underpants Layer, Last Call
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Shirt Collar: Pacifico Ladies Shirt, Prim Spine Attachment, plus NINE
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Teffelaw/8/29/21

Shirt Cuffs: Celine Sculpted Flared Cuffs, Prim Forearm Attachments, Last Call
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dazzle/68/11/27/

Shoes - Talyn Pumps, Sangria/Black - Shoe Base and Prim Foot Attachments Enkythings http://slurl.com/secondlife/Orbiuna/181/142/342/

Necklace - Black Wrapped Bead Necklace, Low Shine - Prim Chest Attachment Bonita's Jewelry and Furniture Shop http://slurl.com/secondlife/Malra/45/86/66

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

Hair - The Short V, Mahogany - 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/

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

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))