Casually Careless

Well, back to business as usual at Life by Proxy... and "business" in these here parts is mix'n'match fashion! I had a lot of trouble putting together my next blog-worthy post. It was almost as though I was on fashion overload so I decided to step it back a little bit, stop thinking so hard and just write about the next fun outfit I threw on. And so I did. This is a great, casual outfit that works for a Sunday shopping spree or just hanging out. It's also a bit of silent rebellion against high fashion for a day or two to reset my style meter and get back to the basics.

Yesterday, I decided to do a little running around shopping. It's been awhile since I've had the time to just wander from store to store and see what's new in some of my favorite places. I also wanted to go check out Yummy because I recalled seeing a necklace that I wanted but didn't have time to grab. While roaming around, I ran in to several of you awesome girls who read the blog! That was fun and it was nice to chat and get some of your thoughts and opinions on blogging, fashion and everything else one-on-one. Feel free to stop me whenever you see me around. I love to chat!

While at Yummy, I picked up this cuh-yute sweater from Nylon Outfitters. It's actually all one piece, the sweater and the t-shirt underneath it, and I wasn't sure if I dug that at first. I was afraid that it was restrictive and I was going to want to pair the sweater with something else. But, the price was right for what it is and I think it makes for a cute look with jeans or a jean skirt for a casual out and about look. Besides, who can pass up the impressively hand-drawn big button detailing? The hood in the back is also hand drawn, not a separate prim, and I decided I really liked that organic quality. Plus, it makes it so easy to just put on and go... no messing with prims or trying to fit the sweater with different hair styles. The pink t-shirt underneath completes that "surfer chic" look and I like that it extends past the hem of the sweater itself. The set also comes with a shirt layer that adds "bulk" to it to make it look a bit more "sloppy".

The jeans are my absolute favorite jeans in Second Life. They fit phenomenally well and do wonderful things for the hips and derrière. I hope and pray daily that Maitreya will release another set of jeans as fantastic as these are. And for this outfit, I like the cargo pockets and zippers and how that casual detailing coincides with the details on the sweater.

I did manage to snag the necklace that I wanted from Yummy this time around. The details of it are pretty spectacular with the multiple chain look and the little extra charm. I think it has a vintage feel that works with the rest of the outfit. I paired it with a charm bracelet from Miam Miam. I've renewed my addiction to charm bracelets in real life and just decided to start building a new one. Like I've mentioned before, I like jewelry with a bit of significance and nothing fits that billing like a charm bracelet. This one is color changeable with just a click... gold, silver, copper and bronze (so you'll never have to mix your metals! *wink*) and is outfitted with all sorts of "good luck" charms. A chunky bangle on the other wrist gives a bit of weight to the accessories, which is needed to balance the button and the hood.

I started with a pair of boots, but then decided I wanted to add some color to the base of the outfit as well and knew my cherry-red ballet flats from Surf Couture would do just the trick. Every time I put these on, I have to cam in on the shape and the texture. They're so perfect. Since it's a bit chilly out, I added some fun purple plaid socks that stand out, but also blend with the tones in the rest of the pieces.

The ever-popular Cake Europa short, messy hair (that I tinted a bit to make a bit less red) and red lips with purple eyeshadow, and the outfit is complete!

(sidenote: please bear with me as I try to figure out the best structure for my pictures here... I know I keep changing it up, but I think I'm happy with this style... thoughts?)

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Sweater - Big Button Knit w/ Tee - Jacket Layer, Additional "bulk" on Shirt Layer (not pictured)
Nylon Outfitters
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lions Shore/92/81/23/

Jeans - Raw Jeans - Pant Layer, Prim Lower Leg Attachment (comes with "skinny" and "no prim" style pant layers, also)
Maitreya
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Superieure/94/43/451/

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

Shoes - Sculpted Ballet Flat, Cherry (No Buttons) - Prim Foot Attachment (comes with both "button" and "no button" style)
Sand Shack Surf Co.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lions Shore/62/196/0/

Necklace - Chained Heart Necklace - Prim Chest Attachment
Yummy
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lions Shore/92/81/23/

Charm Bracelet - Pouch Belt, Brown - Prim Pelvis Attachment
*Miam Miam*
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sunset Arts/167/178/25/

Left-Hand Bangle- Cali's First Gold Bracelet - Prim Forearm Attachment Freebie! Properties Indicate Caliandris Pendragon as Creator

Hair - Europa, Dark Red (with a bit of extra grey tint) - Prim Head Attachment
Cake
http://slurl.com/secondlife/FNKY Cake/129/76/26/

Skin - MM-Light SkinGloss-OhWow
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