Caged Free

Never been to Tiny Bird? Autumn Hykova stocks some fabulous styles, everything from tidy up-dos and messy pony-tails to really unusual wigs with unique accessories. This style, Bea, is rather playful with hair divided into sections that sweep out to curled ends. Inward curves keep a solid base shape, and a spotted feather clip laid flat to the side gives a quirky finish. The accent lines hold attention to the face, which is exactly what you want when wearing a gorgeous skin like Belleza's Jesse.

It's rare for me to wear tanned skin, but I must admit that I'm rather taken with Jesse. The shade isn't too dark and is certainly radiant, with a sprinkling of freckles and well-defined body that even includes cleavage versions in each pack. While I'm not one to tout my wares about town, I still really appreciate this option - now you can wear those figure-hugging corset tops without that strange sensation of something being missing, and your push up bras will be seen to be doing their job. It makes all the difference when your skin compliments your clothing rather than working against it.

The makeup blends well with the skintone, giving a fresh-faced look. I adjusted my shape slightly to suit the plump lips, but I'm more than satisfied with my pouty look. These lips look wonderfully soft and supremely kissable, but I'm equally taken with every other feature on this face. The nose is very pretty - Tricky Boucher's shading is both subtle and believable, and really brings the skin to life, not only here but all over the body. The brows are well shaped and defined, right down to individual hairs at the near side if you care to look closely enough: you'll also find lashes drawn to the skin, which gives your prim pair a boost or can replace them entirely if you're wearing glasses (or were wearing glasses and somehow forgot to reapply your essentials). Just perfect.

The jumper is a current dollarbie from Du Pappillon, and I think the colour is wonderfully up-lifting. The dipped front is mirrored from behind, and I love the waist creases that reflect the tight fit. I've layered with a clean strappy top from Lookr and paired up with some of my all time favourite pants from Veschi. These have been on the grid for quite some time and I did need to tint the prims to match properly (viewer changes have taken their toll), but it's a quick and easy job. The puffed legs with the tight wrap around the knee offer a simple but elegant trouser solution that you could dress up as well as down. 

Siddean Munro of SLink has been making a mountain of stunning shoes lately; I have to say that I've been steering away from prim feet, but these are too well made to resist. I was very impressed on all counts with her Chelsea stilettos, not least with the two huds that attach: one to alter the size, colouration and nail paint for the feet, and the second to play with settings to colour the shoe stones and metal fastenings. As everything is customisable, you'll easily be able to match these to your skin colour and shape, as well as tweaking the finer details to suit your outfit.

The primwork is excellent all over, with feet arching into the super-high platform, encased in a weave of glossy straps. Even on the black pair you can see the detail, including perfect stitchwork. The ankle is secured with two thicker straps that join to the back and overlap at the front, flaiing into a tassle accented with stone and metal fastener. A neat zip is the finishing detail to the back of each shoe. These are a completely gorgeous and bound to be a wardrobe favourite: as there are currently several colours on sale, make sure you stop by at the store and pick up a bargain while you can!

Finally to mention the necklace from Illusions. I don't think you can still pick this one up as it was a freebie from the recent jewellery fair, but let it serve as another example of Siyu Suen's precise and beautiful primwork. The jewellery available in-store is well worth a look, you're bound to find something to make you coo.

Outfit:

Sweater: Du Pappillon, Pastelle Sweater, Lilac
Top: Lookr, Clean - White
Pants: Veschi, Jersey Girl Pants
Shoes: SLink, Chelsea Stiletto Heels - Black
Necklace: Illusions, Aurelie Teardrop Necklace 
Belt: DNR, Avana Belly Chain (Tinted)

Body:

Hair: Tiny Bird, Bea - Chocolate
Eyes: Curio, Tragic Eyes - Small
Eyelashes: gloW, Innocent eyelashes - Pure
Skin: Belleza, Jesse - Sunkiss 14
Pose: Reel Expression, Random Pose 20