Candy Nail

Come Hither

Despite the fact that the temperature is barely above freezing here, you can always find some summer cornfields to skip through in Second Life. I love that the virtual weather completely validates my somewhat unseasonal choice of outfit.

These stunning eyelashes were purchased at Calla following a tip-offf from the lovely Beulah Mills. She said these were the best prim lashes she's ever worn - I'd hate to play favourites, but I will say I'm pretty taken with them myself. They were easy to fit (praise be!) and they beckon in silken tones that few red-blooded males could resist. An absolute must if you're getting dressed to impressed, Tigerlily Koi has several different styles available so you can pick a match depending on your mood.

I was looking for a light nude makeup and settled with this one from Cupcakes. I was won over by this creamy skin, particularly the pretty face which carries a natural shade to the lips and a soft golden glow on the eyelids. I like the definition on the upper lids, the shimmer to the inner eye and slightly smoked outer some added impact. While the blush is strong, it really works with this complexion - even the slight, unkempt brows fit the face perfectly.

The one-shoulder top is Flutterby by Lookr. It's so easy to wear and stands well alone, although you could just as easily layer it. It doesn't need too much dressing, and is a nice alternative to the simpler cami styles if you're looking for a very feminine casual top.

I adore this belted skirt by Sugar Cube. The a-line skirt falls in stiff pleats, and has an angled hemline because of it. The top runches and poufs above the belt for an unusual line: this paired with the bright tulip print quite compelled me to make a purchase. It can be a nightmare putting together print designs due to seaming issues, and is probably why we don't see a huge number of patterned items in the shops. It's a real treat when designers produce quality pieces like this.

I know I haven't long since modelled these sexy heels from SLink, but I do so adore them. Their being painfully beautiful demands a regular outing from their box, and since the HUD makes it so simple to match skin colour, I can bring them out for any occasion and it barely takes a minute to get them set up. I think Siddean Munro may well have made a prim feet convert out of me - and it's taken all my mental will not to start writing terrible puns in relation to that fact.

To finish, I added these strung shell bangles from Zaara and capped it all off with a darling hairdo from Decoy. It's a volume rich pony tail accessorised with a simple alice band. The fringe falls heavily to the right side, with loose strands to the left that balance the look. The hair is rather loosely pulled to the back, giving a wispy softness that really worked well with the outfit.

Outfit:

Top: Lookr, Flutterby - White
Skirt: Sugarcube, Belted Skirt - Blue
Shoes: SLink, Chelsea Stiletto Heels - White
Bangles: Zaara, Sadaf Paua Bracelets - Silver

Body:

Hair: Decoy, Nicole - Ash Brown (Bangs)
Eyes: SLB, July 09 - Hazel R
Eyelashes: Calla, Flutter Lashes
Skin: Cupcakes, Daydream - Honey - Golden
Nails: Candy Nail, P037 Shine Silver
Pose: Reel Expression, Random Pose 103

Comments: 1

Tagged: Calla, Candy Nail, Cupcakes, Decoy, For your Second Life, Lookr, Reel Expression, SLB, SLink, Sugarcube, Womens Fashion, Zaara

Super Furry Animal

First things first: rest assured that no animals were hurt in the production of this review.

This look was inspired by the Avana set from Nicky Ree, starring this wonderfully full and fluffy jacket (note: after a great deal of growling at photoshop, I admitted defeat. Some of the fur has been cropped from the full body shot, but you can get a clear impression from the closeup pick). What I love most about this is the movement. Nicky Ree has always had a reputation for beautiful evening gowns and this isn't least because of the way they flow. Avana has a realism to it that must have taken some time to perfect, the fur swaying left and right to the back as you walk, and ruffling slightly to compensate for less energetic movement. It makes the coat really quite beautiful and the more I wear it, the more I appreciate the time and care taken to achieve the effect.

The cami top is from Lookr. It's always useful to have a few plain tops in your wardrobe for layering, and this one comes in various colours to suit.

The trousers are part of the same Nicky Ree set. They're leather-look with a very faint leopard print - at a distance it's barely discernable, but adds to the overall effect. Close up you can see all the detailing. Seams run top to bottom on the front and back, with double side seams leading down to the cuffs, which draw high to a point on either side of the ankle. Be aware that these are no mod: due to a slight flare they may not work with longer boots, but certainly look great with shoes or short boots.

That leads me to the boots which are by Magnifico Miggins. I was introduced to Magnifico's work through Harper Beresford's blog, and I am extremely glad for it. I agonised over where the closeup should go with this shoot, so in the absence of full zoom, I recommend getting yourself over to the store and looking over the demos yourself to fully appreciate their gorgeousness. The shape of the boot is great, with smooth lines throughout, a delicate arch and softly pointed toe. Everything is set off by the dual silver stripe that winds around the leather, giving these boots that extra 'je ne sais quoi'. The fine details are there too, from the texture on the leather and sewn strips to the capped heels and the logo and shoe size emblazoned on the sole. You can opt to buy a single colour, or buy the fatpack which contains the special shoe hud, enabling you to change colours at the press of a button. Simple and convenient. The fatpack also has a special AO included which is a nice extra.

The skin is Skye by the talented Mochi Milena of Pink Fuel and I have to say it has one of the sweetest faces on the grid. This makeup is 'scene' and consists of dramatic smoked eyes with brights lids and shimmer beneath the eyebrow. Pores and a few very light lines bring character and realism, with the nuance of a mole beneath the left eye. It's so well done that you may not even notice it if you're not really looking. I also have a real thing for the lips on Skye: they are kissably soft with just the right amount of detailing. I selected the dark brows for added contrast with my silvered hair, but the packs incldue a lighter brow, freckled and hairbase options in each pack. The body is equally well done, with attention to detail in areas like the elbow which are quite often forgotten.

My hair is from Bryce designs. I'm really not sure this was meant to be a unisex do (probably not with a name like 'Jimmy') but I'm in denial and wearing it all the same. I don't often wear white hair, but have seen enough to know that the textures need to be just right for it to look good, and I am more than happy with the silver tone. I am also a fan of the flexi prims hidden among the fixed pieces give the hair a little bounce.

To accessorise I'm wearing the Avana belt. It comes as part of the set but can certainly be used in other outfits to add some spangle. It's a simple chain of small and large rings which fitted me without needing any editing. I daresay a quick mod could move it to sit a little lower if you prefered.

I also chose earrings from an old set by Random Calliope, one of my first loves when it came to SL jewellery. They're a three tier drop set, the open ovals decorated with closed stones and encircled by twirls of silver wire. I think they go beautifully with this outfit.

Outfit:

Jacket, Pants, Belt: DNR, Avana Fur Coat set - Black
Top: Lookr, Clean - White (F)
Boots: Magnifico, Jimmy C's Ankle Boots
Earrings: Random Calliope, WW by RC, Vintage - Onyx

Body:

Hair: Bryce, Jimmy, Whitewash - Chalk
Eyes: SLB, July '09 - Hazel c
Eyelashes: Glow Studio, Innocent Eyelashes - Pure
Skin: PF, Skye - Honey, Scene
Nails: Candy Nail, 000 Basic Nail - Silver Pink
Pose: Reel Expression, Sex Sells, 01

Comments: 1

Tagged: Bryce, Candy Nail, For your Second Life, Glow, Luth, Magnifico, Nicky Ree, Pink Fuel, Random Calliope, SLB, Womens Fashion

Urban Princess

It's not usual for a pair of eyes to give me an idea for a styling, but these beauties from Curio did just that. The tragic eyes do have a certain melancholy about them and are exceptionally realistic, even in the larger sizes. These bewitching eyes come in over 30 colours with the option to go prim or normal, with shine and no shine versions. With so many to choose from, you're pretty darn likely to find the perfect pair for your avie.

This skin from Lion suited perfectly. The pale complexion is smattered with freckles, styled with dramatic eyeliner and just the right amount of flush across the cheeks. I am also a big fan of Cana's perfectly preened eyebrows, here in a slightly ruddy tone which would work well with a range of hair colours. The detailing on the body is minimal compared to some other skins on the market, but if you prefer the subtleties or are more interested in the face than how you look naked, Cana is a good option.

I'm wearing a skirt from Oyakin, which comes from a pack of four, each with a slightly different colouration. I was very impressed with the sheer effect of the texture, which does feel very floaty, and in this colour gave me a Cinderella appeal. The prims are quite flappy and do fly to the back when you walk, but the prim pants will at least protect your modesty.

I also put on Lookr's Blooded strappy in white, which gives a plain base with a splash of colour, largely concealed by this over-shoulder cardi from Coco. I don't know why we don't see more "clothes to wear as accessories", but I adore them and would love to see more. Effortless chic that can be dressed up or down to suit: what could be better? This took almost no fitting and doesn't cut through the body when walking, making it an immediate favourite in my wardrobe.

As I needed a tiara, I was in no doubt that the accessories should come from Alienbear Deisgns. The Costa Rica Set I'm wearing is one of Alienbear's older pieces, but even if you go back a while her primwork is no less impressive. Lavishly set with teardrop gemstones, everything from the criss-cross chain down to the end of each pendant is crafted with the greatest care and attention.

As a final note, the shoes are Plainers from Shiny Things. These heeled mules are very minimal, detailed with a front strap that provides a cutout section on either side for some added interest. The simplicity provides great versatility, making these the kind of shoes you can slip on whether you're dressing up or down.

Outfit:

Top: Lookr, Blooded - White (F)
Skirt: Oyakin, Chifon Skirt - White 1
Shoes: Shiny Things, Plainers - Silver
Cardigan: Coco, Cardigan on Shoulder - White (Tinted)
Jewellery: Alienbear Design, Miss SL Costa Rica Set - Volcano

Body:

Hair: ETD, Marisella 2 - Tawny Black
Eyes: Curio, Tragic Eyes - Dark Brown, Shine (Small)
Nails: Candy Nail, PO37 Shine Silver
Skin: Lion Skins, Cana Special 1
Pose: s2cool, Pose34-40

Comments: 0

Tagged: Alienbear Design, Candy Nail, Coco, Curio, ETD, For your Second Life, Lion Skins, Oyakin, Shiny Things, Womens Fashion