Curio

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

Comments: 3

Tagged: Belleza, Curio, Du Pappillon, For your Second Life, Glow, Illusions, Lookr, Nicky Ree, Reel Expression, SLink, Tiny Bird, Veschi, Womens Fashion

"My Look is Attainable"

The style focus today is on these shades from Gos. Available for men and women, the new Custom range provides sophistication and such diversity that you can literally match these to anything you wear with them. From the moment you rez these out you'll notice the quality. The case itself is a work of art: spare a few prims in your home and keep this on the counter, leaving it open to show off your new eyewear or closed for a more subtle cue for your friends to enquire about. Inside you'll find your shades and me-oh-my, these are fine! Gos sells shades in several styles but I'm modelling Compulsive here. The primwork is to a very high standard, with sleek textures that can be changed at the click of a button.

The base model starts you off with a few options. The exact specifcations depend on the shades you buy, but the click-to-activate HUD allows you to change everything from the lens tint to lens style, size and even the position on your head. If you get bored of the colour or fancy jazzing things up a bit, then you need to purchase an upgrade spray can. Pop your avie on a pose stand and activate the spray: you'll shake the can, spray up a storm, and now have additional options for your eyewear. The idea is original and the execution is fabulous, offering an immense amount of customisation. I don't think I've ever had so much fun with an upgrade or a pair of sunglasses before - but don't take my word for it, go visit Gospel Voom's store and try a demo for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

I found the scarf at Zaara. It's actually intended for the gents, but I just couldn't help myself. It scales down to fit but retains its ample size, leaving you wrapped in reams of lushious fabric. I love the shape as much as I love the texturing, particularly the tabbed ends and the stringed hem.

The cardigan is from Pink Outfitters. The texturing is convincing with hand-drawn crochet detail that makes me feel warm and snug just looking at it. The skewed button-up is a nice touch, and worked well with Lookr's Cosy top as a base. I like the open, dipped neckline on our ladies tshirts, and the tucked in option goes great with these pants from Sweetest Goodbye. I had to take the cuffs off to allow me to wear the boots, but trust me, they're worth it.

In my last post regarding Magnifico's boots, I didn't show you a closeup. No more! I decided to go crazy and post a second picture to give you a decent view of this gorgeous footwear by Lyanis Sin. This ankle boot is so good you could eat it: the leather slouches from the top down into the shoe, detailed all over with ultra-realistic creases. The toe piece is made from a separate section of leather, stitched back to the main. Leather bands decorate, holding a silver hoop on the one side. The sole is simply finished, but certainly very chic. I'm a real fan of the black lace roses that adorn the top, but the boots have a plain or lace option included with each colour pack.

Back up top, quick mentions for the skin and hair. Both were gifts and I don't think either are still available, but you can see the quality of the designers in any case. The hair is from Mirone, with a very high hairline and extravagant bun piled high on the head for a real glamour style. The 'Adie' style still in store mimics this style, and Mirone stock other hairs from casual to high fashion looks.

The skin from Symphony Skins shows a great deal of care and attention to the face in particular, with a slightly metallic makeup that seems to be reflective of the healthy, luminant body. The V3 series is available in store in a variety of makeups and skin tones, so if you like the look you should definitely fly over and check out some of the demos.

Outfit:

Cardigan: Pink Outfitters, Fi Cardigan - Cream
Top: Lookr, Cosy - Dark Green
Pants: Sweetest Good-bye, Bombom - Brown
Sunglasses: Gos, Custom Sunglasses - Compulsive (Cow Respray)
Scarf: Zaara, Pashmina Scarf for Men - Olive [Tinted]
Boots: Lya, Valentina (Rust)
Bracelet: Miel, Tor Bracelet

Body:

Hair: Mirone, Glance - Anniversary Gift
Eyes: Curio, Tragic Eyes - Hazel (No Shine) Small
Skin: Symphony Skins, V3 Contalto - Phoenix (2009 Limited Edition)
Pose: Persona - Oblivious

Comments: 0

Tagged: Curio, For your Second Life, GOS, Lya, Miel, Mirone, Persona, Pink Outfitters, Sweetest Good-bye, Symphony Skins, Womens Fashion, Zaara

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