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
