ONE BLOODY TEAR

Forgive the drama, but if I'm going to get gothic, I might as well turn the dial all the way to "over the top". I started with the monochrome version of this gown from Blue Blood, but wasn't satisfied until I added some Blood Red. (I added a red layer from another outfit.)

Going in that direction, I went shopping at Ploom for this hair with its wide swath of red bangs. It comes with a texture change HUD so you can tint the bangs a whole rainbow of lovely colors. The skin is from Matrioska, Blue Blood's new skin line. Her dolly skins are especially designed to complement her clothing line. This particular skin package also includes a skin with red lips, but I wanted you to focus on my eyes. (The Tear is a tattoo, not part of the skin.)

And these boots. Ms. Ennui's latest are Mesh, in a whole range of colors, from dark to bright to pastels. Yummy! I chose the pose and angle in this photograph to show you how the mesh curves perfectly around my ankle even when it is both bent and twisted. The line of buttons stays smooth, and the ankle does not fold or deform. Beautifully done.

Frock: Blue Blood "Cassis Black" (this color a group exclusive)
Undershirt and Leggings: from Blue Blood "Aldana Red" (for some color)
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui "Selene" (mesh)
Hair: Ploom "Randi" (with HUD for texture change streak)
Skin: Matrioska "Domina Black Lips"
Eyes: Fashism "Sunrise - Gacha Red"
Eyelashes: Hebenon Vial "Dramatique Lashes"
Bloody Tear: Glam Affair "Tattoo Makeup TDR 13" (unavailable)

Love,
Serene

CINNAMON

I don't normally purchase "couture" but made an exception for another dress at Kunglers. In particular the square belt buckles and pleated waist tickled my fancy.

This new Beetlebones preview skin is available at the Collabor88 venue. I tried it on a pouty shape and found myself looking oriental. There is a bit of a seam showing on the neck under my chin, but its placement suggests a shadow perhaps. I still like it at the price, but please try on the Demo.

... I indulged myself with more booN hair again: I love the unique design of all their work, but lately Mister Boon seems to be cutting loose with very wispy, organic, assymetrical styles that make me happy even more than usual. :D

I added squared earrings and shoe buckles to reflect the geometric feel of the belt. I think they balance the ruffles and sequins, make the outfit more modern.

Dress: Kunglers Couture “Leilah Honey”
Earrings: Addiction “Love Letter Pearl”
Shoes: SLink “Aveela Stilletto” (w/texture change HUD)
Hair: booN “WMO003”
Hairbases: by booN and Tiny Bird (unavailable)
Skin: Beetlebones “Karina” (Collabor88 preview special for L$88)
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose

Love,
Serene

CHRISTMAS JADE

There are quite a few Christmas events and hunts trying to catch our attention, but one of the ones you shouldn't miss is the Christmas Expo. Four regions of gift shopping and entertainment, with many exclusive benefit items set to raise funds for Relay for Life. Whether you prefer ballgowns or home decor, there is sure to be something there you like or would like to gift.

I always try to find charity benefit items to show you, but sometimes I see something else that grabs my attention. This year's "wows" for me were this gorgeous sheath dress and jewels from Kunglers. Not that these were my only purchases ...

I love our Holidays and everything that goes with them. I hope you're all having fun!

Why not start with a Sleigh Ride?
Or for more information, visit the official webpage.

Dress: Kunglers “Gina”
Jewels: Kunglers “Akha” Necklace and Earrings
Shoes: Maitreya “Frenzy Banana” (still a lovely oldie)
Hair: Exile “Maylee”
Skin: Curio “:GP: Acorn [Light] Fall-TD Exclusive” (this makeup unavailable)
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent. eyelashes – pure”
Poses: by Diesel Works and Long Awkward Pose

Love,
Serene

JUST FOR MY OWN AMUSEMENT

Dearest Designers please note. If you send me an outfit like this one, I shall refuse to accept any responsibility for the outcome. You have been warned.

Your kisses lift me higher like the sweet song of the choir
You light my morning sky with burning love

I'm just a hunka hunka burning love !

I still aint lost em. Yeah they love me.

Jumpsuit: aDiva Couture "Agnetha Jumpsuit"
Boots: Gos "Curvaceous Boots"
Necklace: Ganked "Darkcircle Necklace" (old)
Glasses: Gos "Custom Eyeware"
Hair: Alli and Ali "Sol"
Hairbase: Aitui "Standard Hairbase"
Skin: Ricochet "Tristan"
Eyes: Fashism "Sunrise"
Mike Stand: Pichanga "Becoming Elvis" (old Menstuff prize)
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose and included in Mike

Love,
Inotto

p.s. The jumpsuit is intended for women but hey, I think it is way more funner this way. ROTFL

ALAS!

Alas! Earwax. However, the Ohmai Emporium's jellybeans are so inexpensive that you may try another flavour almost for free. This little Ravenclaw student is fully dressed and showing her school spirit, having purchased a pet specially dyed in her house colours.

Or you can wash away the taste with some really excellent chocolate.

Outer Swearer: TokiDoki “Fall Cardigan (ravenclaw)” (group gift)
Sweater Vest: Boom “House of the Eagle Vest”
Shirt: Schadenfreude “White Oxford Shirt”
Tie: Schadenfreude “You-Know-Who Tie” (w/texture change HUD)
Skirt: Mon Tissu “Oxford Pencil Skirt” (mesh)
Arm Warmers: Boom “Arm Warmers – House of the Eagle”
Socks: Boom “House of the Eagle wool knee socks”
Scarf/Hair: Wasabi Pills “Brrree Mesh Hair” (mesh w/texture change scarf)
Pet: Ohmai Emporium “Pygmy Puff (the Eagle)” (gift set of four colors)
Necklace: Merlin’s Beard “Time Turner”
Wand: Schadenfreude “Tendrils Wand”
Jellybean: Ohmai Emporium “Every Flavored Bean (Earwax)
Chocolate: “Chocolate Frog” (unavailable the Gacha vendor vanished!)
Shoes: Duh! “Mary Janes”
Skin: Curio “:GP: Acorn Frex [Light] The Visitor-Probe 1”
Eyebrows: Curio “:GP: The Visitor-Dark Brows”
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Location: The Alley Shoppes at Accio

... In the interest of brevity, I restrained myself from also showing close pictures of the lovely Schadenfreude Tendrils wand and the gorgeous broomstick I purchased at Merlin's Beard. I would have shown the broom but my hands and mouth were already full of goodies :)

Love,
Serene

BRUNETTE

It's no mystery that lately I've been drawn into shops to buy sweaters, furs, even a muff.

I feel so warm in this knitty mesh dress from Jane. I love the fit, it has a nice bum without getting the ridiculous bubble-butt I've been seeing on some skirts. I like the little detail where the sleeves push down over my hands just the way I like them in cold weather. And BRB's fur stole is just soft and huggable.

Hat/Hair: Mr. Poet “Bakerboy Cap and Hair” (texture change everything)
Fur Stole: BRB “Comfy Stole”
Dress: Jane “2nd Skin Dress Trio Purples” (mesh)
Boots: J’s “Ankle Boots Square”
Skin: Curio “:GP: Bean Frex [Dark] Pout – Whine 1”
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Eyelashes: by Exodi
Poses: by Penny Dreadful Arcade

Love,
Serene

LOS MUERTOS REVUELVEN

Today the Day of the Dead Celebrations end and with them my last excuse to deck myself in black and orange and skulls. Not that I need any excuse if I'm ever in the mood for indulging the dark and gothy. I headed over to the Peatonville Asylum to explore its dark corners, suitably adorned with several memento-mori ornaments.

The mental asylum creeps me out ... complete with an interactive puzzle hunt, gore, cobwebs, creepy music and a quality build that begs to be photographed.

Don't get lost.

Headpiece and Makeup: La Malvada Mujer “Circe”
Necklace: Lassitude and Ennui “Sugar Skull Necklace” (w/texture change HUD)
Ring: Naith Smit "Blood Diamond"
Top: silentsparrow “(hollow) dominion dress undershirt” (old gift)
Undershirt: silentsparrow “(hollow) sylvan lolita top” (old gift)
Skirt: Jane “maxi skirt.meena.charcoal” (mesh)
Shoes: Duh! “Black Mary Janes”
Hair: Lelutka “Rykiel”
Skin: Ugly Duck “Lilith – Succubus”
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Eyelashes: Hebenon Vial “Dramatique Lashes” (in-store gift)
Lipstick: Ugly Duck “Lips 15”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Location: Peatonville Asylum by MadPea

Love,
Serene

THE SCOTS AUTUMN

Enjoying a fine day at the sea before the first freeze.

The loverly knits, plaids and argyle made me think of Her Majesty, but I don't have an old Land Rover so I am portraying a lesser member of the nobility. Perhaps a very distant cousin. I started dressing with the Sleepy Eddy sweater and the Gun provided by Don't Freak Out for the Seasons Hunt. Sleepy Eddy also made these leather clogs that I couldn't resist.

The sweet little necklace from Lassitude and Ennui includes a texture change HUD that lets you customise the colours of all its components.

Jacket: Sweetest Goodbye "4 Minute Jacket"
Sweater: Sleepy Eddy "Crew Neck Sweater" (Seasons Hunt)
Weapon: Don't Freak Out "Gone Huntin" (Seasons Hunt)
Necklace: Lassitude and Ennui "Scribble" (w/texture change HUD)
Skirt: Kurotsubaki "Brown Check"
Socks: Riddle "Argyle Socks"
Shoes: Sleepy Eddy "Gacha Sandals" yay I got the animal print!
Hair: Lelutka "Inverted"
Skin: Mynerva "Plain Jane"
Eyes: Fashism "Sunrise"
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Location: Raven Hollow

Love,
Serene

SEASON'S FAREWELL

Job well done (again!) for the all the shops and organizers of the Seasons Hunt, which has been one of the few must-do hunts in Second Life. I loved so much discovering a few new shops, squealing while I opened the boxes ... and knowing beforehand that none of the prizes would be junk. *happy sigh*

Last week I had this year's first real cold snap, so I wanted to try putting together one of those mega-layered-supa-primmy outfits that some (other) bloggers do so well. I tried combining three tops but the prims didn't work, so I took off the Teefy shirt. I stretched the heck out of the scarf to fit it around my hair. And oh yes, a slider diet to keep my bum from sticking out of my clothes.

Dressing warmly can be a lot of work. But so worth it.

Sweater: Pivaaca “Cable Knitting Vest” (Seasons Hunt)
Sweater Dress: Addict “Lucille Sweater Dress/Moss” (Seasons Hunt)
Leggings: Magic Nook “Indian Summer Leggings” (Seasons Hunt)
Hat/Hair: fri.day “Apple – Natural Ginger” (multicolor pack)(Seasons Hunt)
Scarf: Naith Smit “[NSD] Seasons Scarf” (Seasons Hunt)(very modified)
Purse: Epoque “Illusion Clutch – Afrique” (Seasons Hunt)
Boots: Deco “Madison Boots” (Seasons Hunt)(mesh)(tinted)
Skin: Tres Blah “(Pale) C88 Dewy Skin – Red Brows” (Collabor88)
Eyeliner: La Malvada Mujer “B.N. [black segment]”
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose

Love,
Serene

HUNTING SEASON

I stopped running about to take a little walk.

This spot has the sweetest little path with a covered bridge. It was calling my name.

I turned off my computer yesterday and went looking for colored leaves. These are brighter orange, but I saw the real leaves with dog and daughter.

Most of this outfit I picked up at Collabor88. I think I bought half the store before I noticed the little candy hunt that was going on. Find twelve candies that contain six colors of culottes and six bustiers too. Did I ever say I love long culottes with boots? This plum-colored pant is just my thing.

Jacket: The Sea Hole “Corseted Tweed Jacket” (Collabor88)
Bodysuit: The Secret Store “Cable Knit Bodysuit”
Culottes: The Sea Hole “Odette Culottes – Plum” (Collabor88 Candy Hunt)
Boots: Miel “Puddle Boots”
Jewelry: Gems and Kisses “Yummy Candy”
Hair: Exile “Maylee”
Skin: Curio “Fall TD Exclusive” (this makeup no longer available)
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent. eyelashes – pure”
Poses: by Dare, Diesel Works, and ImpEle
Location: Atomic Island

Love,
Serene

THE VIEW

Not this view.

This view! I really like the view from this side. From the front, these slacks look a little plain. Tweedy and nicely highwaisted, sure. But when I put them on, I was really digging on the little zipper in the back.

Thanks for my cutie patootie, Ms. Betty!

Pants: Ingenue "Katherine in Tweed"
Corset: Schadenfreude "Fluorite Tree Corset" (sorry it doesn't show well)
Vest: Malt "Lorelei"
Ring: U&R Dogs "Cara Mio Ben Ring" (at the 4.44.444 sale)
Shoes: Ingenue "Nina"
Hair: booN "AEN105"
Hairbases: by Exile and booN
Skin: Pink Fuel "Alyx Pearl Bakesale Prerelease"
Eyes: Fashism "Sunrise"

Love,
Serene

MORNING WALK

Messing about with shadows and depth of field for the first time. (Jumping up and down like a three-year-old) I wanted to photograph some landscape which makes for little bitty pictures, but if you click them you'll see the larger pics on Flickr.

I wore a dark undershirt under the sweater to help you see the detail of the crochet work. When I'm wearing several garments the same color I like to put in lots of texture. (The old art teacher used to say "unity in variety". The color has unity and the texture throws in some variety.) Today I'm letting the landscape have all the flashy color.

I really needed a walk in these trees.

There's nothing like those early fall days, with crisp cold morning air and sunshine at the same time!

I was jonesing for fall last night, and this morning at my house it was snowing a little. I should be careful what I wish for!

Shrug: mon tissu "Loire Knit Shrug"
Sweater: Ivalde "Radella"
Skirt: Jane "pencil.skirt.eliza.tan" (mesh)
Boots: Deco "Madison Boots" (mesh)
Hair: booN "YNO421"
Hairbases: by Exile and booN
Skin: Curio "Sweetheart"
Eyes: Fashism "Sunrise"
Poses: by Diesel Works and Long Awkward Pose
Location: Straylight

Love,
Serene

p.s. Yes I did modify my shape quite a lot to fit this outfit. the mesh skirt and boots were made for thinner legs though they leave some nice tush. And the sculpted shrug is made for someone with rather smaller chest than my usual. :) Mwah!

THE RED QUEEN

It is difficult to know at first if she is just a beautiful queen, or the villainous evil witch. Until she shows her claws.

(I found these particular claws at the Halloween Bizarre on Twomoons Island. To die for. Literally.)

It's October and Halloween is swirling into our world. I just love the whole thing!!

Gown: Quality Designs “Alanis”
Jewels: Axiom “Antithetical Concept”
Shoes: Lassitude and Ennui “Estampies” (sorry they got cropped!)
Claws: ni.ju “Blood Tipped Claws” (Halloween Bizarre @Twomoons Island)
Crow: from the Tableau Vivant “Crow” Stage (group gift)
Hair: Sky Everett Designs “Cerdwin Rococo”
Skin: Glam Affair “Sakura”
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent. eyelashes – pure”
Poses: by Dare, Del May and Don’t Freak Out

Love,
Serene

JUST OUT SHOPPING

I was having fun running around shopping today and feeling a little like a slacker when I thought, why not blog what I am wearing? So here we are.

I am vrai tres picky about geometric prints, but I really do like the one on this skirt.

Repeating circles in the skirt pattern, triangles in the garments and pose, and the lime green carries through to the hair tieback and bows on the shoes. It's almost like I planned it. :)

Shirt: Whippet and Buck "I'll be a Ghost" (unavailable)
Skirt: Ibizarre "Summer Print Skirt"
Shoes: Gos "Espadrilles"
Hair: Truth "Gabriel" (color-change ribbon tieback)
Skin: Curio "Sweetheart-Rose"
Eyes: Fashism "Sunrise"
Eyelashes: Glow Studio "Innocent.eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose

Love,
Serene

HAUTE COUTURE

So it's like this: after this week of high fashion and Liz-Taylor-grade jewels, I was in the mood to decompress. Thus I bring you ... drumroll ... a T-Shirt! The Reel Tees shop is brand new with all-mesh-Tees for men and women. The Men's Tees come in Regular and Baggy; the Women's in Regular and Curvy. The Men's Tee is apparently tucked in, The Women's looks a little longer, and there is a sample in the store that you can try to check the fit. Enjoy!

TShirt: Reel Tees “Gun Show” (Mesh: also available in female version)
Jeans: Zaara “Jeans charcoal (classic)”
Skin: Ricochet “Tristan Dark”
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Pose: by Long Awkward Pose

Love,
Serene

MODERN GOTHIC

Tis past midmight, and my brain functions as if someone poured in sticky treacle. But I wanted to show this Fashionably Dead skin afore sunrise, hoping it may still be available.

And Ricelli has a set of matching jacket and heels at the Dressing Room, decorated with spikes, studs and skull embellishments.

Skin: Fashionably Dead "Shark" (50L Friday)
Jacket: Ricelli "Alexandra" (The Dressing Room)
Heels: Ricelli "Carmelia" (The Dressing Room)
Earrings: Addiction "Platinum and Diamond Chandelier"
Shirt/Tie: Sweetest Goodbye "OK GO" (still available at Closing Sale)
Pants: Mimikri "Sequin Leggings" (The Dressing Room Blue)
Hair: Angel "Amelie" (The Fashion Garret)
Eyes: Fashism "Sunrise"
Eyelashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Lost Angel Poses and Long Awkward Pose

Love,
Serene