DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY

Just at the moment it's quiet in the middle of the night and I am enjoying a serene moment.  Or is it the Oxycodone? I'm not sure but whatever it is, I'll take it.



I guess it's mostly in your outlook.



Glasses: Glow Studio "Birdy Glasses (gold2)"
Shirt: The Secret Store "Mary Pleated Shirt"
Skirt: The Secret Store "Annie Pencil Skirt"
Shoes: The Secret Store "Oxford Heels" (at Collabor88)
Purse: TuTys "Mesh Pet Carrier" (gift on SL Marketplace)
Hair: Exile "Shine" (at the Arcade Gacha)
Skin: Essences "Paris"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Hands and Feet: by SLink

Love,
Serene

FROSTY

Clearly I was in a snowy mood when I went to this month's edition of Collabor88, because everything I bought was in various shades of white and cream, like this dress! I am admiring Ison's modern sheath with the asymmetrical hem. So if we are going to wear snow, why not add some ice? Large faux stones in this jewelry set from LIV-Glam. The gold warms up the outfit a little, I was shivering. Today's shoes are available today for Fifty Linden Friday over at the Fri.day Mainstore.



Dress: Ison "Asymmetric Tank Dress" (at Collabor88)
Shoes: fri.day "Bowtie.Pumps (FLF) - Silver" (at Fifty Linden Friday)
Jewels: LIV-Glam "FuLo Crystal"
Hair: D!va "Giz" (gacha)
Skin: Essences "Luaflor"
Lipgloss: Dead Apples "Balm Stains Natural Medium"
Eyes: Dead Apples "Sorrow Eyes" (four colors group gift)
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent.eyelashes - pure"
Hands and Feet: by SLink
Pose: by Adorkable

Love,
Serene

TRICK OR TRICK

Just a totally random trick or treat outfit ... if you want to give them the treat option :)



This is what I like to do sometimes with bits that I find in my bloggity folder!



Why not?

Hat: Fateplay "Damodore" (Gift at Wizarding Faire)
Shoes: Lassitude and Ennui "Batty Shoes" (Wizarding Faire)
Lipstick: Adored "Adele Lips - woo" (Cosmetic Fair)
Pipe: Beetlebones "Bubble Pipe" (formerly at Designers United)
Earrings: Glow Studio "Mauri Earrings"
Turtleneck Collar: Drift "Chic Leather Collar" (rigged mesh)
Shirt: Aoharu "TurtleNeckKnit"
Sweater: Drift "Cold Shoulder Top"
Treat Bucket: by Schadenfreude (old 2009 Giftie)
Shorts: Tres Blah "Denim Bermuda Shorts"
Socks: Sugar Heart "Back to School"
Skin: Essences "Amaterasu"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Lelutka "Photoshoot II"
Hands: by SLink
Poses: by Adorkable

Love,
Serene

WINTERDARK

Just a sweet little conservative outfit, midnight blue, somewhere between chic and business appropriate. I don't wear dark blue much, but it's a good choice for the office.



Some interesting textures: the dark skirt has paisley panels in front and back. I wanted more detail, so I layered in some floral textured stockings.



Jacket: Apple May "Trendy Trench - Blue"
Skirt: DCNY "Denim Pencil Skirt Dark Paisley" (Together for Sway)
Undershirt: Nemesis "Friendship Bodysuit" (old)
Stockings: Grasp "Stocking lace/black"
Shoes: Gos "Platform Pumps"
Jewelry: Addiction "Guardian" (caveat: full bright/no modify)
Hair: Truth "Sassy 2" and Tiny Bird "Blacks Pack Hair Base" (unavailable)
Skin: Curio ":GP: Moonbeam Frex [Dark] Party Girl"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Eyeshadow: Dead Apples "Ose Blue"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Cheerno and Marukin

Love,
Serene

FOR YOU WHO LOVE COLOR

I thought Boho Hobo's Bohemian sweater and the ethnic textiles draped over this gacha chair from Zigana were just a match made in heaven. It seems like every year, during the coldest, most miserable part of winter, I start to crave lots of color. Here it is Ladies! Glorious Color!



BoHo HoBo's hippie chic clothing is now becoming available in mesh. All proceeds from BoHo HoBo (and Meena its sister store) go to RAWA to fund orphanages, clinics, schools and income generating projects for war refugees in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Support your international Sistahs!



Sweater/Shirt: Boho Hobo "Peace on Earth Cardigan" (mesh)(hunt prize)
Pants: Maitreya "Sipper Skinny Jeans" (mesh)
Earrings: Maxi Gossamer "Baroque Teardrop" (texture change mesh)
Shoes: Chandelle "Zoey" (mesh)(L$5 Promotion)
Hair: booN "LCA518" with hairbase
Skin: Curio ":GP: Bean [Dark] Party Girl-Cured2" (yay Gala is Back!)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Chair: Zigana "Lazy Sunday" Boho Chair (gacha)(includes poses)

Love,
Serene

FELIZ NAVIDAD

Are you ready? I'm almost ready. Shopping for my family all squared away, I'm in my pajamas and getting in the mood for tomorrow. I hope you and hours will have a fabulous Christmas!



I'll see you out and about in the New Year. I won't be blogging until after we eat the Rosca de Reyes on January 6. I'm taking a little vacation to play with my kiddo!



Cardigan: Ison “Kimono Sleeve Cardigan”
Borrowed Tank Top: Vitamen “Ribbed Cotton Tank”
Bottoms: Bounce “Vintage Dandi Fleur Rose”
Hair: booN “WMO003”
Skin: Curio “:GP: Bean [Light] Elf-Snug 1”
Eyes: Ikon “Horizon Eyes”
Lashes: Glow Studio “Innocent. eyelashes – pure”
Footsies: Your Skin and Your Shape “BareFeet” (texture change HUD)

House: Trompe L’Oeil “Frostbite Cottage” (Collabor88)
Snowflake: Trompe L’Oeil “Advent Calendar Snowflake” (the Arcade)
Lantern: Trompe L’Oeil “Advent Calendar Lantern” (the Arcade)
Cake: Tres Blah “Pastry Mania Chocolate” (the Arcade)
Treats: Artilleri “Kim Cake Stand with Noms”
Tree: Botanical “Green Holiday Fir Small”
Side Table: TokiDoki “Wooden Vintage Table”
Rocking Chair: Tatty Soup “Reindeer Rocker”
Sofas: Lisp “Valentine Sofa and Footstool”
Rug: Kosh “I Can’t Think Straight”
Books: Herbalys “Book Set 2”
Ornament Boxes: Nach “Bauble Shadow Box” (old)

Love,
Serene

CHERRY PRINCESS

A modern take on an asian Princess? Wearing a modern peplum done in oriental silks, a new tiara that maybe looks a little Thai, and some juicy avant-kink boots just to make you wonder. Red and Green and Black. The R2 Top and Glam Affair skin with pink cheeks are from Collabor88, the Lassitude and Ennui tiara is available just for December at L'Accessoires venue.



Oh yes boots! Luckily in Second Life I don't have to worry about losing my balance :D



Shirt: R2 "Matsushima Kikuzakura" (Collabor88)
Tiara: Lassitude and Ennui "Dreamer Tiara" (L'Accessoires)
Boots: MV "Dita Boots Cherry"
Pants: Royal Blue "Zip Up Leggings" (unavailable)
Hair: Exile "Liv"
Skin: Glam Affair "Amberly Europa Frostbite" (Collabor88)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Alchemy Immortalis and Epiphany

Love,
Serene

THE FAIR WINTER

This morning I have a few cute bits and bobs I "had to have" from the Winter Fair, mixed with some old favorites. This lovely mesh cropped jacket from Valentina E, Bliensen and Maitai's antique holiday baubles, the animal-style hat and cushy knit legwarmers are all available at this year's Winter Fair.



I went to shop but was not surprised to find quite a few of the shops had set out lovely and generous gifts. JesyLilo's festive Holiday skin is one of them. These happy red lips are perfect for your red-and-green outfits, or for your NewYear's party. Try on some skins at this shop: I'm surprised how they can be dressed down to look little-girlish, or dressed up to look quite sophisticated.



Jacket: Valentina E. "Jeweled Jacket" (mesh)(@Winter Fair)
Jewelry: Bliensen and Maitai "Sinterklass" and "Feliz Navidad" (@Winter Fair)
Hat: Fe Style "Giraffe Trapper Hat" (@Winter Fair)
Legwarmers: Pure Poison "Nordic Knit Warm Legwarmers" (@Winter Fair)
Skin: JesyLilo "WinterFair2012 GiftSkin" (gift @Winter Fair)
Eyes: Al Vulo "Carry On Stargaze Eyes" (gift @Winter Fair)

Turtleneck: fri.day "Basic Turtleneck"
Sweater: Paper Doll "Hannah" (old fave)
Pants: Doppleganger "Cuffed Cords" (old fave)
Mittens: League "Sheepskin Mittens"
Belt: fri.day "Wide Waist Belt"
Shoes: Sleepy Eddy "Gacha Sandal"
Hair: booN "JOPE57" bangs and "Gathered Raised Hairbase"
Cosmetic: Elate! "Gold Cateye Eyeliner"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Marukin

Love,
Serene

COOL AT DUSK

Last evening I was playing in my closet and thinking not-so-profound thoughts, about upcoming holiday mayhem, the kidster, how inconvenient it is to be sick in December, yada yada, whilst making an outfit and messing with lighting and poses. Thinking that I miss Gala Phoenix and her fall and winter releases, so I pulled out last year's Christmas skin to remind myself and you. Thinking about the amazing generosity of (most) people in Second Life.



And the talent. Don't forget the talent. I have long since ditched all my other online foolishness, but I still keep coming back to Second life, to buy pixel shoes. And hamsters. I have a lot of hamsters.



Shirt: Celoe "Rhonda Top True" (mesh)(old group gift still available)
Skirt: Ingenue "Lauren" (mesh)
Shoes: Ingenue "Scorpius" (mesh)
Hair: Exile "Tempest"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Angel-Happy Holidays" (2011 Christmas Gift)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent.eyelashes - pure"
Facelight: NLight FREE 2.0 (available on SL Marketplace)
Poses: by Animazoo and oOo Studio,
           modified by Berries "Headfreezer"

Love,
Serene

ULTRAVIOLET

Today I am overindulging in my favorite purple. I started with the romantic blouse, then piled on purple hair and lipgloss and boots. Why not?



Love the details of the butterfly, the lace and the gold embroidery on these so soft suede boots. A simple outfit, raised to art.



Shirt: Glam Affair "Dorota" (mesh)
Shirt: PixelDolls "Duchess" (unavailable)
Undershirt: PixelDolls "Tintable Cami" (unavailable)
Leggings: The Secret Store "Purple Wool Tights"
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui "Embroidered Boots" (mesh)
Necklace: Maxi Gossamer "Jeweled Butterfly" (mesh)
Hair: Exile "Collide" (mesh)
Skin: Glam Affair "Roza Unnamed" (group gift)
Tattoo: Plastik "Soul Ink Lothlorien"
Lipgloss: Croire "Mischief Night Gloss Poison"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by CheerNo

Love,
Serene

FROSTY

So I changed my place to reflect today's snowy weather. The kidster is out playing in it. I love snow as long as I can look at it from inside with a cup of hot chocolate right? But it's so pretty.



If you are living on the USA's east coast, I hope you can find a warm comfy spot out of the weather. I'm thinking about you.



Dress: Coco "Shirt Dress" (mesh)(this color is a group gift but there are others)
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui "Suede Boots" (mesh) Yummylish!
Necklace: Lassitude and Ennui "Queen's Gambit" (mesh)
Necklace: Lassitude and Ennui "Scorpio Key" (mesh)(at Zodiac)
Ring: Schadenfreude "Milk Chocolate Bonbon" (gacha)
Hair: Wasabi Pills "Amelie" (mesh)
Skin: Kooqla "Cherie" (also comes with a light brows version)
Lipstick: Kooqla "Hot (Reds) - 04" (for Cherie Skin)
Teeth: Kooqla "Ojen - Teeth" (came with a different lips pack)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Animazoo, Bang and Frooti

Love,
Serene

PUMPKIN DOLLY

Wanting a cute casual Halloweeny dress? This little one by Dilly Dolls might suit. I added a vintage KatatOnik sheer undershirt to make it all sweet and innocent.



And cutie seasonal tights you can pick up over at the Secret Store. They put them out in purple and orange for your October pleasure. I picked the pumpkin tights to contrast with Ms. Ennui's lovely purple boots, how I am loving the purple!!



Dress: Dilly Dolls "This is Halloween-ish Dark Orange" (mesh)
Undershirt: KatatOnik "Sheer Undershirt" (orange/black)
Leggings: The Secret Store "Pumpkin Tights" (gift)(also in purple)
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui "Phoebe" (mesh)
Lolly Ring: MiaSnow "Ring Bop" (I turned off the Full Bright)
Hair: Wasabi Pills "Brigitte"
Skin: PXL "Faith" (this version was a VIP gift)
Lipstick: PXL "Faith Frozen Lips"
Eyes: Insufferable Dastard "Violet Flare" (Arcade Gacha maybe moved to store?)
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Estetica, Label Motion and Marukin

Love,
Serene

AT THE END OF NORMAL

For the rest of October, my plan is to become progressively less "normal" in honor of Halloween. Did I mention how much I love Halloween?  ... This pretty monotone taupe outfit is straightforward enough. The whole outfit is mesh. Well, the LeeZu dress is a pair of system pants plus a rigged mesh flap that covers front and back. The pattern lines up pretty well in normal use but stretch a bit crazily in some poses. The Fri.day jacket is lovely and detailed, and Schadenfreude's pretty ribboned shoes.



This shawl-collared jacket holds its shape pretty well in odd poses. I was especially impressed with the collar. It stands beautifully.



I am descending into Halloween Madness as I write! The eyes are going first. These are Mia Snow's eyes available in four colors at the Halloween event on Twomoons Island.

Jacket: Fri.day "Kristen Jacket" (mesh)
Dress: LeeZu "Sophia Dress" (system/mesh)
Shoes: Schadenfreude "Cygnette" (mesh)
Hair: Truth "Geri"
Skin: Mother Goose "Nadine 1L$" (dollarbie version)
Eyes: MiaSnow "Ebil Brimstone"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Bang

Love,
Serene

KANJI

I was excited to see that NV has a shop in Vintage Fair this year. It isn't the first time I've tried one of their corsets. Last time I found one inspired by bengali tiger skin, of all things! And this season's designs are also luscious. This luxe model sits highlighted on the mannequin at the center of the shop. The red and gold kanji print made me want to stroke the silky fabric.



And I love the almost tactile leather texture on this evening clutch. Zenith's leather bag can be held in hand or dangled over your forearm.



I wore these new pieces over a couple of my favorite simple wardrobe staples, and added some dramatic golden earrings and wicked heels. Ready for a night on the town!

Corset: NV "Kanji" (mesh)(Vintage Fair)
Purse: Zenith "Cherry Ostrich Leather Bag" (Vintage Fair)
Shirt: Whippet and Buck "Claven"
Skirt: Mon Tissu "Oxford Pencil Skirt" (mesh)
Boots: Gos "Desire" (mesh)(texture change HUD)
Earrings: Mandala "Monica Inca Gold"
Hair: booN "GGL309"
Hairbase: booN "gathered mid hairbase"
Skin: Essences "Indy" (Vintage Fair)
Lipstick: Essences "Indy Lipstick 19" (Vintage Fair)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Don't Freak Out, Flowey and Lazy Places (unavailable)

Love,
Serene

BLUE SPOT

LeeZu's little ruffled jacket does a nice job dressing up this boho gown for an evening out, don't you think? I love the flexibility.  ... And the dress. Simple bandeau top, fun gathered and blousy skirt. But what made me smile was the texture-change HUD. Change the dress to twenty different textures with one little click. Some Paisley and tie-dyed like this one, some lacy, some color blocked, some geometic and sequinned. One dress, many looks.



And Hatpins is offering these sweet little jewels. Some of them are unabashedly vintage, others fit very well with what's modern. I'm still fascinated by these tiny prims, and by people who can make these beautiful little things without getting permanently crossed eyes. :D



Jacket: LeeZu "Yriin" (Vintage Fair)
Gown: Liv Glam "Marchesa Maxi Gown" (Vintage Fair)
Earrings: Hatpins "What Wrought" (Vintage Fair)
Hair: Wasabi Pills "Veronica" (Vintage Fair)
Skin: Essences "Indy" (Vintage Fair)
Lipstick: Essences "Indy Lipstick 15" (Vintage Fair)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Marukin and Stakey

Love,
Serene

EXPLORER AT THE RUINS

I put on my Explorer hat and went over to the LEA sims to see Marcus Inkpen's installation before it packs up in a couple of days. I wasn't disappointed. The rich, atmospheric textures are something you shouldn't miss. If you aren't trying to photograph an outfit, get into the environmental settings and tinker. Wow.



The mood is not left to chance or the Lab's shadow settings, but is baked into every piece. these Escheresque reflecting spheres revolve slowly, peacefully, almost inviting you to stop, sit down, and meditate. Still photos don't really convey the feeling, so you should see it yourself.



And yes, I am featuring several gorgeous stuffs I picked up at Vintage Fair. The luscious Moira Skin, perfect for redheads. Plastik's lovingly antiqued corset. LeeZu's crinkle-textured cropped jacket, with a flamboyant flipped-up collar. And Ison brought their all-the-way-up-to-there leather platform boots.



Corset: Plastik "Daunting Fate" (mesh)(Vintage Fair)
Cropped Jacket: LeeZu "Lana" (Vintage Fair)
Boots: Ison "Carazon" (mesh)(Vintage Fair)
Pants: Silentsparrow "(Copper) Severin Suit Pants"
Hat: LeLutka "Safari Hat"
Hair: booN "KOKU99" (unrigged mesh bangs)(all colors for L$10!)
Hairbase: booN "Gathered Raised Hairbase"
Skin: Essences "Moira" (Vintage Fair)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Cosmetics: Eyeliner and Lipstick by Essences (Vintage Fair)
Poses: by Frooti and Label Motion
Location: The Returning by Marcus Inkpen (LEA17)

Love,
Serene

RITA

Solidea Folies is offering three outfits at Vintage Fair that are based on the same mesh Gown, but with varying system, flexi and sculpted attachments. This outfit is called "Sabrina" and in addition to what pieces you see here, it also includes a belt and gloves. I like the complete outfit but I dressed it down a little bit by leaving some pieces at home. The outfit felt frilly enough for me with the fabric flowers and netting. I appreciate that flexibility.



Today I wanted to show you Essences Indy skin in black. I like how it looks with the soft vintage hair; I think the texture looks like something a black woman might get with a relaxer and pomade. These TuTy hairs are pushing the the edge of shiny-ness but I like them in the darker colors, black, browns, and there is even a nice dark red that reminded me of Jessica Rabbit :D



Gown: Solidea Folies "Sabrina" (also includes a belt and gloves)(Vintage Fair)
Hair: TuTy's "Diva"(Vintage Fair)
Skin: Essences "Indy Black" (Vintage Fair)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by oOo Studio (Vintage Fair)
Location: Bayjou Theater in Bay City

Love,
Serene

TRAVELLER

I'm ready to step out for some weekend fun. Just a short hop on plane, train or automobile. My overnight bag is packed, and my clothes are stylish but comfortable enough. Daring jacket, capris. and sexy red-hot shoes.



Purple Moon's delish new leather jacket is bound to be a big crowd pleaser. I had a hard time deciding which color combination to show you because they are all so tempting. Trust me, I drooled all over the brown and teal version of the jacket. :D



I never had heard of TuTy's hair before, but this shop is offering several truly vintage styles. I am impressed with how much I like this hair, even though it bends several of my usual rules. the hair is very shiny, but I think it reproduces beautifully the pomaded and controlled styles of the early twentieth century. This wig is intended to reproduce a 1940's style but I think it would also work well with black skins, because if you look closely it shows a bit of frizz as if it has been treated with a relaxer. Maybe I'll blog this look next.

Jacket: Purple Moon "Taylor Leather" (mesh)(Vintage Fair)
Shirt: Whippet and Buck "Diane"
Pants: Lush Limited "Rose Pants" (mesh)(Vintage Fair)
Shoes: SLink "Vintage 2-Strap Pumps" (mesh)(Vintage Fair)
Glasses: Artilleri "Meredith" (Vintage Fair)
Bag: Status "Travel Bag" (pose prop)(Vintage Fair)
Hair: TuTy's "Romantic" (includes hair base)(Vintage Fair)
Feet: SLink "Women's Medium Height Bare Feet" (mesh)(Vintage Fair)
Skin: Essences "Indy Pale" (Vintage Fair)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Eyeliner: Don't Freak Out "faux twiggy lashes"
Poses: by Status (pose set with bag prop)(Vintage Fair)

Love,
Serene

AT BETTIE'S DINER

Girl on a budget sits in a worn booth in her neighborhood diner. She works hard to look cute, spending time on her makeup and pressing her chintz dress so that it looks neat and well-cared-for even in summertime.



Even though she obviously has no money, confidence has its attraction. Confidence she has in spades.



Vintage Fair starts today! Are you ready?

Dress: CIA Designs "Vintage Dress" (Vintage Fair)
(The dress is not textured on the inside, if that kind of thing bothers you)
Shoes: Bliensen and Maitai "Shimmy Sha-wobble" (Vintage Fair)
Hat/Hair: Millinery Shoppe "Summer Roses Straw Cloche" (Vintage Fair)
Skin: the Skinnery "Sophia Pin-Up" (Vintage Fair)
Makeup: the Skinnery "Flapper Makeup" (Vintage Fair)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"

Love,
Serene