SWEATER WEATHER

A quick outfit for shopping can be fun with a few little spooky details … creepy monster eyes and a bloody face tattoo. If the tattoo says something dorky, please don't tell me OK?



Eyes: Avi-Glam "Sinister Eyes - Cursed" (the Dark Style Fair)
Tattoo: Lychee "The Heretic" (omega applier)
Makeup: AlaskaMetro "Black Magic" (Salem)
Sweater: Erratic "Laura"
Shoes: Livalle "Cambridge Oxford Creepers"
Hair: Lamb "Love"
Jeans: Maitreya (vintage unavailable)
Head/Body by Catwa and Maitreya
Pose: by Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

A LIL FOXY

I was feeling a little foxy today, so I pulled some classy vintage fur out of the closet. Anya Ohmai made this beautiful stole for Collabor88 ages ago. And the earrings are an old gift from Donna Flora. The pants are by Aranel Oh. Her in-world store is gone, but you can still get goods from the Boom store on the SL Marketplace.


Sweater: Amitomo "Warmest Day" (gacha)
Pants: Boom! "Norfold Tweeds" (on SL Marketplace)
Faux Fur: Ohmai! "A Lil' Foxy" (vintage)
Earrings: Donna Flora "Poison Drops" (vintage)
Shoes: Noodles "Amelia Flats Vintage" (not really vintage)
Sunglasses: Sorgo "Yaung" (now at Collabor88)
Undershirt: by Whippet and Buck
Hair: booN "Lab.004" (now at Hairology) *perfection*
Skin: Essences "Galadriel"
Hands and Feet: by SLink
Lipstick: Croire "Mischief Night Gloss" (vintage)
Animation: by Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

NEVERMORE

Gothic isn't always dressed down. It can also have all the sophistication of this marbled-fabric gown, embellished with fur, feathers, and jewels. (It doesn't show in these photos, but there is also a feathered fan on my tush.) I am perfectly gowned for some dark ballroom among the unseelie or the vampire clans.



And I can't tell you how impressed I am with this necklace from the Bliensen and Maitai shop. at first glance it just seems a shiny black, but under advanced lighting there is this eerie green sheen. I can't stop staring ...



Dress: Pale Empress "Nevermore" (at World Goth Fair)
Necklace: Bliensen and Maitai "Mano" (at World Goth Fair)
Wristlets: The Dark Fae "Say It With Bones" (at World Goth Fair)
Shoes: ZOZ "Storm Silver" (for SLink High Feet)(at World Goth Fair)
Eyes: Pin Me Down "Mori" (at World Goth Fair)
Hair: Taketomi "Eulalia"
Skin: Essences "Inogen"
Lipstick: Pink Acid "Gothic Lipgloss"
Hands and Feet: by SLink
Ears: by Aitui
Lashes: by LeLutka
Poses: by Del May and Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

BUBBLEGUM

Does the future have to be dark and dystopian? I say no. So do the designers over at Futurewave! Happily there are also bright happy colors and impressive technology. For example this fab outfit ... by Zibska.



Obviously all the bubblegum-pink spheres are floating in anti-gravity. The pieces come with texture change HUDs so you can have everything in lots of different lovely colors.



Outfit: Zibska "Otthild" (at FutureWave)
Boots: Zibska "Tora" (at FutureWave)
Hair: Truth "Ivana"
Skin: Essences "Alice Yuki"
Eyes: Pin Me Down "Mecha" (at FutureWave)
Facial Tattoo: Kooqla "Lost Verse" (group gift)
Poses: by Adorkable and Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

A MOONLIT HOLIDAY

Even in this time of year with the longest nights your Holiday can sparkle! This dark gown from The White Armory has all the sparkle of night-time ice. The fabric has a lovely subtle shine and glitter. You can find it at Gothmas by Gaslight.



With some elven hairsticks to hold up your updo. They come in a rainbow of colors but the violet is my favorite. Perfect for any snow Queen!



Gown: The White Armory "Gothmas Swagger Gown" (at Gothmas by Gaslight)
Hairsticks: ISD "Winter's Dream Hairsticks" (at Gothmas by Gaslight)
Hair: Exile "L.A." (gacha)
Skin: Essences "Loulou"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Ears: by Aitui
Hands: by SLink
Lashes: by LeLutka
Eyeshadow: Miamai "Decoshadows" (vintage gift)
Poses: by Del May and Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

GOING QUACKERS

Do you mind if I do a few more Fall outfits before I swing full-speed into Christmas and winter stuff? I'm still trying to pretend it's not November. Life is chaos right now and I'm honestly not ready for winter.



Now in the close-up photo below, I am particularly pleased with these new Aitui ears. They come with a HUD that has a generous selection of skin color presets and also a color picker for your tinting pleasure. One of the presets just happened to be a perfect match with this skin. And the shape is lovely isn't it?



Scarf: S&S "Soopascarf"
Jacket: Kitja Cherie "Luna Trench Coat"
Purse: Zenith "Duck Head Bag" (gacha)
Skirt: Mon Tissu "Oxford Pencil Skirt"
Shoes: David Heather "Bomber Boots"
Glasses: Reek "Junior Shades" (vintage)
Hair: Discord Designs "Iona"
Skin: Essences "Ingrid"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Ears: Aitui "Ear Gen 4 Naked"
Lipstick: Buzzeri "Cara Lip - Muted Red"
Poses: by Diesel Works and Don't Freak Out

Love,
Serene

SWEET SURIE

I just can't resist showing you another one of FatePlay's outfits from the Mystic Realms faire today! This Surie outfit includes a leather corselet with bracers, tunic, pants and boots, available in eight colors. The craftsmanship is really lovely. If you are using advanced graphics features, you can see the very subtle sheen on the leather bits: the top edge of the corselet is catching the light, just a little shiny but not too much. I also love the little wrinkles in the fabric on her arms, it looks very natural.



I promise this is not a Gratuitous Portrait close-up. Take a look at the fabric of the tunic. Can you see that sweet floral texture? Wow. I am impressed. I know I know, it's not every day you get to see a wood elf this close. After all, you breathe so loudly that I could shoot you in the dark. (Gratuitous Tolkien reference.)



Outfit: FATEplay "Surie" (at Mystic Realms Fair starting today)
Hair: Little Bones "Rusted Aero"
Hairbase: by booN
Skin: Essences "Ingrid - Uber" (at Uber)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Ears/Earrings: Schadenfreude "Fey Ears Spiral Horn w/rings" (w/ texture change HUD)
Poses: by Diesel Works and Epiphany

Love,
Serene

OPHELIA

Junbug is one of my favorite new stores specializing mostly in fantasy gowns. Now occasionally I have to work at fitting my shape to some of the dresses and skirts; make sure to demo them and make sure you can make them work for you before you spend your money. I think the gowns are lovely but I've had problems with a couple of the gacha. Caveat emptor.



Wow.

Gown: Junbug "Ophelia"
Camisole: PixelDolls "Tintable Cami" (vintage unavailable)
Necklace: La Gyo "Titiana" (texture change)
Hair: Truth "Shae"
Skin: Essences "Galadriel"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Lipstick: Dead Apples "Balm Stains - Bubbles Medium"
Hands: by SLink
Poses: by Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

FALLING

An intriguing print changes a simple dress into something more stimulating. This print makes me think of strange undersea creations ... is that an octopus? :D  There were several prints and colors on the texture-change HUD. I like this print in the aqua green too.



Dress: LIV-Glam "I Can't Stand the Rain" (texture-change HUD)
Shoes: Tulip "Buckled Wedge Sandal"
Hair: Little Bones "Rusted Aero"
Hairbase: by Truth
Skin: Essences "Galadriel"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Eyeshadow: Dead Apples "Ose Gold"
Lipstick: Dead Apples "Balm Stains Fall Colors - Naked Brown"
Hands and Feet: by SLink
Pose: by Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER

Summer is officially over and to be honest I am really relieved. This Summer and this year have been horrible. Good Riddance!



There has been a lot of death and near-death around this year so I think Ms. Singh's "Death Meme" this week is apropos ... I think I'll do this one!

1. Do you ever think about Dying? How do you expect you'll die? I have thought about dying a bit the last few years. Not wishful thinking really, but when life is hard I get pessimistic. I'm working on that.

2. Do you believe in an afterlife? If so, how do you visualize it? Yes I believe in heaven and hell but hell is easier to imagine. I try not to visualize the specifics of heaven, except for peaceful Happiness. We could all use more of that right? Oh wait, also heaven must have a beach. And pitchers of lemonade.

3. What is your preferred form of apocalypse and why? If we must have an apocalypse, I hope it is quick. How about a nice supernova?

4. How many times have you cheated death so far? I've been disgustingly healthy until this year. But when my doctor was describing my surgery, he still looked a little scared. I guess having someone almost die on the table is memorable.

5. What fictional villain would you be okay being killed by? What seriously? I'm not really up with the sexy-movie-villain thing. Loki is a punk.

6. If you're murdered, do you stay and haunt the culprits forever, or do you give up that opportunity to go to heaven/hell/Cancun? They say happiness is the best revenge, so I'm off to heaven. Just not yet okay? My daughter needs me.

7. Will you have done everything you wanted by the time you die? Of course not. But nearly dying this year has made me more determined to get off my butt and stop making excuses.

Dress: Evie's Closet "Sigrid"
Jewelry: Kunglers "Leaf Jewelry" (old from the Dressing Room)
Hair: D!va "Lili"
Skin: Essences "Galadriel"
Eyes: Song "Toki - Abyss"
Hands: by SLink
Poses: by Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

BRIGGS

It's been a while since I've shown any men's wear, but occasionally I can't resist! FATEwear has released several sweet new jackets. You can purchase individual colors, but if you buy a fatpack they come with scripted HUDs that change the color of the jacket and the shirt separately. Every jacket includes a hood-down, hood-up, and open version, and you can wear them without the shirt. Lovely.

Jacket/Shirt: FATEwear "Briggs" (w/texture change HUD)
Shorts: Ison "Denim Cut-Off"
Skin: Kooqla "Gray (mr. Frost)" (old group gift)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Bat Pose Prop: by Diesel Works (old gift)

Love,
Serene

FLEUR

Time is just flying by and we only have through tomorrow to visit Fashion for Life! I can't believe it. If you haven't visited yet, now's your chance. There are still so many things I want to show you so I'd better get on it! This dress is a cute entry from a new-to-me shop called Kaithleen's. This sweet little floral print is also available in brighter, more summery colors but I was just loving this fresh white.



I like silver and white so I matched the dress with a silver star manicure from Flair and this Fleur-de-Lis ring from Swallow ...



If you would like a teleport list of shop locations, please visit the Fashion for Life blog.

Dress: Kaithleen's "Long Summer Dress - White" (at Fashion for Life)
Ring: Swallow "Lily Ring Silver" (at Fashion for Life)
Fingernails: by Flair (at Fashion for Life)
Hair: Little Bones "Take Everything"
Skin: Essences "Athena"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Hands: by SLink
Poses: by Diesel Works, Glitterati and Juxtapose

Love,
Serene

TAILCOAT AND BREECHES

I picked up this loverly Tailcoat and paired it with some brocade breeches that I already had in my closet. Boom's Tailcoat is also available in a men's version and comes with a wonderful HUD that lets you customize the shirt, vest, buttons and tiepin. This is a keeper ladies!! Go try it on! You won't regret it.



Tailcoat/Shirt/Cravat: Boom "Sixty-Two Jacket Set" (w/ texture-change HUD)
Breeches: Panda Express "Cut at the Knee"
Pocketwatch: Eclectica "Mechanika Fob Watch" (recent gift)
Shoes: Lassitude and Ennui "Versailles" (tinted a darker shade of black)
Stockings: Atomic "Twinkle Tights"
Jewel: Plastik "Lys Circlet" (RFL version)
Hair: Wasabi Pills "Darienne"
Skin: Pink Fuel "Drow Night Pure" (w/ a whole bunch of appliers)
Eyes: Dead Apples "Shattered Silver"
Hands: by SLink
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Horns: Half-Deer "Aventine Horns Black Magic" (gacha)
Poses: by Adorkable and Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

KAPOW ZAP

I'm glad not everything this month is Fluffy and Flowery. I am quite enjoying this edgy dress with the modern textile and the super-structured shoulders. Happy Valentines! I love you all.



Dress: Cashmere "Bowma Dress" (at the Chapter Four I think?)
Shoes: fri.day "Amelia Heels Electric" (50% off sale)
Earrings: Shiny Things "Nighttime Gems" (vintage, color change)
Hair: booN "cornrows hairbase" and "UDE609" (bun hairpiece)
Skin: Essences "Amaterasu"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Eyeliner: Kooqla "Z-eyeliner"
Hands and Feet: by SLink
Pose: by Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

URBAN FRAME OF MIND

You know how they say in New York City there is only one color? Black isn't really a color, even though I love wearing it. So I added a patterned monochrome dress underneath. The coat is understated but the collar shape is lovely.



I wanted a pop of color and No. 7 has this nice glossy red lipstick out just now. It's serendipity.



These fabulous heels are a hint that there might be something hot hidden underneath the monochrome coat. The chain and heel ornaments are so delicate, but at the same time as tough as steel. Try them on and take a close look at the details. Wow.

Coat: LIV-Glam "K Collection - Angel in the Snow Coat"
Dress: LIV-Glam "Even Cowgirls Gets the Blues"
Heels: Miamai "Xanadu Chain Stiletto" (at Shoetopia)
Lipstick: No. 7 "Kissing Lipstick"
Hair: Lamb "Stay Don't Go" (at Collabor88)
Skin: Essences "Olyvia" (50L Friday but similar skins available)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Eyeliner: by Essences
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Hands and Feet: by SLink
Poses: by Diesel Works and Epiphany
Love,
Serene

OUBLIETTE REDUX

So this morning, Achariya really got me pissed by telling me that one of my favorite sims is thinking about closing.



Because I have a Black Belt in Grieving, I can do all five stages of grief at the same time.

1. Denial: "Oh I'm sure she'll change her mind. Building is habit forming!"
2. Anger: "How is it that every damn ugly strip-mall-in-a-toilet survives, but one of the prettiest places in SL might have to close?!?"
3. Bargaining: "Maybe if enough of us go and buy their amazing jewels, gowns and trees?"
4. Depression: *pouts and stamps booted feets*
5. Acceptance: "Maybe I'd better go take lots of piccies just in case it really happens ..."



I love to go here, just to watch the amazing shift of the seasons and to make myself happy in all this beauty. Every time I go there are lots of new little spots to explore. This visit, it seems as if all the seasons are crowded in, summer flowers over glorious autumn leaves. Go go go! Go now!



Cloak: Mr. Poet “Knit Scarf” (sculpted part of a men’s outfit)
   (Will someone please make a cloak like this in rigged mesh?)
Chainmail Shirt: bitch “Chain Mail Sleeved Doublet and Bracers”
   (This is a clothing brand by Maxwell Graf a.k.a. Rustica)
Pants: Panda Express “Cut at the Knee”
Necklace: Lassitude and Ennui “Lion’s Paw Torque”
Belt: Mabinogion “Medieval Belt”
Sword: Varen “Requiem Katana” (SL Marketplace)
Boots: Schadenfreude “Amargosa” (VIP Group gift)
Hair: D!va “Giz” (@ the Arcade Gacha)
Skin: Essences “Amaterasu 05” (Gacha @ the Chapter Four)
Eyes: Ikon “Ardent”
Hands: by SLink
White Makeup: Nuuna “Rinn Makeup White 70”
Teal Makeup: Nuuna “Sabe Makeup Aqua 50”
Purple Makeup: Nuuna “Lyre Makeup Violet”
Red Makeup: Visavi “Warpaint / Sacrifice”
Poses: by Del May and Diesel Works
Location: Oubliette

Love,
Serene

FOODIE HEAVEN

Do you love pixel food like I do? Yes? Well pop on by the Food Fair and treat yourself to some sugar! A mix of food-inspired clothing, food décor and a few poses. Gacha machines! Lots of good fun.



How about a mouse-ears headband made of donuts?



The fortune cookie purse is just adorable, and the fortunes printed on the strap change on touch to ten different sweet platitudes.



A messily eaten cupcake. And gacha sweets on rings.



Fruity knee tattoos and Cuppie Flats! These are a few of my favorite things! :D

Headband: Sugar "Yummy Bites Headband" (gacha at Food Fair)
Frosting: Sugar Heart "Messy Mouth & Rainbow Sprinkles" (Food Fair)
Knee Tattoos: Sugar Heart "Fruit Kneenja" (gacha at Food Fair)
Purse: Adore and Abhor "Fortune Cookie Bag" (at Food Fair)
Rings: Zanzibar "Mini Cake Rings" (gacha at Food Fair)
Shoes: A*S "Happy Food Flat Shoes" (at Food Fair)
Shirt: House of Fox "Puff Sleeve Blouse" (at Collabor88)
Hair: Analog Dog "Fablespoon" (at Hair Fair)
Shorts: Tres Blah "Denim Bermuda Shorts"
Glasses: Slug "Clubmaster Shades Pink"
Skin: Essences "Opera Summertime"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Poses: by Animazoo, Diesel Works, Estetica, and Ma Vie

Love,
Serene

WISHFUL THINKING

This is wishful thinking because, as I write, a few inches of snow are threatening the lives of my purple crocuses. Adept at denial, today I am getting my dose of springtime in Ode.



This gown from Liv Glam is available starting today. The "Chic La Mode" collection will be available with new items every week right next to the mainstore landing point. For example this dress. The package includes a HUD that delivers whichever size dress you choose, and on touch you can change it to six textures. I love them all, but this blue and purple floral is my favorite.



This wistfully sweet little floral branch in my hair? There is also another version with falling petals.  *love them!*

Dress: LIV-Glam "Spring 2013 Jardin Beach Maxi Dress" (Chic La Mode @ mainstore)
Headdress: La Gyo "Amande" (The Dressing Room Fusion)
Hair: booN "UUT644"
Skin: Glam Affair "Amberly - Artic - Candy" (Collabor88)
Eyes: Ikon "Lucid"
Lashes: Lelutka "Photoshoot II"
Poses: by Diesel Works and Flowey

Love,
Serene

SIMPLICITY

Today I'm all cuddled up in minty goodness trying to warm up in advance of real spring. But really I'll admit that this outfit is all about this shirt. How do I love it? Let me count the ways. I love the way the unfolded cuffs come down over the backs of my hands, and how the collar is not exactly symmetrical. I love how the seamstress took the time with all the little details. I love how there is a strip of seam binding going around the inside of the collar where most people would hardly even notice it. I love the way that the folds lie around my waist and lower back, and the way the fabric pinches up at the shoulders. And all that is wrapped in a simple sweet minty print! *applause*



I added some spring pink details cause, well ... just because. And I have all this pink in my cheeks because I have been digging in my imaginary garden, getting soil ready for flowers. Of course my imaginary garden does not rudely put dirt all over my new pants. :P Now where did I put my gloves and spade?



Why yes, I do garden in high heels. Doesn't everyone?

Shirt: Mon Tissu "Spade Blouse - Mint Garden"
Undershirt: Whippet and Buck "Cole Boatneck Top - Cherry Blossom"
Pants: Teefy "Soft Wool Jersey Leggings Mint" (at Fameshed)
Shoes: Pixel Mode "Baby T's"
Earrings: Zibska "Amelie"
Hair: Exile "Collide"
Hairbase: Tiny Bird "Blacks Pack Hairbase" (unavailable)
Skin: Kooqla "Aurora Snowqueen"
Lipstick: Kooqla "O-lips07" (made for Ojen skinset)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Poses: by Diesel Works

Love,
Serene

HALF HITCH MARINA

Believe it or not, it was very easy to fit this new hairdo under my Captain's Hat. And no hat-head when I took it off later, either. I love it!



I love the shape of this shirt because it is loose and comfy in this hot hot weather. But it isn't too baggy to see that I am a woman. I still have a waist.



Okay just one more pretty shot of the Marina ... I love water!



Hat: Kari "Aye Aye Cap"
Tanktop: Bilo "Boyfriend Tank" (mesh)
Shorts: TokiDoki "Artisan Shorts" (mesh)
Jewelry: Earthstones "Tumbled Stones" (previous Collabor88 event)
Shoes: Ingenue "Organique Flats"
Hair: Lamb "Wild at Heart" (mesh)(at Hair Fair)
Skin: Illusory "Love_Cocoa - Shindig" (previous TDR)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Facelight: Nlight FREE 2.0 (free on SL Marketplace)
Poses: by Animazoo, Diesel Works and Frooti
Location: Half Hitch

Love,
Serene