THE IT GIRL

When the "Genre" Venue opened, I was glad that there would finally be a place to go see a variety of fantasy, sci-fi and film genre categories, and the current incarnation is a joyful collection of Deco period-inspired pieces. Loving it! So here is a sweet little gown by Senzafine. The twenties girls wore long, body-skimming, slimming sheaths, sure to frustrate the girls with curves like me :D but you can go on a slider diet and slip into one of these hot little numbers.



I selected one of Curio's Vintage skins for its sassy bow lips, and added a glam new eye shadow by Kooqla from the Cosmetic Fair. This cosmetic also comes in a bouquet of summer colors. The liquid metallic look is en vogue.



Gown: Senzafine "Josephine" (@Genre)
Jewels: Dark Mouse "Deco Squared" (vintage)
Shoes: Lassitude and Ennui "Boudoir Mules"
Hair: Exile "Bad Reputation"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Moonbeam [Light] Vintage" (vintage)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Shadow: Kooqla "Liquid Shadow 02" (@Cosmetic Fair)
Poses: by Don't Freak Out (vintage)

Love,
Serene

PRINCESS VALIANT

I liked what I saw at Fantasy Faire in the De La Soul booth, so I went around to see their store afterward. I couldn't resist this outfit! Actually, the armor and tunic are two purchases; the armor is made to fit over the tunic set. The Armor is modifiable and comes with Textures you can use to customize the Shield and the front of the Breastplate with your own Crest. The pose is built into the combat HUD; it doesn't include combat meter scripts, but the sword is modifiable so you could add one.



I dug into my old inventory and found these still-awesome "Battle Royale" warrior skins from Curio. Gala Phoenix's 50% off sale is winding up today I believe, so go quickly!!



Ready for war!!

Armor/Tunic: De La Soul "Valiant Armor" and "Valiant Tunic"
Skin: Curio "Battle Royale" (50% off Sale)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Location: Le Mont Saint Michel (Edelweiss Shop)
Pose: Built into weapon HUD

Love,
Serene

SILVER SCREEN SIBYLLA

Yes, I am a fan of retro consignment shops. LIV-Glam has released the classic "Sibylla" gown, with a HUD that changes it to six different color combinations. Only L$55? Really? Even though it's brand new, and doesn't smell like Bal-a-Versailles and mothballs?



The timing was serendipity itself. I just purchased Curio's "Vintage" skins in a Mega Pack at Gala's fifty percent off sale. Every single skin she sells is half price until May 4th, when she will close her shop and re-tool everything with brand new skins. So if there is a skin pack you wanted but couldn't afford, now is the time!



This skin came in a pack with ten skin tones, multiplied by twelve makeups, everything with or without freckles. That comes to TWO HUNDRED FORTY skin options. If I photographed them all, this would be a really, really, really long post!



Oh yes and a darker eyebrow tattoo for good measure. All for L$1000. You can't beat that can you?



Gown: LIV-Glam "Sibylla"
Earrings: Dark Mouse "Deco Squared" (unavailable)
Shoes: SLink "Vintage 2-Strap Pumps" (for wear with mesh feet)
Hair: Exile "Break Away"
Skin: Curio "Vintage" (50% off Sale)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Feet: SLink "Medium Height Barefeet"
Poses: by oOo Studio

Love,
Serene

THE SHADOW QUEEN

This outfit with all its yummy purple goodness, fantasy candy!! You need it. Really. This and many other mind blowing wares are at Fantasy Faire until April 28. Don't miss it, you will kick yourself around the town!



Outfit: Mystic Hope "Shadow Queen" (at Fantasy Faire)
Facepaint: Nuuna "Lyre" (at Cosmetic Faire)
Boots: Lapointe and Bastchild "Elise"
Hair: booN "JOPE57" bangs and hairbase
Skin: Curio ":GP: Moonbeam [Dark] Pout-Melancholy Baby"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: Lelutka "Photoshoot II"
Lipgloss: Croire "Mischief Night Gloss"
Pose: by Del May

Love,
Serene

LAVENDER FIELDS

I'm sure I've said it before. I have a crush on Purple and Green, separately but even more together. My favorite color combination Evar. So please excuse me while I indulge myself.



Those of you who haven't visited the new Free*Style shop, you really must!! The prices range between L$0 - 50 and these strings of pearls from Lassitude and Ennui are amazingly one of the free gifts. One of my other favorite jewelry stores, Eclectica, has some lovely earrings there too, but I switched them out at the last second for these beauties from the mainstore. Go Free*Style now, what are you waiting for?



Top: Sassy! "Intrigue Blouse"
Pants: Lush Limited "Sherlock Pants - Forest"
Belt: fri.day "Wide Waist Belt (Sugar Plum)"
Shoes/Feet: SLink "Vintage 2-Stap Pumps" and "Medium Height Barefeet"
Earrings: Eclectica "Pearl Mixables Midlength Earrings"
Necklaces: Lassitude and Ennui "Stacked Pearls" (at Free*Style)
Hair: booN "YNO421"
Hairbases: booN "Gathered Raised Hairbase" and Tiny Bird (unavailable)
Skin: Curio ":GP: Moonbeam [Dark] Pout-Melancholy Baby 2"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Poses: by Adorkable

Love,
Serene

CHERRYBLOSSOM

A little old and a little new, today I'm just sporting a casual little outfit. I'm loving this sweet little bit of pink silk from Sassy. It's really supposed to be a minidress, but I like it tucked into Auxiliary's jeans.



And I went looking for something in the springtime aesthetic for the shoes. La Gyo's floral oxfords are old faves but they fit the bill perfectly.



Today I was missing seeing new releases of Gala's skins so I thought I'd wear one of my favorite fresh faces. Hope to hear more from her soon ...

Top: Sassy! "Mandarin Dress"
Pants: Auxiliary "Skinny Jeans"
Shoes: La Gyo "Floral Oxford Shoes"
Hair: Exile "Groove Theory"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Sweetheart - Rose 2"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose (unavailable)

Love,
Serene

WAITING FOR INSPIRATION

Some days I am waiting for Inspiration to come back and bite me on the butt. So while I wait, I put on something comfy, and hang around with my horsies.



And wait for ideas ...



This is an odd camera angle but I wanted to show you the back of this hairstyle. From the front it looks like a simple little updo, but Analog Dog really tickled my fancy with these little bobby-pinned curls in the back! Oh and I should probably mention that this 'do is free, with several other cute wigs. Go find the "Freeball" ladies! I'll bet while you are there something else will catch your eye.

Sweater: Tulip "Oversized Cardigan"
Shirt: Whippet and Buck "Maddy Lace-Inset Top"
Leggings: Rebel X "Leggings Wool" (unavailable)
Glasses: Slug "Clubmaster Shades - Wood"
Boots: Slink "Vanity Boots"
Hair: Analog Dog "Ladonna Nutmeg" (free gift)
Skin: Curio ":GP: Petal [Dark] Party Girl - Cured 2"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Lelutka "Photoshoot II"
Lamp: by D-Lab
Poses: by !Bang and Long Awkward Pose (unavailable)

Love,
Serene

PAISLEY

Layers and layers of texture, paisley over metallic sheen over tactile tweeds and tartan. I'm loving it!



Yes, I decided that this January is the month of Curio after her skins were unavailable for so long. I love Gala's skins, ESPECIALLY the ones with very little makeup. A real beauty looks amazing even straight out of bed with messy hair, right?



Oh and of course I bought WAAAY too many of the Secret Store's purses at the last Arcade Gacha. Hello, my name is Serene, and I am a Gachaholic ...

Jacket: Ricelli "Muriel"
Scarf: Apple May Designs "Boho Scarf Lilac"
Shirt: Whippet and Buck "Claven Lace Blouse"
Pants: Boom "Norfolk Tweeds"
Purse: The Secret Store "Tiny Satchels" (gacha)
Shoes: G Field "Figure Pumps Tartan Brown"
Hair: Maitreya "Natalie"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Acorn [Dark] Party Girl - Bubbly 2"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Lelutka "Photoshoot II"
Poses: by Penny Dreadful Arcade

Love,
Serene

SOMETIMES IT'S JUST A TRAIN

It is fun to notice the symbolism of your dreams, but sometimes a train is just a train. Now your nightmares, on the other hand, have a lot to teach.



It usually starts gently, and goes wrong from there. It's easy enough to climb aboard a rusty old train, just out of curiosity.



A lot of nightmares and horror movies are rooted in our fear that we are becoming mechanized, becoming cogs in some machine and later realizing that the machine serves some evil purpose. At first it seems just brilliant, we get caught up in all our own cleverness, and then it all goes off the rails. (Ever see "The Tommyknockers" based on Stephen King?)



The train goes faster and faster but I need to run and run to keep up or I will fall off ... (I know that seems wrong but dreams have their own rules)



I couldn't run fast enough and my heart is pounding insanely as I tumble back into the waiting wheat.

We are terrified of being mechanized, but I am convinced that in the future, people will be far more terrified of Nature. I think our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be far too comfortable with the idea of interfacing with machines. Is resistance futile?

Jacket: Valentina E. "Bloused Sleeve Jacket" (new at Fameshed)
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui "Lazy Boots" (new at L'Accessoires)
Corset: NV "Tan Verne Mesh Corset" (new-ish)
Glasses: Deco "Mesh Atomic Sunglasses" (texture change lenses)
Earrings: Bliensen and Maitai "Industrial Revolution"
Ring: Earthstones "Kameron Ring"
Watch: DCCXXIII "W19 Watch" (inavailable)
Hat: To A T "Gents Steampunk Regency Top Hat" (unavailable)
Undershirt: Boudoir "Lace Bodice"
Pants: Pink Outfitters "The Editor Pant"
Socks: Schadenfreude "Leith Spat Socks" (tinted)(comes with boots)
Violin: Bang "Strolling Violin" Pose Prop (with built in pose)
Hair: Exile "Stay the Night"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Acorn [Dark] Party Girl - Bubbly 2"
Poses: by Bang, Frooti and HelaMiyo
Location: The Far Away by AM Radio

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

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

STELLA

Time to get in the mood for all things Vintage! Whether you want to look back at the Fashions and Furnishings your grandparents used, or glam up like one of the classic screen stars of a black-and-white era, you will find what you are looking for at Vintage Fair.



Now, you know I like to play dress up. Don't you? You'll get your chance on August 4th through the 29th. I'm glad it will be open so long, because we'll all need plenty of time to browse and enjoy.



(I cheated a little. Diram made two versions of this outfit: one is a short dress, the other is a bolero jacket and short pants. The hat came with the dress version but here I'm wearing it here with the bolero.)

Hat/Bolero Jacket: Diram "Brigitte" (new at Vintage Fair)
Skirt: Mon Tissu "Oxford Pencil Skirt"
Shoes: Ingenue "Gatsby Heels" (available at Vintage Fair)
Hair: booN "KED937"
Hairbase: booN "gathered lower hairbase"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Moonbeam [Light] Sweetheart - Rose"
Radio: by Aris Aris
Poses: by CheerNo (new at Vintage Fair)

Love,
Serene

HUNTING BENTHAM

The best thing a hunter can learn is to master the ability to hold perfectly still and listen. If they don't hear you, the other inhabitants of the woods will go quietly about their business. But maybe not quietly enough.



But sometimes something dangerous might be hunting you. Time to go!



Aaaah! ... just a bird. *whew*

(Even though these pants from the Essencial shop are a plain rendition of a full perm kit, I still rather like them for roleplay purposes. The full perm mesh kit for these harem pants are over here on Meli Imako's Marketplace shop if you would like to take a look.)

Headscarf: Lelutka "Faith" (Hair Fair Benefit Bandanna)
Jacket: Gisaci "Primavera"
Pants: Essencial "Baggy Pants" (mesh)
Boots: Coco "Suede Boots" (group gift)
Necklace: Sey "Edokin" (from their freebie room)
Gloves: Celoe "Mery" (mesh)
Bow: Harbinger and Stormie "Hunter's Bow"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Bean Frex [Dark] Fall"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Facelight: NLight Free 2.0 (free on SL Marketplace)
Poses: by Olive Juice (unavailable) and Miamai
Location: Bentham Woods

Love,
Serene

WHILE YOU ARE WAITING

Can't get into One Voice?



Stop obsessively clicking "Teleport" for a minute, and pop over to LoLo. The shops over there are having a fabulous sale.



I picked up a couple of outfits at Ingenue. And even if you aren't into "Retro" fashion, there are some tasty shoes and belts. Fifty Percent Off. I was tempted to buy Fatpacks of a couple of things, the only thing that stopped me was, I need to save a little money for Hair Fair :D  ... You have fun now!

Skin: Curio ":GP: Bean [Light] Pout - Whine 1"
Hair: Exile "Break Away" (One Voice Fundraiser)
Sweater: Ingenue "Marguerite" (50% off)
Pants: Ingenue "Katherine Trousers in Tweed" (50% off)
Belt: Ingenue "Bertille Belt" (50% off)
Boots: Ingenue "Jude" (50% off? I'm not sure. I already had these)
Shirt: Ingenue "Adelaide" (50% off)
Skirt: Ingenue "Lana" (50% off)
Waist Cincher: Ingenue "Traveler Belt" (50% off)
Flats: Ingenue "Nina" (50% off)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose (unavailable) and Marukin

Love,
Serene