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

REBEL REBEL

The Vintage Fair isn't only serving up fashions from your great-grandparents' era. I thought I'd like to show you something more recent. Many of the designers are focusing on the 1970s and 1980s.

This outfit is a bit hybrid. The Ziggy cosmetics by BlackLiquid are a obvious reference to David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" rockstar persona in the 1970s. You can wear the eye and face makeup without the glossy lipstick if you would prefer.



The rest is pretty clearly 80s hair band rocker :P  ... So I trotted out my guitar. Kumaki isn't just making eyewear anymore. And I rooted around in my closet for the biggest, wildest wig I have.



I bought these fab Pixel Mode boots a while ago, but I had a tough time finding something shiny enough to wear them with. Izzie's glam metallic leggings are rockstars!

Shirt and Belt: Lush Limited "Benatar Stripes" (Vintage Fair)
Leggings: Izzie's "Metallic Leggings" (Vintage Fair)
Boots: Pixel Mode "Kasi Pearl"
Guitar: Kumaki "K_gs MTG"
Headband: Izzie's "80's Headband" (Vintage Fair)
Bangles: Izzie's "80's Rainbow Bangles" (Vintage Fair)
Hair: Amacci "Alice"
Skin: Essences "Indy" (Vintage Fair)
Makeup: blackLiquid "Ziggy" (Vintage Fair)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"

Love,
Serene

QUICKSILVER

One of my favorites from Hair Fair is this new shop called Gotzsche. The "Elizabeth" hair is draped in lovely almost Art Nouveau waves, but the style is very understated. I love a pleasant surprise, and I am looking forward to seeing what else they offer.



And this very simple outfit is made stellar by some rock-star cosmetics sold as a charity benefit item by Kooqla. These eyeshadows are being sold as a pack over at the Hope for Emilia Event that is raising funds to help after the Earthquake in Italy. The pack comes in several shades that you can see here in the vendor photo. If your wallet is very empty you can purchase the green "Nefrit" shadow for just L$1.



... And I think Apple May is giving us a very feminine piece in this mesh skirt. I don't usually think that hard geometrics emphasize my form, but I'm happy to be shown when I'm wrong!

Shirt: Whippet and Buck "I'll be a Ghost" (unavailable)
Skirt: Apple May Designs "Janessa" (mesh)
Shoes: Pixel Mode "Baby T's"
Hair: Gotzsche "Elizabeth" (mesh)
Skin: Kooqla "Secret Garden"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Shadow: Kooqla "Chameleon Moon" (Hope for Emilia Fundraiser)
Facelight: NLight FREE 2.0 (free on SL Marketplace)
Poses: by Don't Freak Out (and using the Berries "Headfreezer")

Love,
Serene

IN THE WILD

Fierce. Confident. Proud. And maybe dangerous, like this Medusa Mask by Aliza Karu.

I wouldn't want this place to be just like real life. What would be the point of that? I love the quirky, bizarre, unconventional opportunities.

Mask: AD Creations "Medusa" (Mix and Mesh Fair Gift)
Jacket: Bliss "McCullough Fur"
Pants: Abyss "Chaos Leather Pants" (cuffs not shown)
Shoes: Pixel Mode "Luna Leopard"
Hairbase: Aitui "Standard Hairbase 005"
Skin: Illusory "Paige Cocoa"
Makeup: La Malvada Mujer "Bi#3" (at Epoch Legend)
Eyes: Repulse "Rotten"
Lashes: Miamai "Catwalk Lashes Burst" (group gift)
Teeth: PXL "Mouth_open_Addon" (prim teeth)
Poses: by ImpEle and Long Awkward Pose

Love,
Serene

BLANCHE FRAICHE

I am so enjoying the Truth District opening … Lovely designers, beautiful scenery, and the buzz of good company. Standing room only.

Several of the designers timed the release of new creations to coincide with the District Opening; in particular Gala Phoenix released three new skins, with six makeups each. As soon as I saw the Curio sign, I knew I was in big big trouble. You know how am about her skin, don't you?

This soft, glowing, beautiful skin I am wearing is a gift. (I would have paid!) *happy sigh* I'm still trying to choose one or two more ...

Shirt: Whippet and Buck “Claven Lace” (opening group gift at Truth District, it is a bit transparent so I wore two layers)
Belt: Pacadi “Mairey Leather Belt” (unavailable)
Skirt: 5th and Oxford “Seaside Sweetie” (L$50 at Closing Sale)
Jewelry: Lassitude and Ennui “Bleeding Heart” (texture change HUD)
Shoes: Pixel Mode “Baby T’s”
Hair: Truth “Becky” (multicolor pack, opening group gift at Truth District)
Hairbase: by booN
Skin: Curio “:GP: Airhead-Truth District” (opening group gift at Truth District)
Eyes: Fashism “Sunrise”
Eyelashes: by Exodi and Glow Studio
Poses: by Diesel Works and Long Awkward Pose

Love,
Serene

SIMPLY

There is a lot to be said for a simple classy dress. This one from Kunglers is perfectly crafted, and thoughtfully designed. I love that it can be dressed up or down ... it includes three belts: the moderately flashy gold belt I am wearing, a more conservative brown leather belt, and a bolder red one. Well done.

I matched it with these "Jaguar" print shoes from Pixel Mode to kick up the fun a bit. I am impressed with the quality of the shoes, and the scripted HUD. You really should go try some of these on, if you haven't already.

Dress: Kunglers "Donatella"
Shoes: Pixel Mode "Lady T"
Earrings: Pididdle "Heavy Sleep"
Hair: Exile "Dina"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Bean [Light] Pout-Whine 2"
Eyes: Poetic Color "Night Rain"
Eyelashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose Photostudio: by N30

Love,
Serene

TAPPED FOR LOVE

When I say tapped, I am referring to my wallet. This month's money is all gone to good causes. Usually an empty wallet makes me unhappy, but this time I feel at peace, knowing I have done what I can.

This outfit is a combination of lovely garments from Fashion for Life, which benefits the American Cancer Society, and the Pacific Crisis Fundraiser, which donates its funds to Japan through Americares ...

... and this necklace, given freely by Miss Katatonik, who only asks that we do or give something to help, without specifying what channel we should use. Whether you donate to the ACS, Red Cross, Americares, or any one of dozens of organizations who are always there to help, please, please do something. Thank you and I love you!

Sweater: Indi Designs “Cardigan Pink” (Pacific Crisis Fundraiser 100% Donation Item)
Skirt: Vanitas Vesture “Meticulous Pencil Skirt” (at Fashion for Life)
Shoes: Pixel Mode “Baby T” (Fashion for Life Donation Item)
Jewelry: katatOnik “Love Japan Necklace”

Hair: booN “ZGO223”
Skin: Curio “:GP: Moonbeam [Dark] Sweetheart-Rose 1”
Eyebrows: Curio “:GP: Sweetheart Brows-Black”
Eyelash Alpha: Imabee “System Eyelashes – begone!”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Photostudio: by N30

Love,
Serene