Perspectives on Virtual Fashion in Second Life

loovus_001loovus_002loovus_003loovus_004

Hello  lovelies!  Run, run, run to this month’s Designer Showcase to scoop up this perfect fall ensemble, the Lasaitu Sweater and Pants by Loovus Dzevavor.  This outfit includes a very modern looking asymmetric, hidden closure sweater, paired with sexy leather pants which fit absolutely perfectly.  The textures of both pieces are just wonderful, and come in five fabulous fall colors which are right on trend this season.  As always, this ensemble comes in a variety of mesh body options as well as standard sizes for the Classic Avatar.

This designer handbag is another new release available at the Loovus Dzevavor Boutique.  The Sefuru handbag features a slouchy leather body and opulent tassel and metal ring detailing that comes in your choice of silver or gold.  If you hurry, you can grab one of these handbags in Dusty Cedar as a gift by joining the Loovus VIP group!

The Igoko heels have also been newly released in the Boutique.  I am wearing a pair in the Sharkskin color.  These strappy stilettos are made for your Slink High Feet, and come in a variety of wonderful autumn shades.

Loovus Dzevavor has taken the guesswork out of the perfect outfit for fall.  All four of these pieces come in the same range of lovely colors which mirror the autumn foliage throughout the Northern US.  You will feel cozy and stylish in this fabulous ensemble!

Sweater:  Loovus Dzevavor Lasaitu Sweater in Potter’s Clay (only @ Designer Showcase)
Pants:  Loovus Dzevavor Lasaitu Pants in Sharkskin (only @ Designer Showcase)
Purse:  Loovus Dzevavor Sefuru handbag in Sharkskin
Shoes:  Loovus Dzevavor Igoko Heels in Sharkskin
Hair:  Letituier “Curly Hair” in Black

MVW 2017 1st Photo Challenge

golden-goddess-full

Hello all!  Well I have finally gotten my laptop back after experiencing the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death” a week ago.  Thank goodness the “Geek Squad” was able to retrieve most of what I had lost when my drivers totally crashed…what a nightmare!  I’m hoping it will last me through the next few months of the MVW competition…

I am busily preparing for our Bootcamp challenge which is due in only two days.  I definitely have my work cut out for me…but no one said this would be easy!

I wanted to go ahead and post our most recent challenge, which was our first Photography Challenge.  After reaching out to several photographers with no response, I was forced to do my best with my photography skills which are intermediate at best.  While I’m afraid some of the details are lost in my attempt, I’m hoping my graphics can do my styling some justice.

Our challenge:

Entombed in her golden chambers, the ancient goddess stirred for the first time in thousands of years. Without the sun to bask in she’d slept through centuries, but a crack in her prison let in a single ray of light and the goddess awakened from her slumber.

“STYLE AN ANCIENT GODDESS LIKE LOOK TO AWAKE FROM A GOLDEN SLUMBER”

My backstory for this challenge:

Isis, the ancient Egyptian Goddess, was the first daughter of Geb, god of the Earth, and Nut, goddess of the Sky. Once revered by all as the ideal mother and wife as well as the patroness of nature and magic, her power began to wane as new religions sprang up and silenced her along with so many others. She was left to hide away in what was once a grand and ancient temple built in her honor. There she waited alone as millennia passed and times and people changed. A spiritual shift began to take place and interest in the ancient ones was refueled by many, especially women seeking to regain the power they felt was stolen from them. It was rumored among the modern people that Isis still lay in a suspended sleep-state in her once glorious temple that had long since been sealed up. A brave group of women ventured out to see if it was true. Chiseling away at the pyramid, they were able to remove a single ancient brick. A ray of pure blinding sun shot through to the center of the temple where countless mirrors directed the light on the slumbering Goddess. Her eyes dart open and suddenly her ancient robes woven with pure golden silk begin to let off bright sparks of divine light. She stands proudly knowing she has been called back to her power, never to be silenced again.

Style Card:

Skirt: Countdown “Sonya Gold Gown”
Top: Falln “Safira Dress” in Pink (top only)
Bolero Jacket: Danielle “Bolero Gold”
Feather shoulder adornment: Aisling “Fangarth Shoulders” in Gold
Collar: The Forge “Pearl Collar” in Gold”
Ring: Swallow “Safari Ring” in Gold
Bracelets: Tia “Voodoo Bracers” in Gold
Shoes: ANE Strappy Heels in Gold
Star: SF Gold Star from Dax
Face Jewels: Soedara “Cihuapilli Face Jewels Sidh Humble”

Conga in the Congo MVW 2017

Congo fullCongo Close

Well I have survived my first runway challenge in MVW 2017!  The theme we were given was “Conga in the Congo”, and this was the description:

“You are bored of the glitz and glamour and wanted some adventure in your life. After a visit to the Conga, you had an idea to throw the party of a lifetime. Style an exotic formal look for a conga in the Congo. Your aim is to create a high fashion and impressive outfit, with elegance and wow factor.”

I didn’t know what to expect when I finally got to see the other contestant’s styling efforts, but when they all arrived backstage (and before I turned my settings down so far that they were all jellydolls) I was absolutely floored by many of the stunning and creative looks I saw.  Frankly I felt way underdressed!  This is my first MVW competition, and now that I see what I’m up against, I definitely need to up my game for the rest of this competition!

To give you an idea of my styling inspiration, here’s the background story I included in my submission NC, which was also read aloud during my walk.

“After a front row seat at the Congo Fall/ Winter Fashion Week, Fly returns home to throw the hottest soiree of the season. Inspired by the bold graphics and color she saw on the runway, she recreates fresh, fierce African style combining unexpected elements for a standout look. Fly was largely influenced by the stylish Brazzaville “Dandies” whose unique street style combines class with pure imagination. They never shy from bright color combinations, so Fly pushed herself to combine hot pink with red as an unexpected element in her styling. Fly can’t wait to share a slideshow of all her Congo moments with all of her fashionista friends at this highly anticipated event. Finishing off her look with a traditional headwrap and unforgettable statement jewelry, she prepares to “conga” the night away to celebrate this adventure and many more to come!”

Here’s a couple photos of those fabulous Brazzaville Street Dandies I referenced…how fun and awesome are these guys?!

Well I’m not sure I added enough “Conga” in my “Congo”, lol, but this is a wonderful learning experience and I know a bit better what to expect with the next challenge.  I’m really enjoying how much this competition is forcing me to step out of my comfort zone.  And it’s only the beginning!!

Style Card: VoguE “Jenina Poofy Skirt”
Top: Miss Chelsea “Vita Top” in Orange (NEW at Uber)
Leggings: Izzie’s High Waisted Tights
Gloves: Zenith “Leather Rock Star Gloves” in Black
Shoes: Zenith “Shanti” (with socks)
Necklace: Glam Affair “Ortega Necklace” in Summer Crimson (NEW at Uber
Earrings: LaGyo “Desdemona” earrings (NEW at Collabor88)  
Headwrap: L&H Couture “Kufuta” in black
Ring: Paper Couture “Golden Cups” ring
Golden Brows:  La Malvada Mujer “Gold and Silver Eyebrows” in Gold E (only on MP at:  https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/55654)

Loovus Dzevavor Sultry Sartu

Sartu Gown August 2016Sartu Gown midSartu Gown Close

I’m thrilled to announce that I am once again an official blogger for one of my all time favorite brands, Loovus Dzevavor!  The LD brand holds a special place in my heart, especially after my experience as Brand Ambassador two years ago.  Vikeejeah is constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to fierce SL fashion, and I am absolutely giddy over her new designs.  Seen here is the new Sartu gown, shown in “Lush Meadow”.  I am wearing the Maitreya Lara Mesh Body, and the Sartu gown in the Maitreya size hugs all my curves perfectly.  Loovus Dzevavor now has several mesh body sizes available with it’s designs, which gives us so many options!  The Sartu gown comes in six colors and is now available at the mainstore as one of the much anticipated pre-fall designs.

Dress:  Loovus Dzevavor “Sartu” Gown in Lush Meadow
Earrings:  :::ChicChica::: “Bug” Earrings (NEW free gift at Cosmopolitan)
Hair:  Dura “Boys & Girls 50” in Wood Bark
Poses:  Di’s Opera
Bangles:  RealEvil Industries “Gold Bangles” (NEW free gift at Cosmopolitan)

What a glamorous galaxy!!

Blue Dress FullBlue Dress midBlue Dress Close

Happy Sunday friends!  I decided to start the week off styling a look to showcase this absolutely stunning jewelry set and matching clutch called “Glam Galaxy” by Modern Couture.  It’s no secret that I am absolutely obsessed with Donatela Couturier’s stunning and totally unique designs.  I am a huge fan of big, chunky, statement pieces and Modern Couture has one of the best selections in SL hands down!  This set is currently available at the extra awesome 5 year anniversary edition of Collabor88, but only until September 6th!  This one of a kind set comes in four different colors with big gemmy, gorgeously faceted teardrop crystals in some of the most glorious color combinations imaginable.  I couldn’t possibly pass it up.  And the best part is the super glam clutch which perfectly coordinates with the jewels, putting the final touch on any perfectly styled outfit.  I went with a retro sixties vibe to showcase this set.  You have to go simple with statement pieces like this.  I felt like this Loovus Dzevavor dress provided the perfect backdrop in a royal blue jewel tone to set off the blues in the crystals.  Of course no 1960’s style is complete without a serious bouffant hairdo and Vanity Hair‘s new “Glittering Highs” style gave me just the look I was going for.  Some heavy “Twiggy” inspired eye makeup and a nude lip keeps the focus in all the right places.  Head on out to Collabor88‘s “Summer Soiree” anniversary event to pick up your “Glam Galaxy” set today.

Style Card:
Earrings/ Necklace/ Clutch:  Modern Couture “Glam Galaxy” (NEW at Collabor88)
Dress:  Loovus Dzevavor “Devina Dress” in Royal
Shoes:  Emporium “Wood Platforms” for Slink High Feet (available on the SL Marketplace at:  https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/EMPORIUM-Wood-Platform-SLink-HIGH/5914099)
Hair:  Vanity Hair “Glittering Highs” in Black 1 (NEW at Collabor88)
Eyeshadow:  Dead Apples “Statement Eyeshadows Vintage Edition” in Electric
Liner:  Birdy “Liner 10”
Ring:  Paper Couture “Golden Cups” ring (vintage)

MVW 2017 Official Meeting

Today was an exciting day for the “Misses” competing in Miss Virtual World 2017.  All 24 of us met for our first official meeting with Reign and DiamondGem, the CEO and COO of the Miss Virtual World organization.  It simply wouldn’t be MVW if a style challenge wasn’t attached to the event!  We were asked to create a look inspired by the following Fall trends, using at least three different designers and no “off the rack” outfits.

hbz-fw2016-trends-lead

I had many similar elements to create the all black look above (4th from the left), but was afraid it would look too much like I tried to simply recreate that outfit.  I then started gravitating to the pink look above (second from the left) and let that inspire me along with inspiration from some of the other styles in the photo.  Coats seemed to be a theme in the suggested fall trends so I knew I wanted to incorporate that into the look.  I’ve been wanting to wear this trendy fur coat by David Heather, and I loved the way it looked with the sequined high waist skirt by Tres Blah.  I added the pearl bib by United Colors as my top for a feminine and opulent feel.  The vintage Paper Couture hair I chose was inspired by the slick hair in look #3 above, and I added a hair ornament inspired by the ones in look #2 above (and also because I wanted to feel like a Queen at our first meeting…wink, wink).

Style Card:

Coat:  David Heather “Eaton Fur Coat” in Mud (this item was only available at an old round of Uber)
Skirt:  Tres Blah “Bella Sequin Skirt” in Silver (NEW at Collabor88)
Collar:  United Colors “Diva Collar” in Silver (NEW at Collabor88)
Earrings:  Donna Flora “Lumiere” earrings (vintage)
Hair ornament:  Zuri Rayna “Vintage Pearl Haircomb II” in Mocha Diamond

Living the dream!

I’m back friends!  And this time it is as Miss Virtual Egypt in the 2017 Miss Virtual World competition!  I almost have to pinch myself to believe it’s real.  The last year I was really active in SL modeling was 2014, which was a very big year for me.  That year I won 2nd runner up in the Colour of Couture competition, and was one of five winners of the Loovus Dzevavor Model Search becoming a brand ambassador for a year.  I was active in runway shows and a model with some of SL’s top agencies.  I was also finally getting a hang of some photography skills and was starting to blog consistently and really pushing my styling efforts.  Then RL happened…

The man I had met in SL who had moved all the way from France to marry me in RL decided he was no longer happy in our five year marriage.  It came as a complete surprise to me.  We had gone through the trials of obtaining a green card and a miscarriage together.  We had adopted two rescue pups.  I had just gotten my dream job teaching theatre (my BFA is in acting).  I thought we were a forever thing.  I don’t really put my faith in love anymore.

I could have used SL as an escape from my RL heartbreak and I kind of wish I had, but instead I tried to heal by rarely coming in world.  We had made so many friends and family together in SL and suddenly it was no longer my happy place.  As a result of my sporadic activity in-world I unfortunately came back to find I had lost my spot in most of the agencies and groups I had worked so hard to become a part of.  The name I had tirelessly tried to build for myself had pretty much vanished.  I really didn’t talk to anyone anymore and I think most of my friends assumed I was never coming back.

I’ve been blogging sporadically for fun to show off some fun looks I’ve enjoyed creating with many of the wonderful mesh heads SL has to offer (and the amazing mesh bodies!).  But my identity I had built a brand on has definitely been non existent for a while now.

When I saw that MVW 2017 auditions were coming up, that old spark of hope and excitement re-lit in my spirit.  MVW has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember in my near decade in SL.  I tried out a few years back and did not make it and wasn’t very confident I would this time around.  It was literally the last day to apply when I figured…oh, why not?  We were asked to consider the following challenge for the live audition:

You know fashion inside and out as a design student, half of your closet is filled with clothes that you sewed and created yourself. Your style defied definition and when people asked you what your signature look was, you told them it changed with your moods.
“STYLE a ONE of a KIND LOOK for a FASHIONISTA who DEFIES DEFINITION”
Your aim is to create a high fashion and impressive outfit, with elegance and wow factor.

Here is what I put together:

MVW Casting Outfit Full

MVW 2017 Casting Outfit Close

We were told to mix and match with at least three different designers, so nothing “off the rack”.  The best thing is, I challenged myself to try not to purchase new items.  Most of the elements of my styling are “vintage” and some are no longer available in world.  My style card:

High Waist skirt:  Gizza “Frida Inspiration”
Black deep cut top:  LeLutka “Oman Gown” (top only)
Cage bra:  Chrysalis “Couture Corset” in Black (top piece only)
Striped Collar:  Vero Modero “African Queen”
Feather necklace:  [ glow ] studio “Feather Cape”
Ring:  Lazuri “Esme” ring
Gloves:  Adam n Eve “Opera Gloves” for Slink Hands

I was thrilled and completely surprised to hear I not only made it as a Miss…but as Miss Egypt, my number one choice of countries from the start of my SL career.  It feels really good to be back, and I hope you’ll follow me on this journey and enjoy the ride along with me.

Festival cool.

festivalfullbodyfestivalmidfestivalhead

Happy Summer friends!  As a teacher, my summer break just started so you MAY be seeing a bit more of me for the next couple of months…

This adorable outfit was one of the FLF sale items and I couldn’t help but snatch it up!  I just love the top with it’s bustier detailing and the sweet little floral print on the top as well as the flirty little skirt.  This get up just felt so “festival cool” to me, so I accessorized it to be a bit hip and bohemian, although the outfit definitely exudes a sexy vibe which can’t be ignored!

Top & Skirt:  Pixicat – Dusk.Top & Flirty.Skirt in “Flower” (FOR FIFTY LINDEN FRIDAY)

Hair & Hat:  Tableau Vivant – “Koca” in Balayage

Sunglasses:  Yummy – Round Shades

Necklace:  Yummy – Palmistry Necklace in Silver

Bag:  Milk Motion – “Vintage Plastic Bag” in Yellow (vintage)

Ring:  Yummy – Pie Ring

Journal:  Label Motion – “Notebook Pose”

Shoes:  Reign – Customizable Platform Sandals (FOR FIFTY LINDEN FRIDAY)

Winter_full

Winter_HS

Season’s Greetings my friends!  I cannot believe my last post was in July!  This past week I’ve been getting the familiar SL “itch” again and decided to hop in-world today during a rare day off to catch up on things.  I knew for sure I wanted to check out the SL Christmas Expo before it closes, and I made it just in the nick of time!  This a mega event that raises funds for Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL), which is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  I was on the hunt for something wintry, and found just the thing.  This lovely coat by M&M Style nearly jumped off the hanger at me when I saw it.  It has a lovely Victorian feel to it, but also seemed perfect to me for a good old fashioned pagan Yule celebration, which is how I will personally be celebrating the winter season.  The addition of some vintage antlers made me feel like the magical lady of the woods, the consort to the Horned God which rules over the Winter Solstice.  If you watch closely at dawn on the morn of Yule, you too may catch a glimpse of her, treading silently and serenely through the forest she calls Home.  Season’s Greetings and Merry Yule to my fellow Pagan folk!

Coat:  M&M Style “Fantasy Princess Long Winter Coat” with Blonde Hair (hair in various colors included).  Available through 12/14 at the SL Christmas Expo

Antlers:  Bare Rose “Lady of Deer” Black Horns

The Hills are Alive

Flowers_full Flowers_close
Flowers_reverse

I spent some time alone, wandering and collecting wild flowers.  There’s nothing like being in the great wide world amidst the mountains to help you reflect on life.

Dress:  Valentina E. “Mademoiselle Dress” in Black Print NEW!! @ Shiny Shabby
Hair/ Hat:  Tableau Vivant “Scarlett Hair” in Ombre
Shoes:  Reign “MaryJanes” in Black for SLink Mid-feet
Tattoo:  Letis Tattoo “Adrasteia” Mesh Body Applier
Body:  Maitreya “Lara v3.4” Mesh Body
Head:  Genesis Lab “Julia” Mesh Head in Relaxed (Gacha item @ Kustom9)
Septum Ring:  Swallow “Malika” in Sliver (Gacha item @ Holli Pocket)
Flowers:  Alesta “Bunch of Flowers”
Pose:  Label Motion “My Xmas Bunny Poses”

Tag Cloud

Paige Vanderbeck, The Fat Feminist Witch

Ranting, Raving, and Wand-Waving!

A Passion for Virtual Fashion

Harper Beresford's love of fashion, one day at a time.

MORGAINE

LE MYTHE

VON DASH FETISH

by Malena Style

Vintage Vandal

The fashion musings of stylist, designer, and writer, Jasmin Rodriguez, also known as "Vintage Vandalizm".

My journey, from wine lover to sober and happy...

There are thousands of people over at Soberistas.com supporting one another in achieving a happy and healthy alcohol-free life. You can find out more about joining our online community at soberistas.com

Silver RavenWolf

Author Blog

SL Fashion Queen

by Five Latte

Burluxe®

by Delilah

Cute Du Jour

A journey about sl fashion & beauty

Organized Chaos Online

Simple solutions for complex lives

The Veggie Dukan Challenge

Attempting the infamous high protein Dukan diet as a vegetarian