"Candles burning, lights are turning low" - Virtual Diva, DaneMarkZ

As the majority of my readers know, I often times have songs playing through my head as I put a post together and today is no exception, it just happens to be a song that I don't think needs any particular discussion, as the mood I think is pretty apparent.  I love when I get to show off those things usually kept behind closed doors and this new set of lingerie from DaneMarkZ is no exception.  With its delicate lace detailing and wonderful curve enhancing lines this is the PERFECT addition to your lingerie collection, and that special someone will thank you, so head on over to Designer Showcase, pick up your favorite color, head home, get ready and make a call inviting someone on over to your place.

If you haven't had the chance to stop by FaMESHed for their 5th Anniversary celebration, then you are truly missing out on a fabulous event with all kinds of gifts to pick up, and while you are there grabbing a few things, make sure to check out this truly stunning jewelry collection from Cae.  The Karina collection comes complete with Earrings, Necklace and Bracelets meaning you can wear them all or mix and match with all your favorite gowns, dresses, or lingerie when you are wanting to make a statement.  

The pose today comes from LUSH Poses and it's called "Always on my mind" and comes with pose balls as well as regular poses with mirrors as well, so you can pose where you need to, making it an incredibly versatile pose that I think belongs in everyone's bag of goodies!  And now that I have tantalized you with tempting lingerie and gorgeous jewels I am off to decorate a scene for you all, hoping I can get it together before the day ends, so enjoy shopping!

The Fashion Details

Head - LeLutka - Simone Bento - Custom Shape
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LeLutka/119/138/24

Body - Maitreya - Lara
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/128/133/24

Skin - Essences - Yanka @ Powder Pack LeLutka May
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Last%20Forever/93/116/22

Hair - Virtual Diva - Lana
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Domain/55/225/4005

Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Hazel
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501

Eyeshadow - *YS&YS* - Push @ Powder Pack LeLutka May
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Last%20Forever/93/116/22

Lips - *YS&YS* - Powder Lips @ Powder Pack LeLutka May
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Last%20Forever/93/116/22

Earrings, Necklace, Bracelets - Cae - Karina Collection @ FaMESHed
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FaMESHed/112/155/3000

Lingerie - DaneMarkZ - Morgan Lingerie in Blush @ Designer Showcase
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Corrupted%20Innocence/174/67/23

Nails - DaneMarkZ - April Showers @ Designer Showcase
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Corrupted%20Innocence/174/67/23

Pose - LUSH Poses - Always on my mind NEW!!

Main Store - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Outfits/9/234/3168
MP - https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Lush-Poses-best-female-sensual-pose/11793101

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine

I truly believe that every person dreams of traveling to far off places, no matter if they rest their heads on a quiet street in a tiny town no one has ever heard of, or on the busiest street in New York, Los Angeles, London, or Tokyo.  Just the idea of being somewhere new, where you gain a bit of anonymity intrigues me and even though I have traveled the world, it has been many years since I have headed off with no destination in mind, parenthood will do that to you after all.  But I still dream of places I haven't been, and of places that hold memories, and one day I hope to head out again with the sole purpose of getting lost.

A journey, after all, neither begins in the instant we set out, nor ends when we have reached our door step once again. It starts much earlier and is really never over, because the film of memory continues running on inside of us long after we have come to a physical standstill. Indeed, there exists something like a contagion of travel, and the disease is essentially incurable.
― Ryszard Kapuściński, Travels with Herodotus

But don't get lost on the grid right now, not with all the fantastic events still running and the ones soon to begin.  I have spent some time at Shiny Shabby and The Epiphany over the last week which has ended up with me being happily broke, but they are well worth the trip!  If you are looking for some new pieces for your home then head on over to the events today and get your hands on some wonderful goodies!  

The Décor

Build - Scarlet Creative - Moon Rise Cottage

Fireplace - Zerkalo - Halloween in White - Marble Fireplace

Couch, Ottoman, Rug, Rattan Basket, Table, Animal Sculpture, "&" sign - Glam Affair @ The Epiphany

Moon - {anc} - LadyInMoon

Lamp - Zerkalo - Memories - Dark - Book Lamp @ Shiny Shabby

Packages - Amala - Mail Basket @ The Epiphany

Pillow (left) - Knick Knacks - Rappelle toi de Paris - le coussin @ Shiny Shabby

Pillow (right) - Zerkalo - Memories - Dark - Pillow New York @ Shiny Shabby

Book on Ottoman - Knick Knacks - Rappelle toi de Paris - le livre @ Shiny Shabby

Stack of Books - Zerkalo - Memories - Dark - Books2 @ Shiny Shabby

Coffee - Amala - Fresh Coffee @ The Epiphany

Wall Art - Knick Knacks - Rappelle toi de Paris - Paris @ Shiny Shabby

The Fashion  

Body - Maitreya

Head - LeLutka - Simone 1.5

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Jolie

Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Oxidation

Hair - Mina - Hanne

Necklace - Cae - Refresh

Cardigan and Jeans - More Than Ever - Prosperity Cardigan and Jeans - 5 standard sizes, Fitted Mesh for several mesh bodies; 3 color HUD - $125L @ Designer Showcase until 1/31

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
― Terry Pratchett

 

     

Something caught my eye and jumped into my closet again!

Yesterday when I was out and about on the grid checking out my sponsors items at Designer Showcase and out of the corner of my eye I spotted an ensemble from Lavian & Co. and it had me taking a beeline that direction.  Before I knew it that outfit had jumped off the wall and into my inventory, which seems to happen to me all the time!  I don't know if this is just a Second Life phenomena or if it just happens to me?!  Though my wonderful sponsors fill my closet on a weekly basis there are just some things I have to get my hands on that go directly into my daily wardrobe.  This top and pants combination is exactly one of those outfits and after a little bit of accessorizing with goodies by Cae at the new round of FaMESHed, I just had to share a Just Jaded ensemble.  Enjoy and happy shopping!

The Fashion

Body - Maitreya

Head - LeLutka - Simone

Eyes - IKON - Hope - Denim

Hair - Tableau Vivant - Starry Night - Updo (December Arcade Item)

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Paige Applier

Earrings and Necklace - Cae - Refresh @ FaMESHed

Top and Pants - Lavian & Co. - AW1516 - Love Yourself @ Designer Showcase

Bangle - Maxi Gossamer - Sparkly Pearl Cuff 

Shoes - Ricielli - Avery

Pose - Di's Opera - Inspiration 2

Taking a chance on a New Years resolution with a little help from Strawberry Singh

Long before I started blogging I was an avid fan of the wonderful Strawberry Singh which means for over two years now I have been reading her blog and have always been amazed by the number of people who participate in her challenges.  Though I have planned on taking on a challenge or two or ten since I started, part of me has been hesitant, and it's probably the shy side of me, yes I have one!  But for my own resolutions this year I decided I need to be more social and more approachable than I have been in the past few years, which means the first thing I did was head over to Strawberry Singh's site to see what thoughts she had into the new year and to see if there were any challenges being put out to us all in the SL community.  The article from January 2, 2016 put forth a few challenges/resolutions and I was particularly interested in the second.  "Try a mesh head and wear it for at least 24 hours – Some of you have already converted over to mesh heads and have become loyal to them. But there are still a lot of you that are strongly against them. I thought it would be interesting to get you guys to open up a bit and try it out."  Well, as most of my close friends know I have not been a fan of the mesh heads, at all.  Having come over from another 3D site I came to Second Life to be different, to look different, and the last thing I wanted was to go back to just being another face in the crowd.  I have been more than a tad bit resistant, even as more and more heads have been released, as well as oodles of appliers from my favorite skin designers.  Since I had already decided part of 2016 was going to be about stepping out of my comfort zone, I decided to take the mesh head challenge and see what all the fuss was about.  Off I went picking up 20+ different heads from across the grid, as well as several appliers and headed up to my platform to do a little research.

I have to say, I was stunned to discover that 99% of the mesh heads I tried on had to be worn with eyes by the same creator and did not fit IKON's mesh eyes.  Which, for me is truly heart breaking, but made my choice in heads a lot easier!  I literally have over 75 pairs of eyes from IKON and I hate the idea of not being able to use what I think are the most amazing eyes on the grid.  That being said, if you too are a fan of IKON, then know LeLutka heads will always fit your gorgeous peepers!  This seriously narrowed my search and in the end I fell absolutely in love with the last release of 2015, the premier of the V 1.4, Simone.  Check out the blog to see all the goodies released for Simone which should make everyone excited for the upcoming releases as they will be based on this special release.  I actually love this head so much I almost didn't share which LeLutka head I had fallen for, but it is my duty as a blogger to share with you what I discover in my journey along the grid, so with a little bit of grumbling I had to share. I have found out it doesn't matter if you wear the same head or not, how we dress, carry ourselves and the appliers we use change how even a mesh head looks.  If you have been thinking about checking them out for the first time then take some inspiration from me and Strawberry Singh and take a chance on mesh heads for your resolution this year.

I think this ensemble got me a bit fired up as well and got me feeling quite feisty with its flesh baring styling and curve hugging pants which I thought went perfectly with this gorgeous set of dramatic pearls from Indulge Temptation.  You can pick up both items at Swank which started yesterday, so hurry on over and get your hands on some fantastic designs before your friends do since they are probably all preoccupied with some of the larger events that just opened as well.

The Fashion
Body - Maitreya
Head - LeLutka - Simone
Skin - DeeTaleZ - Paige Applier
Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Oxidation
Shadow - Alaskametro - Creme Duo
Hair - Mina - Grace
Necklace - IT! (Indulge Temptation) - Pearliffic @ Swank
Jacket and Pants - AnaMarkova Designs - Davia - Teal @ Swank
Shoes - AnaMarkova Designs - Flutter Pumps - Onyx @ Designer Showcase
Prop/Pose - Exposeur - The White Rooms

Strawberry Singh - http://strawberrysingh.com/2016/01/02/happy-2016/

Coffee and Scrabble in the early morn after dreams of Spring

Woke to another morning of the temps in single digits here in the mountains of Arizona I realized I had been dreaming of Cherry and Orange Blossoms, the buzz of the bees and the flowers of Spring.  I think I must have gotten a bit chilled last night and wanted the warmth of the Sun.  I love the Winter, so that isn't really like me, I am usually dreaming of hot cocoa, family, blankets, cuddles and fireplaces, but my brain had other thoughts last night so as the Sun rose this morning I grabbed a cup of coffee and dove straight into creating a post with goodies from the 2015 Holiday Expo - a Relay for Life production, which happens to start TODAY; and a gorgeous new nail release from DaneMarkZ.

Tiffany Designs has released this stunning, over-sized cable knit, jewel embellished sweater, Corina, exclusively for the Holiday Expo with all or part of the proceeds going to Relay for Life.  The sweater comes in a variety of sizes for Mesh and non-Mesh bodies meaning you are sure to find the perfect fit for your shape.  Do yourself a favor and give a little back as we head into the Holiday season and donate to a truly wonderful cause and pick up gorgeous fashion and decor pieces!

I know that finding good nail polishes can be difficult depending on your hands, mesh or nonmesh bodies/nails etc. but I can tell you after over a year of being able to blog the nails from DaneMarkZ you will never be disappointed.  The newest release, Blizzard Douche, exclusively for the current round of Designer Showcase, is beautiful with muted colors sure to accent your favorite outfits this Holiday season, so head on over to the event before the 28th to get your nails, I mean hands, on these!

The Details

Body - Maitreya

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Fenja

Hair - Truth - Ishya

Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Industrial

Nails - DaneMarkZ - Blizzard Douche @ Designer Showcase

Jewelry - Meva - Bogo (Currently have an Advent Calendar for Group Members!  Only 100L to join!  Well worth it so GET A MOVE ON!!!)

Sweater - Tiffany Designs - Corina Long Sweater @ 2015 SL Christmas Expo - Relay for Life Production

Skirt - PEQE - Under - Beige @ Shiny Shabby

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!  And stay tuned for a home and garden post!

~Jade~  

Come a little closer to hear me whisper

I often find during the Fall everyone seems to lose their spunk when it comes to adding color to their wardrobes.  It's like by Christmas suddenly everyone is putting on bright jewel tones because they are missing the warmth, but the Fall everyone turns to muted tones to mimic the world outside.  I am a firm believer that color enhances your mood.  My closet on SL and in RL happens to consist of a lot of black, dark navy and well more BLACK, but I have every color of the rainbow in accent pieces, and you will find these often match my mood.  With how down I have been as of late because of the imminent passing of my 12 year old Pitbull, I was excited to pull some color out of the closet today to help perk up my mood, and it helped!  So take a hint from me and if you find yourself as muted as the hues and tones around you then grab something bright and bold and make a statement as you elevate your mood!

The Details

Body - Maitreya

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Monroe + Custom Tint

Eyes - IKON - Hope - Apex

Shadow - The Wicked Peach - Sweet Dreams #3

Earrings and Necklace - IT! (Indulge Temptation) - Majestique @ Designer Circle

Dress - Virtual Diva - Closer - Sun (all colors available) @ Designer Showcase

Shoes - Essenz - Dallas

Pose - Exposeur - White Rooms

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~  

Heading back to the Milky Way

I have always been what my Father would call mercurial; constantly at the mercy of my whims.  But for most people this conjures the idea of an irresponsible, fickle person, which is incredibly far from the truth when it comes to me.  My Father taught me to be responsible in spite of my nature and over the years I have managed to keep the two in balance; my head is always in the clouds, searching out the stars for something else out there, with my feet firmly on the ground.  My new home on SL is a perfect example of that nature with its cluttered style and eclectic composition and I have found myself sitting at my telescope staring at the stars, just as I do in my real life.  Join me as I "dance along the light of day and head on back towards the Milky Way."

If you see me out and about on the grid this week you will surely find me in this wonderful new ensemble from AnaMarkova Designs only available at this month's round of Designer Showcase.  The Amber collection comes in a variety of colors perfect for this time of year.  The cowl necked sweater fits perfectly and is expertly textured and the pants are curve hugging with great pocket and zipper details that fit fantastically with just a few clicks of the alphas on my Maitreya body.  Paired up with Reign's newest release for FaMESHed and I am ready for a night out on the grid, or to simply relax and check out the stars.  

The Fashion Details

Body - Maitreya

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Marlow

Hair - Damselfly - Shannon @ FaMESHed

Top - AnaMarkova Designs - Amber - Storm @ Designer Showcase

Pants - AnaMarkova Designs - Amber - Storm @ Designer Showcase

Heels - Reign - November - Black @ FaMESHed

The Decor Details

Stool - Tromp Loeil - Tuila Stool @ FaMESHed

Basket - Zerkalo - All White

Pillow on left - Zerkalo - White Halloween

Pillow on right - Zerkalo - Vintage Treasures

Pillow in front - NACH - Cosy Retreat Gacha - Good Morning Beautiful @ Gacha Garden

Standing Signs - *YS&YS* - Riciclo Gacha - Live, Laugh and Love (sold individually) @ Gacha Garden

Lights - unKindness - Stiks Lights Woodland Set - Light Wood @ FaMESHed

Tub - unKindness - Comfort Tubby - Daydream

Art - Pixel Mode - Lost Art

Wall Lamp - *YS&YS* - Riciclo Gacha - Seed of Inspiration @ Gacha Garden

Saying Sign - NACH - Cosy Retreat Gacha - Through the years @ Gacha Garden

Charts - [Lark & Co.] - Favorite Faded Fantasy - Astrological Charts @ Gacha Garden

Hanging Window Sign - Reverie - California Kicks - Colour My Life RARE @ 6 Republic

Telescope - Ex Machina - Vega 1

Rugs - 8f8 - Storyteller's Collection - Old Rugs

Bench - Dust Bunny - Blanket Stool

Dress Form - Apple Fall

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion and decor trends work for you!

~Jade~

   

"Hope is our four letter word"

One of my favorite parts of Autumn is the comfy soft sweaters and denim that get pulled down off the shelves or out from under the bed where they have been hiding since the temperatures rose sometimes last Spring.  This is my favorite time of year and I love the crunch of leaves under my boots, the warm rays of the sun and the chill in the air that lets us all know just around the corner Winter lurks.  AnaMarkova Designs has released several new items with comfort and warmth in mind in the past month and the newest creations for Designer Showcase are no exception.

The Margo sweater and skirt combination comes in Brown, Ecru, and Pumpkin with matching shoes, but of course it's me, and I had to mix and match the sets!  I loved the Pumpkin and Brown together as well as the Ecru and Brown and I am sure you will find your favorite color or pick up all three and do some mixing and matching of your own.  Each piece is well made, expertly textured and truly a wonderful new edition to your closet.  These are exclusives for the October round of Designer Showcase so hurry on over and pick up some fantastic pieces at amazing prices!

The Details

Body - Maitreya

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Marlow

Hair - Little Bones - Cameo Lover

Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Industrial

Necklace and Earrings - Indulge Temptation - Luster

Sweater - AnaMarkova Designs - Margo @ Designer Showcase

Skirt - AnaMarkova Designs - Margo @ Designer Showcase

Heels - AnaMarkova Designs - Mandalay @ Designer Showcase 

 

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~

Last days of a Gypsy Summer

It is a bit cooler today than it has been, and I realized that we had finally hit the last of our warm days and were diving head first into a traditional Fall.  My plants I forgot to bring in last night can attest to the fact that it was damned cold last night here in the mountains and the weather service says we had our first hard chill.  All over the world there are different names for above normal temperatures in the Fall and I really loved the fact that in many of the Slavic nations it happens to be called an "Old Woman's Summer" or "Gypsy Summer", which of course the latter appealed to my Bohemian heart and I got to thinking about the fact that this is the time of year when you see Boho fashion at its finest.  Layers of clothing, long skirts with a mixing and matching of fabrics, textures and colors.  This adorable new dress from More Than Ever with its handkerchief/bandanna pattern comes in three color choices and is only available at the October round of Designer Showcase which runs from the 1st through the 26th.  Each color is only 99L and comes in a variety of sizes from Fitted Mesh to sizes for the Maitreya as well as the standard mesh sizes, meaning you will find a perfect fit ever time when it comes to More Than Ever.

The Details

Body - Maitreya

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Marlow NEW!!!

Hair - Truth - Ishya

Eyes - IKON - Hope - Glass

Earrings and Necklace - Posh Pixels - Leaves of Change (part of Peyton)

Dress - More Than Ever - Catricami Dress Lux3 - @ Designer Showcase 10/1 - 10/26

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of  your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~ 

Caught dancing in the waning rays of the sun

From time to time during this season I have been caught by many a person dancing in the sunbeams as they trickle through the curtains.  The chill of the evenings has set into my bones now and the sun seems to warm me from the inside out and keep that fire inside me lit for the coming Winter.  As I was flipping through my new pose set from Le Poppycock at Chapter Four to show off this gorgeous new ensemble from AnaMarkova Designs, I giggled a bit because this pose really made me think of how I must look when people catch me dancing and singing with the sunbeams in the living room.

The stunning, new, Ava ensemble is only available at Designer Showcase in Camel and Pure and includes the top, skirt and shoes.  Meaning you don't have to end up chest high in discarded shoes trying to find the perfect match!  Which is always a HUGE plus in my book as sometimes I find myself drowning as I try to find the best shoes for an outfit.  On a daily basis I can be found in the Phases collection from Cae that I picked up over the Summer for all kinds of reasons.  First, well, they are the moon in its different phases AND you can change the metal texture AND wear them individually or all together; making them incredibly versatile.  But of course my love for them is deeply seeded in my relationship with the moon.  Since I picked them up at separate events you will need to check the store to grab yours!  

As everyone knows, I recently moved into my new home on SL and needless to say most of my photos have been done inside it.  I continue to move things about but I am very happy with my little cottage by the lake.  My bedroom is by far the most appointed room in the house, and it is where I spend the majority of my time now, as I truly wish I could have this as my nest in real life.  If you haven't made it by FaMESHed or The Arcade yet this month then let this be another little reminder!  The house and book accessories are only available from 8f8 at The Arcade in the Storyteller's Burrow gacha and trust me when I say it is well worth the L.  I do have to say, I actually got all the pieces and didn't have to break the bank, which was a nice surprise compared to other machines.  The beautiful table and mirror combination is an exclusive from unKindness at the current round of FaMESHed.  The Autumn Vanity Set includes the table and mirror, cushion with poses, and a wreath set.  So do yourself a favor and head on over and add this amazing piece to your home today!

The Fashion Details

Body - Maitreya

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Justine

Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Armor (Group Gift)

Hair - Mina - Elvire

Necklace, Earrings, Rings - Cae - Phases

Top and Skirt - AnaMarkova Designs - Ava - Camel @ Designer Showcase

Shoes - AnaMarkova Designs - Ava - Camel @ Designer Showcase

Pose - Le Poppycock - Angles - B @ Chapter Four

The Decor Details 

House, Bookcases - 8f8 - The Storyteller's Burrow @ The Arcade

Table and Mirror - unKindness - Autumn Vanity Set @ FaMESHed

Table and Mirror - 24 land impact with resizer

Wreaths - 1 land impact each

Cushion - 1 land impact with resizer

Sold as a set for 399L

To Autumn

John Keats 

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
  Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
  With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
  And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
    To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
  With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
    For summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
  Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
  Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap’d furrow sound asleep,
  Drowsed with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
    Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
  Steady thy laden head across a brook;
  Or by a cider-press, with patient look,
    Thou watchest the last oozings, hours by hours.

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
  Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,--
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
  And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The redbreast whistles from a garden-croft,
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your night and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion and decor trends work for you!

~Jade~  

 

"Lunge and thrust to pout and pucker into the face of the beguiled"

Of course I am an 80's baby, being 43 they were the height of my teens and I wasn't your typical cheerleader as I have discussed before.  I listened to what most called punk or alternative and though it didn't majorly influence my style, torn fishnets, short skirts, combat boots, chains and lots of black found their way into my daily wardrobe.  I do believe you can browse through old photo albums and find me all dressed up for a dance still with my leather and metal bracelets on.  I had to keep my edge people!  This month AnaMarkova Designs brings you all kinds of wonderful releases at Designer Showcase including this fabulous ensemble that took me straight back to my youth and Siouxsie's voice started tumbling through my head!

Peek a Boo

Creeping up the backstairs
Slinking into dark stalls
Shapeless and slumped in bath chairs
Furtive eyes peep out of holes

She has many guises
She'll do what you want her to
Playing dead and sweet submission
Cracks the whip deadpan on cue

Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo

Reeking like a pig sty
Peeling back and gagging free
Flaccid ego in your hand
Chokes on dry tears, can you understand?

She's jeering at the shadows
Sneering behind a smile
Lunge and thrust to pout and pucker
Into the face of the beguiled

The top and skirt fit perfectly with my Maitreya body with very few alphas turned on, which of course ease in dressing is always a plus, especially now with the mesh bodies, that isn't always true.  This ensemble is currently only available at Designer Showcase until the 26th of the month, then will go back to full price in the store, so hurry on over and get yours today!  While there, check out the other designs AND AnaMarkova also provides one of the group gifts this month, so what are you waiting for??!  Go get your hands on amazing fashions!

The Details

Body - Maitreya

Hair - Tameless - Wren 

Skin - Lumae - Niska - Gateau 

Eyes - IKON - Hope - Denim

Plugs and Earrings - Glint - Plugs and Rings

Choker - Pekka - Solid Metal Spiked

Bracelets - unKindness (heathenesque) - Lil Stinger

Top and Skirt - AnaMarkova Designs - Siouxie Punk @ Designer Showcase til 8/26

Shoes - Reign - Monarch Heels

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

Jade

 

Life is a journey

As I have been discussing lately, life is an incredible gift that truly should be lived to it's fullest, no matter the circumstances people must choose to live.  I often describe life as a journey and over the last five years, though painful, my journey has taught me many valuable lessons.  Along the way, I made a choice to shed my fears and to leap head first into whatever comes my way knowing full well that things may not turn out like I planned, but at least it will be another chapter in my adventure.  I have been preparing my articles for you all about dressing styles, and the act of writing has me feeling very complete at the moment.  Educating, writing, drawing people in and entertaining them with my words or information is something I have always loved to do, and when I find myself writing more than normal I tend to read more as well, especially a well loved book, or collection of poetry.  As I was preparing this post tonight, and with my thoughts drifting to the journey I have been on for the past few years I was reminded of a poem that has inspired me for a long time, maybe the one that pushed me to shed my skin, hibernate for a bit and emerge from my chrysalis with beautiful, strong wings ready to fly.

The Journey

Mary Oliver

  

One day you finally knew

what you had to do, and began,

though the voices around you

kept shouting

their bad advice—

though the whole house

began to tremble

and you felt the old tug

at your ankles.

“Mend my life!”

each voice cried.

But you didn’t stop.

You knew what you had to do,

though the wind pried

with its stiff fingers

at the very foundations,

though their melancholy

was terrible.

It was already late

enough, and a wild night,

and the road full of fallen

branches and stones.

But little by little,

as you left their voices behind,

the stars began to burn

through the sheets of clouds,

and there was a new voice

which you slowly

recognized as your own,

that kept you company

as you strode deeper and deeper

into the world,

determined to do

the only that you could do—

determined to save

the only life you could save.

 “Poetry is a life-cherishing force. For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry.” Mary Oliver

 April of last year is when I embarked on my journey of blogging in SL, and over this time I have grown so much in my personal life and I have to admit it comes from having pride in something I do and having those who appreciate it.  I was a creator on IMVU for years and I have great pride in the work I did there, but the lack of appreciation in that sea of sharks made me question everything I did.  I no longer do that and I have begun a new chapter in my adventure as I learn to create for SL.  As I told you all in a recent post, I always want to learn new things and create myself all over again.  A year and a half ago I started over, with a new life, with clear goals and a new sense of purpose and direction.  The friends I have made and the supportive community I have found myself in, continue to push me to strive for what I want from this life and I cherish them for every nudge, or kick, depending on the person.  But isn't that what true friends really are?  To lift you up when you need a hand and to knock you down a level when you get a bit too high and mighty!  Keeps friendships real, after all, who wants a sugar coated friendship based on coddling?!  Bring them on your journey with you and you will be amazed at where life takes you!

The Details

Body - Maitreya - Lara

Hair - Little Bones - Cameo Lover

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Max

Eyes- IKON - Hope - Moor

Lashes - Gaeline Creations

Shadow - Alaskametro - Matte Smoke - Charcoal

Choker and Bracelets - Zaara - Banjara

Dress - Kaithleen's - Linda Linen @ Designer Showcase 149L (LM wasn't working today :/)

Pose - KaTink - Andrea Editorial

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your night or day, depending on where you are, and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~   

Living Lush

Long before Lush by CoCo was a sponsor I was a huge fan of the incredibly well designed clothes in bold colors and shape defining lines and could be found grabbing the newest pieces as they were released.  From the start I noticed LBC had very similar thoughts about style and fashion trends as I do, which isn't actually that common, so of course I followed along on the blog and grew to "know" the designer at least in the way she presented her store.  Since that time I have come to blog for LBC and can assure you that if you are looking for a classic, yet modern clothing line that fits your style and your life, then head on over and check out the store, and while you are at it, pop into the Designer Showcase and pick up this gorgeous new release.

Living the Lush life

The stunning draped Jungle Queen dress comes in a variety of colors as well as a luxurious tropical print all with fantastic gathered pleats and curve revealing design.  This dress can obviously be dressed up for those more formal nights out or dressed down for an evening on the beach, I promise a little salt water won't destroy your look!  The top is slightly sheer adding to the sex appeal that this dress exudes with every sway of your hips.  Do yourself a favor and add this to your wardrobe, I promise you won't be disappointed.

"Encourage every woman to be audacious. This one sentence is summed up in the phrase “Live Lush”.  That is the long lasting mission of Lush By CoCo, even when it was apart of Lush Limited. Lush is not couture and there is no glamour. Instead the focus is on emphasizing bold options in our everyday choices. Though she may find her own path, the Lush Woman is bold and confident. She’s not afraid to show skin and be seen. She pays just enough attention to trends to be fashion forward, but knows that true fashion sense  relies on a personal style compass.  Lush is here to provide the tools necessary to follow that style compass."  Xi Zane - Creator of Lush by CoCo

When I hear DeeTaleZ has released a new and semi-exclusive skin at Cosmopolitan I scamper over as fast as my tele will take me so I can add it to my collection.  And yes, at this point that is the only word that seems to fit with the sheer number of skins I have picked up over the last year.  I am a huge fan and as most of my followers can attest, you will rarely find me in any other skin.  I have tried many and I used to switch them up a bit but with mesh bodies, I returned to my first love.  If you are looking for a skin that doesn't show a break at the neck, or strange shading or if you don't want to mess with add-ons to "fix" the issue then pick up a Maitreya body and a DeeTaleZ skin and the appliers, which are incredibly reasonable and I bet you will rarely change your skin again, just your makeup!  One of the things you can count on from DeeTaleZ as well is that the skins at events are in makeups that won't be released again, for the most part.  I have found that when I buy an exclusive makeup version, I often head to the store to pick up the main one as well, it has happened on more than one occasion now and it is becoming a bit of a habit, but I can think of all kinds of worse habits than DeeTaleZ!    I love the freckles and soft makeup on Joice as well as the delicate, natural brows.  I have had people comment on my brows lately and I will let you all in on a little secret.... DeeTaleZ - Brow Option 2.  Not really a secret when they are given to everyone, but I think sometimes we get stuck in a rut and don't try those head shapes, brow shapes etc.  And by the way, no, DeeTaleZ is not a sponsor, simply a brand I love that I don't talk about very often.  

DeeTaleZ - Joice @ Cosmo

If you haven't discovered the amazing jewels from JUMO then you are truly missing out on exquisite jewelry that deserves a spot in your jewelry box.  Every piece makes a statement and many of them can be mixed and matched with each other.  Take some time to head by the store and discover JUMO and their stunning jewelry and couture creations, you will never be disappointed.

Ensemble 

Hair - Elikatira - Lillian

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Joice @ Cosmopolitan

Earrings - JUMO - part of the Gaia Bride Collection

Bracelets and Ring - JUMO - Marais

Nails - Nailed It - Bonita @ Swank

Dress - Lush by CoCo - Jungle Queen - Strawberry @ Designer Showcase

Shoes - SYSY's - Tied Up - Gold

Poses

Close Up - KaTink - Andrea Editorial

Full - KaTink - Gabby

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~    

"Smooth Sailin"

I don't know whether it is the stress of the Summer or merely a desire to be far, far away in general but I have been dreaming of a cruise for weeks now down among the Caribbean Islands or even more distant, exotic ports.  So today as I busied myself with unpacking my enormous pile of boxes I was delighted with the newest releases you can only find at Designer Showcase from AnaMarkova Designs, as they fit my daydreaming mood perfectly!

AnaMarkova Designs - Jada for Designer Showcase

 The Jada ensemble is available in a wide variety of colors so I am sure you will find one to fit your mood or if you are just looking for an adorable skirt and top combination then look no further!  The mesh fits perfectly including when posing and walking when out and about on the grid, making it a wonderful addition to any closet for late Summer and early Fall.  

Ensemble

Hair - Tableau Vivant - Last Train Home - Natural Dye

 Dress - AnaMarkova Designs - Jada - Tangerine @ Designer Showcase

Earrings - Glam Affair - Joy - Yellow

Bracelets - Glam Affair - Bangles - Black

Ring - R - Zenith - Geometry Stone - Light Gold

Shoes - Precious Designs - part of No More Tears outfit

Pose and Prop - Exposeur - The White Rooms

With having been gone since mid-July it was hard for me to show off all the amazing hairs that were offered at Hair Fair 2015, which saddens me, but at least I can still show you the designs even if they are no longer up for charity.  You may find some of the hairs are no longer available as they were exclusives to the event, but check the stores just in case!!!  I love this short, feisty hair from Tableau Vivant that I picked up at the Hair Fair, which comes in both male and female styles, like I said above, not sure if available so check the store!!!  

The Basics

Body - Maitreya

Hands and Feet - Slink

Skin - DeeTaleZ

Eyes - IKON

Lashes - Gaeline Creations

Eyeshadow - Alaskametro - SmokeShow - Clay

Lips - DeeTaleZ - Custom Tint with Skins

 

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~

A bit of sexy sophistication for your Summer soirees

The month of July is almost half over and I just have no idea where it went!  The first day of school is just around the corner for my teen and I have to say I might be counting down the days to when my daytime hours are mine again!  Today I am switching things up a bit and presenting all of the amazing creations from AnaMarkova Designs that are currently out and about at events.  The newest pieces are fantastic and perfect for all of your Summer garden parties.

Lorelei Dress and Shoes - Bubblegum @ On9

 

 

Pulcino - Apfelwein NEW!!!

Shadow - Pelle - Smooth - Gold

Freckles - No.Match - No.Trouble - Face Spots @ Hair Fair 2015

Jewelry - Maxi Gossamer - Esmeralda Gypsy Queen

Hair - No.Match - No. Trouble @ Hair Fair 2015

Nails - Pulcino - Apfelwein NEW!!!

Dress - AnaMarkova Designs - Lorelei - Bubblegum @ On9

Shoes - AnaMarkova Designs - Lorelei Peep Toes - Bubblegum @ On9   

Lucinda - Teal @ Swank

 

 

Pulcino - Apfelwein; Alaskametro - Tropika - Blue Hawaii

Hair - Amacci - Alva - GIFT @ Hair Fair 2015 

Shadow - Alaskametro - Tropika - Blue Hawaii

Nails - Pulcino - Apfelwein NEW!!!

Dress - AnaMarkova Designs - Lucinda - Teal @ Swank 

Lucinda - Rouge @ Designer's Showcase

 

Pulcino - Secret Garden; Alaskametro - Tropika - Sunset

Hair - Amacci - Alva GIFT @ Hair Fair 2015

Shadow - Alaskametro - Tropika - Sunset

Nails - Pulcino - Secret Garden

Dress - AnaMarkova Designs - Lucinda - Rouge @ Designer Showcase

Shoes - Topazia - Veronique - Black

The Lucinda and Lorelei dresses are available in several different colors through out the locations so make sure you stop by all three and pick up your favorites, as well as the coordinating shoes.  Every week you will find new creations in the store and out at events so make sure to join the group while there to stay informed!  I decided because of the sheer size of this post that I didn't need to do a basics list for each ensemble for you, instead, they are listed below just in case you are curious!  

The Basics

 Body - Maitreya - Lara

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Anouk

Eyes - IKON - Hope - Industrial

Liner - DeeTaleZ - A - Black

Lashes - Gaeline

Earrings - Lazuri - Classic Pearls

Bracelets - Glam Affair - Bangles - Black

As you all can tell I have been enjoying the discovery that I can use "advanced lighting" up on my little platform and I can't explain how happy this makes me.  It may have taken literally 4 hours to take 6 pictures, but it's worth it!  At least I hope so!  I know here soon that I won't be taking that much time, because I won't need to see ALL the windlights in "advanced."  I feel a bit like a kid in a candy store!  So many amazing things you can do with just a click of a different windlight.  I have noticed however, that I have to be careful because occasionally things get all jagged again even though I have the filters on to keep that from happening.  I have decided this is my pc's way of letting me know it's a bit tired and that it needs a break, so I listen and wander off for awhile so the hamsters can relax and have a smoke break or whatever.  So any of you out there frustrated with your p.o.s. computers and their failing graphics. then shoot me a note inworld (JadedPanther Resident) or find me on Facebook (Jade Samsara) and I will share with you the tricks I have discovered along the way.  I am by no means a photo expert nor do I take the best pictures, but over the last year and a half I have found ways to utilize what I have to the best of its ability.  I hope you are enjoying your weekend and now I am off to go play around with some windlights and furniture!!

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your weekend and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~