GOING OUT!

After coming up with my Christmas look a few days ago, I was inspired to come up with something a bit more conventional and practical.

In typical "Mel's Mix'n'Match" style I combined a number of new items from SL Marketplace with a number of clothes I already possessed.

The catalyst was finding the boots. Mention boots and many would think of Bootgasm. Whilst Bootgasm make some good styles, I personally find some look a bit clunky.  The boots I am wearing in these pictures however, come from Erratic. The texture of these boots look almost like real leather.

The jacket is a white version of the one I wore in my "Baby, It's Cold Outside!" blog. The scarf and cap are by Mentine and were featured in another previous blog

The skirt is a herringbone style and is only available from the Maitreya mainstore. The shirt is a fairly simple "tucked-in" style. These come in groups of 3 colours.

Keeping my legs warm are the "Blushed Creations" pantyhose





Boots: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/erratic-emily-leather-boots-espresso/4778511
Jacket: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/ASHBURY-Avery-Longcoat-Winter-White/5585495
Cap: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Mentine-Knitted-Hat-Blonde-Hair/1584869
Scarf: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Mentine-Fringed-Scarf-color-change/1584810
Skirt: Available only at Maitreya mainstore
Shirt: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/ISON-tucked-in-shirt-red/4839269
Pantyhose: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Blushed-Seamed-Pantyhose-with-Slink-appliers/5391295

* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

SHE'S GOT LEGS!

I am always on the lookout for good quality hosiery and have endlessly scouted the SL Marketplace for something that looks good on my legs. There are excellent stores such as No.9 Nylons - who have an amazing range at their mainstore.

Unless I am wearing hosiery to excite and tantalize, I normally opt to wear pantyhose (or tights). The pantyhose pictured here are designed by Blush Bravin and retail for L$150

Much of Blush Bravin's output is compatible with a mesh body system called "Slink".  Slink is a step-change in realism for hands and feet.  However - as with Lola's Tango breasts are with normal clothes, normal footwear is not compatible with Slink feet.

Worry not though! Blushed Creations hosiery come in both Slink and standard "system" versions.  As you can see in the photographs the seam on the pantyhose looks impressively accurate - until the ankle. This is because I am wearing N-Core shoes. 

The stocking and pantyhose are available in packs and this particular pack has 3 colour variations - Sheer, Less Sheer and SuperSheer.

On the subject of "Slink" feet, my personal opinion is that I find them too fiddly and prefer to wear N-Core (or similar) footwear.
Should you wish to wear "Slink" feet, you will find a growing amount of shoes and other footwear. Blushed Creations do have a number of fashions and also a large collection of accessories for Slink feet, such as toe nails, ankle bracelets and foot jewellery.



Pantyhose: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Blushed-Seamed-Pantyhose-with-Slink-appliers/5391295

* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

FESTIVE GLAMOUR

On Friday 20th December 2013 the Style Kingdom magazine - in co-operation with the Ambrosia Entertainment Group held "Festiva - a Holiday Party" at the Ambrosia Dance Club.  There was 8 hours of fun and dancing kicked of by Geemix - ably asssisted by his "Welcome Hosts" Sheffield Cheveau and Skye Bluestar.  Later, a catwalk display of fashion designed by those at Zanze took place.

Unfortunately, I was unable to take full advantage of viewing the fashions worn by Zanze's models as there was incredible lag within the club.  Therefore I took up the opportunity to check out the Zanze catalogue in SL Marketplace.

The dress that stood out for me was the "Cherrie" design cocktail dress. THis dress is available in 7 colours - although 6 of them are available in 1 pack and can be obtained by using the supplied HUD. 

To accessorise the dress I am wearing Akita Jewellery available from Bandit at L$1480.  My shoes are N-Core "Delicious" in Red Passion.

Dress: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/ZE-Cherrie-SHINE-HUD/5040599

Jewellery: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Bandit-Jewelry-Akita-Pearls-Rubys-Diamonds-Set-Necklace-Earrings-Bracelet/1493441

Shoes: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/N-core-DELICIOUS-Red-Passion-Mesh/4627343

* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

  

In my last blog I featured a glamorous slinky gown for the Christmas dances.  Whilst it may be ideal for the ballroom, some may consider it impractical for the nightclub.

Equally as slinky as the "French Connection" gown is the "Bonnie" dress -designed by Saritha Gabardini.  The dress is shown to full effect in thesmaller of the two photographs in this blog.  At just L$70 it is exceptional value for money.  As with the gown, the Red Passion shoes in the various N-Core ranges work very well.

If, like me you are a regular at the various Ambrosia Entertainment Group dance clubs, you might have to experience a long walk to the clubs themselves.  So, it might be appropriate to wear something warm. Polly Cassidy has designed an amazing long  coat which flares nicely and the detail emphasises your beauty and looks very sexy.  Many other long coats tend to flare too much, but this is just about right. Like the dress, the coat is also great value at L$149!

Helping to keep you warm are the hat and the boa - designed by Maxi Gossamer.  It may be of interest to you that Maxi Gossamer also sells a good selection of jewellery which is relatively inxpensive and of great quality.

Dress: 
Coat: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/ASHBURY-Avery-Longcoat-Red/5585501
Shoes: Check N-Core Mainstore
Fur Hat: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Fur-Hat-and-Collar-Babushka-Black-Bear-and-Arctic-Fox/4387540
Boa: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Fur-Boa-Natalya-Natural-Furs/4387551


* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

LADY IN RED!

Less than one week to go until Christmas and the party season is getting into full swing! If you haven't already bought a new dress, then perhaps it is time to consider getting one.

I have a number of glamorous gowns in my inventory, and I thought I'd be able to manage with one of my exisiting outfits - until I spotted this one on SL Marketplace.  The picture of this item blew me away, but actually wearing it had an even greater impact on me!

The gown is designed by DEW Fashion and retailing at L$550 is not cheap. However, I believe that you get what you pay for, and in this (labelled "French Connection") you get a dress that truly hugs and emphasises your figure and gets heads turning.  In fact, as soon as I stepped out on a dancefloor in this gown I had a number of guys trying to IM me.

The gown is mainly mesh, but there are a couple of sculpted parts - namely a feathered train on the back of the gown, and a jewelled beaded area around the bustline.  I found the bustline beading detracted from the gown, so I decided not to wear it.  The gown is available in 3 colours - red, black and white.

I have accessorized the gown with a faux fur bolero designed by Max Gossamer.   Priced at L$399 the bolero comes in 4 colours and is non-rigged mesh.  The red colour of the gown matches perfectly with any "Red Passion" shoes produced by N-Core

Gown:  https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/DEW-French-Connection-red/3786479

Bolero: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Fur-Bolero-Yolanda-Natural-Furs/4583249

Shoes: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/N-core-DELICIOUS-Red-Passion-Mesh/4627343

* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

I'VE BEEN VIOLATED...

AND I LOVE IT!

Impulse buying can be fraught with problems. Sometimes you find that you have made a horrible mistake. But every so often you come up with something totally amazing.

This is the case with my latest acquisition.  I had just opened up SL Marketplace on my computer when I noticed a great looking jacket designed by Saraya Vaher at VIOLATOR.

I was a bit sceptical at first, but I need not have worried.  The jacket looks every bit as amazing as it did in the MP picture.

The jacket is of cropped design, so I would suggest that either a high-waisted skirt or trousers would be appropriate. In my photograph, I have paired the jacket with white high-waisted leather pants from Ricielli.  Not wishing to risk a mesh tanktop I have chosen a sculpted tank from Elymode by Elysium Eilde.  My chosen shoes are by N-Core.

The jacket is great value at just L$260!

Jacket: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/VIOLATOR-PretaPorter-Passion-Blazer-Red-Gold/5255299

Tanktop: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/elymode-54-Tank-silver/3567081

Pants: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Ricielli-Mesh-Highwaisted-Leather-Pants-white/5122303

Shoes: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/N-core-LULU-Pink-Floral-Edition/3899705


* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

A GOOD DAY AT THE OFFICE

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/coldLogic-outfit-dom-black-snow/5578380

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/coldLogic-outfit-hart-sea/5578386

 For the working girl who likes to wear mesh for her job, finding the right clothes has not been very easy.  The main issue has often been the difference between Alpha masks of the various designers.

The obvious answer is to design a whole outfit. This limits you to varying your look - especially if you have bought similar outfits be the same designer. ColdLogic have answered this problem, and the result is amazing - in all cases.

What coldLogic have done is to allow you to adjust your outfit as you see fit.  They allow you to have the option of 3 different Alphas; shirt, skirt or full body.  The clothes can be added as you wish to do so. If you buy other outfits in the set, you can play around with different combinations to your hearts content.  

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/coldLogic-outfit-cross-coffee-cream/5578423

These outfits are available from coldLogic's pages in SL Marketplace (and their mainstore) and are priced between L$350 and L$500. 

This is just a selection of the coldLogic portfolio, and I am sure you will agree they are ideal to wear at the office - be you a humble clerk or the Managing Director's personal assistant.  These outfits are sexy without being too tarty.  You will just have to keep an eye out for wandering hands though!

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/coldLogic-outfit-elba-berry-cream/5578393

The link to each outfit appear as captions to the photographs.

* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

ALL WRAPPED UP FOR CHRISTMAS!

Before I review this outfit, I must say that it is good to be back on my blog again.  In recent weeks I have been suffering a bout of depression.  My real life has been in the doldrums and not even Second Life could lift me out of it. However, the best way is to face life head-on and just get on with it.

My main inspiration behind this Christmas outfit was actually the knitwear. Anyone who has tried to buy a hat/cap from the SL Marketplace will know how fiendishly difficult it is to resize without it looking odd.  Often it is easier to remove your avatar's hair (as if hiding your hair inside the cap. "Mentine" has a range of knitwear such as caps, scarves and legwarmers.  These can be resized, and even better, the packs come in a variety of colours.  The hats come with their own hair, but if you wish to wear your own there is the ability to do that too!  As I said previously, the hats can be resized easily.  The hats retail at L$195. Also from "Mentine" (retailing at L$95) is the scarf - which can also be resized.  

The gloves come from Pixel Mode at L$185 and are rigged mesh. Sadly, the mittens are not resizable. I personally think they look a touch too small.

The coat comes from Edelweiss and costs L$200.  It is a mesh item and as well as being in adult sizes, the item comes in child sizes too!  A look at the Edelweiss store in Marketplace shows a goodly collection of Christmas stuff.

Buying items from one designerto match with another can be a lottery, and footwear can be one of the most difficult items to get right.  However, the shoes I bought from MayCreations come pretty close to my coat. The boots retail at L$399. To keep my "virtual" legs warm I am wearing the tights (from Cannibelle) that I wore in one of my previous reviews.

That's me all wrapped up for Christmas!

Hat: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Mentine-Knitted-Hat-Blonde-Hair/1584869

Scarf: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Mentine-Fringed-Scarf-color-change/1584810

Mittens: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/PM-Pixel-Mode-Suede-Mittens-Pink/4386300

Coat: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Edelweiss-Santa-Dress01-Christmas-girl-costume-Mesh-Rigged/4259097

Tights: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Cannibelle-Crystal-Scatter-Tights-with-SLink-Appliers/5339112

Shoes: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MayCreations-Xtreme-satin-ankle-boots-with-fur-xmas-edition/1679557

* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

Due to a number of reasons I have decided to end my blog.  

The primary reason has been the lack of time that I have at present.  My reviews of the fashion items I have featured have been totally independent and unbiased.  I have received no support or sponsorship from any of the designers, and I have personally had to use my own finances to obtain the clothes I have featured.

I cannot continue to spend at this level.

This does not mean that I am considering leaving Second Life at any time.  I am just considering my position.

I also have to say  that I am disappointed by the response that my blogs have received.  On average, the pageview total has been around 4 views.

My Special Thanks go to those who have actually taken the time to check out my blogs and also to pass comment or even "like" them on Facebook.

Please do not misunderstand me.  I am not doing this out of annoyance or irritation.  I just feel that it is not worth continuing my blog anymore given the collective reasons.

Mel xxx 

EVERY GIRL LOVES CHOCOLATE!

Earlier today I was sitting in the ticket hall of my local train station when a pretty young woman walked in.

She was wearing a tan jacket together with a tan skirt. She was also wearing cowgirl-style boots and opaque cream-colours pantihose (or tights as we Brits call them!)

I was very impressed with her look and was determined to get as close as I could to her look. WOW!  I never realised that it would be so damned difficult!

No matter how I tried I just couldn't get things to match properly.  I never thought that there were so many shades of brown! Even with the finished result I am not totally happy about the matching of the colours, but I reckon that it will be as close as I can get.

To achieve the look in the photograph I have had to shop around. Starting from the ground up, the boots are from JB Gizov and retail at L$450. The pantihose is from Cannibelle and sells for L$80.  The miniskirt comes from Maitreya (one of my favourite designers) and retails at L$300. Eclectic Wingtips are responsible for the tanktop (L$150) and also the jacket (L$285). 

Jacket: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/e-Darla-Blazer-Taupe/3636224
Tank Top: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/e-Alice-Tank-Top-SnowOrange/3405972
Skirt:  https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Maitreya-Mini-Skirt-Dark-Leather-Russet/4455329
Pantihose: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Cannibelle-Crystal-Scatter-Tights-with-SLink-Appliers/5339112
Boots: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Js-Fringe-Cowgirl-Boots2-Brown/2100746

* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx

SMART & SASSY

Vika Design quite simply describe this item as a 3 zip jacket which I personally believe understates this smart jacket. 

The detailing of this garment is quite intricate and almost so realistic you feel you could touch it.  The lapels - although quite wide - do not look too unsightly and draw the eye to the wearer.

The jacket also comes with a top which can be interchanged by means of a HUD. There is also a facility to design your own top patterns and add them to the clothing files.

Unlike most other mesh items, this item does not come in standard sizes - S, M, L, XL etc.  The files at first sight appear rather complex. A tip I can give you is to apply the shirt file immediately above the jacket file.  That way you will be able to apply the correct shirt for the jacket.

The pants I have used with this jacket are the Natalia style designed by Eclectic Wingtips which I covered in my "Inspired by Vicky" blog recently.

Jacket: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Three-pocket-female-Jacket-MESH-XSSML/3966919

Pants: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/e-Natalia-Pants-Jacaranda/3405969

* Please note that all posts are unbiased opinions and that I receive no sponsorship from any source whatsoever!  Mel xx