Russian Snow Princess

Russian Snow Princess at Lemania Indigo Designs

I have been wanting to photograph this fabulous creation for some time. The outfit is Russian Snow Princess and was designed by  Lemania Indigo, designer and owner of Lemania Indigo Designs. Lemania is a highly prolific designer, and the main store of Lemania Indigo Designs abounds with gowns, dresses, and outfits influenced by Lemania's love of Classic Hollywood movies. The collection is a unique blend of retro, nostagia, and modern that will appeal to women of style.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them to their original size.

I first saw Russian Snow Princess in a series of photos featuring my friend Annyee Lindman who is a model at Lemania Indigo Designs.  Annyee, modeling the outfit, was breathtakingly lovely in the photos. That was last February, and Russian Snow Princess had been withdrawn to make room for the spring fashions. Happily, the outfit is available once again for this winter season at a price of $560L. With winter scenery coming to many sims, I now had the opportunity to take my own set of photos of Russian Snow Princess.

A snow princess needs lots of pretty snow. As if bowing to the demands of the princess, my dear friend, Jaysun Dagger, created a magical winter wonderland around his island residence. Jaysun has a discerning artistic eye for the beautiful and the sublime. I am  thrilled over how well Russian Snow Princess photographed against Jaysun's gorgeous winter scenes. As always, my photos are marvelously windlight free.

Russian Snow Princess comes with corset, pants, gloves, stockings, footwear, a fur hat and a number of fur pieces, a flowing flexy skirt, and a prim skirt. By enlarging the photos, you can appreciate the exquisite details of this extraordinary creation. And imagine making a beautiful statement strolling the season's winter sims dressed in Russian Snow Princess. There are other looks available with this outfit that are very suitable for indoor wear. By replacing the large flexy skirt with the prim skirt, you can create a look that is elegant and sophisticated. I love dressing down to just the top and pants to create a casual sexy look that is perfect for snuggling against your special someone before a warm fireplace.

I was feeling very Anna Karenina. So I also wanted to photograph Russian Snow Princess in a European city with an appropriate historical ambiance. Jaysun brought me to the perfect backdrop. Second Life is wonderful. It even had falling snow. It is a homage to Bruges, Belgium by the talented SL builder, Painter Meriman. Very picturesque, Bruges is called the Venice of the North. I got the ambiance that I wanted. The period buildings along the recreation of the city's canals made for a great photo session.

I do hope that you enjoyed this long look at Russian Princess. Be sure to explore the extraordinary breadth of fashion magic at Lemania Indigo Designs. At the mainstore, there are very friendly and helpful models displaying the day's specials. The specials are very good deals. And there is always a nice group of devoted customers, self proclaimed SL Divine Divas, at the store. It is a fun place to shop, and I might see you there.

Lemania Indigo Designs Main Store:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lemania/110/101/22

Painter Designs:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ocelot%20Valley/36/146/24

The photos were taken at the residence of Jaysun Dagger and at Painter Designs. I would like to thank Jaysun and Painter Meriman for allowing me to photograph their properties.

MEB Photo Contest Winner

My Winning Photo

I received a notice from Mimi Juneau that Mimi's Choice, along with MEB Fashion, was sponsoring a photo contest with the prize being MariaElena Barbosa's newest creation, a fabulous formal gown called Red Carpet. I had my eye on that dress since its introduction, so I just had to enter the contest and try for the prize. A few days earlier, I was scouting a most magical location for a future fashion post.  Located in the Bentham Forest, the location was deep woods with a cold stream and colorful giant mushrooms. The visual impact is breathtaking. I had the perfect location. I now needed  to find the perfect outfit for this location.

And I found it among the MEB Fashion Collection at Mimi's Choice. The outfit is called Sorbonne. Sorbonne is part of MEB Fashion's 2009 Fall Collection and was featured in the MEB World Premiere Runway Show. Sorbonne consists of a light brown high neck knit top with a great texture and black silk pants.  Sorbonne is casual, but sophisticated.  Its very, very sex, very.  Sorbonne is priced at $490L.

The hair that I am wearing is called Maryanne and is available at Alli & Ali. The hair is available in 11 colors. I am wearing Flame. Maryanne is priced at $175L for one color. The 11 color multipack sells for $650L.

Well, I did the fashion shoot and sent my picture to Mimi. Click on the picture to enlarge it for a better view. The photo is wonderfully windlight-free.

My Photo on display at Mimi's Choice

I was teleported to Mimi's Choice and behind me was my photo on display. I was the WINNER. My picture was selected by Ludwig Prinz, a well known Second Life photographer, which made it even more special. I was so thrilled and excited.  And my prize, MEB Red Carpet, is absolutley gorgeous. I got to wear it right away. First, at a Shantu Selene performance at the Moments Embrace Ballroom. And then again at the opening of the Hallelujah Azul Art Walk. I would like to thank Mimi Juneau and MariaElena Barbosa for a truly wonderful moment.

MEB Red Carpet

Mimi's Choice Mainstore:http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deep%20House%20Island/208/10/23

MEB Fashion Mainstore:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/CZESTATE%20Kuai%20Nui/118/20/22

Alli & Ali Designs Main Store

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Long%20Beach/49/72/22

Bentham Forest:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wasted%20Night/36/49/22

Moorish Dreams - Staged Summer Suit

Staged Summer Suit Set

'You look like Barbara Eden's wicked sister in I Dream of Jeannie.' That was the first time I've ever been described as wicked; but, Gwen meant it as a compliment. Lovely and sexy Barbara Eden played both Jeannie and her dark haired sister in that classic tv show. And the outfit that I was wearing does have an exotic Arabian Nights look to it. The outfit is called Staged Summer Suit Set and is at Staged Skin and Fashion.

The Staged Summer Suit Set was designed by Dezi Jarvinen, owner of Staged Skin and Fashion. It is priced at $395L and is available in a wide range of colors - red, lavander, blue, green, white, beige, dark brown,and black. I am wearing blue. The set comes with short and long pants and a jacket that comes with or without a tank shirt which makes it a fashion choice for both summer and early autumn. Inspired by Gwen's remark, I took this outfit to the Moorish sim of El Andalus with its re-creation of the famous Alhambra. Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

The Alhambra in Second Life

For over seven centuries, from 711 to 1492, regions of Spain were ruled by Muslim conquerors from North Africa who gave the Iberian peninsula the Arabic name of Al Andalus. Moorish Spain was glorious. The Moorish city of Cordoba was the most cosmopolitan city in Western Europe at the time of the Muslim domination of Al Andalus and famous for its great Jewish philosophers. The fabulous Alhambra, built by the Moors in Granada, is one of the world's great architectural treasures.

Adding some fashion magic to the enchantment of the Alhambra

On a hill overlooking the city of Granada lies the Alhambra—a magnificient palace-citadel complex that was the jewel of Moorish Spain. The Alhambra dates back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and is famous for its series of courtyards with their slender columnar arches, fountains and light-reflecting basins. The most noteworthy is the Court of the Lions named for the twelve lions of the courtyard's fountain.

The walls are covered with richly beautiful ceramics and plaster work, and the romantic enchantment of the spaces are enhanced by interior arches that serve a purely aesthetic purpose. The architects of the Alhambra wanted to cover every space with decoration. No decorative element was enough. Well, I wanted to make a contribution with  my own decorative element - some wonderful fashion magic.

The Staged Summer Suit is for casual wear. So you are not shouting "Look at me!" when wearing this outfit. But, it's attractive charm will garner you more than your share of attention and compliments. I was pleased with how well this causal outfit looked displayed against the glory of the Alhambra.  It says much for the graceful composition of its design. So it is well suited for a variety of occasions. Imagine how well it would do when worn in your favorite coffee shop, at a live performance, or for a walk in a garden. The long and short pants and the jacket with/without a tank top will give you four different looks. I just love the sexy look with the short pants shown on the left.

DrLife has been expanding their selection of hair styles. The quality of the designs and textures are first rate. The style that I am wearing is called Leah.ld and was designed by Diana XueElla and recently updated by Leena Ying, owner of DrLife. Leah.ld is priced at $350L and that gives you a entire collection of colors including black, blonde, brown, cherry, dark blue, gold, red, and silven. Its a great deal. Leah is one of my favorite hair pieces. It goes well with many occasions and dress from formal to club to casual.

Hair by DrLife

The Alhambra, Court of the Lions

Mariko Nightfire provides it all - fashion magic, a history lesson, and a travelogue all in one blog post. And, as always, my pictures are windlight free. I do hope that you enjoyed this look at Staged Summer Suit, and I hope that you visit the Staged Skin and Fashion Mainstore. There are many great designs to see there. And a trip to DrLife is always worth the visit. And tell Leena that Mariko sent you.

Staged Skin and Fashion Mainstore:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rigby/160/98/23

DrLife SilkGirl Main Store:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aquel%20sim/96/229/33

Photos were taken at Al Andalus
Al Andulus:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Al%20Andalus%20Generalife/219/134/40

Alhambra in Second Life Video:

Fierce by Journey

Fierce Gown at Prism by Journey
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I had plans to attend the Costa Rica Independence Day Ball and needed a formal gown. The ball was one of a number of events celebrating the second anniversary of Cost Rica. Costa Rica Sims is possibly the most beautiful estate in Second Life and contains some of the more prestigious addresses on the grid. Costa Rica advertises itself as providing 'the luxurious experience of living in harmony with nature and being surrounded by the best Second Life has to offer.' Naturally, the ball would be a veritable fashion show of formal gowns by Second Life's top designers. I was putting myself in a situation where my fashion sense would be put to a severe test.
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Every woman attending a ball wishes for a gown that will shine the spotlight of the evening on her. Attracting that spotlight requires a gown that is dramatic and original; yet, elegant and graceful. Sounds like a search for the Holy Grail of fashion. But I found it. It is called Fierce, and it was designed by Journey McLaglen of Prism by Journey Woman's Clothing, Bal Harbour. It's priced at $380L. Fierce juxtapositions the exotic stripe and spot patterns of two great cats - the White Tiger and the White Leopard - to dramatic effect. The stark contrast between the black patterns and the white background and the interplay of the tiger stripes and leopard spots immediately sets you apart in a sea of formal gowns. The originality and drama of this gown may attract attention; but, its beauty and flowing elegance will keep it on you.
.The ball was a marvelous affair. As expected, fashion statements were being made by the ladies (and the place was crawling with Miss Virtual World finalists). One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the winner of the Best Parcel Award which went to WK Ganesvoort. WK's residence and grounds are truly magnificent. I was thrilled for WK and also for my dear friend Jaysun Dagger who designed the interiors of the manor house. After the ball, a number of people gathered at WK's place for some more dancing. I took advantage of the opportunity to take pictures of my gown using WK Ganesvoort's wonderful garden and residence as background for the fashion shoot. Did my fashion sense pass the test that evening? I did receive many complements for my dress. But you be the judge. Click on the pictures to enlarge them for a closer look.
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It was also important to have the right hair style. I found the perfect hair at DrLife. Not only does DrLife make the best skins in Second Life, they also make some of the best hair. The styles and the quality of the textures are outstanding. The hair I am wearing is called Mei Wave and was designed by Leena Ying, the owner of DrLife. Mei sells for $350L which gives you a complete set of hair colors (Chocolate, Dark Blue, Dark Brown, Black, Blonde, Gold, and Red). I am wearing Black.
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I hope that you enjoyed this post. If you are in the mood to shop, try stopping by Prism by Journey and DrLife. There is fashion magic to be had.

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Prism by Journey Woman's Clothing, Bal Harbour:http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bal%20Harbour/88/59/22
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DrLife SilkGirl Main Store:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aquel%20sim/96/229/33
.Again, I would like to thank Mr. Ganesvoort for inviting me into his home and allowing me to take these pictures.

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MEB Anette at Mimi's Choice

MEB Anette available at Mimi's Choice

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I recently dropped by Mimi's Choice to see some of the newly arrived Fall fashions. Mimi Juneau was in her store wearing a wonderful jacket/dress combination from MEB Fashions called Anette. Anette is a special package deal available at Mimi's Choice that gives you a sculpty jacket called Jane and a black dress called Cameron that are sold separately at MEB Fashions' mainstore. Anette sells for $590L which is a good deal as Jane and Cameron sell individually for $490L and $450L, respectively. Two articles of fashion magic in a special package deal, I needed little persuasion to convince me to acquire them for my own wardrobe.
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Italian fashion designs are world class. And I love the Italian taste and tradition in fashion. This taste and tradition has been brought into Second Life by a talented core of Italian designers. Among that group of excellent fashion designers from Italy is MariaElena Barbosa, fashion designer and owner of MEB Fashions. MEB Fashions is a wonderful store to window shop and make a want list from its classy and sexy line of dresses and lingerie. It's almost certain that the jacket and dress in Anette will be on that list, and they go together so well. To see the details on this attractive combination, click on the pictures to enlarge them. Note the details on the Jane jacket. They are marvelous.
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The black Cameron dress is stunning. It is classy; but, very fresh and young. Cameron comes in two versions - with short sleeves and sleeveless. Its a very flattering dress for which I am very appreciative. The two versions of the dress are pictured below.

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I am wearing blonde hair in a shag cut from Diorsis Hair Design called Brigitte. I have been wearing this hair for the past few days. It is a very simple hair style; but, I have gotten complement after complement for it. So, I am very pleased with this hair. Brigitte sells for $190L. The boots that I am wearing are Stiletto Boots by Blaze. The boots come in 6 colors (silver, chocolate, white, red, champagne, black). I am wearing black. These boots sell for $280L. However, you can buy all 6 colors in a bundle for $700L.
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Mimi's Choice Mainstore:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deep%20House%20Island/208/10/23

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MEB Fashion Mainstore:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/CZESTATE%20Kuai%20Nui/118/20/22.

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Diorsis Hair Design:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Banior%20Bahoozamoth/161/246/87

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Blaze:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blaze/73/118/23
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Pictures were taken in the library of the residence of WK Ganesvoort in Costa Rica. I would like to thank Mr. Ganesvoort for inviting me into his home and allowing me to take these pictures.
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Rebecca from INDI Designs

Rebecca by INDI Designs

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I was wandering around newBerlin, an exciting Second Life project that will be a true to scale 1-to-1 reproduction of the city of Berlin. As an actual city, much of it is mundane, and it is easy to get lost given its size. So naturally, I was walking about totally bewildered when I unexpectedly came upon a store and was overjoyed to have the opportunity to shop. It was also a very pleasant surprise to find some exciting fashion magic. The store was INDI Designs. I obtained a land mark to the main store and immediately teleported to its location in Blue Sky.

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INDI Designs features women and men's fashions and footwear. It's the women's outfits that are the store's highlights. Jamie Holmer, fashion designer and store owner, obviously loves designing for the female form. She adorns it and shows it off well. There's no denying, her fashion line displays considerable attitude. And yet within the boundaries of attitude, her designs are also graceful. This is not grunge. This is style and, much of it, high style.
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I wanted leather and denim that projected attitude and found it in Rebecca. A friend, seeing me in this outfit, remarked, "Mariko, you look dangerous." Extremely dangerous and Very Sexy, I might add. Rebecca sells for $400L and includes 2 jackets (short and long sleeve), 2 tops, 1 pants, belt, wrist bands (gloves), 2 armbands, 2 bras, stockings, and string. The looks given by the short and long sleeve jackets are shown in the pictures below as well as the look without the jackets. I like all three. Of course, the more daring among us can also dress down to the leather bra and string - sexy minimalism with plenty of attitude.
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The hair that I am wearing is from Magika and is called Game Over. The store certainly lives up to its motto: 'Hair and lots of it'. Game Over is on sale for $10L and is located on the far left wall of the store, bottom row. Game Over had a lock of hair falling on one eye which I moved to the side through the Edit function to get a look with an unobstructed view of my face.
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I hope you enjoyed this fashion magic. I highly recommend dropping by INDI Designs and putting some attitude into your clothing inventory.
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INDI Designs Main Store:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blue%20Sky/213/42/303
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Magiki - Hair and lots of it!:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Magika%20Land/128/125/24
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Photos taken at School Girls Gone Bad Detention
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DrLife - The Best Skins in Second Life

Mariko Nightfire - Exclusive Client of DrLife

Mariko Nightfire always receives the most wonderful compliments. My avatar is the creation of Leena Ying of DrLife. Lenna Ying, the owner of DrLife, is an awesome talent and the creator of absolutely the finest skins in all of Second Life. Her avatar creations are unique in their artistry and so distinctive is their art that one can always recognize one of DrLife’s clients, and they stand out in a crowd. In real life, Leena herself is a very lovely lady and lives in Beijing, China. She is also my oldest and dearest friend in Second Life. Leena treasures stories of heroines from Chinese history and mythology. She is also a great fan of popular actresses from China and other Asian nations. This enthusiasm for Asian culture carries over to her avatars. Leena specializes in creating classic Asian beauties. She also adds exotic tanned and dark skin tones to DrLife's product line and creates an exciting line of skins and shapes with the more Western features of Eurasians and Amerasians - the loveliest people on the planet, having inherited the best from the East and the West.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

DrLife's skins are known for their artistry

.DrLife has a long established reputation within Second Life’s Asian community. However, word about these extraordinary skins has gotten out, and DrLife is getting the wider recognition it deserves. The realism and beauty are just incredible. The first thing you will notice about these skins is that their facial features are softer, and the skin tones, translucent. The effect is stunning, like a portrait painter applying delicate brush work to his art. The details are exquisite. I use DrLife skins exclusively. I would never consider using any other.

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The demos at DrLife are very generous. At the store, you will have access to demo copies of all shapes and skins in the DrLife collection to aid you in making a selection. Shapes are priced at between $500L and $1000L. Skins are available in a number of shades – Olay, Fair, Natural, Tanned and Dark. A complete set of skins in one shade costs $1800L. DrLife also offers skins with an advanced feature called Complete Makeup. This feature allows you to apply makeup to your avatar through the Appearance Edit function. With Complete Makeup you can achieve a personalized makeup that is perfect for your outfit, as well as the occasion and the time of day or night. Skin tones sell for $3500L. Be sure to join the DrLife Group and pickup the free skin that Leena makes available to members as a gift. These gifts are always examples of their finest creations.

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The Best Testimonial:

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[18:36] S_ B_: Mariko... I want to know why you can manage to look so elegantly cool in what you are wearing and if I tried it I would look like a wally head lol
[18:39] D_ M_: Oh my. . . what a sight. . .
[18:39] S_B_: What?
[18:39] D_ M_: Mariko you are positively stunning.
[18:39] S_ B_: She's gorgeous
[18:39] D_ M_: I don't even know how to act now.
[18:39] T_ W_: She is always very well put together.
[18:40] Mariko: Thank you D_.
[18:40] D_M_: I feel all awkward she's so pretty.
[18:40] S_ B_: That's when you are meant to get polite and gentlemanly
[18:40] D_M_: Almost taboo - like dating a republican.
[18:40] T_ W_: Don't worry she doesn't bite (so I have been told anyway).
[18:40] T_ W_: •´¨*•.¸. HahahaA •´¨*•.¸.
[18:40] S_ B_: T_.... shakes head
[18:41] Mariko: I don’t bite but I have sharp claws :)
[18:41] S_B_: oooo scratches....

Leena and DrLife, thank you ever so much.

DrLife Skins and Hair are available at Mariko in Mont Saint Michel
Mariko
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mont%20Saint%20Michel/228/117/31