Creme Brulee

Creme Brulee at Vita's Boudoir

Some desserts are simply irresistable.  An elegant creme brulee is definitely one of them. Some fashions are irresistable. And Creme Brulee is also irresistable fashion magic. This dress is just too tempting not to give in to it. Go ahead and indulge yourself. This is a sumptuous creation for the fashion gourmet. Creme Brulee is designed by Vitabela Dubrovna and can be found at Vita's Boudoir where it sells for $650L.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them to their original size for better viewing.

Crème Brulee is French for ‘Burnt Cream’. It’s a sweetened egg custard topped with caramelized sugar. The sugar is traditionally caramelized by direct flame from a kitchen torch. However, some prefer caramelizing by flambéing a hard liquor on it for a great fiery show at the table. It’s a decadent dessert. It’s considered classic French cuisine; but, crème brulee’s origins lie outside of France. Trinity College in England claims the honor. Its Trinity burnt cream dates back to the 1600s. Spain also claims that its traditional crema catalana is the true predecessor of France's crème brulee.

Boudoir's Creme Brulee has that wonderful brown hue of caramelized sugar. Gold leaves accent the skirt. A shrug of gold leaves completes the outfit.

When on the dance floor, remove the gold leaf shrug for a classic look

that is cool and elegant.

Creme Brulee has an attention gathering quotient of 10 on a 10 point scale. I've been totally overwhelmed by all the compliments that came my way, and by such glowing and enthusiastic compliments. 

Hair by booN hair

My hair is from booN hair, and it's their HTU132 designed by boo Nakamura. HTU132 is available in 15 different colors. I am wearing gold. It sells for $200L for one color; $500L for a 5 color pack; and $1200L for all 15 colors.

I really enjoyed bringing this fashion magic to you. It was delightful to wear, lovely to photograph, and i was motivate to eat some delicious creme burlee. Be sure to get to Vita's Boudoir for your serving of Creme Burlee.

Vita's Boudoir:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zora/61/205/303

Saikin and booN hair main store:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/SAIKIN/128/125/699

Photos were taken at Reve de Sable in Essaim.

Reve de sable:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/L%20Essaim/133/138/21

Previous Posts for Vita's Boudoir:

Avatar Inspired Second Life Fashion at Boudoir (February 22, 2010)

http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2010/02/avatar-inspired-second-life-fashion-at.html

A delightful visit to the real life Boudoir in Croatia:

Out of Africa

Africa by Jador Fashion

I dropped in at Mimi's Choice to see Mimi's selections from the recently released Spring Collection of designer ziamela Loon, owner of Jador Fashion. The collection is a delightful ensemble of fashion magic. I put a number of its sexy formals and colorful casuals on my 'Gotta Have It' list. I only wish my linden dollars were as vast as my fashion wants.  But, I had enough lindens in my account to come away with at least one fabulous outfit. And I was particularly intrigued by the possibilities of an outfit from the collection called Africa.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

Indigo cloth has a long history in sub-saharan Africa dating back to 1200 BC with the Phoenician and Arab trade along the continent's east coast. But it came into its own in the 18th and 19th centuries when European textile manufacturers developed a block and discharge print style on indigo cotton fabric. The discharge printed cloth with its blue hue became an important trade good throughout Africa.  In South Africa, this cotton cloth is called shweshwe for the swishing sound it makes when one walks dressed in it. Ladies, our curves will certainly shweshwe dressed in Jador Fashion's delightful Africa. 

An intricate traditional African print adorns Africa. Such prints are designed for ceremonies and special occasions such as royal weddings. Africa also comes with lovely ethnic beaded accessories which include a necklace, earrings, bracelets, arm bands, and a belt. The details are exquisite. Africa sells for $450L.

Taking Africa to The Nubian Empire

I knew the look that I wanted to create with Africa - dark toned skin, flashing steely eyes, wild, but gorgeous, hair. I liked the result. And now that I had the look I was after,  I searched for an exotic Africa inspired location to photograph the outfit and the look. I choose a fantastic role play sim called The Nubian Empire.

Ancient Nubia was the first great black African kingdom, a civilization as old as Egypt, its neighbor to the north. The histories of Nubia and Egypt are deeply intertwined as are their cultures. Egypt conquered and assimilated Nubian territory in various eras, Egypt’s New Kingdom (1500 BC) in particular. The Nubians in turn conquered Egypt in the 8th century BC and established a dynasty of Nubian pharaohs. Nubians and Egyptians were often so closely related, as the two cultures melded and mixed together, as to be virtually indistinguishable. The Nubian Empire in Second Life showcases this cultural melding and the dominance of Nubia during the rule of the black pharaohs. I had a wonderful time photographing Africa against The Nubian Empire’s monumental builds. It's a great sim to explore, and I highy recommend it.

This skin is from DrLife and is the dark version of Liu. Liu is designed by my dear friend Leena Ying. The All Makeup line of skins by DrLife are priced at $2200L. 

The hair is from Bish Wear and is called Toss Me Around. It sells for $375L which gets you a package of 6 hair colors (auburn, black, brown, blonde, red, and wine). I am wearing brown. The hair is designed by ShyOne Lehane. My eyes are from TULI and are called luminous eyes - steel. They are designed by Tuli Asturias.

I hope that you enjoyed this look at Africa and found the photos intriguing and exotic. And do drop by Mimi's Choice and see her very choice selections from Jador Fashion's Spring Collection.

Mimi's Choice Mainstore:

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

Jador Fashion:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jador%20Fashion/9/164/25

BishWear:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/BishWear%20Island/176/182/24

T U L I Mainstore:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Journey/47/95/301

DrLife Skins and Hair are available at Mariko in Mont Saint Michel

Mariko
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mont%20Saint%20Michel/228/117/31

Photos were taken at The Nubian Empire:

The Nubian Empire

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Karinya/100/83/502

Other posts for Jador Fashon:

Apala by Jador Fashions (June 23 2009)

http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2009/06/apala-by-jador-fashions.html

Related posts:

Enlightening, Exhilarating, Extraordinary (March 26, 2009)

http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2009/03/enlightening-exhilarating-extraordinary.html

Theodora by Lady Thera's Art and Fashion

Theodora by Lady Thera

Theodora by fashion designer Thera Taureg is a masterpiece - a work of extraordinary skill, an artistic achievement. Whenever, I wear this outfit, I marvel at the ingeniuity and creativity of its triple layer design and how everything just flows together into a graceful whole. Its a strikingly lovely dress, and I'm very excited to have it in my wardrobe. Theodora can be found at Lady Thera's Art and Fashion where it sells for L$990. Theodora was inspired by one of my favorite persons from history - Empress Theodora of Byzantium. She was born 1,510 years ago; but, Theodora is a woman for all ages.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them to their original size for better viewing.

Empress Theodora (c. 500 – 548 AD) was one of the most influential and powerful figures of the Early Middle Ages. She was the empress of the great Byzantine Empire which she jointly ruled with her husband, Emperor Justinian I. Of humble background, she had been an actress and a courtesan prior to her marriage. A delicate beautiful, a delightful wit, and a keen political acumen endeared her to Justinian who appealed against an old Roman law forbidding the marriage of officials to actresses in order to marry her. Justinian considered Theodora his full intellectual partner. The pair took control of the empire following the death of Justinian’s uncle and father by adoption, Emperor Justin I, in 527 AD.

Empress Theodora from a mosaic in Ravenna, Italy

They were a dazzling couple who ushered in the most brilliant period in Byzantine history. It was a renaissance of power, conquest, and culture in the former eastern Roman empire. During their rule, Theodora and Justinian transformed Constantinople, the capital of the empire, into one of the world’s most splendid cities. And among their many monumental public works in Constantinople is the magnificent Hagia Sophia - Church of Holy Wisdom – once the greatest church in Christendom and a grand achievement in Byzantine architecture.

Empress Theodora on the Throne of Byzantium

As joint ruler of the empire, Theodora had a real effect on political decisions within the empire. Most noteworthy, her participation in Justinian's constitutional reforms resulted in an expansion of women’s rights that was unprecedented for the age. Forced prostitution was prohibited, women were granted more rights in divorce cases, mothers given guardianship rights over their children, the death penalty was instituted for rape, the killing of wives accused of adultery was forbidden, and laws were established that allowed women to own and inherit property. Today, we recognize her as an early pioneer and a heroine of the women's rights movement. Theodora died from cancer in 548 AD. She is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Theodora by Lady Thera comes with jacket, blouse, underblouse, underblouse, pants, gloves, and 3 triple flexi skirts - mini, median, long gown - which give you 3 different looks.  I am particularly fond of the mini which I have highlighted in the previous pictures of this post.

The long gown is elegantly regal. In this look, the triple layers in the skirt creates a 3-dimensional effect that is truly magical.

The midi skirt gives a very sexy look that is sure to attract attention. It's perfect for parties and a night at the clubs.

The hair that I am wearing is from DrLife and is called Boachai. Boachai was designed by my dear friend Leena Ying, owner of DrLife, and sells for L$350. Boachai comes with 9 colors - red, silverin, platinum, honey, blonde, black, brown, golden brown, dark brown - which you select with a menu.

In real life, I made a memorable trip to Istanbul and explored the magnificent Hagia Sophia and touched the remnants of the great wall of Constantinople. So I am glad that I can bring you this little taste of Byzantium. And consider taking a trip to Lady Thera's Art and Fashion and aspire to the Imperial Throne of the Byzantine Empire.

Lady Thera's Art and Fashion:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mitcom%20Experience/136/128/136

DrLife Main Store:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sylvhara/98/172/27

Pictures were taken at the Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum, Villa Amorosa, and Kingdom of Sand.

Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Usonia/18/4/22

Villa Amorosa:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nydia/107/124/48

Kingdom of Sand:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/KoS/249/25/506

A marvelous website with fascinating audio lectures on the history of the Byzantine Empire by historian Lars Brownworth.

http://www.12byzantinerulers.com/

Video: Hagia Sophia

Other posts for Lady Thera's Art and Fashion:

Lady Thera & Vincent Van Gogh (January 24, 2009)

http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2009/01/lady-thera-vincent-van-gogh.html

This post was recently featured in the Facebook page for the movie Little Theodora:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theodora-The-Movie-Little-Theodora/165926480092476

This post was also cited in Mosaicology

http://musingovermosaic.blogspot.com/2010/12/woman-who-seduced-emperor.html#comment-form

From the MEB Spring Collection - Vogue

Vogue by MEB Fashion

Earlier last week, I received an invitation to attend a special private showing of the MEB Spring 2010 Collection. It was a very cozy gathering in a pleasant Italian setting. I enjoyed seeing friends and meeting new people. And, of course, there was The Spring Collection. I have had my fill of this snowy winter. And I'm yearning even more for spring after seeing the seasonal delights awaiting us at MEB Fashion. The collection's eight designs are eye catching and figure flattering - exactly what we want for spring. And above all its Real Style for Second Life.   The MEB Spring 2010 Collection is yet another triumph for  MariaElena Barbosa, designer and owner of MEB Fashion.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them to their
original size for better viewing.

I left the party with a wonderful outfit from the collection called Vogue. Italian fashions adore women and know how to show us off. And Vogue is charming, chic, and flirty. I like how feminine and fresh one looks in it. It's perfect for those gorgeous spring days when the light spring breeze will collaborate with the dress to accentuate our girlish charms. It's that season, after all. Vogue comes with a leather coco belt and black stilettos.

The hair that I am wearing is called Wish and can be found at Argrace. Wish is designed by rika oyen. It's a hair that I call 'just right' ... not too short ... not too long ... it's just right.  I really like its pert look. Wish comes in nine colors: platinum, blonde, dark blonde, copper, amber, light brown, dark brown, and black. I am wearing black. One color costs $250L. A package of all nine colors costs $1500L.

I hope that you enjoyed this sneak preview of one of the delightful outfits gracing the MEB Spring 2010 Collection. The collection will be in the stores later this week.  If you love Italian fashion, and we all do, be sure to drop in at MEB Fashion and take a look at the collection. You'll be agreeing with me that the MEB Spring 2010 Collection is one of the highlights of this spring fashion season.

MEB Fashion Mainstore:

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

Argrace Main Store:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/shin%20zushi/150/162/26

Pictures were taken at Green and Wild Garden Centre.
Green and Wild Garden Centre:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Green%20and%20Wild/128/147/688

Previous posts for MEB Fashion:

MEB Photo Contest Winner (November 15, 2009)
http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2009/11/meb-photo-contest-winner.html

MEB Anette at Mimi's Choice (August 21,2009)
http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2009/08/meb-anette-at-mimis-choice.html
.

Avatar Inspired Second Life Fashion at Boudoir

Pandora Festive Outfit by Boudoir

Its commonplace to say that James Cameron's Avatar is revolutionary. But undeniably, Avatar is movemaking at its most extraordinary. And it is most memorable for its creation of the verdant immersive world of Pandora. As avatars in our own immersive virtual world, we may feel a special kinship with the film's main character, Jake Sully, as we too use avatars to enter another world and to interact with it and its inhabitants. And, like Jake Sully, our avatars can ultimately forge a second existence in that other world and become a part of it.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

Avatar's Pandora inspires us creatively in Second Life. Blue-skinned Na'vi, the denizens of Pandora, now walk among us. We can also teleport to Pandora Magic, a grouping of role playing sims where we might experience a Second Life version of life on Pandora. And, of course, Pandora has inspired Second Life fashion designers. Perhaps the most magical of all the Avatar inspired fashions is a little number called Pandora Festive Outfit. It was designed by Vitabela Dubrovna and can be found at Boudoir where it sells for $650L.

Vitabela Dubrovna is a self described explorer, photographer and fashionista. She is also a renowned real life fashion designer in Zagreb, Crotia where she and her twin sister have a popular boutique called Boudoir. Vitabela has brought Boudoir and a number of her real life creations to Second Life. The collection at Boudoir is a definite must see for the Second Life fashion aficionado as well as for us fashion divas and shopaholics. Her exquisite designs are stylish, feminine, and very romantic. And while I was shopping Boudoir for specials, I came upon Vitabela's Avatar inspired creations and her wonderful Pandora Festive Outfit.

Vitabela tells us that her Pandora Festive Outfit is made from 'Pandora's glowing flora and spirit tree seeds.' It is so much fun to believe that. I love the pale colors of the ginko leaves flowing down the dress and forming the skirt. The most charming aspect of the outfit are the spirit tree seeds floating on diaphanous parachutes of gossamer fluff that form a magical garland adorning one's head. The whole effect is of being a child of nature - a spirit at one with the planet.    

I had so much fun photographing this outfit. As the pictures attest, it looks fabulous when placed in naturalistic settings, even alien ones. I would wear this outfit when exploring those wonderful scenic sims filled with gardens, forests, meadows, and mountains and be as a free spirit of nature on these wanderings. Did someone say 'nymph'? Of course, Pandora Festive Outfit could be worn on festive party occasions. And I would wear it to create an occasion to be pretty and enchanting.

I hope you enjoyed this look at Pandora Festive Outfit and will be planning to drop in at Boudoir. And I have a feeling that I will soon be encountering a number of festive nymphs from Pandora in the forests of my estate at Opar.

Vita's Boudoir

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zora/47/206/303

Pandora Magic
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Pandora%20Magic/207/237/1001

Video: An Interview with Vitabela Dubrovna

Video: Pandora Magic in Second Life

Photos were taken at Pandora Magic, Bentham Forest, Opar, and at the residence of a dear friend.