Autumn Nymph

Autumn Nymph at Vita's Boudoir

The Fall Season is officially here, and, right on cue, the trees are donning their colorful autumn regalia.  It's a spectacular show, and I'm joining in and becoming part of the dazzling fall  foliage wearing this fanciful woodland costume aptly named Autumn Nymph. 

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

My impersonation of Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus

Autumn Nymph was designed by Precious Restless, skin and fashion designer and co-owner with her sister of Vita's Boudoir. Precious and her twin sister, Vitabella Dubrovna, are renowned real life fashion designers and owners of a popular boutique in Zagreb, Croatia also called Boudoir. Autumn Nymph comes with shirt, panties, 2 autumn leaves attachments, and an autumn hat. I am not wearing the autumn hat; although I will show it later in the post. I wanted to enhance the mystical quality of the look by wearing a head cover from another pastoral costume from Vita's Boudoir called Pandora Festive Outfit. In my post on that costume, I describe the head cover as 'spirit tree seeds floating on diaphanous parachutes of gossamer fluff that form a magical garland adorning one's head.'  It was perfect for the look that I wanted to create.



She wouldn't put poison ivy in this dress, would she? No, that's not like Precious. Not intentionally.  

In Greek mythology, nymphs were minor nature goddesses, spirits of nature, who were closely associated with the places they inhabited. To the ancient Greeks, the wonders of nature were surely manifestations of the divine, and the sensations of awe, delight, and even terror evoked by a phenomena of nature were attributed to the presiding deity. In these pictures, I am a Dryades, one of the beautiful nymphs of trees, forests, and sacred groves. Dryades never die of old age; but, their life force is closely tied to trees that spring from the earth at their birth. The Dryades are the guardians of their trees and as they flourish, so do they. But should the trees die, their guardian nymphs perish with them. Nymphs are often depicted as nubile maidens given to dance and song and to amorous romps with satyrs, their male counterparts. Hmmm ... but that's only a myth.
  

My hair is from EMO-tions and is called Magdalena. Magdalena was designed by Mirja Mills, owner of  EMO-tions. As I remarked in my last post,  EMO-tions has a large collection of styles and designs, many are exceptional. Magdalena is priced at  L$245 for a single color.

This is the colorful autumn hat that is included with the outfit. Isn't it a sumptuous celebration of Fall? It also comes with this animated squirrel! Thank goodness that you can wear the hat with or without the rodent.



This picture has become one of my favorite self portraits.

Vita's Boudoir
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bonaire12/161/130/997

EMO-tions
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hells%20End/153/159/25

I wanted a fairy tale look for the background in these pictures. The giant mushrooms found along a stream in Bewitched - Haunted Dark Forest fit the bill. Bewitched - Haunted Dark Forest was formerly known as the Bentham Forest and is in a new location. These pictures are  windlight free.

Bewitched - Haunted Dark Forest, Elven Mist

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Elven%20Mist/29/18/23


Previous Posts for Vita's Boudoir:

Tra la It's May (May 1, 2011)
http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2011/05/tra-la-its-may.html

Creme Brulee (June 6, 2010)
http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2010/05/creme-brulee.html

Avatar Inspired Second Life Fashion at Boudoir (February 22, 2010)
http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2010/02/avatar-inspired-second-life-fashion-at.html

Established ... Just Because

Established at Just Because

To establish – to bring about, to gain full recognition, to put beyond doubt. To be established is to have achieved all that. And Established by Annie Melson, fashion designer and owner of Just Because,  is a statement of who you are and what you made of yourself.  Established tells him that you're confident and independent.  'I know where I've been, and I'll get to where I'm going'. 'You're with a strong and undeniably sexy woman.'

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

Well, that's quite a statement I must say. I've been featuring a lot of great leather outfits recently. But this one is truly exceptional. The attention to  detail gives this leather jacket a realism that is unsurpassed. Such fine craftsmanship is a hallmark of Annie Melson's collection at Just Because. But it is the casual grace of the whole look that is creating wonderful fashion magic. In the world of Second Life fashion, Established would certainly get my vote for the title of Best New Outfit of the month. Girls, it really is a must have item for your fashion wardrobe.

Established comes with a  leather jacket with sculpted sleeves, coat bottom, and collar, a black button down shirt in all layers with sculpted rolled sleeves and collar,  *JB* Original Brown Jeans with sculpted pant bottom prims - relaxed and cuffed, and a sculpted prim dark brown belt. Established is available at Just Because for L$450.  At the Just Because store in world , you can choose which permissions you want. You can choose this outfit in Copy/Mod or in Mod/Transfer, so you can buy for yourself or for that special person in your life. Gift boxes are available to make your gift giving all the easier.

Established can also be worn without the leather jacket for another great look.

The black shirt with rolled sleeves can be worn tucked in or untucked.

The hair that I am wearing is from [kik] hair and is called Olive. Each color set sells for L$100. A six color pack is available for L$300 and a 12 color pack for L$450. My necklace is from Vox, and it's from the Vox Golden Lucidity Jewelry Set designed by Eidolon Aeon. The Lucidity Jewelry Set sells for L$390.

Just Because store at Warwick:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Warwick/145/35/25

[kik] main store:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rhizome/135/70/33

Vox:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mugunghwa/119/228/876

These pictures were taken at the German Castle Ruins in Deutsche Burgruine, Frisch. The pictures are windlight free.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Frisch/175/182/78

Related Post:

City of Darkness (February 14, 2011)
http://marikomagic.blogspot.com/2011/02/city-of-darkness.html



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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

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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