And so it begins..................again!

Well, after what seemed like an eternity, I return to the heady world of the blog. Mostly due to RL events, the details of which I will not go into, I rather lost touch with my blog and, to a lesser extent Second Life as well so it's about time I resurrected it.

What have I been doing for the last age? Well, lots of RL things, some good, some bad, changed jobs three times and hated all of them. I suppose working all over the world in different schools as I do, I was bound to come across the odd bad one, I just got three bad ones in a row. Ho hum, it happens I suppose.

Within SL, well much of a muchness really. I still seem to live on a runway which I absolutely adore, working with various great agencies, helping new and not-so-new designers show off their amazing creations, that's one part of SL that will never get old for me.

Some of you, the more venerable ones, will remember years ago I tried rather ham-fistedly to design. Well, if I am honest with myself, my skills, particularly with Photoshop were just not up to the standard required. So, like many do I imagine, I buried my snout in Youtube and found a few great videos on HOW PS actually works. As a RL biologist, even though I am organised, I am notoriously bad with reading instruction manuals, particularly the photoshop tome which seemed to be written in some ancient dialect of Alien. Well, it might as well have been due to the lack of sense it made to me. So back to Youtube it was and finally, the dense morass that was Photoshop finally started to make some modicum of sense.

After almost 6 years on my sim, my sister Shani and her wife Dina finally got me to move on a sim re-design. Well, they did everything, converting our very old marketplace into the most gorgeous beach, full off all sorts of places to go look, relax and generally chill out with the waves gently lapping at your feet. It really is so cool down there now. Eventually, I'll get around to building the forest I planned months ago, seeing as I paid a fortune for some gorgeous trees, I suppose I really should get round to doing it.

Lately, I've been working a lot on the runway, lots of shows, events and suchlike which is probably where I am happiest. I've never been particularly good at photography, I am always amazed how so many people make it look so effortless when I spend an hour finding a background and it still looks like a fingerpainting made by a 4 year old. Some have the eye I suppose!

I've always rather enjoyed doing the odd contest, but I don't do them to the exclusion of everything else. You can probably count on the fingers of one hand the contests I've entered in the last couple of years. So, when I saw the advert for Miss Virtual World appear, I thought it might be time to dust off the braincells and try again. I couldn't make the first audition, but the second I could. So I had a good root around in the heap I laughingly call my inventory and an idea began to take shape.

"Simple but striking" was my mantra for the styling. I wanted it to be clean, classical, simple but with an edge, you know that styling type we always want to get but never quite seem to make? In a recent show, I modelled a really unusual gown that was coloured metallic black, but the colour faded into a silvery white at the ends of the sleeves and down towards the hem of the skirt. I then remembered after a lot of thumping of my desk as I tried to find that "THING" to really make it pop, I'd used a really unusual skirt in a contest a while ago.

It was one of those "oh yeah" moments when I added it, it just worked. Here it is................

Everything just seemed to dovetail together, even the colours worked. Once I'd posed it and tested it out, it just worked.The audition itself was organised and a joy to be involved with, all I could do was to hope the judges liked it as much as I did.

You know what?

They did, so once again, I tread the hallowed boards of Miss Virtual World, again as Miss Cyprus.It's such an honour to be able, once again, to represent my home country, my tiny island at the end of the Mediterranean Sea. I was lucky enough to be Miss Virtual World Cyprus 2013 and that seems half a lifetime ago now. Amazingly after all this time, I am still friends with every one of the ladies with who I shared that turbulent time, except for the odd one or two who left SL.

I watched the videos from that year on Youtube, amazingly they are still there. Even after all this time, it stirred emotions which I remember so so vividly.

Clothes components

Skirt - Yulia - Finesmith

Gown - Couture Sorbet - White Room

Undershirt - Cage - AFI

Hair - Arwen Light Blonde - Truth

Jewellry - NES Onyx - Finesmith

               Imperial Malagasy Aurora Crown - Chop Zuey

                                      

Makeup used

Couture eyeliner no 1 - Glam Affair

Catwalk eyeliner Grey Beauty - BSD Design Studio

Lips - Dark Vibrant Red - Izzie's

Cedar medium blush - Amacci

Gloves - Sweet Tea Formal

Phew, even after being an SL model as long as I have (since Sept 2011 believe it or not), auditions are still a bit stressful, even if not quite as pant-knottingly panicky as they used to be, one of the advantages of being a dinosaur I suppose!

So, as this post is titled, it all begins again. But this time around, I wanted to do things a little differently. As in not run around like a very high headless chicken trying to do everything at once. I still remember from 2012 how I charged around thinking "gotta get it all done NOW NOW NOW". All that did was stress me out and make me very sweaty. So, much more relaxed, sit down, cup of coffee, sandwich.............now, gently ease into the process.

That lasted all of one sandwich, then the panic started to creep up on me, giggling nastily into my ear. So I swapped the sandwich for a glass of wine and hey presto, the world came into much sharper focus. Granted, less sharply focused as time passed, but let's not get into petty details..............ahem.

Last week absolutely shot past, it seemed Monday and Saturday happened and someone pinched the intervening days. Today was one of the biggest days of any Miss Virtual World pageant, meeting the ladies with whom I would be sharing the experience.

So, rocking up at the meeting place, I wasn't expecting to know many people, well apart from Reign who I've worked with since 2011, actually she gave me my first ever modelling job and I am still with EVOLVE, her store. Anyway, I digress.................

Quite a few of the ladies I already knew, either because I had worked with them in the past, or we were friends from past experiences. Everyone seemed very friendly, approacheable...................I don't know why I was surprised at this, every contest I have ever done has been like this. I suppose it's just natural apprehension. Anyway, we were asked to style an outfit using at least 3 designers to create a look inspired by some of the Autumn/Winter trends for Autumn and Winter 2016.

After much faffing about, I decided one of the outfits was right down my street, being a coat, paired with a long skirt using a plain palette for the skirt and an ornate Chinese fabric for the coat. Being me, I reversed it, using a plain-ish coat and an ornate skirt which I made myself. See what you think ................

Coat : Prague Onyx - Ana Markova

Top - AFI

Skirt - KR Designs (made by me, yes me !)

Hair - Collision - Vanity Platinum

Belt and earrings - Missa Solamnis Creme - Chop Zuey

Shoes - Divine - Azoury

Eyes - Shine Black - !:Lybra:!

           Eyeliner 10 Neon Blue - BSD Design Studio

          

Lips - Dark Vibrant Red - Izzie's

Cheeks - Classic Blush Tattoo - Cedar Light - Amacci

Nails - Summertime Mani-pedi - Ghee

Again, just one of those styles that just sort of "happened". ever get those when you don't really have a clear idea of what you want and then you add one bit and it all crystallizes?

So, the good ship sails again off into the sunset of optimism. I've had people asking me "you already did MVW back in the day, why on earth would you do it again?. It's actually a fair question.............

I think it's not a simple one to answer, how do you quantify the unquantifiable? I think in my case, when I did MVW back in 2012, I really was a wide-eyed fawn, wobbly on her legs and completely unsure of who I was as a model and not at all certain I belonged there. Well, 4 years later, I still can't say I am entirely sure, but there are less doubts now than way back then when I was a new graduate from Miss Virtual World Academy. But, it did get me started on my journey. I went to a total of 10 different modelling schools and this is a point to look at for all the new models. 

Just because you graduate from one academy, don't think the world will just open up and give you everything you want. Nothing is for free as a wise person once said and it's very true. I quickly realised that and took every chance I could to further my education, learning from some of the very best in SL over the years. I still learn now, every single show I do, each show I go to watch, I always see something new or that is done in a different way.

So, as I head out into the choppy waters again, I still have the attitude I did when I was a wide-eyed newcomer...............watch, digest, learn and improve. I learned that from one of the best, Mimmi Boa who is a huge inspiration for me. She told me that years ago when I was about to take my final exam at her academy and it has stuck with me ever since.

As to the pageant itself, I have the following people to say a MASSIVE thank you to for agreeing to make things or to photograph things for me. They are :-

Formal and National Gown - Lyr!cal Bizarre

Jewellery - Chop Zuey - Belle Roussel

Poses - La BoS - Steele Sirnah

Photography - Euridice Qork

Shoes - Fashion by Shani - Shani Steampunk (my little sister!)

Thank you to all of the above, being a designer myself I know how big an ask it was to make special things for me and I am so grateful to all of you. Hopefully, I will do you all proud.

In closing this post, it's been ages since I blogged anything, that was RL getting in my face and being generally unpleasant. I do not pretend to be the most eloquent out there, as a RL scientist, I tend not to over-elaborate on things, OK, I am no artist!! But it's nice to put fingers to keys again, even if I had to cut my nails so as not to totally ruin my keyboard.

Here's to the journey !

 

"Sub Umbra Floreo" collection from Chop Zuey

As most, if not all, of you will know, Belle Roussel makes many of the personalised jewellry sets for the Miss Virtual World pageant each year. I thought I would feature one of these as my last post for the weekend and I chose the delicate "Sub Umbra Floreo" collection that was made for MVW Belize, Spirit Llewellyn.

This beautiful set is crafted from gold and is inlaid with sapphires, pearls, diamonds and a gemtsone I actually had to look up to see what it was, padparadscha. The padparadscha is a very rare form of sapphire and is a delicate pink-orange form of the gem. You can see these rarest of stones in the earrings, necklace, headband and bracelet.

There are three necklaces, one a choker-type, one a string of single pearls and one slightly longer all made from these precious materials, the gold being shaped so as to gently cradle the gemstones.The headband is the crowning glory, gently clasping the head and adding that indefinable touch of utter class.

The bracelets (there are two) match the other pieces perfectly, once again being made from this eclectic collection of gems and gold.The pearls have a lovely subtle glow and this collection is just made for those nights at the opera, a fancy restaurant or when you want to unleash your inner film-star.

Belle has made some beautiful pieces and this collection joins this illustrious set.

Styling:-

Jewellry - Sub Ombre Floreo - Chop Zuey

Gown - MVW Kim Rongyu Pearl - Bliss Couture

Makeup - Aphrodite Pink - Face Paint

Hair - Sami - Baiastice

  

New from Mohna Lisa Couture - "Arianne"

I had a lovely surprise yesterday! StarliteStarbrite Constellation and I have been friends since forever and she dropped me an IM to see if I'd like to blog an outfit from Mohna Lisa Couture. After considering the prospect for about 3 nanoseconds, of course I said yes!!

This beautifully chic and elegant gown is called "Arianne" and is a new release from Mohna Lisa Couture. The softly draped one-shoulder top flows to a close-fitting mid-section with inlays at the hips in a gently contrasting fabric. The floor-length skirt is slightly mermaid in style, but does fit closer to your legs at the hemline.

The most unusual thing about this is the look of the arms as you can see with one arm bare from the shoulder and the other arm with a full-length sleeve, most unusual but it does give a very elegant and striking line.

The right arm is fitted with a matching elbow-length glove and the delicate brooch attached to the left hand side of the draped top, the whole look is brought together.

As an option, Mohna has provided a wrapped shawl that sits softly on the head and shoulders, perfect for these cooler nights when you may be off to the opera, a formal dance or just when you want to look like royalty!

Styling :-

Gown - Arianne Cocktail - Mohna Lisa Couture

Hair - Felicity Sookie - Truth

Nails - Female Medium - Mandala

Shoes - Coquette Dark Red - N-Core

Eyeshadow - Rose Metallic - Kosh

Lipstick - Deep red - Izzie's

Jewellry - Kashiwaba collection - Chop Zuey 

Hands - Elegant - Slink

Back in the land of the living.................

Well, welcome to 2014 everyone. I hope 2013 was a year when some, if not all, of your dreams were realised and that the dreams for this year realise themselves too.

Christmas and New Year were quiet this year, makes a nice change from the excessive partying and whatever that usually happens at that time of year. But it was a quiet time of reflection, summing up all that had happened during 2013 and I came to the conclusion while sat snuggled by the fire with a glass of wine that apart from a couple of bad patches, it had been a darned good year. New friends came into my life, some old ones went into the great unknown, some left us for good in both lives, which made me sad. But that is a part of life and however sad we feel, we should celebrate a life well-lived with all its richness, laughter and friendships.

Just before Christmas, I was part of a wonderful show which showcased Desir's new collection of gothic-inspired couture gowns.I was fortunate enough to model some of these so I'd like to share three of them with you now.

This lovely, ethereal creation from Vivien Emerald is called "Giulia".A closely-fitted corset-style top hugs in all the appropriate places, even snuggling in a few extra pounds caused by a touch too much turkey recently....*coughs*. The floor-length skirt is overlaid with feathers at the hem and is cut from brilliant while silk. An explosion of feathers around the shoulders makes such an impression, I was so impressed when I saw how this looked when I wore it for the first time.I did not need to add much to create the effect I wanted, just a pair of evening gloves from Leverocci, a swirly hat and I was about done, the jewellry is from Zuri Rayna, the elegant "Gala MVW 2013" collection, these are really adaptable as they have multiple gem and metal options, apart from looking great!!!

Styling:-

Gown - "Giulia" - Desir

Gloves - Jessamine Snow Suede - Leverocci

Shoes - Sense2 Neige - NCore

Jewellry - "Gala MVW 2013 Elite" - Zuri Rayna

Eyeliner - Supermodel Catwalk Eyeliner 03 Black - {{BSD Design Studio}}

Eyeshadow - Face Tattoo- Angel Black/White with eyeshadows - WhiteWidow

Lipstick - Fuyu Mocha - Izzie's

Now, the next gown made me think if those films, all dark and eerie where the baddie is a woman...mwahahahaha. You know, like Elizabeth Bathory or some legendary witch or seductress from the old stories? Well, this gown, the "Elizabeta" made me think of exactly those characters from literature and you can probably see why. Cut from jet-black patterned silk, this makes a statement wherever you wear this creation. A high-necked, clinging top, set of by an applique of roses on the right shoulder, has a very subtle net-like pattern. The skirt, well you can see for yourself. Flaring out from the hips and draping softly to the ground creating a very dramatic and yet elegant silhouette. 

To give a little pop to this collection, I added the stylish "Rocinante's Curve" necklace and earrings made by Belle Roussel of Chop Zuey. Made in palladium with black spinels nestled in the curves, this gown and jewellry collection could have been made for each other. The nails are quite unusual, from Moondance Boutique, as they create an almost 3D look, probably why they are celled "Elizabeta 3D". OK, blonde moment there ........................

Styling:-

Gown - "Elizabeta" - Desir

Jewellry - "Rocinante's Curve" - Chop Zuey

Eyeshadow - Dusk Shadow Smoke - Blacklace Beauty

Lipstick - Dark Raspberry - Izzie's

Shoes - Bridge Boots - Schmidt

Hair - Adorable Updo - Tuty's

Nails - Elizabeta 3D - Moondance Boutique

Hat - G308 hat - Graves

The last gown I'd like to share with you is the fantastical "Fatale", again from Desir.

When I first opened the box and saw this, I immediately thought of some elemental creature from the world of faerie, so I set about trying to create a look that matched my first impressions of the gown.

The top of the gown has quite a few options to create different looks, I chose to wear the web layer and under that, the normal gown top to create a dual layered look.The wispy chest veil is held in place by silver and pearl pieces in the shoulders with short sleeves softly draping down the arms. The skirt is an amazing, almost crystalline piece almost weblike in its construction. There are other options too so that you can create different looks, such as the jewelled horns I am wearing here and also a set of spider-like legs that attach at the waist and you can probably see too the webs that drape from the horns. . Keeping with this spidery theme, I added the charming "Widow Walker" choker from Chop Zuey for more arachinidy goodness.

As it struck me so much as having a fantasy collection, I chose the gorgeous "Moon Dusk" skin from the Pastels collection from Silken Moon, simply added makeup from Silken Moon, a few final touches and there was my elemental. 

Styling:-

Gown - "Fatale" - Desir

Hair - Salome Sweden (Tinted) - LeLutka

Earrings - Gallathea Silver - Vintage Jewels

Necklace - Widow Walker Choker - Chop Zuey

Eyes - MesmerEyes Fae - Silken Moon

Makeup - Silken Moon Signature  

The next two gowns I'd like to share with you have more connection with the world of fantasy and magic, or at least that was how I saw them when I modelled these in the recent "InPose and Silken Moon" show, put on by SL Fierce.

I've read fantasy novels since I was very young, beginning with stuff like the Hobbit and working up to epics like The Lord of the Rings and the Thomas Covenant stories by Stephen Donaldson. So getting into a fantasy gown was a real treat for me!!

This beautiful collection is from InPose, called (crosses fingers to spell it right), "Chanjaskda Fae".The mesh gown is one-piece and supplied in sizes XXS to large and is complete with a well-fitted alpha layer. the colours are what hit me immediately, being a riot of greens, blues and purples. The XXS fitted me like a glove and I just loved the corset-style top, the draped skirt and the waist attachments which just gave it a dreamy quality. Of course, what self-respecting fairy would be complete without her wings and this gown does not disappoint those of a fae persuasion with a fragile set of gossamer wings attached at the back.

Styling:-

Gown - Chanjaskda Fae - InPose

Skin - MoonIce - Silken Moon

Hair - Aquaria Blonde - EMO-tions

Eyes - MesmerEyes Fae - Silken Moon

Jewellry - Invitation to Eternity collection - Chop Zuey

Nails - Class Nails - Beauty Addict

Makeup - Signature makeup - Silken Moon

The last gown I'd like to share with you may be one of the more extraordinary it has been my pleasure to model. The thing it most reminded me of was the White Witch from the Narnia stories, OK well at least in my minds eye!!

Like a spirit fighting through the depths of an autumn storm, the "Ice Queen" gown, again from InPose makes a dramatic impact on the eyes. This visually stunning collection is based around a close-fitted mesh gown which can actually be worn on its own. The ice appliques are varied and again can be used to create a variety of looks. Here, I used all of them to create as dramatic an appearance as I could possibly do. The icy pieces attach to a variety of locations, so you'll have no trouble in creating just the look you want. It even comes with a hair attachment to give you that top-to-toe style.The "MoonRose" skin from Silken Moon's pastels collection just gave me the perfect subtle glow to contrast with the paleness of the gown.

Styling :-

Gown - Ice Queen - InPose

Hair - Platinum Bun - ICON hair

Jewellry - Gala MVW 2013 Elite - Zuri Rayna

Skin - MoonRose - Silken Moon

Makeup - Signature - Silken Moon 

Shoes - Coquette Silver - NCore

Gloves - Jessamine Snow Leather - Leverocci

The last thing for today (phew I hear you cry) is one of those things that gave me a moment, I called it my Grace Kelly moment, you know when you wear something and it just reminds you of someone?

This gorgeous tiara, the "Raine Aquitaine" tiara is made by a long-time friend of mine, Heth Collingwood, from his own store "Heth Haute Couture", known as HHC from now on here !!! If you've ever wondered what film stars wear in a posh night out, look no further. This platinum and diamond tiara is simple to fit to almost any head as its equipped with resize scripts. it is very delicate and would look fabulous with an elegant evening gown.

I've always liked things like tiaras, everyone wants to feel like a princess sometimes !!!

More Stylish Beauty from Desir

My bad, my bad....................I havn't blogged for ages for a few reasons. The oddest is when I had a new router installed, my PC would freeze and my internet disconnect for no reason I can fathom. Well, I am not expert, but when I called my ISP and asked how they could fix it, guess what the response was......

"Err............this seems to be an unspecified error, so we suggest turning your router off and then back on again"

I think my scream of frustration was probably heard several houses away. I've changed everything, fiddled with everything and the blasted thing still doesn't work, so I gave up.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a lovely surprise when Vivien Emerald, the Desir designer, sent me a bag with some incredible designs in. So, after I gave up trying to fix my woes, I thought I would share them with you.

This lovely dress is named "June". It's a well-fitted, stylish dress, sleeveless and cut to slightly above the knee. This must be one of the most versatile dresses I have seen as Vivien has included three HUDs giving you a choice of design on the dress, those being African, Asian and Tropical. I chose Asian, and the Japanese style garden print looks just lovely. With this wide choice of styles, this dress could be used almost anywhere.

Styling:

Dress - "June" - Desir

Shoes - "Carrie Braided Wedge Sandals" - LIV-Glam

Hair - "Siobhan (Mesh) - Strawberry Blonde - Maitreya

Bag - Clear Beach Tote - ~ES~

Mesh Hands Casual - Slink

This beautiful gown, the "Mary Gala", also from Desir was created for Marycarmen Hyandi for the Miss Mundo Virtual pageant. An extravagantly glamorous gown, I fell in love with it the second I wore it. 

Cut from a delicate pale salmon silk, it clings in all the right places, and drapes perfectly in others. From the low-cut neckline, the waist has a pale green belt with a silken flower in the centre, the sleeves have a tight-fitting cuff but then drape quite beautifully to the elbow. The bodice fits quite closely before flowing into the delicate layered skirt. This is a gown that would dazzle at any spcial function and I cannot wait to try it out!

Styling:

Gown - "Mary Gala" - Desir

Hair - "Found - Blonde 10" - Elikatira

Jewellery - "Stolen Kisses - Platinum and Diamond" - Chop Zuey

Makeup - "Helios Smoke" Face Paint

The next gown Vivien so kindly sent me took my breath away. I had no idea of how gorgeous this gown was to look!!

Imagine for a second, you were in the Amazonian rainforest and you came across a hidden city never seen by humanity before and then this lady walks out from the gate. Clad like an Aztec queen I bet your reaction would be like mine was............jaw-dropping.

This amazing collection is the "Mila" and is probably one of the most inspired designs I have seen in some time. I'll start with the top of the gown and work down !!!

The headpiece screamed Aztec to me when I saw it and is probably based in the legends of El Dorado, the famed city of gold from the legends. Suns, flowers and Aztec faces all decorate this superb piece. The shoulders and arms are all festooned with leaves and flowers and the breasts covered with a filmy bra, held up by a small chain passing around the neck.

The flaring skirt, decorated with flowers and birds of the forest has a tribal print and the traditional spear, a symbol of authority is also trimmed with the tribal fabric.

Can you not imagine seeing a ruler of the ancient Aztecs wearing this, I certainly could !!

Styling:

Gown : "Mila" - Desir

Hair - Melk Lion - LeLutka

Skin - "Annika 03 Beige - Forest" - Zoul

Earrings - "Circus Maximus - Garnet, Citrine and Gold" - Chop Zuey

Feet - "Barefeet" - N-Core

Nails - "Female Palette 1 Medium" - Mandala

The last beauty from Desir is the fresh and pretty "MaryCarmen Cuba", again created for MaryCarmen Hyandi for the Miss Mundo pageant. 

Once I wore this, I headed straight for the beach and found the nearest palm tree! The gown itself is cut from a diaphanous white silk, almost transparent which floats quite beautifully in the breeze, the headdress is made from the same white silk, but is quite tightly wrapped and gives the impression of a seashell.

The really striking thing with this spectacular gown is the floral attachments that trail from the neck down almost to the feet, tropical blooms everywhere you look. Beautiful, isn't it :)

Accessorising this perfectly are the gorgeous earrings and bracelet from Chop Zuey's "Wisteria Woke Me This Morning" collection.

Styling

Gown - "MaryCarmen Cuba" - Desir

Earrings - "Wisteria Woke Me This Morning" - Chop Zuey

Bracelet - "Wisteria Woke Me This Morning" - Chop Zuey

Shoes - "Cuore Mango" - N-Core

A bit early for apples.........

Summer in the UK - now there is a contradiction in terms. One day it's almost warm, next minute is rains like it's going out of fashion, always when I have my laundry out drying too! Probably a hint to buy a tumble dryer or some cosmic meaning.

After three gruelling RL job interviews on Skype, I just found out I lost the job as one of my references did not pitch up.......grrrrr. Another one of those days!!!

I picked up another of Belle Roussel's dresses yesterday and after styling it I felt I had to share it with you.

From her Sky Boutique, this is the "Carmen's Escape" collection in a gorgeous shade called Apple.

The dress itself is almost a tube-type, fitting very close and ending quite a way up above the knee. It comes in the usual five standard sizes, the small fitted me right out of the box with no fiddling about. The bustline is enhanced with a lovely feather trim, embellished with gleaming black gems set in silver and this is repeated on the back of the dress as well. A jewelled belt snugs the dress in nicely under the bust, again encrusted with these gorgeous black gems.

Feather-trimmed black gloves with jewelled cuffs are a really nice touch, fit great as well !! The snazzy little clutch, the "Nocturne" in black with diamonds complements this perfectly, also from Chop Zuey.

The whole ensemble is topped off with an extravagant black and red fascinator, an explosion of colour. 

Belle is famous for her jewellry and this collection does not disappoint. The gorgeous necklace and earrings are included in this spectacular collection and, as always, have resizers to enable a perfect fit. In fact, all but the dress have resizers, so fitting is easy. 

This collection is available in the Sky Boutique at Chop Zuey and is available in a range of colours, go on, treat yourself :)

Styling:

Dress, fascinator and jewellry - "Carmen's Escape" in Apple - Chop Zuey

Clutch - "Nocturne" in Black with Diamonds

Hair - Hat Hair Blonde - CC

Shoes - Coure Black - N-Core

Eyeshadow - Metallic Rose - KOSH

Lipstick - Vibrant Dark Red - Izzie's 

Chop Zuey and fruity :)

Sometimes, I think RL has periods when it tests your patience, just because it can I think. Mind you, it would be awfully dull if things were perfect all the time, difficult periods help us to build character and resilience. A thick skin is no hindrance ........

So today, I decided to think of happier things......sunshine (wasn't any), bird song (limited to a very fat pigeon cooing away trying to grab one of the ladies), my cat (asleep firmly in the middle of my bed) and breakfast (no milk). So, you just know it's going to be one of those days !!!!

We all know Belle Roussel, the creator of the beautiful Chop Zuey range of jewellry. But did you also know she has begun to make some quite spectacular clothes too? I thought I'd share with you one of her gorgeous collections, the "Spring Nectarine".

When I first saw this it hit me square between the eyes, the deep, rich colours, the incredible detail and the beautiful jewellery that comes along with this gown.

The gown itself is mesh, a glittering, floor-length, figure-hugging delight in the usual sizes. Over this is a bejewelled corset top with a resizer to ensure a perfect fit for all of us. The jewels spread from the top to bottom of the corset, tailoring off around to the back. Two jewelled belts fit over the corset, you could wear one or the other, maybe even both if you felt like it. These again are encrusted with jewels and flash quite amazingly in any light.

A pair of over-the-elbow gloves in the same shade as the gown are topped off with jewelled cuffs, complementing the rest of this sparkling collection. A flamboyant hat, complete with an optional veil really adds a touch of drama and impact. A choice of two chest brooches (small and large) add a dash of elegance and really add to the silhouette of this gown. The jewellery consists of the jewelled glove cuffs, matching earrings and two matching bangles, again all complete with resizers.

I never pretend to be anything except an enthusiastic amateur as far as photography is concerned, but I hope this image gives you an inkling of how spectacular this collection really is, the detail is just mind-boggling.

So, have a trip up to the Sky Boutique and have a look at Belle's amazing designs, you will not regret it!

Styling-

Gown, hat, jewellry - "Spring Nectarine" - Chop Zuey

Hair - Updo Blonde Hat Hair - CC

Lipstick - Orange - LaFauna

Eyeshadow - Pippi Orange/Gold - Oceane

Your taxi awaits :)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chop%20Zuey/45/137/26