JOIN My New Flickr Group - "Blogging From Top To Toe"

Hello darlings.  I've formed a new Flickr group with Bloggers in mind but you don't have to have a blog to join.

Only rules are:

+One picture per day.
+Full body shots only showcasing your fabulous look.
+Link back to your Blog (if you have one).
+No nudies.

Because so many of you gifted stylists and photographers find amazing locations to shoot, I would love it if you popped a SLURL in the comments section.  That would be special.

Here's the link.  Looking forward to enjoying your pics.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/blogging_from_top_to_toe/pool/

Suddenly Single With Red Lips.

There's something quite powerful about a strong color accent placed strategically about the body.  I love the vivid red that lifts the grey to dramatic effect.  I scoured the grid for the right tights and finally settled on 'A3' Grey from 'Sheer' Stockings.  A great shop find that was.

I had a fun shopping trip to Mon Tissu at the Mayfair Sim and couldn't resist the 'Softest Cinch Cardigan' in grey and the 'Westbury Mini' in light grey.  Great combo together and I wasn't at all disappointed in the fit of both pieces. What you don't quite see (stupid me) is the clipped in waist at the back of the back tied with a fabulous knitted blow. Take a look at the amazing pockets and sleeve edging...magnifique.

  
How beautiful are these 'MANA Era Gator Peep Toe' shoes in fiery red from Nardcotix?  Are these not class personified?  The delicate gold super fine spiked heel could do serious damage in the wrong hands - think 'Single White Female' and like all things Nardcotix, have a fool proof menu to make your tootsies look their best.

As far as accessorizing goes, my favorite part of creating a look, I couldn't wait to bring out my recently purchased Tres Blah 'Haute' bag that has the most amazing woven material resembling jute.  The 'Lellani' corsage is from LaGyo, the necklace is 'Prayer Pearl' from Beatnick and earrings from Je Suis. 

The Look:

Hair: 'Soft' Blonde 4 by elikitira 

Skin: 'Linn' Light by Glam Affair 

Freckles: Full Body Freckle Tattoo from Miamai X- Gen Makeup 

Eyes: 'Sunrise' eyes in pale grey by IKON

Tights: Grey from 'Sheer' Stockings

Bag: 'Haute' bag by Tres Blah

Necklace: 'Prayer Pearl by Beatnick 

Earrings: 'Asymetrique' in red from Je Juis

Jacket: 'Softest Cinch Cardigan' in grey by Mon Tissu

Skirt: 'Westbury' Mini in light grey from Mon Tissu

Flower: 'Lellaini' Corsage (color change) by LaGyo

Location: Little Britain  (great for a monochrome background)

She's Got The Celoe Factor!

Hi there...it's been a while. They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger and this has been sorely tested in my own life during the last month. Within one day I found myself suddenly single, never saw it coming whatsoever and had a husband who has gone to hide two states away and as he ran out the door, claimed 'he couldn't handle anything anymore' leaving me to deal with all our financial matters. Today, only one month after he bolted, I can finally say 'what a bloody idiot to leave the best thing that has and will ever happen to you...ME'. They'll be many more tears, self blame and doubt but I am my parents daughter and I will never define myself by the whims and expectations of another. I don't wish ill of you but at the same time you have earned yourself a huge spiritual debt for your actions and weak mindedness which only you can repay.. I was the best wife I knew how to be and if that wasn't good enough for you, then best of British luck finding another who loved you warts and all as I did.

If you haven't had the pleasure of a trip to Celoe at Mayfair, take a look at what you're missing.  Some classy mesh tailoring complete with layers and folds in all the right places.  As with any fine boutique, custom fitting is available with the jacket and pants available in a range of sizes for the perfect fit.  Designer Shay Sibrian certainly has an eye for detail.

The items from Celoe shown are the Rossi Jacket complete with leather belt in the color 'Thatch", the Lolong Trousers in "Cement" and the amazing Sack Bag in "Roman".  The appeal for me is the earthiness of color and mixture of fabrics.  Mayfair is the first mesh sim in SL which is wonderful, but for my ailing computer I did struggle somewhat getting things to rezz quickly and I was often stuck in lag bubbles.  I do need a new computer however...this one is tired and needing to be retired so for those of you running good lappies and PC's, this shouldn't be a problem.

I believe Celoe has something for everyone and I can't wait to see what awaits us in the future.  Once picking the correct size for my shape, everything just worked.  I didn't realize that in order for my feet not to poke through the bottom of the pants, that I needed to wear shoes with an alpha layer and that fixed the problem entirely..  Maybe there are other solutions that I don't know about but this worked for me.

In SL I still find joy in discovering a new label that I fall in love with.  Then again, it's no different to my RL.  I shop well in both.

Other things:

Hair: Away in Blond (05) by [elikatira] 

Skin: Daphne (05) by Glance Skins 

Eyes: Utopia eyes in Trojan Blue from Ikon 

Freckles: From Daphne Skin by Glance Skins 

Scarf: Dolce Scarf in Nude from Cashmere 

Jacket: Rossi in 'Thatch' by Celoe 

Pants: Lolong Trousers in 'Cement' by Celoe 

Bag: Sack Bag in 'Roman' by Celoe 

Shoes: Grosseto in 'Tan Suede' by Similar Footwear 

Nails: Nail Palette by Mandala 

Earrings: Antonia in 'Brown' by DeLa 

Ring and Necklace: Minerva in'Bronze' by Label Mode 

SAS 'n' Bizzare.

Welcome to Chalice In Wonderland, the little blog that battles along trying to give the people who actually make this world so amazing a little leg up. I sometimes think we get so caught up blabbering shit, worrying about unimportant things and wasting time with in-genuine tool bags that it detracts from the beauty that is in every direction.  Come on darlings...keep making, keep seeing and keep feeling the beauty.   

Here is a little SAS action in the most divine Purrrrr-ty pink.  Sascha Frangilli kindly sent me the fat pack of Purr and I opted to use only back as the accent color.

Here I'm showing the Empress style skirt but you know Sascha, she supplies so many other options that each dress transforms into something else with the click of a button.

The hair is another blockbuster kick ass style from Bizarra called 'Pollish' and even has it's own cute pair of black stiletto's sitting atop of the bun

Thanks for the lovely dress Sascha.  It's purr-fect for the most discerning pussies in town.

Hair:  Pollish from Bizarre Hair.

Skin: Ebba by LAQ.

Eyes: Sunrise Eyes by IKON.

Gloves: Fabulous by Nemesis.

Dress: Purr by SAS.

Eye Shadow Tattoo:  Pink by LPD (free group gift)

Shoes: Galazy Shark X-Treme Heels by N'Core.

Earrings: Dianni in Black by DeLa.

Shots taken: Cafe WB .

Don't Block Out My Sun - SAS.

Its been a while since I've done a big gown post and who better to feature than the incomparable Sascha Frangilli from Sascha's Designs.  Her recent release called 'Atteris' is a stunner and as usual, comes with an array of options and skirts from slinky to spectacular. 

Sascha loves to give her shoppers choice and Atteris comes in 13 amazing colors.  I've veered away from my usual black and decided to show off in the Sun option. 

Get a load of the flower hat which reminds me of a giant poppy.   The two piece feather boa wraps around the shoulders and drapes down the front giving the dress an avian wow factor.

Thank you so much for the review copies Ms Sascha.  Once again, you've outdone yourself with the Atteris gown with the hat alone being a piece of wearable art.

Skin: Christmas Skin 2011 from Nuuna.

Eyeshadow Tattoo: Group Gift from LpD.

Lash/Liner Tattoo: Yellow X-Gen from Miamai.

Hair Base: Golden Platinum from LoQ.

Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Grey by Fashism. 

Earrings: Experience Earrings in Black by Nemesis. 

Location: Not Everything Is Plain at MetaLES..

Merry Christmas From Chalice In Wonderland

I want to say a very Merry Christmas to my lovely readers and to thank each and every one of you for dropping by throughout the year.  I really do appreciate the support, comments and review copies and to be honest, it makes the effort worth it. 

Please take extra care over the holiday period and whether you are spending it with family and/or friends or flying solo this year, I hope the spirit of Christmas envelops you like a hug.

Come 2012, I will be in my fourth year of blogging about SL fashion and can't wait to see what our wonderful designers have in store for us.

Let's Twist Again.

Crack open the Twister, Cha Cha's found the most adorable retro bikini from Kid Asia.  I loved it in the store and it looks even better worn.  I do have a thang for retro swimwear and this little number is right down my bowling alley. 

Aida Oxygen  from Aushka & Co. Poses sent me a lovely note and some wonderful poses from her last release, one of which is shown above.  Thank you ever so much Aida.  I LOVE your poses and will be using them a lot in my posts so please keep your eye out when I credit them in future.  Trying out new poses always makes me happy because when you think of it, they are so integral to our avatar when photographing fashion and good poses bring us all to life.

I picked up this Twister set a while ago from croire knowing it would come in handy for a shoot someday. 

Stuff:
Hair, Hair Base and Skin:  LAQ.
Eyes Shadow: Eye Pops from cheLLe.
Bikini: Kid Asia.
Shoes: Nardcotix.
Earrings: Centro Pallini.
Twister: croire.
Pose: (first shot) from Aushka & Co. Poses.

Nardcotix Sharna Pumps - The Shoe That Keeps On Giving.

Ladies, there'll be no more crying on your couture frocks ever again when you have Nardcotix Sharna Pumps in your wardrobe.  Nardya Rousselot has outdone herself with these fabtastic pumps complete with click of a button color choices.  Below I have shown only 4 options but the opportunities are endless and there's no excuse for failing to achieve top notch styling from head to toe anymore.

These are a MUST for the serious fashion diva who absolutely knows its the small details that sets you apart from the masses.

Now go shop darlings.  Don't say Auntie Chal doesn't share her best finds with you.

What I'm wearing:

Hair and Base:  Paper Couture (no I haven't taken it off yet).
Skin: Jadis V2 from Glam Affair (no I haven't taken it off yet)..
Eyes: WAP Designs.
Dress: Spring Dress from LaViere
Bracelets: Spyralle - Kerryth Tarantal Studio.
Earrings: Ondine Gold Earrings from U and R Dogs.
Shoes: Sharna Pumps from Nardcotix.

Only A Few Days Left To "Feed A Smile".

In order to raise money and provide positive change to the extreme poor of the Rhonda Slums of Nakuru, Kenya, Live and Learn in Kenya NGO and Loveli Inc would like to announce the Feed A Smile Charity Fashion Event 2011.

This year’s Event begins September 17th and runs through October 2nd. It is being held online at the FeedASmile For Loveli Sim and features fashion shows, auctions, sales, live music events, art exhibits and more.

Live and Learn in Kenya NGO is a non-profit, charity organization working to aid the impoverished people – especially the children - living in Kenya. Loveli Inc is a fashion and art company that believes in giving back to their worldwide community through charitable work.

About the Organization: Live and Learn in Kenya NGO, located in Selb, Germany, and its “daughter” organization Live and Learn in Kenya International NGO are non-profit, charity organizations. LLK works to combat desolation, hunger and thirst, poverty, illiteracy, AIDS, child prostitution, child brides, etc of those living in the Rhonda Slums of Nakuru, Kenya.

You can find out more by visiting Loveli Inc. For more information and how you can get involved please contact Liata Exonar, Mellificent Juneberry or Brique Topaz inworld.

Hurry darlings...you have until the 2nd of October to lend your support.

Town and Country in Chantkare.

I couldn't resist this outfit from Chantkare called 'Country' that I purchased at Modavia Fashion Week. WOW what a combo. Regal taffeta skirt with drapes and folds pairs perfectly with a country tweed jacket adorned with traditional leather buttons. If I loved it any more, I'd marry it. Conservative yet the glimpse of midriff sexes it up.

I'm also loving this new hair and base from Paper Couture. More, more hair Lu ladies. You've done a marvelous job with this, in fact, it's my favorite base thus far, ever, ever.

As you can see, I've had a little blog make over and hope you like it. I needed a little whitewash in my life.

Credits
Hair, headband and base: Paper Couture.
Skin: Glam Affair.
Eyes: WAP Designs.
Eyeliner: Miamai.
Jacket, skirt and belt: Chantkare.
Shoes and socks: Maitreya.
Bag: Bounce.
Earrings and necklace: DooDads.
Nails: Mandala.
Ring: Kunglers.

I'm A Lady Who Lunches.

Sometimes you purchase one item because you love it and then wonder, 'what am I going to do with this'? I've been sitting on this OTS Tutu in mint from Ladies Who Lunch for ages because I knew it would take a bit of effort to style given the item only consisted of the prim Tutu and nothing else. Regardless, I hoped that if I could sift through my stuff and find something I liked to go with it, I might achieve a one off look that I was satisfied with.

I rather like what I've thrown together which come from a few different sources. Unlike a normal tutu that sits on the waist, this delight is asymmetrical and travels around one shoulder sort of like a crazy sash that Miss Universe/World would receive. I loved the mint color but it is available in a good selection of other color options. Great job to the ladies who make things for the Ladies Who Lunch

I remembered the Rare headpiece from LaGyo I purchased the other day because I loved the huge ribbon effect. I simply can't get enough of hats and hairpieces and LaGyo has some stunners.

I've been enjoying all the mesh products on the feeds but am loathe to download V3 just yet when V2 is actually working for me. I might become mesh-ified when I get my new super-dooper fast computer. 

Skin: Jadis V2 in light from Glam Affair.
Hair: Base and Puka in Essence by Vanity Hair.
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in pale mint by Fashism.
Hairpiece: Rare from LaGyo.
Nails: Milky Way Silver Prim Nails by Mandala.
Tutu: From Ladies Who Lunch.
Top: Top from white bodysuit by Erratic.
Pants: Basic White Leggings from fri day.
Shoes: Grace in white from DeLa.
Necklace & Earrings: Manhattan by Eclectica.
Bag: Sway hand bag by Septem Essentials.

SL - 10 Things I Love About You. Blogger Challenge!!

I had this idea for a post to pictorialize 10 things I really love in Second Life that makes my experience so much richer. I had lots of fun putting it together and would love to see my blogging colleagues share pictures of what floats their boat about SL.

To ensure due credit, I have listed the creators of items used in each picture.

In no particular order, here are 10 things I love about you SL:

Number 1 Chantkare
If I could choose one SL designer to dress me in RL, it would be Applonia Criss from Chantkare. This is her Jada dress from the recent Platinum Hunt and encapsulates all that is brilliant about her designs. Bold, vivid and always stylish, SL just wouldn't be as beautiful if there were no Applonia.

hair: elikatira; skin: glam affair; eyes:  izzies; dress: chantkare; shoes: maitraya gold; nails: pixel mode; bracelet: paris metro; earring: junk; bag: teefy (teefy gone).

Number 2 Maitreya
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Well right there I've shown 8 ways before I even clicked my heels. From the moment I landed on Maitreya Isle nearly 4 years ago, I've been a serious fan girl of Onyx Leshelle. When I popped on my first Aimee hair, I was mightily impressed by the realism and understated sleek model look that I hadn't yet found in SL back then. Maitreya Gold heels are the Jimmy Choo's of SL imo.

Number 3 Juicy Bomb
I know nearly everyone will agree with me on this. Gogo from Juicy Bomb, This Is Juicy, iheartsl and the divine Juicy sim has made and continues to make a massive contribution to SL fashion and lifestyle. Her Juicy Bomb blog is a must read for thousands of SL residents who take their SL style seriously. What I particularly love and appreciate is her desire to share what she knows through tutorials and an honest, transparent critique of items she blogs about. Not wanting to use any copyrighted material to pay tribute to Gogo, I created my own interpretation of what the juicylicious Gogo means to me.  Everything pretty, feminine and sweet which quite frankly, we need a lot more of.

Number 4 Glam Affair's Jadis V2 Skin
I have so enjoyed watching Aida Ewing's wonderful label Glam Affair go from strength to strength. She has provided us with a stunning build and ambiance to enjoy our shopping experience which adds to the pleasure of our life style in-world. I've always loved Glam Affair skins but the new release Jadis V2 skin is as pure and perfect as they come. Skins are one of our biggest investments both financially and in terms of our identity so unless you have Lindens to burn, the choice is usually well considered. If you can only purchase one fat pack, the Jadis V2 in your favorite skin tone would be my recommendation for quality and versatility. From morning to night, from club to catwalk, this is my pick.

skin: glam affair; shoes: lelutka; rings: glow studio, hair: elikatira; earrings: je suis; padded room backdrop: adorkable poses; nails: pixel mode.

Number 5 New Boutiques...New Labels.
Like I've said before, nothing is more fun in SL than discovering a relatively new designer or someone not yet on the tips of everyone's lips. Like when I found Equus not so long back, I loved the joie de vive of this dress called 'Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls'. Whilst I've chosen Equus to represent my joy of burgeoning new designers, there are so many of you out there just waiting for discovery and I wish you well.

hair: elikatira; skin: glam affair; eyes: issie's; dress: Equus; nails: pixel mode; shoes: pixel mode; lashes; the niven collection; eye shadow: chelle; bracelet: paris metro; earrings: glow studio; runway: bent.

Number 6 Strawberry Singh
Another blogger, stylist, writer, photographer, and the list goes on, who raises the bar so high that most of us are swinging off it by our finger nails, is Strawberry Singh. How amazing is this girl who shares so much with us through her tutorials and tips? She illuminates the feeds and in-world publications so brightly I have retina damage. She needs no introduction but to me as a reader and an appreciator of her art, she makes me want to do better. See I even learned how to do reflections in PS in a bid to improve my skills. If you stand still too long, I'll reflect you. Like with Gogo, I didn't want to use any of Strawberry's pics without due permission so created my own fruity tribute.

hair: plume; skin: glam affair; eye shadow: synt; dress: magoa; shoes: lelutka; nails: pixel mode; earrings: je suis.

Number 7 My Pre Fabulous Home
I am an unabashed house whore in SL. Not any house though. Oh no, they have to have impeccable style and second to none texturing and lighting. They don't have to be big, in fact, my preference these days is for compact. When I came across the Lani Beach House straight from the architectural drawing board of Fornicola Butuzova at Pre Fabulous Homes, I signed up on the spot. Pre Fabulous? Post Fabulous? It's just bloody Fabulous. This is how Fornicola markets the Lanai: "Ever watch a movie where there this gorgeous cocktail party, where people are enjoying a martini back-lit by a the glow of an elegant pool. Well now you can host that party!" It doesn't have a kitchen but that's ok, I only ever use caterers.

Number 8 Fashion Feeds
I know many of you will join me here to say that the multitude of fashion feeds in existence for SL are an integral part of our daily SLives. God I know I've left some off...sorry if I have. When I don't feel the inclination to drop in-world, I feel connected and informed by browsing the feeds much like I do with my RL fash mags. I seriously appreciate the work my fellow bloggers devote to presenting SL so fashionably. AND if I'm not on your feed....add me...add me. /me chortles.

hair: ploom; skin: glam affair; eyes: izzie's; top/pants: ison; shoes: redpoly shop; chaise: the loft.

Number 9 Flickr
Ok I know, it's not specifically a SL application but so many of us use it. I love to see everyone's artistic interpretation of their Second Life with a few residents out there having a lot of sex...lucky buggers. How do I know? Cause they keep showing their pics. Good for them. Anyway I love to flick through flickr and thought it only fitting that it made my top 10.

hair: ploom; skin: plastik; eyes: izzie's; eyeliner: boom; top: acid & mala; pants: plastik; shoes: dela; earrings: chantkare; hat: indyra originals; arm bands: dela; neck tie: mailing couture; belt: maitreya; bracelet: paris metro; nails: pixel mode; reflections: Chalice don't ya know.

Number 10 Shopping
Last but absolutely never least is shopping. In both lives, its what I do very well. It's almost orgasmic to walk down the street with bags upon bags of glorious buys then get home to unpack. I personally would rather wait and save up for quality items than to have a wardrobe full of cheap stuff. My dad taught me that and its how I've always been PLUS when I go to my favorite boutiques, they wrap and bag it really, really well. No nasty plastic bags in sight.

hair: elikatira; skin: glam affair; eyes: izzie's; dress: ibizarre; lashes: miamai; hat: bliss couture; earrings/necklace: loulou&co; shoes: maitraya gold; nails: pixel mode; bags and boxes: from every-bloody-where.

Anyway darlings...hope you enjoyed my top 10 SL people, places and things. Hope to see yours soon even if you do just one.

I was remiss not to add the Linden's on here because without them, we don't have a SL.

BoHo HoBo Jean-ius.

I've had a blast doing the Platinum Hunt, reacquainting myself with all the glorious designers who blow me away with their talent. So much fun in fact that I've neglected my blog and delayed posting some of the great things that have been sent to me. Sorry lovies but sometimes I need to drop the business and just be a resident without a cause.

Trill Zapatero from BoHo HoBo sent me these Popsicle Jeans in Cherry and I was dying to post them. I love good jeans and have a soft spot for bell bottoms. They come with a brilliant belt and the texture and seams are quality all the way.

I'm not a big wing wearer but when I stumbled across this store called Equus a little while back, I was mesmerized by this set called Pegasi Embryo Wings. I'll be bringing some more Equus magic in the form of slick couture pieces that I fell in love with very soon. That's Chalice's very soon not the rest of the worlds very soon.

Another purchase I am excited about was these Polly Suede Shoes from Ducknipple. Me adores them and I'm even more thrilled that one pair affords you color change choices and I'm really impressed with the foot.

During my hunting, I found the haughty Deco Necklace in the form of a clothing layer at Grixdale for 50% off...boo hoo. Grixdale don't go:-( I didn't have the energy to rifle through my wardrobe for a top so wore this to cover the boobies. Likewise, I found these great Smexy Black and Bowie Lace Gloves from Epic and thought, what the hell. Throw them on too Chal.

Only 25 stores left to go but really I don't want the hunt to end. The Platinum Hunt is a gooden. Now I must spend copious hours unpacking and trying it all on.

Meh Clothes:
Hair: Knotted Hair in Marilyn tone by LeLutka.
Skin: Elena Pale Glow Skin by LAQ.
Eye Shadow Tattoo: Two Days To Go Fuchsia Shadow by synt.
Necklace: Deco Layer necklace by Grixdale.
Jeans and Belt: Popsicle Jeans in Cherry by BoHo HoBo.
Wings: Pegasi Embryo Wings by Equus.
Shoes: Polly by Ducknipple.
Bangle: Gilded Goddess bracelet by Paris Metro.
Gloves: Smexy Black and Bowie Lace Gloves by Epic.
Poses: From Juxtapose.
Shot at Zaara.

Spotlight On Paris Metro.

Sea Star Gown - Paris Metro.

Hello darlings. Well finally I finished my post focusing on the amazing label, Paris Metro. Designer rfb morpork has been very generous sending out her stunning gowns in one of the blogger groups I belong to and it is only right that I spent some time putting together snappies of three of her gowns. Please go visit her store if you haven't already. There is certainly something for everyone and her designs are very special.

Betty Tureaud Gown - Paris Metro.

Natasha Bracula Gown - Paris Metro.

Sea Star Gown:
Hair and Hair Base: HB Style #9 and Milky Red Hair Base from LAQ.
Skin: Claudia2 Milky Skin by LAQ.
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Pale Mint by Fashism.
Hat: New Year Hat by Lode.
Dress: Sea Star Gown by Paris Metro.
Shoes: Fae Wedges by Pixel Mode.
Necklace/Earrings/Brooch: Flouish by Eclectica.
Nails: Sculpted Nails by Pixel Mode.
Ring: Rome by Finesmith Designs.
Location: Maamagili Island.

Betty Tureaud Gown:
Hair and Hair Base: Uthopia in Essence by Vanity Hair.
Skin: Jadis in Natural by Glam Affair.
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Pale Steel Blue by Fashism.
Eye Shadow: Metallic Shadow by Miamai.
Outfit: Betty Tureaud Gown by Paris Metro.
Shoes: Hana by Maitreya Gold.
Earrings: Flowers by Simay Fashion.
Tie: Cotton Candy Silk Tie by Zeerys.
Location: Dreamerz Paradise.

Natasha Bracula Gown:
Hair: Knotted Hair in Marilyn tone by LeLutka.
Skin: Leona in Pale tone by Glam Affair.
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Pale Steel Blue by Fashism.
Eye Shadow: Deco Shadow by Miamai.
Earrings and Hair Flower: Rosa by 3636.
Bracelets: Adele Bangles by Indy & Co.
Dress: Natasha Bracula Gown by Paris Metro.
Shoes: Ixkin by Maitreya Gold.
Nails: Sculpted Nails by Pixel Mode.
Location: Oligard.