Save a Boyfriend for a Rainy Day

Time-honored and fashionista-approved, a lush leather piece is more than worth adding to your spring shopping list.

and another in case it doesn’t rain. ~ Mae West . Well it’s that time again. At least I can’t blame my mum this time. This time it’s all my brother’s doing. This is some friend of my brother’s wife’s, brother thing. It gets really scary when it’s that many people removed from people I can actually trust. I can just hear the report on the news when I show up missing, “we aren’t sure who she was last seen with, I think it was the stepfather of her third cousin twice removed,” or some other red-neck sounding thing like that. The last guy I dated that was set up this way, I bought him a down jacket from the local outlet mall, I told him it perfectly matched his personality. He didn’t “get” it. Sometimes, I hate date night. I broke my standing rule too. He is taking me to dinner at some swanky reservations only restaurant. I hope he chews with his mouth closed, I somehow think if I look over at him lovingly and have to stab him with something, they probably won’t have a plastic spork anywhere within reach. I suppose I can bring my own…

Minimalistic shapes, rich colors, and a no-fuss approach to the hair, makeup, and accessories make this look seem like they’re from 2013, not 1983.

The worst part about a blind first date at a fancy reservations only restaurant is you have to dress up. When I dress up, to hide those lines on my slinky cocktail dress I’ll probably wear spanks. (Spanks:) Have you ever worn them? They are wonderful for looking svelte, but you might as well forget eating or drinking much. Both of which kind of negate a first date at a posh restaurant. The eating relates to the restaurant, the drinking to the first date. The first time I wore a pair of spanks, I made the mistake of wearing them to a cocktail party at a friend’s house. I was surrounded by friends, oh and that one guy I was meeting for the first time, you know the poor soul picked to attend just to meet me? Luckily, all but THE guy know me and expect oddities in behavior here and there. To put Spanks on you practically have to lie on a bed and pull and wedge, grunt and coax them up. And I am terrible at consuming alcohol while wearing these things honestly. I guess since I have so little room inside, once I start to drink I fill up fast. It was okay the first few hours; I was the only one going to the bathroom. But by midnight, on my, I don’t know, twelfth or so visit, I ran out of luck. As I was struggling to pull the blasted things up I was groaning and grunting, maybe a little cursing as sweat popped out over my brow. When you’re in the midst of doing this, you aren’t listening to yourself, your just working, you know? Finally redressed, I walk out the door not only to find a line of three hugely smiling friends, but first in line is THE guy, with the oddest expression on his face. .. I wonder if its bad form to call tonight’s date and claim sick? I’m beginning to feel a case of the intentional flu.

Take from? Why not, at this point. When meeting someone for the first time, always be yourself, not some fake version of you. For one thing, it lets him see you as you truly are and there is no reason to keep up an artificial charade if there is a second date. Build a relation on an honest foundation and it creates a familiarity right from the start. Besides, sometimes it’s best to get the worse out there first because then things can only get better. Right? I hope that’s not famous last words..

Outfit One:

Hat: House of Fox, Roller Hat ❤
Hair: Tuty's, Bob
Glasses:House of Fox, 1960's glasses
Lipstick: Mons, LOVE!
Shoulder piece:House of Fox, Lita's shoulders
Belt: Anubis, Leather belt
Jacket: House of Fox, Scarlet Blazer
Shirt:House of Fox, Crop Corset
Skirt: Ricielli, Hi-Waist skirt, python
Shoos: [whatever], CG Spiked
Handbag: House of Fox, Steffani Lux tote
Jacket:

Fashion.Can.Be.Bought.Style.One.Must.Possess. ~Edna Chase

L’Accessoire’s Earring: Handverk, Cake Chandelier Earring. Hat: Bliss Couture, Saline. Other elements: Hairs: Boon PKJ371, Blazer: Ison, One button blazer. Necklace: Handverk, Bolo

The quote is so sad, and yet so true. I think style is something in ones genetic makeup, you either have it or you do not. It is noted in a person who just has a natural knack for colors, materials, and the positive way of mixing them together but, in others, they just never seem to “get it right” or, at the least, like me, have to dig deep, and work harder to get there. I think in its base sense it is controlled by whether you are prone to thinking with the left or the right side of the brain. The wonderful thing about the brain though is the fact that you DO indeed have both sides. And you can use the influence of either side with practice.

L’Accessoire’s, Crown: Lassitude and Ennui, Dreamer Tiara. Shoos: Miamai, Carmen Savage. Other elements: Pants: Peqe, Snake Leggins,Top: .Shi, Circular Tank, Hairs: Lelutka, Rykiel, Makeup: Zibska, Pose: DelMay, Ring: HOF

I wasn’t going to say anything, but I’ve been told a couple of times, I need to offer more guidance to beginning models, so I will. I recently judged something with the theme of “Cubism” and though I know it is a difficult to interpret subject, I went away more than a little disappointed. Cubism at the most basic is to take a natural form and fragment it into something abstract. Period. How do I know? I researched it, I researched the words, I researched images. Took maybe 5 minutes to figure where I would have gone with this theme.

L’Accessoire’s, Head piece: Azoury, Animal, Other Elements: Hairs: Madesigns, Raven. Necklace: Rozoregalia, Gemma. Jacket: Gizza: Biker jacket

You get out of your Second Life Modeling career, exactly what you put into it. So if what you strive to do is lead, and create something bigger than yourself, in a virtual sense, the first step is always, stop and think. Where do I want to end up, how do I get there? period. Start with a concept, build the steps to how to succeed. It’s not like these “themes” happen every day, so when you DO have them, take a little time to get it right. I’m not talking about the pics of a blog, sure, like my pics here, the stylings need to be simple, because you are bringing a set item(s) to the attention of the viewer. I am only speaking of the mix and match theme projects we get asked to do for mags, or contests, or, like in the above “cubism”, a casting or class graduation.

L’Accessoires Necklace: Drift, L’Bow. Other elements: Hairs: Vanity Hair, Sunday Kind of Love. Blouse: Gizza: Lola

As an example, the winter elf from yesterday. I created a look, and sent a pic to Skip, so he would know what was coming. I hate to show it, but here it is: Link: But then, I sat back, thought, what a load of crap. So I did it right, where do I want to end up, what do I want this winter elf to look like? How do I get there? And then went about putting the elements together, in what I hope was a more pleasing way. And yes, sometimes, it takes time. But why bother, if you aren’t going to give it your best? Jumps off Soap Box.

L’Accessoires, Collar: [Cherry], Georgia Collar. Eye Piece: SoliDea FoliEs, Stella Cometa. Other elements: Hairs: Boon

YAY! And the take from, there always is one. Don’t be a hater because someone always seems to be styled perfect all the time, they actually can’t help the way they are anymore than you can, its genetics. Use their styles to learn, network and learn from them WHY they put certain aspects of their styles together that way. And really, there is no penalty for researching the style you want to create, especially on theme based castings. Sometimes, even when I don’t have a theme to style, I research and pull from the Internet pics I like, styles I like, items that catch the eye, or “things to try” and pull them aside. Just ask Skip, sometimes I send him four or five pics with a “do you want to do any of these?” before I style. It’s okay to borrow imagination, just add your own flourish to it.

L’Accessoires, Boots: BDS Designs Studio, Minimalism Boot. Other elements. Hairs: Vanity Hair, Sunday Kind of Love. Shirt: Apple May Design, His Place

I know, this is a long one. I hope you read parts of it and took out what you wanted. If its all rubbish, then I am sorry to have wasted your time, but I hope, for at least a few of you, it was a help. I just want to leave you with the words of Coco Chanel. “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” For a taxi to L’Accessoire’s just click on their logo found on the right side of the page. See? right side rather creatively has made it easier for you to get there from here.

Channeling.Charlie.

Amazing pose by Del May ❤

I oft wonder if it would be amazing to be one of those really famous people? You know the ones, not these current hollywood types who make their names by being more and more outrageously bad in behavior. No, I wouldn’t want to be known for anything like that, they are all too generic these days. I mean someone who 35 years after his death, if you saw a picture of him, or even just a pose, you’d know that’s Charlie Chaplin! I can’t say I’ve ever even seen one of his moving pictures honestly. But he has been often imitated, just because of his “face value.” I just wonder, do you think its possible to live right, be honest and kind and still be famous? Or has notoriously bad replaced famous in modern culture? Hmm, sad, but seeing how many in Hollywood act, perhaps it has. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if most of the movies we are force-fed these days were the silent type? Not a soapbox comment, just a quiet observation.

As an aside, Shay Sibrian and Jade Art of Celoe are just amazing at making mesh products, especially jackets. Even though I do not blog them all, I do wear them. I think I have bought them all in fact. If your looking to update the winter wardrobe, its a great place to check out! I enjoyed the SIM, Mayfair (ala Central London), and the store so much, I’ve included the hackney carriage for ya. Taxi:

Outfit One:
Hat/Hair: D!va, Chiaki
Scarf: Tram, silk scarf
Jacket: Celoe, Maru
Pants/shoos: Maiterya Mceht Leggins
Cane: Adjunct, gentleman’s walking stick
Pose: Del May, Charlie Chaplin 3

Outfit Two:
Hat: Tram, Cat beret
Hair: La Viere, Natasha
Jacket/belt: Celoe, Rossi
Skirt: Gizza, Maxi skirt
Bag: Dumani, Guise bag
Ring: House of Fox, Forever Young
Pose: Del May

Live.Life.Large.

I cant help it. I am goofy that way. But any time I wake up and my feet hit the ground, I have to smile. Life is good. When I see someone I know in my morning wanderings, I have to smile. Life is good. When I get the chance to log into a Second Life and I am surrounded by such groovy and creative friends, I have to smile. Life is good. My personal fave? When I am blog reading, or Facebook scanning and run across something I really, really want and I know I can have it because in SL it doesn’t cost all that much, so not only can I have it, but I can have it right that second with instant gratification? Life is Grand. That’s the way I felt when I saw Tabata Jewell’s new hair “Midnight Oasis” I was hooked. I ran over to the marketplace, dropped down the change, and the next time I logged in, it was waiting like a Christmas prezzy at the door. I’ll be honest, and this is where I am a little goofy, I mean you all know me, I am soooooo slow about blogging things that I should probably just call my blog vintage SL, but I pushed everything else to the back of my “to blog” folder and snapped a pic right away. So here it is. Vanity Hair’s “Midnight” Oasis. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Outfit One:

Hairs: Vanity Hair, Midnight Oasis
Earrings: Chop Zuey, Attention Whore
Necklace: Dahlinks, Victorian Jet Mourning jewelry
Eye Makeup: Zibska, Cleo
Jacket: House of Fox, Color Me Scarlet
Shirt: [Foppish], Fit and Flare dress
Leggings: Maitreya, Couture Leggings
Handbag: Ison, Kabuki Croc

Onion.Skin.

A couple of times now, people have contacted me to co-blog with them. I’ve never done it before, actually a little leery of trying it, after all I am a blogger for a Second Life, but not especially a First Life, and these bloggers are typically real life authors. So I was surprised when once again I was asked, by a person named Anya Sarre, link: Chief Accessories and Handbag Stylist for Kim Kardashian’s multi-million dollar website Shoedazzle link:. My first response is obviously along the lines of “get the heck out of town, I’m just a Cao” but Anya grabbed my heart because first of all, she sells shoos! I happen to love shoos! Second, she is a stylist! I like to style! And third, she has a new baby! I love babies! But seriously, the silliness aside, I read the blog she wrote, and her advice is solid, in both a real life and a second life, so I am hereby turning my blog over to Anya Sarre for the day. The outfit I am wearing for Anya’s post will be credited at the end. I added the Lelutka hairs and a Gizza hat and easy as pie, chic, quirky and 110% Lil Cao, showing Anya Sarre layering in a Second reality.

Anya Sarre is one of Hollywood’s most influential trendsetters. A nationally recognized celebrity stylist, Sarre is known for her impeccable eye and ability to tie any look together with the perfect accessory. Named “Best Television Fashion Stylist” for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Sarre is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. With no further adieu, here is Anya Sarre’s excellent advice to Fashionista’s and her included pictures for her blog:

“While I love the long and warm days of summer, but I have to admit that I cannot wait for fall. Fall is when all the big fashion designers start trotting out their new red carpet fashions. If you are a big fashionista like I am, it’s the time to look around! I’ve discovered that there are just a few essentials that every girl needs for this fall!

When it comes to nailing this fall’s look, I’m going to have to say that it’s all about layering. Unfortunately, most people think about layering as that unpleasant thing they do with sweaters and thermals in the winter. The truth of the matter is that layering can be amazingly versatile if you know how to do it. The key is to keep your layers very thin. Start with a thin camisole, top it off with a skimpy shrug and throw a lovely shawl on over the top of that. You can even layer long shorts with thin leggings for a bohemian look.

Blue and yellow adds delightful color on a dull day

If I have one fashion must-have for fall, it’s tights. Now the truth is that I love tights, but this year, it is easy for everyone to love tights. For those who prefer a more conservative look, there are the standard black tights that go with just about everything, but beyond that, you’ll find a whole world of possibility. For example, when you are headed out for a fun night, why not put on a pair of tights with some shimmery, sparkly glitter knit into the fabric? If you are feeling in a colorful mood, choose tights with a fun swirl of color printed on it. Tights are a fantastic way to add color to your outfit, especially if you tend towards more neutral colors in general.

Don’t forget that fashion doesn’t chop off at the shoulders. Hats haven’t been a common sight since the fifties, but with more and more people discovering their appeal, you’ll find that there are more them on the streets lately. If you are after a very soft, very feminine look, consider choosing a drooping cloche hat in black, gray or lilac. These hats compliment a wide variety of faces, and they are perfect if you are curious about adding a retro touch to your appearance. On the other end of the spectrum is the lovely masculine fedora. Dare to accessorize and pair the perfect shoes with your fabulous fashionista look this fall!”

Fall fashions are a time for a girl to embrace her favorite look. What’s yours, and how are you going to reveal this year?”

Outfit One:

Hat: Gizza, Rococo
Hairs: Lelutka, Blake
Jacket: House of Fox, Scarlet
Scarf: Maitreya, Long scarf
Shorts: Toki Doki, Cocoro short
Leggings: Zaara
Bag: Baiastice, Ikna
Boots: Maitreya, Devi

Little.Miss.Prissy.Pants.

When I was a little tod I used to love to wear my mama’s jewelry and scarves and hats. I’d play dress up for hours on end which unfortunately earned me the title of “Little Miss Prissy Pants” from my older brother. Yep, I’m the baby, who’d a thought it? Right? But in this playing, I learned a major real life and second life lesson. Spend a little more on the good things, the classic things, even if religiously bought only when on sale, because they never really go out of style. And luckily, right now, there are so many Second Life events, you can live the good life at a very reasonable sale price. Get out there and find these specials, they are simply amazing!

Outfit One

Hat: Baoba, “Miss Paint black” The Couturier’s Dock
Earrings: Kungler’s, “Mariri”
Necklace: Mandala, “Pearl Rain season 2”
Scarf: VanGuard, “McQueen scarf” L’Accessoire’s
Jacket: House of Fox, “Color Me Scarlet” blazer Collabor 88
Shirt: Leezu! , “La Goa Top”
Pants: Glam Affair, “July” pant
Pose: Manifeste, “model 516”

Cao.Tipping.Mouse.Tripping.

I know, I know, right? But do I always have to make sense? It makes perfect sense to me, thats what matters right? Was kind of too mellow today to do much of anything blog-wise. So this is what you get, a blog dedicated to all of you. I was reading the really ugly things on “Agency Report” (I won’t include a link) I don’t agree with the premise of a site built to denigrate hardworking fellow models, agencies, or people at all. A site that allows one person to bad mouth another really grates my docile Cao nature. Isn’t it more productive to honor other people and create a world of light, not dark? Lighten up people! It’s only a Second Life! hehe and thanks a lot Isoldel for making me even look. I haven’t peeked over at the site since last year. –.–

Just a micro-blog today. First and foremost a shoutout and huge thank you to my dear and beautiful friend Spartin Parx for the really cool “Mouse” mask. I was truly digging it when I saw it in a photo in this months Vogue and then logged in and you had left the present in my inventory. So awesome, you creative people in SL just amaze me no end! So today is a blog plugging all my friends, the one’s I’ve met, and the ones I haven’t met, yet, and to all of you designers, photographers, models, avatars, just everyone! As Torley would say “You are awesome!” Omgoodness I think I just “dated” my avatar by mentioning I went to Torley Lindens SIM (circa 2007). O.o I am taking a little bit of time off. I adore you all so much, so don’t forget me!

Look One:

Hair: Dura, girl29
Earrings: [Mandala], Rinne
ring: House of Fox, Forever young
Glasses: Dumani, Cateye occhiali
Jacket: Leezu! Viola Vintage
shorts: Leezu! Heather hotpant
Boots: Leezu! Picadilly over knee *New*

Look Two:

Hair: Lelutka, Salome silver
Mask: Spartin Parx, Mouse mask JUST LOVE!
jacket: Leezu!, Viola Vintage
Shorts: CIA, Highwaist pants nature
Shoes: Nardcotix, Miranda Wedge

No.Playing.On.The.Furniture.

When I was about six or seven years old, I was playing outside and a furry animal flew by with its arms and legs spread wide like wings. I asked my mum what the creature was and she said it was a “flying squirrel.” Well, as is oft the way, sometimes from the smallest most mundane happenings, a family tradition is born. From that day forward, my greatest passion was to be a flying squirrel. It is not an easy feat, I assure you. Luckily my parents bedroom is on one end of the house and mine at the opposite side, because it takes a great distance of running to execute the perfect flying squirrel. Actually that “luckily” is probably more apropos for my parents because they could always hear my feet running down the hall long before I launched myself arms and feet wide yelling “flying squirrel” as I landed in the middle of their king-size bed. As a teenager, I no longer thought my parents would wait every night in the hopes I would flying squirrel them, so I added a loud “whee” as I ran down the hall, so they had time to, well, quit watching TV or something before I launched between them.

I had heard that as we mature we put away childish things and habits and become adults. I said I heard it, not that I believe it. Don’t ever believe it, okay? Declare a moratorium on silly rules today. “No playing on the furniture” should be at the top of the list. It’s just furniture, it can be replaced, that smile on your face when you “get away” with breaking this parent-centric rule is priceless. I can’t imagine a world without “flying squirrels” or bouncing on the bed. Luckily for my parents, every time I visit them, I am known to launch a few at them for old times sake. I am sure they appreciate that they are always loved enough to get one, no matter how big I get, because after all, I will always be their little girl.

Outfit One:

Hat/Hair: Waka & Yuki
Necklace: .Shi, Stone necklace
Shirt: Drift, Serengeti **NEW**
Skirt: Ison, High-waist zip
Bag: House of Fox, Vandersatchel
Ring: House of Fox, Forever Young
Earrings: Indy & Co., Farouk
Bracelet: AD Creations Dollhouse, Fork Bangle
Shoes: {{BSD}}, Beauty Queen **New**

Be.Multi-Dimensional.

I think one of the most freeing aspects of Second Life is it allows you to explore. Whether it’s explore the hidden facets of your soul or in my limited little way, to explore the boundaries of my fashion “sense” or, as I assume, some feel, my non-sense. But see? It doesn’t really matter in the end, because the journey is our own, and tailored to our own tastes. I don’t think I have ever been the traditional “ballgown” type of model, don’t get me wrong, I do model gowns, and I love it but on a day to day sense, I prefer to make my own way and create my own looks.

One of my fave loves about Second Life is texture and color! I can’t get enough! In the above picture I am wearing the “Rebellion” jacket from House of Fox. I chose this jacket because I like the way the satiny red material plays softly to frame the face, the gathered waist and the ruffles hem-line. Simple lines really but the complication is in the detailing. The minute I donned it, I felt the rebellion coming on. I could have worn the matching red bell bottom pants, I could have worn simple tights, but on this day I was craving more texture, so I slipped into Miamai’s “jeunesse” jeans (it’s an old design line, I was kind of wondering if they were faded from so much use!) I found comfort in the gently cascading layers of leather that flair over the hips and end just above knee. I kind of like the way the simple lines of the jacket have to compete a little with the more complex layers of pant in their quest for the viewer’s attention. But in all ways, it fulfilled the mood, in the end, clothes can be just as soul-soothing as a big bowl of Macaroni and Cheese. Well, almost.

Like most models, there are so many times I am just unsure of my sense of style. Well, I kind of get away with it, since I’ve only myself to please, but I do still have the little nudgies now and then. I think one way to compete with yourself on this when you feel it, is to wear a simple dress and fashion around it. Try this weekly, first of all, because it’s good practice, second because it makes you create and visualize. I am wearing Celoe’s “May” dress. A dress that by itself is adorable with its satin material and tiny belt. Honestly, what sold me on this dress is the cut around the hips. I like how it didn’t try to squeeze me to death, it’s a perfect “high gravity” Monday dress, for when you may need to hide the excessiveness of the weekend. Working with my Monday theme, I left my hair tousled with Lelutka’s Salome, and covered any dark circles with “Cat Eyes” from [GOS]. To give this look a more glamorous, “I know what I am doing” attitude, I threw on gorgeous leather and lace collar, and the outrageously Glam red leather gloves from .Shi. And because you know Monday’s, they are always high gravity, I packed up my largest handbag, AD Creations Dollhouse’s Mesh Bag (free just for leaving a comment on a purchase at the Market Place about AD Creations). It is simply the perfect bag for taking all those much needed Monday doodads with you, you know, Tylenol, candybars, extra makeup, your favorite Jack Russell Terrior-ist, KT (thats her spelling not mine, I think she’s not too bright, but I love her anyway.)

Well, as you can probably see, my high gravity Monday is being written about on Tuesday so I better wander away now. Just adore you all soooo much and wish you a peacefully light remainder of the week. This week for me so far kind of reminds me of the saying, “After Monday and Tuesday, even the week says WTF.”