Girls spend hours deciding what to wear, and all guys do is try to picture us naked.

All business today. I am without a home for the moment, so the picture quality may decline a little bit. I shot and styled all of these in just an hour (incuding cropping). I hope the style stands on it’s own though. I’ll be the first to admit, I am not a model. A tiny fishing village does not equate to high fashion on any playing field. But, I am a thinker. And, a studier. As an aside, when I grew up I was taught to never start a sentence with “and” or “but.” When I went to college they said that particular rule of English structure has been thrown out the window. Ah well, so here I am, even I picked up some of those radical liberal viewpoints whilst being brainwashed in college. I’m glad my mom doesn’t read my blog, though, my common memory of her as I was growing up were comments like “don’t dangle your participle!” I’d imagine using and and but to lead a sentence would pretty much spell the end of her sanity. But… I digress, as I said. I am a studier and thinker.

Today I was following up on the current Trends for Spring 2013 as presented by Style.com. Thinking it over, I decided to try to throw my interpretation on them. I had one set back, Second Life’s Spring lines aren’t out yet. But I think I did okay, well okay for a Cao. Who’s not a model. I’ll start with the 2013 styles will include modern plays on the kimono. See above? I am starting here, because what can I say, I love kimono’s. But also, because this picture is about a year old. See you guys think I dress funny, sometimes I am just a year ahead of the trend. 😉

The second trend we should be seeing is a continuation of contrasting colors. Not just black and white, like seen here. Also, Blue and orange, red and green. It is typically what you would think is a cool color, like blue and team it with a warm color, like red. These are brought down to singular, basic colors, but with so many colors on a spectrum, the sky is truly the limit.

The next trend mentioned is collage. I earned a collage degree in 2008, oh wait. nevermind. I earned a college degree. The collage look is the use of sewing together different patterns to create a new look. They always seem to look a bit ethnic, or eclectic to me. Perhaps a bit Boho chic. Zaara is already in the game for this look since this is a last years sundress.

The next trend for Spring will be what is called “veiled” styling. There were a lot of sheer see-thru materials out this year during the RL fashion weeks.This one just hasn’t really come about much in Second Life yet, but it will be fun to see it if any designer’s decide to play with it. I’m wearing the sheer blouse from Gizza included in the Blazer suit outfit. (found by way of Chloe, kudos girl!). The rest of the look should be layered elements, but I stalled here due to time constraints and threw on a pair of quasi-layered pants.

The next fashion trend you should be seeing this Spring is the flounce. I really like this look there are a lot of romantic and elegant things you can create with a flounce. Without the adorable layers of this dress, it would lose a lot of its depth and would be too plain to wear for anything other than everyday wear. I particularly love this look for Second Life because it adds a 3 dimensional effect in a basically two dimensional world.

And last, but certainly not least, and this is afterall, a look I wear more than others is the alpha female trend. Fuller eyebrows on women are back in (think Brooke Shields in the 70’s), as well as man cut jackets and pants. I like the look, but tend to like to soften it up some with things like wearing a bra as a shirt, or feminine jewelry.

Take from? Well of course, Second Life modeling isn’t really about playing dressup with your Barbie doll. You need to keep up with current styles, learn new styles or create a new trend in styles. It’s fun to throw on clothes, but to be the best at something you need to lead others by introducing those looks other avatars will crave to wear and own. I hope this was enough to get you excited about the coming Spring Fashions. Heck, I am just a lil Cao, a non-model. Just imagine what YOU could do! SLURLS are under the “Last known SLURLS page.

Outfit One:
Hair: Boon, BNG331
Makeup: Blackliquid, Winehouse
Earrings: Zaara, Hiral Wood
Necklace: ChopZuey, La Cascadeuse
Shirt: .Shi, Wrap Blouse
Skirt: Mon Tissu, Westberry
Shoes: Diktator, Dare Horseshoe

Outfit Two: Contrast
Jacket: Gizza, Blazer suit (female)
Pants: LWL, Harem IKat
Makeup: *LpD* Gia, eyes
Hair: Madesigns, Aria
Hairbase: 99 elephants, shaved
Jewelry: Mandala, Senjyu

Outfit Three: Collage
Dress: Zaara, Kitika Maxi dress
Hairs: Boon, PKJ371
Jewelry: Zaara, Hiral earrings, Parnini necklace

Outfit Four: Veiled
Shirt: Gizza, included in the Blazer suit (female)
Pants: Glam Affair, July
Hairs: Boon, PKJ371
Jewelry: A la folie

Outfit Five: Flounced
Dress: Tee*fy, Orelle
Necklace: LaGyo, Triumph
Earrings: Indy and Co, Maelle
Hairs: Boon, KBO906

Outfit Six: Alpha Female
Jacket: Gizza, Blazer suit (male)
Bra: Sea Hole, Catalina lingerie
Pants: Maitreya, Leggins
Hairs: Dura, boy/girl03
Jewelry: Mandala, ceekeeey earrings, Amida necklace

Being.There.

I love milestones. It creates the little reasons for celebrations amidst a life of drudgery. It’s the pat on the back that a job was well done. I especially love milestones when they are not mine, but belong to the people I love. Those who have followed my blog for a while know about year and a half ago, the quiet and solitary wanderer (and wonderer) Cao, was adopted by a rather loudly boisterous, rather large and kindly loving Italian “gypsy” family. In typical fashion they not only stole my quiet solitude, they stole my heart. I love each and every member of my gypsy family, they have taken my 8-bit colored Second Life and made it the entire technicolor visual feast that it is today.

But I digress, (as usual), early in December Mila silently had one of these milestones. My busily scurrying, always creating seamstress of dreams celebrated the 2nd anniversary of her passion, the *SoliDea FoliEs* line of apparel. One year in the cutthroat SL design industry is amazing in itself. Two years? That is a feat worthy of probably just a few dozen SL businesses. Congratulations my sister, my friend, my Mila. I am so proud of you!

Take froms? yep, there always is one. In true Mila’s giving heart fashion, she wants to celebrate this day now, after the making of so many MVW dresses, after the week of 2lei, after the construction of a brand new mainstore at Salimar, after the confetti has been swept away by BOSL’s Miss Virtual World contest. The birthday celebration is now. But whats a party unless it is a celebration surrounded by family and friends? Won’t you please come celebrate this joyous occasion with us? Won’t you come so we can thank you, our patrons, our friends, our family, for all of your support in these two wonderful years, because without you, there would be no true celebration. Come, be with us December 20th at noon (12:00PM SLT) for our grand-opening, runway show and party. I can’t wait to see you there! Won’t you stop by? See? I’m so nice, I even included the caravan for you: Taxi:

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.

Hardwear.Softwear.

I think one of the most eye catching ideas in fashion is playing with texture. Recently while perusing a Vogue magazine, I stumbled across a picture of a model in a spiked jacket and a romantically ruffled skirt and I fell in love. It’s amazing the nuances, the visual dimensions you can create by doing the unexpected with what you have on. It would have been okay to wear a soft top with this soft “Aviary tutu” skirt from Ladies Who Lunch, in fact it comes with a feathered top, but why keep so much sameness? To me the look was just itching for the Gizza “biker” jacket in black leather. The easy crowning piece for the ruffly rumped tutu is, of course, MaDesigns Aria hair in Club colors, this style is perfect for making a scene or being seen, whether on the runway or hanging at your fave rave.

I’ve had fun exploring with this, try mixing and matching your favorite textures yourself and let me know how you do and whether you like it or not. I’d love to hear from you all!

Outfit One:
Hairs: MaDesigns, Aria
Earrings: Rozoregalia,Gemma
Jacket: Gizza, Biker
Skirt: [LWL], Aviary Tutu
Cuff: Zaara, Prata
Leggings: CK (Curious Kitties), Fishnets
Shoos: [LWL], Trooper

Make.A.Scene.

There is just about a week left of The Couturier’s Dock and some, but not all, of the merchandise is gone, so check it out! This is just a teaser of the headpiece that *SoliDea FoliEs* included in this round. My next blog I will cover a few more of the items. I hope everyone spends some time outdoors and enjoys their weekend! Muwah!

Outfit:
Hat: *SoliDea FoliEs* Vers 4 Black
Hairs: MaDesigns, Raven
Makeups: +Nuuna+ Kati, Zion, and Astroglam
Bra Top: *SoliDea FoliEs* Venusia

This round will include limited quantity items from the following designers:

Aliza Karu AD Creations Dollhouse
Applonia Criss Chantkare
Aurelia Chauveau Molichino
Blackliquid Tokyoska Blackliquid
Descent Dover, LibDescent Poses
LovelyMiwako7399 Menna LovelyMi Makeups
Mila Tatham *SoliDea FoliEs*
Nevery Lorakeet *LpD*
Poulet Koenkamp PM (Purple Moon)
RiRi Bazaar, HMAEM
Vikee Xevion [[LD]] Major
Zxxrysa Magic .::PiCHi::.

Welcome to the Couturier’s Dock! We are Salimar Art SIM and we are tomorrow starting our fifth round of this fun event and the inventory will disappear quickly and once the current inventory is gone, it is gone. We do not refill stock so don’t miss out on some of the incredible finds at the Couturier’s Dock. We purposely kept our designer’s list limited to some of the designers we feel have niched their own genre of fashion so the items available to you will be unique, limited to lots of 35 units, will be affordable at a price range of 50 to 500 Lindens (50% off the main store price) and we hope what you find will be a treasured addition to your Second Life inventory.

Oh.The.Things.We.Can.Dream.

One of my favorite aspects of Second Life is the whimsy. Sure, you can be a “super model” but you can also bend the depths of reality in a majorly creative way. For the 2012 Miss Virtual World Contest, we were given the assignment of being a scary, sexy super-model. I know, right? But the point is, in SL all things are possible with a little bit of imagination. And for these difficult styling assignments I always have a folder filled with Landmarks labeled ‘Designers Who Like to Play Nice.” Anytime I purchase from a designer who allows their items to be “modified” I drop their LM in this exclusive folder.

For this “project” I truly couldn’t think to do the typical “witch” or “demoness” I wanted my character to be a more “believable” scary sexy thing and thought just the right touch of senility, with a major dish of whimsical, might be the trick. Since some of the items were non-modify, the *SoliDea FoliEs* cages at the midsection and the leg, I had to create around these “static” items a persona of what I call the “crazy bird lady.” Once I had my theme, the rest was just a matter of pulling together the accessories. Two of my FAVE! designers for changing and modifying is “Boudoir” and “Eshi Otawara.” Both designers allow a lot of wiggle room but for this style, Precious Restless and Vitabela Dubrovna of Boudoir seemed the way to go. Since it was Halloween they had a lot of goodies on sale and this outfit was created from the use of the “Veinity Fair” dress and the “Burlesque.” I sized and moved the pieces until the veins poked out of the dress in spots, and recolored the bow (which was brown) to a blood red to match the veins. From here, I added jewlery from Finesmith, the stockings, “Love Girl” are from Eshi Otawara, the hat, Boudoir, is the “Little Birdie” hat which pairs very well with Lelutka’s “Rykiel” in a gorgeous red. The boots are Similar Italian, ‘Genova.” To complete the outfit, what would a crazy bird lady be without the addition of “Blackliquid Tears” found easily at Blackliquid Makeup?

I wanted to include this picture, it was from the Angel Dessous Semi-Finals, we needed to be a creature from the Hobbit. This entire outfit was “non-modify” but I needed to stay in the Angel Dessous family since they sponsored the contest. The point being, when you look at the vendors, don’t look at the entire picture, look at the pieces and parts of each outfit and visually create your own unique piece. This is actually the parts of 4 different outfits blended together to form one really “scary” (hey I am always just a Cao) Balrog. The jewelry is Finesmith, and the incredible hairs are from MADesigns, and the headpiece is Miamai.

Try not to think about modeling as being a clothes horse. Go out! play! Have fun with Fashion! ❤

Be a Fashion Icon.

Again, a little swamped with the real world, I don’t want to postpone my blog since I’ve been holding these pics a few weeks, so I will keep it short and sweet. Well relatively short and sweet for a Cao on a mission. Luckily, the designer of these outfits’ work speaks for itself. Today I want to show some of the incredible gowns of Mami Jewell of Azul. From the first time I walked into her store I was enthralled with the incredible selections. She has gowns from the sublimely feminine and frilly, to my fave, the understated and elegant. I find elegance in the simplest of lines and have never left Mami’s store without finding something to my liking.

This first gown, “Shena,” created for supermodel Shena Neox, is a dream. I love the layers of the skirt and the way it moved about my legs as I walked. The bodice was fitted nicely and the scarving an elegant detail. I kept the jewelry and hair simple, a set from Kungler’s called “Amanra”, and Vanity Hair’s “sunset strip” to show the flexibility of this gown. This is a gown that can be dressed up for the more classy affair and played down for those romantic parties where walking along the beach might come into play.

The second gown is “Shannon” shown in such a rich bordeaux the color speaks for itself.The bodice is fitted and sleeveless but for the gorgeous detached scarving. Again, its these details that consistently set Azul apart in the gown market. There is an incredible ruffled flowering cascade in a harmonious color accenting the skirt of the gown drawing the eye of the beholder to the hour glass of the wearer’s shape. To accentuate I am wearing a necklace from La Gyo, earrings, and my hairs are from Madesigns. A dress so beautyful, that even barefoot, it comes across as formal. What can I say? Sometimes you can’t take the beach out of the girl..

And last, but certainly not least, is Azul’s “Esperance.” Esperance is a gown Mami Jewell created as part of the “Help Japan” campaign. It is so easy to let time create a void in our thought process where we forget those less fortunate then ourselves. Please don’t forget Japan, it is such a beautyful country of incredible people, people who often help country’s less fortunate themselves, so in their time of need, isn’t it nice to pay it back to them? 100% of the profits from the sale of this dress go to the Help Japan fund. So while you are buying yourself a present, you are buying one for someone else as well. The accessory to this dress is the Finesmith “Caoimhe, Angel Wings” necklace and the hair is again, Madesigns.

If you get a chance this weekend, swing into Azul, say “hello” to Mami Jewell, and pic out a nice present for yourself. You deserve it! ❤ Limo: