Mother Nature

As I mentioned in last night's sneak peek post, I started working on putting together another outfit based on items from the Fantasy Gatcha Carnival, when I suddenly found myself wanting to look like a faerie. Once again, it all started with a new hair from Exile. When I realized how well this adorable new updo shows off my pointy ears, I immediately had visions of a glamorous elf in a slinky gown. I checked out the Fantasy Gatcha Carnival's website, found a dress that would suit my needs and could be obtained with one machine play, and hailed a cab.



I then decided that I wanted to have more delicate ear decorations than the spiral horns of my trusty Changeling Ears by Schadenfreude, so I headed off to Mandala where I found these AMAZING ears! You get 2 sizes - long and short (I'm wearing the short) - with multiple appearance options. You can have plain ears with no decoration at all; choose between painted ear tips, feathers, and beads/studs - or have all three. (If there's a way to only change the options on one ear, I couldn't figure it out.) Additionally, you can change the color of the ear paint, and texture and glow settings of all of the jewelry.



After splurging on my ears, I decided it was time to get frugal and sort through all of the gatcha duplicates my friends sent me upon my return to SL. I'm glad I did, because among them was this gorgeous headpiece by Miamai. The trio of hummingbirds hovering around the leaves made me feel like Mother Nature, so I poked around in my older inventory items and unearthed some Material Squirrel wings which still look beautiful. Finally, I went to La Boheme to take advantage of the 50% Off sale they're having on slink-compatible nail HUDs this weekend. (So the mani/pedi in this post only cost me $25L.)



A quick search for a fantasy location for the photoshoot yielded Elven Forest, where I found the animated butterfly attachment and a set of rose vines that, should I choose, could wrap my entire right arm from fingertip to shoulder. A shopping expedition for poses which make it easy to photograph fingernails lead me to Infinity and their gatcha machine full of firefly jar animations, rounding out the theme of my shoot perfectly.


Hair: Check Out Time by Exile ($1000 Fatpack)
Headpiece w/ Hummingbirds: Faery Headpiece 03 - Emerald by Miamai (Older Gatcha Item)
Tiara: Magical Meaning Princess Tiara - Glow In Darkness by Pink Acid @ Fantasy Gatcha Carnival ($50L)
Ears & Earrings: Fantasy Elf Ears by Mandala ($777L) (Multi HUD)
Skin: Nellie 03 - Fair - Glow Skin by LAQ ($1999L/10pk)
Eyeshadow: Electric Eyeshadow _ Green by La Boheme ($180L/10pk)
Lipstick: Vermillion Lip Creme - Lip 2 by M.O.C.K. Cosmetics (Group Gift)
Eyes: Xpressive - Green Light by MiaSnow (Over 2 Years Old)
Tattoo: Ruck-A-Pit Bridge - Light by EtchaFlesh Tattoos (Over 2 Years Old)
Wings: Starlight Wings - Toxic Green by Material Squirrel (2012 Hunt Item)
Dress: Snow Queen Gown S - Forest by The Annex @ Fantasy Gatcha Carnival ($50L)
Ring: Gianna by Burroughs (Over 2 Years Old)
Hands: AvEnhance Hands Female - Casual by Slink ($450L)
Feet: AvEnhance Feet Female - Flat by Slink ($675L)
Nails: Butterfly Wing by La Boheme ($50L)
Roses on Hand: Rose Gauntlet - Mixed Flirty by Southpaw ($200L/3 Color Fatpack)
Butterflies: by Spellworks ($50L) (Scripted Attachment)

Firefly Jar with Pose: . Fireflies - 4 by Infiniti ($50L In-Store Gatcha)
Other Poses: Most Wanted AO by Vista Animations ($1900L)

Location: Elven Forest

BreadHead

Because sometimes you just have to put bread on your cat.



Not only does Sam make me laugh by allowing me to do things my RL cats would flay me alive for, but she says random things like...

Sam I Am looks up at you wondering if you notice how cute she is.

Sam I Am: Hey, wanna take me out shopping?

Sam I Am: Where you been? I missed you!!

Sam I Am wonders if you realize how much she loves you!

Sam I Am: Hellooo, I am down here!

Sam I Am: Ezerbet, you make me happier than catnip!

Sam I Am: Hey Ezerbet, you look great from down here!

That last one was said after I'd put bread on her face. I should probably feel bad, but I don't regret it one bit.



Table: Octopus Table Marble - While by Trompe Loeil ($25L In-Store Gatcha)
Bread: BreadHead Hat - Wheat by KittyCats ($80L)
Sam I Am: by KittyCats

Sneak Peek

This is just a sneak peek of the new outfit I put together tonight. I started out with the intention of once again using mostly items from the Fantasy Gatcha Carnival, but I got a bit carried away. I guess I'm not done playing dress up after all.

Come back soon for more photos and all of the details of my look.

Fantasy Gatcha Festival

I'd been trying to avoid the siren call of the Fantasy Gatcha Carnival because I just received a lot of new clothes to play with and blog about; but the event kept coming up in conversations with friends, and I saw a photo of an outfit that intrigued me. The final blow to my resolve was realizing a hair I'd been admiring would go great with said outfit. So I grabbed my bag of quarters and skipped off to play the slots.

The gambling gods were with me last night, because my first 3 plays on the !gO! machine yielded all of the pieces I needed for a complete outfit. (None of them are the same color, but they mix/match well.) I also got the staff I'm holding on the first try. That isn't to say I didn't end up with a couple of items that weren't what I'm looking for, but there were only 3 of those and 2 have been gifted to friends.



Don't spend all of your money at the carnival, though. Save some for a trip to La Boheme where all Slink-compatible polish HUDs are 50% off through November 10th. That's only $25L for each 10pk! Also, through Sunday you can pick up a couple of FREE Slink-compatible manicures and pedicures from the table at the back wall. (A sampling of the gold pedicure can been seen below.) Tips for any ongoing hunts can be found on the counter at the front of the store.



FANTASY GATCHA CARNIVAL ITEMS
Tiara: Magical Meaning Princess Tiara - Glow In Darkness by Pink Acid ($50L)
Necklace: Grecian Goddess Collar - Rose by Junbug ($50L)
Jacket: Women Ranger 4 by !gO! ($75L)
Skirt: Women Ranger 1 by !gO! ($75L)
Mittens: Women Ranger 2 by !gO! ($75L)
Light Staff (with Pose) by Apple Falls ($50L)

OTHER ITEMS
Hair: Day The World Went Away by Exile ($1250L Fatpack) (Color Changing HUD)
Skin: Nellie 04 [Fair] Glow Skin by LAQ ($1999L/10pk)
Eyes: Babydoll - Lapis by L'Anguisette ($200L/3pk - Mesh and System Eyes Included)
Makeup: Electric Eyeshadow - Green by La Boheme ($180L/10pk)
Ears & Earrings: Changeling Ears with Spiral Horns by Schadenfreude ($300L) (Color Changing HUD)
Hands: AvEnhance Hands Female - Casual by Slink ($450L)
Feet: AvEnhance Feet Female - Flat by Slink ($675L)
Nails: Shooting Star - Gold by La Boheme (FREE Nov 7-9)

Location: Fae Fantasy Creations

La Boheme 50% Off Sale Nov 7-10 (In-World Location ONLY)

From Friday, November 7th through Monday the 10th, La Boheme is having a 50% off sale for all Slink compatible polish huds - each one is only $25! This includes all five vendors and loose displays at the back wall of the in-world shop. With over 300 polish sets to choose from, ten polishes per hud and both manicure and pedicure included in each one, it's a sale you won't want to miss! New arrivals of both the goddess collection and upcoming holiday seasonal styles included.

La Boheme SLURL: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Wash/218/78/23

La Boheme's new Flickr group: www.flickr.com/groups/laboheme/

La Boheme on the SL Marketplace: marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/510

4am knows all my secrets

Hair: All Over You by Exile ($1250 Fatpack) (Color Changing HUD)
Skin: Nellie 04 [Fair] Glow skin by LAQ ($1999L/10pk)
Makeup: Electric Eyeshadow - Silver by La Boheme ($180L/10pk)
Eyes: [AD] Beasty White Cat Eyes (Over 2 Years Old)

Blackhearted Plum

Remember the nifty mobile phone that I got from a gatcha machine at L'Anguisette a few days ago? Well I finally got a chance to check out what the store is really all about - skins and shapes!



The skin is smooth and flawless and the included appliers provided a seamless match with my Slink hands and feet. In addition to appliers for nearly every prim body part out there, the skins also come with cleavage and no cleavage, glossy lip and pink lip, and light, medium, dark or no brow options.

The shape is much curvier than my usual look (moreso than is evident in these photos), but it was a nice change of pace, and what mesh clothing I tried on still fit (though I did downsize the breasts just a teeny bit to assist with that). Along with the No Mesh option shown, shapes are also included for those who wear mesh breasts and/or butts or the Wowmeh Oversize mesh body.



The little guy who's waving his staff around is a Battle Squirrel from November's Fantasy Gatcha Carnival. You may think, "Why do I need a Battle Squirrel?" but I think the real question is, "Who doesn't need a Battle Squirrel?"




Note: L'Anguisette Skin & Body Shoppe is in the midst of revamping the look of their shop, so some of their inventory is currently only available on the SL Marketplace.


Hair:  Glory - Rouge by Exile ($1000L Fatpack)
Skin: Kendra - Honey - #1 (Cleavage & Med Brow) by L'Anguisette ($900L - Includes Appliers)
Makeup: Mocha Dippped Lipstick - Strawberry by L'Anguisette ($300L/5pk)
Shape: Alexa - No Mesh by L'Anguisette ($500L - Includes Shapes for Mesh Body Parts)
Eyes: Babydoll - Sage by L'Anguisette ($200L/3pk - Mesh and System Eyes Included)
Hands: AvEnhance Hands Female - Elegant by Slink ($450L)
Manicure & Pedicure: Oiled Blocks *Slink* Manicure & Pedicure by La Boheme ($50L)
Shirt: Blackhearts Rock Club (Free at Club Location)
Jeans: S'Wear Mesh "Coated" Straight Zip Jeans by Lapointe & Bastchild ($999L Fatback) (Color Changing HUD)
Shoes: Kristen Slink Heels by FashionNatic ($380L) (Color Changing HUD)
Tattoo: Joan ~ Faded Coloured Ink by Cannibelle ($79L SL Marketplace Only)

Poses (Top to Bottom): Hold Sign, Bashful, and C-Baby Got Back Too by Long Awkward Pose (Past Freebies)

Squirrel: Battle Squirrel - Necro (RARE) by Swagga @ Fantasy Gatcha Carnival ($50L)

I Am Sam I Am

And so it begins - the posts about all of the nifty Lapointe & Bastchild clothing Orlando recently gifted me with. Unsurprisingly, there wasn't a single item I tried on that I didn't like. I've put the photos together in triptychs and polyptychs, roughly grouped by style, but I might spotlight a few particular outfits here and there in the future. These photos were actually taken at the end of the night, after I'd tried on all of my gifts and picked up the September group gift that was still out in front of L&B's store as of today. (There's a t-shirt version for the men.)

I also got Sam I Am the cat from Orlando. She's adorable, with a lot of interactive options and random behaviors, including one which tells you that you can't play with her because she's napping - which is what happened when I tried to cuddle her for the photos above. (So, basically, just like almost any RL cat.)



FIRST PHOTO:
Hair:  Nina - Cayenne by Exile ($1000L Fatpack)
Skin: Nellie 04 [Fair] Glow skin by LAQ ($1999L/10pk)
Ears & Earrings: Steking_ears_ver2 by Mandala ($497L)
Eyes: Harley Quinn by Topazz (See Previous Post for Information)
Hands: AvEnhance Hands Female - Casual by Slink ($450L)
Necklace: Signature necklace 2013 - Silver by Lassitude & Ennui (Free)
Phone: Halloween Smartphone - Jessica Rabbit (Rare) by L'Anguisette ($50L Gatcha)
Shirt: S'wear Classic Woman's Tank Top - Short by Lapointe & Bastchild (Group Gift - Free to Join)
Jeans: Flare Jeans by Lapointe & Bastchild ($699L - Fatpack w/ Color HUD)
Shoes: S'wear Bianca Ankle Boots by Lapointe & Bastchild
Manicure & Pedicure: LeopardGlitter *Slink* Manicure & Pedicure by La Boheme ($50L)
Tattoo: Joan ~ Faded Coloured Ink by Cannibelle ($79L SL Marketplace Only)
Poses: Most Wanted AO by Vista Animations ($1900L)

SECOND PHOTO:
Hair: London to L.A by Exile (Pending Release)
Skin: Nellie [Fair] Glow skin by LAQ ($1999L/10pk)
Makeup: I don't remember if I was even wearing any that day.
Eyes: Dramatic - DeepSea by MiaSnow ($300L Fatback on Sale)
Jacket, Shirt, Tie (One Piece) & Skirt (Not Seen): Mason Suit (Blue) by A:S:S
($100L at Genre - Androgynous) (Shirt & Tie have color-changing HUD)
Madonna Piercing: Metal Mouth MESH Round Dermals - Silent Rage by Haus of Darcy ($75L/16pk)
Cat: by KittyCats (Adopted from a friend. Cost Unknown.)

Location: My new and still-undecorated townhouse.

Please Pardon the Dust

As you may have noticed, I'm in the midst of giving my blog a major overhaul. Like my avatar, it feels a bit outdated after doing nothing for 2 years but collect dust. Now that I have a decent computer, I'm slowly trying to update all of the photos through 2012 so they'll be properly sized with the new layout. (There doesn't seem to be much of a point in going further back than that when I could be spending the time writing posts about up-to-date items.)

I'm also considering changing my blog's name. Pigtails & Mushy Peas just doesn't feel like it fits me much anymore - especially since I'm less interested in looking super quirky than I used to be. I still favor Crayola-colored hair, leathers, velvets, brocades, tattoos, and piercings, but moving forward there may be a lot fewer creepy clowns and broken dolls found on this site than there used to be. That said, here are a couple of photos of me on Halloween night in the spectacular Harley Quinn costumes I got in a very affordable fat pack from Topazz.



Everything I'm wearing in these photos except my shape came in a $350L pack of 3 Harley Quinn costumes. I haven't even unpacked the third costume yet, but you can see it and a complete list of included items on the SL Marketplace page. The costume can also be purchased in-world at the Topazz mainstore.

Happiness is...

I have the best friends EVER! Today while I was getting in some sorely-missed SL social time, my friend Orlando was off shopping and dropping bags from Lapointe & Bastchild on my head. I was buried in them by the time he was done! I'm pleased that L&B is still around, as they're one of the best fashion designers in SL, and thrilled to have a bunch of new clothes from them to try on. (I'm sure a photo or several will show up here.) THANK YOU, ORLANDO!

I also want to mention the mobile phone I'm holding in the photo below. While wandering around yesterday looking for interesting and PG-rated gatcha machines for adults, I stumbled across L'Anguisette Skin & Body Shoppe and their smartphone gatchas. One is Halloween themed and the other has a variety of phones with Jessica Rabbit, Marilyn Monroe, Marla Singer (!!!!) and other fun designs. At just $50L a play, I couldn't resist - especially since each phone comes with a typing animation. (A "no animation" version is also included.) I was excited when my first play yielded one of the Jessica Rabbit phones, but disappointed to receive a script error when I wore it. I contacted the store's owner, Phedre Lowtide, said "hello," and politely explained my problem. She responded very quickly, apologized for the problem, and cheerfully fixed it right away. I was so impressed by her stellar customer service, that I commissioned her to make 2 sets of custom smartphones with photos of my friends and their partners on the back. They're gorgeous and I'll likely be ordering more in the future. L'Anguisette Skin & Body Shoppe is a fairly new vendor, but one I think is worth keeping your eye on.




Hair:  Nina - Fern by Exile ($1000L Fatpack)
Skin: Nellie 07 [Fair] Glow skin by LAQ ($1999L/10pk)
Ears & Earrings: Steking_ears_ver2 by Mandala ($497L) (Appliers Sold Separately)
Hands: AvEnhance Hands Female - Casual by Slink ($450L)
Necklace: Signature necklace 2013 - Silver by Lassitude & Ennui (Free)
Dress: Leopard by BN Designs (Group Gift - Free to Join)
Phone: Halloween Smartphone - Jessica Rabbit (Rare) by L'Anguisette ($50L Gatcha)
Feet: AvEnhance Feet Female - High by Slink ($675L)
Shoes: Kristen Slink Heels by FashionNatic ($380L) (Color Changing HUD)
Manicure & Pedicure: LeopardGlitter *Slink* Manicure & Pedicure by La Boheme($50L)
Tattoo: Joan ~ Faded Coloured Ink by Cannibelle ($79L SL Marketplace Only)
Madonna Piercing: Metal Mouth MESH Round Dermals - Silent Rage by Haus of Darcy ($75L/16pk)

Pose: Fantasy Voila by Long Awkward Pose (Over 2 Years Old)
Expression: Expression v1.0 by AnyPose ($0) (Over 2 Years Old)

Location: My new and still-undecorated townhouse.

Brunch with Nigel

Haunted Halloween Sim 2014

While poking around for gatcha machines tonight, I stumbled across the Masoma County- Haunted Halloween Sim.  Less than 5 minutes into my journey through the gloomy sim and I knew I had to share it with you guys.  If you have a bit of time today, I recommend paying the sim a visit for a bit a spooky fun time while you do a bit of shopping.

Who knows?  You might make a new friend...


Just don't get too close.



Hair:  Nina - Rust by Exile ($1000L Fatpack)
Cat Ears:Special Pussycat Headband by Sn@tch ($50L) (color-changing HUD)
Skin: Nellie 10 [Fair] Glow skin by LAQ ($1999L/10pk)
Ears & Earrings: Steking_ears_ver2 by Mandala ($497L)
Makeup: Mile High Eyeliner by M.O.C.K. Cosmetics ($40L)
Cat Makeup: Kitty Face Tattoo by It Figures ($5L - Marketplace)
Eyes: Dramatic - DeepSea by MiaSnow ($300L Fatback on Sale)
Jacket & Shirt : Paris Jacket by  FashionNatic (350L) (color-changing HUD)
Madonna Piercing: Metal Mouth MESH Round Dermals - Silent Rage by Haus of Darcy ($75L/16pk)

I'm Back!

Hair: Nina - Mystery by Exile ($1000L Fatpack)
Jacket: Maisie by FashionNatic ($280L for a full outfit w/ a ton of HUD options)

It took a lot longer than I'd anticipated - over 2 years - but I'm finally back in SL. Since I've been gone for so long, my avatar needed nearly a complete overhaul. Well, okay, she didn't need one, but I kept hearing about Slink hands and feet and the progress of mesh items and was feeling a bit shabby. So, like the day I first logged in nearly 8 1/2 years ago, my dear friend Nigel gave me a short list of "must haves" and took me shopping. That's him in the photo above, patiently loitering behind me as I try on skin& shape demos. (Doesn't he look like a cute little shoulder pet?)

I'm sure it will take me awhile to get up-to-speed with the changes of the past few years, but I hope to soon resume semi-regular updates here. For now, I'm going shopping to fill my closets and furnish my cute new home. (Seen behind me in the photo below.)



Hair: London to L.A: 4. Dark Red by Exile (Pending Release)
Skin: Nellie 08 [Fair] Glow skin by LAQ ($1999L/10pk)
Makeup: Corner of Olive & Vine Foiled Eyeshadow by M.O.C.K. Cosmetics (Old Hunt Gift)
Eyes: Dramatic - DeepSea by MiaSnow ($300L Fatback on Sale)
Jacket, Shirt, Tie (One Piece) & Skirt (Not Seen): Mason Suit (Blue) by A:S:S
($100L at Genre - Androgynous) (Shirt & Tie have color-changing HUD)
Madonna Piercing: Metal Mouth MESH Round Dermals - Silent Rage by Haus of Darcy ($75L/16pk)

Peace Off

Several months ago, I began having trouble staying logged into SecondLife, but I wasn't sure if it was my dodgy dsl connection or my computer. After my dsl was finally repaired earlier this month [insert rant about AT&T here], I hopefully logged in to SL, where I immediately went to MiaSnow to check out the hands I've been seeing in her blog. I bought sets of both the Peace Sign and Relaxed hands, as well as color expansion packs for the nails and rings.

Because I'm me, I couldn't resist trying out the Peace Sign hands with Schadenfreude's "Eh, Piss Off" pose, and was delighted to discover they worked perfectly! I've left all of these images completely unedited so you can see the awesome craftsmanship of MiaSnow's hands.

Unfortunately, shortly after these shots were taken, my computer crashed, confirming that the problem wasn't with my dsl. Since I'm likely still several months away from being able to purchase a new computer, I'll probably go quiet again for awhile. Here's hoping I'll be back before the end of the year.







Hair: Destroyer 2 [Special Edition 2-1-12] by Raw House (JOJ Hunt Male Path #34)
Shaved Hair Base: Etched Hair Base - Egypt - Black by Aitui ($299L/5pk)
Skin: Gaby - Pale Pink by Iren ($88L at Collaborat88)
Eyes: Dramatic - SM - SpringGrass by MiaSnow ($300L for 15 colors/3 sizes)
Septum Piercing: Circular Septum Barbell - Steel - by Mela's ($?)
Lip Piercings: Snakebite Captive Bead by Mela's ($?)
Hoodie & Headphones: Dissident - Black-09 - Female by [JP]:dsg ($429L)
Earrings: Gemma Earring 4C by Rozoregalia ($400L on the SL Marketplace)
Pose: Eh, piss off by Schadenfreude

Mini-Blog #6

Once again, RL has stepped between me and SL. I don't know what that means for the future, but in the present I bring you a new Mini Blog entry...

Hair: Destroyer 2 [Special Edition 2-1-12] by Raw House (JOJ Hunt Male Path #34)
Shaved Hair Base: Etched Hair Base - Egypt - Black by Aitui ($299L/5pk)
Skin: Gaby - Pale Pink by Iren ($88L at Collaborat88)
Eyes: Dramatic - SM - SpringGrass by MiaSnow ($300L for 15 colors/3 sizes)
Septum Piercing: Circular Septum Barbell - Steel - by Mela's ($?)
Lip Piercings: Snakebite Captive Bead by Mela's ($?)
Hoodie & Headphones: Dissident - Black-09 - Female by [JP]:dsg ($429L)
Earrings: Gemma Earring 4C by Rozoregalia ($400L on the SL Marketplace)

The hoodie is scripted and comes in several different colors & patterns - you can see more of it over on (ir)regular guy's blog. (Which is where I found out about it. Good blog, that one.)

I love you much, it's not enough...

(Pose: Dark Beauty 9 by Striking Poses)

There's so much information to pass along about the outfits in this entry, that I'm going to restrain myself to a few brief comments here and there. (I heard that, Nigel.)

ALL OUTFITS:
Skin/Eyes/Eyebrows/Tattoos: Fame Factory: Amy Winehouse avatar by Brigida Oliphaunt
Hair: Amy Hair 1 by Alli&Ali Designs ($175L)
Eyeliner: Eyeliner Cat (Black) by Mons ($70 6/pk @ The Dressing Room Blue)
Piercing: Monroe Stud Left - Platinum by Oh Tangerine ($50L)
Shape: Fresh Petite (Pale) by MiaSnow

My sincere apologies to anyone who would like to purchase their own Amy Winehouse avatar. I could have sworn the set was still available on the SL Marketplace, but a quick search reveals I was entirely wrong. However, Ms. Oliphaunt seems to have embarked on a new SL venture called Baroque, so it's possible she'd be willing to sell some of her older inventory as well.



This gorgeous dress popped up when, inspired by Amy Winehouse's look in the "Back to Black" video, I did a simple search for "pencil skirt" on the Marketplace. From the second I saw the demo on my avatar, I knew I was going to buy the dress, and that's before I discovered the detail in the texture and the way the wrinkles seem to move over my thighs as I stride across the grid. It's so worth the price tag. Oh, right, I was going to keep these comments brief. (I heard that too, Nigel.)

/me tiptoes back into the room to point out that the shoes are divine as well.

Dress: Maitreya Mesh Nolita Dress (Black) by Maitreya ($450L - 4 sizes - Demo Available)
Gloves: Leather Gloves (Black) by Magi Take Shop ($5L on SL Marketplace)
Stockings: Ebony by 1-800-Bettie's Vintage / Retro Shoe Store ($50L)
Shoes: Betly Heels (Onyx) by Label Mode ($50L @ The Fashion Garret)
Flower: Rose - White by Arctic Greenhouse ($45L)
Pose #1: Innocent Love 1 by Striking Poses ($50L)
Pose #2: Look at Me 2 by Striking Poses ($50L)

Please note that outfit shown above requires a mesh-capable viewer for the dress as well as one which which allows you to wear multiple alpha layers, since you'll need one for both the dress and the shoes. Phoenix 1.6.0.1600 renders mesh items, and I'm fond of its user interface, so it's my primary browser and I use Firestorm 3.3.0.24880 when I want to wear multiple alpha, tattoo, or clothing layers. (Alternately, you can wear the Khitten-Suede/Thick Heels from A-Bomb, which don't require an alpha layer.)




These are reworkings of outfits I put together a few years ago. In fact, I think everything except the bowling shirt is new. I've included links to the original images below.

OUTFIT #1:
Original Photo
Shirt: Tank Me White/Plaid by Yellow Berry ($110L on SL Marketplace)
Nails: Red Dark by MiaSnow ($0 - Wearable Demo)
Pants: Frayed Denim Shorts - Warm Blue by League ($150L)
Shoes: Ballet Flats - Soft Pink Satin by MooShooZ! ($150L on SL Marketplace)
Pose: Look at Me 2 by Striking Poses ($50L)

OUTFIT #2
Original Photo
Shirt: Mike - Bowling Shirt - Red by Hell Bop ($25L on Sale)
Pants: Lara Denim Capris - Blue by DGD ($125L)
Shoes: Ballet Flats - Soft Pink Satin by MooShooZ! ($150L on SL Marketplace)
Pose: Lust in the Dust 9 by Striking Poses ($50L)




If I had the talent, I'd create SL versions of all of my favorite Amy outfits, including (but definitely not limited to) the little black number with the checkered tie, the pink & black argyle outfit that inspired her own fashion line, and the cute black and white dress which never seemed to quite fit the belt she always wore with it. If anyone would like to tackle this project or knows of anyone who already has, please do let me know!

Pose #1: Innocent Love 1 by Striking Poses ($50L)
Pose #2: Dark Beauty 9 by Striking Poses ($50L)
Pose #3: Maximus 1 by Striking Poses ($50L)

PINK!

Tired of not being able to wear more than one alpha layer at a time, I installed Firestorm 3.3.0.24880. Unfortunately, this is what things looked like when I logged in, and I had the same exact problem with the official Second Life viewer 3.2.8. Since everything rezzed just fine when I logged in using the Phoenix 1.6.0.1600 viewer, I had no idea what the problem could be.

At the suggestion of my friend Nigel, I joined the in-world Phoenix/Firestorm support group. When I asked if anyone there was familiar with this problem, several people instantly passed me a notecard titled, "The World is Pink!" Since my card is an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650, I followed the link included in the notecard, updated my video drivers, rebooted my computer, and successfully logged into Firestorm 3.3.0.24880. Yay!

Below is the information from the helpful notecard, in case anyone else encounters the same problem:

The World is Pink! - Rev 2

There is a known issue where people using ATI graphics cards may see everything pink.

This is apparently a new issue inherited from LL code:
jira.secondlife.com/browse/SH-2908

Please also see: jira.phoenixviewer.com/browse/FIRE-4945 - LL is asking for logs to try to fix this.

If you have a 3000 or 5000 series ATI card we suggest updating your graphics drivers from
support.amd.com/us/Pages/AMDSupportHub.aspx

If that does not solve the problem you can either disable basic shaders or do the following.

* If you don't have it enabled yet, enable the Advanced menu with Ctrl-Alt-D
* Open the Advanced menu and select "Show Debug Settings".
* It will open a new window; type into it "RenderMaxTextureIndex", it should auto complete it for you.
* Once you have typed it in there should be a description of the option and a text box for the value, set the value to 0.

Note that you may take a performance hit with this method.

All for the Love of Meat Pies

It all started with the boots. When I saw the latest offering from Lassitude & Ennui, I was hit with the instant pang of desire familiar to boot-lovers everywhere - the one which screams, "Want!" (I'm confident my friend and fellow blogger, Nigel, knows what I'm talking about.) Lassitude & Ennui has been selling quality SL footwear for many, many years now, so I knew their new Flutter boots were going to be nothing short of gorgeous. However, before I could make it over to Back to Black to try on a demo, I received a notecard from Nomine that was chock full of photos of new lolita dresses. The Juana seemed like it would be a perfect accompaniment to the L&E boots, so I grabbed my purse and a shoppin' I did go!



I was right about the dress and boots looking lovely together, but wasn't sure what I was going to do about my hair until I remembered this cute little number I recently received from Ari & Co's Midnight Madness board. The moment I placed it on my bald little head, I felt like Helena Bonham Carter, which told me I'd definitely made the right choice. (This messy updo is scripted with 6 different colors, and 8 color options for the pencils that hold it all together.) I then realized that I now had the perfect excuse to buy some of the gartered socks I'd had my eye on at League, so it was off for more shopping! While there, I stumbled across the Raven necklace you see in these photos and couldn't resist adding it to my purchases as well. I love that it hangs from a ribbon instead of a chain, especially since the bow adds a bit of interesting detail to the back of my avatar. This necklace comes with 3 different ribbon colors, 2 different metal colors, and 2 pendant versions, making the $195L price tag quite a bargain.

Speaking of bargains, Alchemy Immortalis is currently offering several of their Foy Porter rings for only $99L. These rings are usually sold in full sets at a more hefty $475L, so this is an opportunity to add a few pieces of intricately detailed jewelry to your collection for next-to-nothing. (Please note this is a marketplace only sale.) For more affordable everyday prices on jewelry, I suggest heading over to Kosh, where I purchased the other ring I'm wearing as well as the cute key earrings which are unfortunately hidden by my hair.



Last but oh-so-definitely not least is the gorgeous skin I'm wearing, offered up by M.O.C.K. Cosmetics for a mere $59L. Just look at those dimples! I also love the light smattering of freckles across the chest, but it was really those dimples that prompted me to add this skin to my collection. I've paired it here with a makeup layer from Adam n Eve, which added a bit more smokiness around the eyes, a barely-there pink lipgloss, and a glimpse of teeth. I found myself at M.O.C.K. Cosmetics because I'd received word of their Grand Opening Hunt (just look for the 12 large candy hearts scattered both in and around the store). They've also temporarily dropped the $250L group fee to $0, and the notices are jam-packed with even more freebies! The group fee goes back up tonight and the Grand Opening Hunt ends then as well. (I have no definite time for this, so I'd get there asap if I were you.) The store is also participating in the Tainted Love Hunt which ends February 29th. You can see most of the many free goodies from M.O.C.K, here in this FabFree post by Love Trill. (FabFree has been one of my go-to blogs for SL deals since long before I ventured into the blog realm myself.) The freebies may have initially drawn me to M.O.C.K, but their is what's going to lure me and my lindens back.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go rustle up a little something for my tea...



Hair: Morning Mess - Black by Ari & Co. (Midnight Madness Gift)
Skin: Olivia - Cleavage - Tone 1 by M.O.C.K. Cosmetics($59L)
Eyeshadow, Lipstick & Teeth: Glamover Teeth - Pink Gloss by Adam n Eve ($95L)
Eyes: Honey by Insufferable Dastard (January Gift)
Earrings: The Key by Kosh ($99L)
Necklace: Raven Necklace2 - Old Silver - Black Ribbon by League ($195L)
Dress: Jailbait - Juana - Black by Nomine ($300L)
Ring on Right Hand: Nebula by Kosh ($99L)
Ring on Left Hand: Foy Porter - Sapphire + Silver by Alchemy Immortalis ($99L on sale)
Socks: Gartered Socks - Overknee - Dull Brown by League ($149L/2pk)
Boots: Flutter - Raven by Lassitude & Ennui ($280)
Pose #1: Marlon Brando by Striking Poses ($1)
Pose #2: Ashanti by Striking Poses ($0)
Pose #3: Model 21 by unknown
Pose #4: Marlon Brando by Striking Poses ($1)
Pose #5: *V*Busted5 by Vain Inc. (very old hunt item)

I'm Your Mardi Gras Superhero

It took me a couple of weeks, but I finally broke down and bought a pair of the Changeling Ears from Schadenfreude. I opted for the Spiral Horn version because I liked that the set came with two different ears for each side - one with just the spiral horn and one with a variety of small metal rings. As I've mentioned before, I have a fondness for accessories with multiple options, and this set not only gives me several different color options for the spirals, but I can also mix and match the different ears. I love them so much that I haven't taken them off since I purchased them, even though I've changed outfits and looks several times since then. This particular set costs $300, but you can get plain ones for a mere $150 or a pair with color-change plugs for $250. There's also a pair with a variety of Electro-Cute earrings for $325.

My hair is from the lucky boards I've been stalking at A&Y Bunker CyberShop and, like most of their hair, offers a variety of scripted color-change options (and some extra glowy bits I'm not wearing in these images). This hair is actually marketed as a male hair but, as you can see, it works just fine on female avatars.



My latex bodysuit and gloves are from Sn@tch, their contribution to the first Flux event. Flux is "a new [monthly] event starting in February featuring exclusive content from an eclectic and diverse selection of designers." Along with this outfit that makes me feel like a Mardi Gras superhero, I bought some artwork from Silent Sparrow, a chair for my house from Weather! or not?, a tattoo from Vestigium, and dropped a few handfuls of loose change into Schadenfreude's bead gatcha. (No boob flashing required!) I'm still tempted to go grab one of katat0nik's Jester dresses. You can see a lot of these items on the Flux website and pay a visit to the event in-world until February 27th.



Hair: Ritron Cyber - Grape by A&Y Bunker CyberShop (Lucky Board)
Hair Base: Etched Hair Base - Egypt - Black by Aitui ($299L/5pk)
Ears & Earrings: Changeling Ears with Spiral Horns by Schadenfreude ($300L/2pk/Color Change)
Skin: Mosaic Female Pierrot - 3 by Nomine ($100L on Sale)
Eyes: Shine - Mint by MiaSnow ($220L/9pk)
Eye Lights: Alive - Drake by les Fleurs Du Mâle ($1 on SL Marketplace)
Piercing: Monroe Stud Left - Platinum by Oh Tangerine ($50L)
Shirt, Pants, & Gloves: Parade by Sn@tch ($99L at Feb 2012 Flux - Ends 2.27.12)
Belt: Pirate Mate Sash - Plain by Deviance ($100L / scripted color change)
Boots: Overknee Boots - Purple by Guti Extravagant ($10L on SL Marketplace)
Pose #1: Ready to Fight by Essential Soul
Pose #2: Pose 3 by Ray Lunasea
Pose #3: Tess 04 by Doll
Pose #4: Ima Model by Snooky's Poses


Confession: When I changed back into this outfit to photograph it for this blog entry, I forgot I'd edited the spiral earrings to match another outfit until I was a few photos into the shoot. I thought about switching the color back to the original green and re-shooting the images, then decided I liked the contrast of the red to the traditional Mardi Gras palette.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

I've been wanting to put together an outfit around Fashionably Dead's superb Flying Fortress hair ever since I grabbed it on sale a few weeks ago. Then I stumbled across a sale on Angels Base - it seems Ancayi is having a closing sale and some of the other stores on the sim are also selling select items 50% off until January 31st. I grabbed up the pink leather jacket by Bubble and immediately threw it on with the pink Flying Fortress hair. I really liked the Minimini top I'd found in my inventory (a past DSN gift from DeeTaleZ) and the uneven socks from Kosh, but that's where the outfit stalled. For a couple of days I tried on various combinations of pants and shoes but couldn't quite get an outfit to gel; and my determination to wear pants instead of a skirt only seemed to make the process more difficult.



Since the jacket was from Bubble, I took a trip to the main store to see if they had anything to satisfy my picky nature. Unfortunately, they didn't have quite what I was looking for, but I did luck into a wild card on the lucky board and got a brand new freckly, punky skin to go with my outfit. After that it was off to League, another favored store of mine and where I hit the jackpot. Not only did I find a wonderful pair of tatty cut-offs, but they actually fully cover my bum and are completely closed in the front! (Is anyone else a bit weary of pants which display a significant portion of crack and/or are unzipped/unbuttoned?) So thrilled was I, that I decided to splurge on a pair of their leather suspenders, which matched up perfectly with the shorts. (The bracers come on several layers and with silver or gold metal bits as well as optional creases for the waistband of your pants or skirt.)



The black Docs I'd been wearing were switched out in favor of brown cowboy boots, which created a unity between the hat, suspenders, and shoes. Pleased as punch with my outfit, I twirled in front of Dmitr, who said, "You know what you need? A thigh holster." I laughed... and then realized he was right. Damn! Just when I thought my outfit was complete! This launched another search which also lasted a few days, partially because I wanted a holster and gun which looked good, but have no need for expensive scripted weapons. I finally found what I was looking for in Evolution's 9MM Thigh Belts. I'll admit that $350L was a bit more than I wanted to pay, but they're full perm, so I can tweak 'em to my little heart's content. As a finishing touch, I splurged on a thigh flask from Dirtyland, which comes complete with a little chain to keep the cap from getting lost. (You can see that and the other lovely details on the marketplace.)

Now... whadda ya say we blow this joint?



Hat w/Hair: Flying Fortress - Rainbow 10 by Fashionably Dead ($150L/5pk - On Sale)
Skin: Ophelia w/Freckles Dark Brow by Bubble (Group Only Lucky Board - Free to Join)
Eyes: Shine - Mint by MiaSnow ($220L/9pk)
Piercing: Monroe Stud Left - Platinum by Oh Tangerine ($50L)
Tattoos: Cetus MM933 Stars & Piercings by Letis Tattoo ($200L)
Jacket: Short Leather Jacket - Pink by Bubble ($80L - On Sale)
Shirt: Minimini Top - Camouflage by DeeTaleZ ($120L)
Nails & Fingertape: Taped Fingers & Black Nails - Index, Middle by SiniStyle Designs ($25L)
Suspenders: Grandad Braces -Brown/Silver by League ($115L)
Shorts: Frayed Denim Shorts - Warm Blue by League ($150L)
Socks: Stripe Sox - Pink by Kosh (Discontinued?)
Thigh Flask: Pocket Flask Legband by Dirtyland ($165L)
Gun & Holster: 9MM Thigh Belts by Evolution ($350L)
Boots: Cowgirl Boots - Brown by Hoorenbeek ($200L - On Sale)
Pose: I'm Standing Here by Somatica (Closed?)

Location: Sarcastic