Times Change - Rez Day 2010

Wow, I've had a blast - hard to believe it's been three years.  I've seen tons of terrific builds, met great people, taken lots of classes, discovered amazing creations everywhere.  And the changes - the clothes and hair and skin have changed so much, so many new things have been introduced and the techniques and skills of the designers have advanced by leaps and bounds.  Anyway, for my rez day this year, I decided to go back and grab one of my early blog photos and put it together with a similar headshot from today.  I wish I'd have done a headshot every year (but I think I will from here on out).

Now:

Then (early 2008):

Happy Holidays, Everyone!  :)

Avenue in 3D

The Avenue Academy assignment this week was three outfits (formal, casual and swimsuit), 6 poses plus walk and default pose for each.  Choosing, styling and setting up the animations ran about 2 hours for each outfit and I was lucky that I saved a bit of time by having a casual and formal outfit already styled.  The first class was runway work and work it was - a very narrow runway high over water (with no walls) - a challenge just to walk alone then ramped up to a paired walk with a position swap.  Once we had all finished our falls... er... walks and practiced getting back on stage, we spent the rest of the time doing a multi-stop coordinated walk with multiple models in motion at once.  All in all, a terrific experience that took the training wheels off the standard "walk straight, turn and return".

Location URL:  Empyreal Dreams, The Artbox Anthology

Credits:
Outfit: CoCo Highwaisted Bubble Skirt and Sleeveless Sweater (Black)
Jewelry: Mandala Kagetora Necklace & Takara Bangles
Hair: 2MB Beverly (Black)
Pose by DeePosed

The second class this weekend was classroom work on tips and qualities of being a professional model, so when it was over I took my casual and classroom outfits to the Empyreal Dreams sim for this week's pictures.  The sim features 3D interpretations of works such as the Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Les Miserables as well as tributes to bodies of work from the likes of Edgar Allen Poe and it is visually stunning - definitely give it a visit.

Credits:
Outfit: Tres Beau Storm (Fire)
Jewelry: EarthStones Eternelle Marcasite Earrings and Pendant Watch (Garnet)
Hair: W&Y Hair 92 (Pack A, Black)
Pose by DeePosed

Avenue With A Twist

There were two Avenue Models Academy classes this weekend - Styling and Pose Management.  Styling was a very thorough and detailed assessment of last week's assignment (three layers, three designers, completely styled) including prim editing, overall effect, styling and shape and Pose Management was a repeat of the assignment adding a walk, default pose and four poses with the same level of feedback and runway walking until my fingers cramped.  Talk about intense - I'm loving this course!  After I finished styling for Pose Management, I asked several friends for feedback and one referred to my outfit as "Artful Dodger Chic", so I headed out to New London for a few Dickensian shots and discovered the offices of Scrooge & Marley (among other landmarks, fictional and real).

Location SLURL: New London Village, The Doctor Who Zone , TARDIS

Credits:
LeeZu - NOIR Efraims Daughter Pants
Glam Affair - Make-up Layer 05
[MANDALA] - Mikoto Belt (Black/Silver)
niciARTLINE - Leggings Muster Design #1
fri. - Comfy.Cardi (Wine)
~GW~ - Steampunk: Chemise
N-Core - Belt Ankle Boot Black
EarthStones - Asian influence Jewelry Set - Luck
W&Y HAIR New 38 (Black)
*Linc* Half Fishnet Stockings Black
Poses by Manifeste

Contest Updates - October

Well, all the contest results are in for this month, including the grueling selection for the EarthStones All Hallows Eve contest (what a fabulous pool of entries).  Yours truly managed a runner up slot in the Agnes Finney My Precious Queen contest though I didn't make the top three - still, pretty pleased considering it was a first time entry.  Congratulations to all the winners!  Photos are from the Styling Forward Semi-Finals as promised in an earlier post, theme was Black & White Anything Goes, credits at the end. :)

EarthStones 3rd Annual All Hallows Eve Photo Contest Winners
EarthStones Flickr Group

Agnes Finney My Precious Queen (October - Winter Theme) Winners

Angel Dessous Angel of the Month (November) Winners
Angel Dessous Angel of Angel Dessous 2010 Flickr Group

Couture Avenue Look 2011 Finalist
Couture Avenue Look 2011 Semi-Finalists

Photo Credits:

Hair:
booN - QPT129 (Black)

Outfit:
LeeZu! - Mia Corset (Black )
*COCO* - BalloonPants (Black)
*Linc* - Half Fishnet Stockings (Black)
House of Beningborough - Vivaldi Short Jacket (Harlequin)

Accessories:
Stiletto Moody - Bare Olivia (Black)
Mandala - Takara Nail (Black Bright)
Mandala - Mikoto Belt (Black/Silver)
Chapeau tres Mignon - Golightly Hat (Black)

EarthStones 3rd Annual All Hallows Eve Photo Contest!

It’s that time of year again, so put on your finest EarthStones jewelry, polish your bat’s wings, stir up the cauldron, spread your cobwebs and shoot your way to infamy and fortune in the EarthStones Third Annual All Hallows Eve Photo Contest!

Singles or couples, ladies or gents welcome (only a single prize pack awarded per winning photo, though).
Theme: All Hallows Eve, of course!
Deadline: Midnight SLT on October 24th.
Winners Announced: October 26th
Judges: EarthStones Staff & Management

PRIZES
1st place: L$5000 CASH!! AND a L$2500 EarthStones gift card!
2nd place: L$2500 EarthStones gift card!
3rd place: L$1000 EarthStones gift card!
Winning pictures will be featured in the EarthStones blog and displayed in store until November 6th.

THE RULES
1. Read the rules carefully – any photos not following the rules will be disqualified.
2. 512 x 512 minimum square photos, post production allowed and encouraged.
3. EarthStones jewelry must be clearly visible, only EarthStones jewelry may be worn in photos. All jewelry must be *for sale* at EarthStones (Sorry, no Lucky Chair, group gifts, freebies, etc.).
4. Maximum of 2 photos per avatar may be entered in the contest. (You may upload additional photos, but only two may be tagged for the contest)
5. Join and upload your photos to the EarthStones flickr group (PG Only, please) – http://www.flickr.com/groups/earthstones/
6. Inworld submissions will not be accepted.
7. Photos must be uploaded to the group during the month of October 2010. Photos entered after the deadline on 10/24 will not be considered.
8. Photos must be tagged with: All Hallows Eve 2010 Contest, EarthStones, [Jewelry Name] (ie. EarthStones Falling Leaves Necklace – Autumn)
9. Photo Description *must* include (you can include additional information, but the following is required):
Your inworld name (this will be the sole recipient of any prizes awarded)
Jewelry credits (ie. EarthStones Victorian Keepsake Locket & Earrings – Silver/Onyx)
10. Photos not properly tagged and described will not be considered.

Please contact Retribution Fall by notecard with any questions. Name your notecard [All Hallows Eve Question] – [Your Name] to ensure a response. Inquiries to any other member of the EarthStones staff will *not* be answered.

That’s it! Have fun and Good Luck!!
Click to join the EarthStones Flickr Group

The Fantasy of Nature

"I consider lace to be one of the prettiest imitations ever made of the fantasy of nature; lace always evokes for me those incomparable designs which the branches and leaves of trees embroider across the sky, and I do not think that any invention of the human spirit could have a more graceful or precise origin." - Coco Chanel

So much fabulous newness in the last week, it was simply irresistable.  Agnes Finney released the essence of the cocktail dress in Serene Romance at nearly the same time as EarthStones released the perfect complement for it in the Gothique choker and earrings sets.  Talk about perfection!

Credits:
Dress: Agnes Finney Serene Romance (Black)
Jewelry: EarthStones Gothique (Silver/Onyx)
Hair: W&Y 148 (Pack A - Black)
Eyes: Ibanez Horizon (Eire)
Poses by Manifeste

Featured SLURLs:
Agnes Finney My Precious Mainstore
EarthStones Mainstore
W&Y Mainstore
Ibanez Mainstore

Why Contests? (And An Update)

Someone asked me today (after I finished up another set of contest pictures) why I entered contests.  It's obviously not for the fame (since I don't win) or for the money (since most prizes don't cover the entry outfit).  Then again, I don't blog for the freebies (since I don't actually get any) either.  I simply enjoy really great SL fashion, great SL locations and taking pictures of both.  I've also recently started playing with a photoLIFE studio and that's been great fun as well.  It's a challenge to put together an outfit, find the right accessories, get a location or background that sets it off, find the perfect poses and get the ideal angle for the photos.  And, after that, the real work begins.  For October, I've entered three contests - the My Precious Queen contest blogged earlier this week, the Angel of Angel Dessous contest and the Couture Avenue Look 2011 contest.

Angel of Angel Dessous Couture Entry
Dress - Angel Dessous Iberia Rosso
Hair - Tukinowaguma Jelena SH (Ebony)
Fan - Urid Dal Black Lace Fan
Collar - Ezura Lolita Crown Black Neckdress
Earrings - EarthStones Eternelle Marcasite (Garnet)
Pose by Manifeste



Angel of Angel Dessous Lingerie Entry

Lingerie - Angel Dessous Glamour (Forest)

Hair - W&Y New 92 (Pack A - Black)

Jewelry - Zaara Vanisri Wrapped Necklace (Onyx/Silver)

Pose by DeePosed

Couture Avenue LOOK 2011 Entry

Top - Baiastice Cage Top

Pants - LeLutka Rockin' Pants (Black & White)

Hair - W&Y New 148 (Pack A - Black)

Necklace & Earrings - YS&YS Afrika Set (Silver/Black)

Bracelets - Mandala Reiki Bracelet (Black Diamond)

Garter - LouLou Garter Pistolero

Belt - EarthStones Leather & Laced Belt (Coal)

Pose by DeePosed

And the promised update - I didn't place in the Click photography contest, nor did I make the finals for Styling Forward, though I'll post my semi-final outfit in the next couple of weeks.  The theme was Black & White (Anything Goes).  The closing dates for this month's contests are October 5th for Couture Avenue (October), October 12th for My Precious Queen (October), October 25th for Angel of Angel Dessous (November).  I promise I won't enter any more this month, since I have a final Steam Hunt wrap post to do and an absolutely amazing Halloween outfit to blog.  And no, my fingers aren't crossed.  Much.

It Was A Dark & Steamy Day...

A friend recommended that I tour Nemo several weeks ago but I was regrettably too busy to give this fantastic steampunk sim the time it deserved.  No more.  This morning I put on Nicky Ree's beautiful Larissa gown, pinned up my hair, added my EarthStones vintage inspired earrings and perched one of my much loved Hatpins hats atop the whole ensemble, ready to explore.  From the observatory to the aeriel tour, around the teacups and down to Nautilus, Nemo is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the mind with its amazing detail and many many moving, whirring, spinning, floating and turning parts.  Don't delay like I did... go now, come back often.

Location SLURL: Nemo, France3D Futuna

Credits:
Hat: Hatpins Lady Ophelia (Doves & Kisses)
Dress: Designing Nicky Ree Larissa Collection (Black)
Hair: Cake Afterglow (Black)
Earrings: EarthStones Eternelle Marcasite (Garnet)
Poses by Manifeste



Featured SLURLs:

Hatpins Mainstore

Designing Nicky Ree Mainstore

EarthStones Mainstore

Cake Mainstore

Contest Entry - Angel of Angel Dessous

What can I say - I've got a huge collection of Angel Dessous designs as well as plenty of blog and Flickr space so here are the September entries.  This time I entered in both the lingerie and evening gown categories for fun with the Provocateur lingerie in white and the Dolce Wedding gown in black.  I have to give credit to My Little Stone Chapel, Phenomenal as the spectacular setting for the Dolce picture - just gorgeous. Be sure to check out the Angel of the Month Group Pool on Flickr and the Angel Dessous Angel of the Month Winners - August.  If you are interested in entering, you can find the contest rules in my earlier blog post.

Credits:
Gown: Angel Dessous Dolce Wedding (Black)
Hair: Tukinowaguma Jelena (Ebony)
Jewelry: EarthStones Romance Set (Tahitian Black Pearl/Gold)
Pose by Manifeste

Credits:

Lingerie: Angel Dessous Provocateur (White)

Hair: Emo-tions Stormy (Black)

Nails: Mandala Takara Bangle (Buddha Cream Ring & Nail)

Set by Click Props & Sets (Detective's Office)

Pose by Manifeste

Featured SLURL:

Angel Dessous Mainstore

Contest Entry - -CLICK- Photography Contest

I was roaming around buying poses last week and, in the process, stumbled across -CLICK- Props & Sets and was overwhelmed by the coolness of the idea of full sets, poses and props, conveniently packaged in a self rezzer.  You can use either a control panel or a HUD to rez and switch between sets and then access the included poses (from some of my favorite pose creators - see pose SLURLs in the right bar) or use your own to click away to your heart's content.  Multiple avatars can access the poses in many of the sets and many have additional included props.  Since "The Ritz" elevator set was perfect for Azul's gorgeous Malena evening gown and EarthStones Zahra Limited Edition release, I decided to go ahead and toss my (admittedly amateur) hat in the ring and submit a few pictures.
First picture is one of the ones I submitted, additional photos, credits, SLURLs and contest rules after the cut.

Location:  -CLICK- Props & Sets, DReaMiNG OuTLouD

It's All Wright!

Tamil Isle is a beautiful sim with waterfalls, wedding chapel, residential areas and a plethora of hidden delights scattered about the island.  When I saw the bright flowered fields and the stained glass windows in the fabulous recreation of Taliesin East, I was immediately reminded of the bright and ever so hot Beaute Volcanique dress by Modern Gypsy.  When you arrive, follow the signs to the Guest House or just start walking - there will be plenty to amaze and amuse along the way.  From the sign at the house (which can be purchased):

The real Taliesin East was the summer home of Frank Lloyd Wright. Begun in 1911 Wright built Taliesin as a way to explore his ideas on organic architecture, the harmony betwen human habiltation and the natural world using local limestone and sand from the nearby Wisconsin River.

Credits, more pictures and SLURLs after the cut.

Location:  Taliesin East Guest House, Tamil Isle

Contest Entry - Angel of Angel Dessous

I don't enter many contests anymore, but while wandering around Caledon Glengarry I saw this terrific stained glass in The Red Dragon tavern and, later that day, was in Angel Dessous and saw both the Glamour lingerie and the contest board.  I dusted off my flickr account, took a few shots and figured what the heck.  My entry (which I don't expect to win or even place, but enjoyed taking) is below, followed by the contest notecard information and credits after the cut.

Location:  The Red Dragon Tavern, Caledon Glengarry

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full Steam Ahead!

I fell in love with the spectacular Katinka Clockworks Gown from The Laughing Academy the first time I saw it.  Like virtually everything in the SL Steampunk arena, the details are simply amazing from top to bottom, the colors are rich and there is a lovely little keyhole in the back to complement the bodice gears on the front.  Paired with the equally amazing Vapor Vanity heels from Grim Bros (with working gears), this outfit was begging for a trip to the Caledon Victorian Steampunk sims and, in this case, The Primgraph Press where you can peruse the books or lounge on the chaises and scheme (the pose names are more than enough reason to drop in here). (Credits after the cut)

Location: The Primgraph Press, Caledon Glengarry

Holiday Spirits!

Ahhhh... yesterday was a glorious day for my holiday spirit - Bax released the absolutely incredible ankle boots in red patent, Moxie Polanos released both Candy Cane and Holiday Bliss and I finally got over to EarthStones to pick up my Snowflake collection. Combined with my favorite Air reading glasses, I'm kicking off my Yuletide today with two terrific holiday looks (and a wonderful excuse to buy those red patent leather boots...).
.
Starting at the top with the Snowflake pearl jewelry, the asymmetrical earrings (no two alike, you know...) sets off any winter ensemble. The entire Snow Flurry Pearl Snowflake collection consists of earrings (L$249), necklace (L$299) and bracelet (L$299) - breathtakingly detailed in small pearls to contribute to the feeling of each piece being unique. The bracelet is absolutely elegant over a velvet or satin evening glove with that special holiday dress, the necklace has the perfect lines for strapless or scoop necked gowns. The Rosetta glasses in Crystal White by Air set off the delicate primwork in the jewelry to perfection for you studious gals...
.
So, off to find the perfect dress? Try Moxie Polano's holiday collection - I bought both Holiday Bliss, a sexy Ms. Claus look, and the Candy Cane Victorian influenced holiday gown. Holiday Bliss (L$250) is a richly textured jacket and booty short combination with fur collar and cuffs for all your sexy holiday moments and is the outfit I was waiting for - though I do wish a fur trimmed skating skirt had been part of the package. The Candy Cane gown (L$400) is the best holiday formal I've seen so far, but I'm on a Victorian Christmas binge. The red and white corset with lace up back and amazing detail on the prim skirt guarantees there is more than enough to keep you the center of attention at any holiday festivities.

Finally, the purchase you know you want to make but are trying to justify - Bax Boots just released the newest entry in the must have ankle boot line - Red Patent Leather Ankle Boots. Droooool - I admit that I elbowed my way in to throw down my L$700 without hesitation. With options for three colors of red, fur or lace tops, color change for all parts, these are *the ultimate* in versatile footwear. I own the black patent, black suede, brown suede and red patent and practically live in these boots - a true investment in a classic.

Start your holiday off right at the MP Haute Style Main Store, EarthStones Main Store, Air Main Store and Bax Boots Main Store.

Credits:

Top Left:

Hair - TossMeAround (Wine) by BishWear
Gown - Candy Cane Gown by MP Haute Style
Jewelry - Snowflake Collection by EarthStones
Glasses - Rosetta Crystal White by Air

Center Right:

Hair - TossMeAround (Wine) by BishWear
Gown - Candy Cane Gown by MP Haute Style
Jewelry - Snowflake Collection by EarthStones
Glasses - Rosetta Crystal White by Air

Bottom Left:

Hair - TossMeAround (Wine) by BishWear
Gown - Holiday Bliss by MP Haute Style
Jewelry - Snowflake Collection by EarthStones
Glasses - Rosetta Crystal White by Air

Boots - Red Patent Ankle Boots by Bax Boots

EarthStones - Halo of the Dark Sun

RL yeesh... but enough about that. Other than the holidays, I've got smooth sailing into the new year, so I've been busy sorting and sifting through huge piles of clothes and shoes and tattoos and, yes, even more lingerie. I'll be blogging a few scraps of leather and bits of lace from Nymphetamine, then headed to the I's with Insolence and Intimizzio...but I'd like to start with a breathtaking design from a staple of my wardrobe - EarthStones.

For my "Yup, I'm back" post, I'm featuring a gorgeous little piece that Abraxxa Anatine over at EarthStones did first as a custom piece and has now released to the lucky public. In both men's and women's styles, Halo of the Dark Sun is a delight in blood red and black stones, dramatic enough to stand alone as the focal point of an outfit, stylized enough to blend with the noir side of your wardrobe. At L$500, this is a spectacular piece of artwork, with symbolic filigree orbited and centered with runed spheres.

Pick up the Halo of the Dark Sun (but don't stop there) at the EarthStones Main Store at EarthBound.

Credits:

Hair - TossMeAround (Black) by Bishwear

Eyes - Transparency Shine Eyes (Forest Green) by Glanz

Glasses - Danielle Black Glasses by Insolence

Earrings - Desmodus (Black Steel/Red Jasper) by EarthStones

Piercing - Bali Lip Ring (Labradorite/Silver) by EarthStones

Necklace - Halo of the Dark Sun by EarthStones

Sweater - Full Sculpted Knit Jacket (Black) by CE Cubic Effect

Insolence - Lilly Satin Lingerie

I hate it when RL keeps me from blogging something spectacular for way too long, but at least with Insolence lingerie, the look is timeless. One of the many reasons to join the Insolence group is the beautifully written release notecards. When I received camilla Yousuke's card for this set, it perfectly matched my "curl up by the fire with a glass of wine" fall is here mood and, in fact, similar feelings were what inspired her to create this gorgeous satin ensemble. 28 pieces, all layers and prim details combine to create so many different looks you will wonder if you will ever run out of combinations.
.
Sumptiously patterned satin is used throughout in full corset, short corset and bra for the upper body, tied with satin ribbons and edged with prim lace. All varieties come in shirt and undershirt with a full corset jacket layer as well. Back seamed stockings add even more possiblities as all bottom layers include options both with and without garters, with and without panties, panty only (both boy cut and tiny string) and prim lace attachments for both corset and panty combinations. Yes, it's dizzying - and I didn't even mention the fabulous prim satin ribbon back tie.
.
The Lilly set comes in a palette of fall colors - black, emerald, blue, purple, red and gold - with all combinations included for only L$290 per color. Ah, how I wish there were a fatpack, but don't despair - it is no copy, no mod, transfer and perfect for gift giving (or receiving) - just find a (close) friend to help you finish out your collection. In camilla's own words, "I really hope this ensemble will satisfy the most exigent, and bring you that warm, comfy sexy feeling I get wearing them on the sofa as I write these lines.
.

Hoping to meet you soon at the Insolence Main Store, at Venom."

.

All photographs:

Hair - Moody (Coal) by Diversity Hair

Lingerie - Lilly Satin Outfit (Black) by Insolence

Jewelry - Crystal Charm Earrings (Creativity) by EarthStones

Piercings - Bali Face Piercings (Labradorite) by EarthStones

Tattoo - Gecko by Muism (Mu Mei Do)

Persona - Dita Knit Blouse

I think that I'm just going to make myself a huge sign for the wall that says, "Buy the Fat Pack!" because I never do and I always regret it. I knew that the Dita Knit Blouse from Persona was going to be fabulous and I knew I was going to have a use for each and every one of the seven colors, but do I listen to my little inner frugal shopper? Of course not! That would make sense! (Naturally, I wound up immediately buying two after trying on the first, LOL!).

Absolutely perfect for fall, this beautifully textured, highly detailed, soft and fuzzy beauty comes in warm, muted shades of white, purple, black, brown, red, green, and blue and works equally well with jeans or skirts. The individual price is L$125 per color and the Fat Pack (yes, buy it) of all 7 colors sells for L$611. The layer options are quite nice with a two piece combination choice of shirt/undershirt top and pant/underpant bottom or a full jacket layer. Add the prim sleeves and collar and you are out the door. (One note: The pants layer is mislabled as "top" in the green - it is indeed the wide knit bottom.)

Pull on an autumn delight at the Persona Main Store.

Top Left:
Top - Dita Knit Blouse (Green) by Persona
Hair - Miranda (Coffee Bean) by House of Heart
Eyes - Transparency Shine (Forest Green) by Glanz
Skin - Sunkissed V1 (Smokey 02 DB) by [KA] Skins
Jewelry - Crystal Charm Set (Money) by Earthstones

Bottom Right:

Top - Dita Knit Blouse (Black) by Persona

Kilt - Ruffian Blue (Women's) by Boom

Boots - Ankle Boots (Black Patent) by Bax Boots

Stockings - #24 (Torn, Lace Top, Black) by Sheer

Hair - Solid Wave (Neo Black) by Find Ash

A Perfect Place - SiniStyle (Goth Horror)

Graveyards, desanctified churches, gas lights, and absolutely magnificent trees make the SiniStyle Design Main Store sim a photographer's dream for All Hallows' Eve. From the Addams Family architecture to the occasional bat (both in the trees and in the air), this is simply a wonderful setting for any dark and stormy shoots. I received a review copy of EarthStones newest set, Desmodus, in gold and opal and decided I wanted to do a few shots as if I was entering the photo contest - All Hallows Eve theme with jewelry as the focus. Wow, so much harder than it looks...
.
I bought a few copies of Desmodus myself (the bats are just too wonderful) in black steel and silver, red jasper and moonstone - so that I would have a few combinations to play with. Then I pulled out a variety of outfits and hairstyles and started posing, turning, playing with lighting and desperately trying to get a perfect shot. 104 photos. All over the sim. With and without bats, in church, in the graveyard, near the wrought iron gates. Black. Red. White. Lace and no lace. Updos and down, long and short. Heck, I finished a pot of coffee before I ever got to the first crop.
.
Finally, though, after twisting and turning and zooming and moving - some shots I thought were about the jewelry and the goth horror atmosphere and not me or the outfit. I tucked the SiniStyle Design sim landmark in my "Great Settings" folder and you should consider doing the same (and don't forget to check out the store as well - it's haunted!).
.

For all the Wednesdays in the world, feel at home at the SiniStyle Design Main Store Sim.

Top left:
Hair - Jasmyn (Black) by Analog Dog
Skin - Sunkissed V1 (Smokey 02) by [KA] Skins
Eyes - Transparency Shine (Clear Grey) by Glanz
Top - Knit Jacket (Black) by CE Cubic Effect
Jewelry - Desmodus (Gold/Opal) by EarthStones

Bottom right:

Hair - Coral (Black) by House of Heart

Jewelry - Desmodus (Silver/Red Jasper) by Earthstones

Dress - Scheherazade (Bloodstone) by DG Innovations

Contests From The Other Side

So, I was chatting with Abraxxa Anatine at EarthStones about how Halloween was the absolute best holiday and how stoked I was that this was going to be my first SL All Hallows Eve. Well, the conversation wandered and roamed as conversations are wont to do (now there's a word you don't see used a lot...) and it seems that I'm trying contests from the other side by being the notecard taker for the EarthStones All Hallows' Eve Photography Contest. Seemed pretty cool until I realized I'm not eligible to win, of course, but I'm enjoying the heck out of seeing how folks work with the theme - and, of course, I'll be posting my "if I were eligible" pictures here on the blog.

Here's the rules for those of you wanting to dress up, find a nice graveyard, castle, haunted wood, punkin patch, whatever and click your 'lil cameras:

How to Enter:

1. If not already a member, join the EarthStones Group (search for EarthStones, no cost to join)
2. Plan the perfect outfit for the contest theme (don't forget the pond shops at EarthBound if you *need* something new).
3. Take a fabulous picture of yourself or a friend wearing your favorite EarthStones jewelry or accessories. (PG, please. Post-production encouraged.)
4. Create a new note and rename it "All Hallows Eve Photo - [Your Name]"
5. Drag your full perm picture to the note and save.
6. Send the note to Retribution Fall before midnight SLT, Friday, October 10th.
7. Rejoice.

Prizes:

• 1st Place: L$2000 EarthStones Store Card, a pre-release piece of EarthStones jewelry and your photo and credit on display at EarthStones through October 31
• 2nd Place: L$1000 EarthStones Store Card and your photo and credit on display at EarthStones through October 31
• 3rd Place: L$500 EarthStones Store Card and your photo and credit on display at EarthStones through October 31

Details & Rules:

1. Please submit no more than two pictures total. Male, female and duo pictures welcome.
2. Please do not IM or ask about the contest in group chat - send a note to Retribution Fall or Abraxxa Anatine if you have any questions.
3. Please follow the submissions instructions carefully, your entry may have to be discarded otherwise.
4. Please only EarthStones jewelry in your picture.
5. Deadline for entries is midnight SLT on October 10th. We will be unable to accept entries after this time.
6. Winners will be selected based on theme, quality of photography and creative presentation of the jewelry/accessories.
7. Winners will be announced via EarthStones group notice on October 15th.
8. You do not have to be online to win, but you must be a member of the EarthStones group.
9. And, finally, all entries become the property of EarthStones and may be used, displayed or distributed at our discretion.

Go get 'em! Pick up a notecard with rules and info at the EarthStones Main Store at EarthBound.

Then & Now... Again.

Every now and then I like to look back and see how things have changed, so the other night when I pulled out one of my staples, the Tedious outfit by Apple May Designs, I remembered that it had been the subject of one of my earliest posts. I decided that it could be fun to pull out the original blog pictures and take another set with my more recent hair, skin, accessories. The whole look is utterly schoolgirl, so perfect for fall with a soft, warm, barely legal sweater top over a short tartan skirt.
.
The outfit just screams for body art and, not surprisingly, both sets of photos are "inky" - the earlier with iNFLiCT's [name] and the later with Nambya's Sunburst. It's a very leggy outfit and while it looks great with just Dark Eden's Thetis ankle boots, the white stockings from Insolence's Melanie set paired with AW Design's CourtX Patent Leather Stiletto Mary Janes pull the "back to school" look together. Of course, for the serious, studious finish, Air's Rosetta Glasses in Crystal White are perfect for perching on the end of one's academic nose.
.
Obviously the look lends itself to short hair, with Novocaine's Edwina in the more recent shot and Armidi's Poynter in the older. Tuli's S5 skin rounds out the earlier picture, Glanz Transparency Shine eyes are worn in both and today I was wearing KA's Sunkissed skin in Smokey 02. Jewelry in both is by EarthStones, with the Wire Wrapped earrings, Yin Yang earrings and the newly released Yin Yang belly piercings as well as the virtually never removed Bali lip ring.
.

Almost all items listed here have had posts of their own, so I'll leave you to the tags for more information, you can pick up Tedious in several colors at Apple May Designs Main Store.