Auld Acquaintance

Ages ago, my first ballgowns came from Shenlei Flasheart's Prim & Proper collection.  I happened into a late night shopping frenzy by a crazed group of ladies who later I learned were ladies from a place called Caledon. I watched & learned as gowns literally flew around the shop and hats snatched in mid-air.  The gowns sparkled with sequins and lavished with lace hit a chord in that newbie shopper's heart.

Funny thing, just this past week or so, I commented in plurk on how I couldn't wait until a designer offered a mesh ballgown.  The idea of being able to waltz without glitch pants or skirts breaking around my knees seemed like a logical progression in mesh designs. Tonight I noticed a notecard from Carriage Trade announcing new tack for horses and new gowns from the Debutante line. I was about to toss the notice when I scanned the word "mesh".  Hold everything! A mesh ballgown! 

Auld Acquaintance pours over your shape in a long glide downward.  It comes in 3 sizes to fit most shapes.  I usually wear a medium but for this gown, the small fit just fine, thank you very much.  Shenlei, who happened to be at her Welcome Center, mentioned that the ruffle did help with the fit at the top, which it does quite nicely. You have to see this dress move - no more glitch pants!  I picked up the graphite color but there is a complete slate of colors for your selection. 

Just so you can see, this is the real me tucked inside the mesh of the gown.  All my curves with a front knee bent plus swinging my hips sideways and the gown just glides on down.  I did not tweak even a pixel of my shape, so here I am curvy bum and all.  The funny thing is you don't need shoes because your feet are covered by the gown!

If you haven't been over to Carriage Trade, you should make the trip. The sims are lovely to wander around and  the horses are available as rideables and as full avatars.  A mesh horse designed as a rideable is being released this week.  Shenlei Flasheart again shows us all how to take Second Life designs to the next level.  Thank you for your creativity and dedication!

~Credits

Gown: Debutante - Auld Acquaintance - Graphite by Shenlei Flasheart - Carriage Trade

Skin: LAQ - Vilda - Peach

Hair:  EMO-tions - Fabienne

Manicure: Adam n Eve Astrelle Blushed

Jewelry: EarthStones Gothique Set - Silver & Onyx

Poses by Lost Angel and Olive Juice

Pose Anywhere Hud

Casting Spells...

 

Tucked away in the darkness of the manor, there is a private place for study and writing.  Special bottles and potions are locked away for safekeeping in the stone walls deep underground.  Medieval fog swirls around Winterfell Harbor which calls for a gown reminiscent of that long ago time. 

 

 Miss sachi Vixen has a new gown suitable for keeping watch from the castle towers for your prince to come home.  Adam n Eve Clothes' Rosalynd is sewn from brocade with antique gold netting forming a corset twinkling with jewels. 

  

The gown arrives with three skirt variations, the slim skirt shown, grande ballroom skirt, and a flirty short skirt.  All the skirts are trimmed with a drape of gold tulle with bows on the hips. The dusky purple suited the harbor's mist & clouds but the gown comes in six colors.  

Tuli's Jade with the new makeup by Elysium just gave an edge to this medieval lady.  Antheia matched with Jade in tone 2 picked out the colors of the purple with the accents of blue from Hatpins Branwyn wreath in Sky Rose and Snow Lily.  The low cut gown is accented with The Black Widow Amber Prayer Bead Necklace by Alchemy Immortalis.  A black widow spider trapped in amber hangs from prayer chain beads, belladonna seeds, and silver claws.  

 

Time to close the hidden door to the secret chamber and lock away the ancient journals. If you wander that way, beware the sapphire blue potion bottle since a spell will release the black widow's children!

~ Credits

Gowns - Adam n Eve - Rosalynd

Hair - Truth - Eva

Skin -Tuli - Jade Tone 2 with Antheia makeup
Wreath - Hatpins - Branwyn Sky Rose & Snow Lily
Shoes - *G Fields- Ribbon Slingback Shoes Silver
Necklace - Alchemy Immortalis - The Black Widow Amber Prayer Bead Necklace 
(Check xstreet for a special summer sale price on the necklace!)
Props - Shade Fantasy Outfitters - Alchemy Lab (animated)

Gold & Dark Chocolate

My friend, Star Fairymeadow - designer of Wretched Dollies - has always designed the kinds of outfits that I can change from gothic to historical to funky.  I'm sure sometimes she thinks I've lost it when I show up in a Dollies dress with uber spiked heels with my prim toes polished in funky colors. I'm so honored her latest dress is named Eleanor after myself.  Bless her, she managed to combine all the goodies I love in one outfit that I can mix and match to my heart's content.

 

Eleanor in Gold just suits my Steampunk side.  Gold brocade for the corset and ruffling the skirt combined with the warm gold dusted brown of the full skirt, corset ruffle, shrug sleeveless jacket, and cameo collar option is just great for wandering the garden or dancing the night away.  Add the delicate lace of the modesty shirt just because who can resist lace.  With Star's attention to detail, one can also wear the lingerie version with the lace and corset and ruffles.  It looks fantastic as a top to any pants you have in your closet. Did I mention there are darling cameo earrings included?

Options include two hat styles. A straw sunhat edged in white topped with peach roses and cream ribbon can be found in this classic black.  Bless Star - she also included 4 shades of hair just perfect to tuck under the hair. Love the look of hair that is tumbling out of what could be a "pinned up the back" hairdo. I always have trouble moving hair around to fit under hats like this and now I have "hat hair"!

Don't miss these shoes! Darling round toes with a chunky curved heel.  These are the Gold Dust Bow Pumps version.  Give Eleanor in Gold to yourself - besides who can resist gold covered dark chocolate goodness!

~Credits

Gown - Wretched Dollies - Eleanor in Gold

Hat - Wretched Dollies - Eleanor Hat

Shoes - Wretched Dollies - Gold Dust Bow Pumps

Skin - LAQ - Phoebe Peach Glow

 

Weekend Shopping

How does a quick trip for a pair of shoes turns into a major shopping expedition?  I had found *G Fields during the Shoe Fair at their cute boot display.  Two pair of cute shoes and several shopping bags of outfits later I had done some major shopping therapy the other evening.

 

Off-Shoulder Chiffon Top- "Gerbera Orange"

Capri Jeans - White

Strap Sandals - "Floria" - Yellow Tulip with matching Bangle

Since the weather was warm today, a display of pretty chiffon blouses just charmed my bustle right off.  Solid colors, tiny flower prints, and then these tropical springtime prints are offered. The blouse has off the shoulder ruffles with a bow string tie.  The peplum ruffle bottom just floats around as you walk. My feet had been tapping for the strap sandals in flower prints - in this case the Yellow Tulip pattern. These cute sandals also come with two matching bangles.  Just in case I needed them, the whole pack of capri jeans was added since I couldn't decide on a fabric.  The roll-up cuff was easy to size with no problems getting it right under my knees. Now just hoping for a beach party sometime this spring - maybe Caledon will have a RFL beach theme party.

 Maxi Dress - "Mellow" - Rose:Apricot

The "Mellow" gown is available in several prints with shades of colors from springtime pastels to darker evening colors. If a pattern says "rose", that is usually the first one I pick.  This one is in shades of apricot roses with touches of sage green leaves.  A rose corsage gathers the strapless bodice while another rose headdress can be tucked in your curls on either the right or left side of your coiffure. 

The back shows the designer's attention to detail with precise texturing with an adorable bow holding the top together.  There is also an alternate look with an extended bodice with the skirt flaring around your legs from the hips down.  That would make the gown into a vintage look just perfect if you want to be Dorothy Lamour.

Classic Dress "Julie" - Old Rose
Ribbon Sling Back Shoes - Rose

With a nod to historical fashions, this dress is a cupcake of lovely fabric, ruffles, and bows.  To make sure the ruffled shoulder that goes all the way to your waist fits, there is a demo in the shop to try on.  The actual gown comes with three sizes to fit your figure.  Love the fact that it is "not" scripted! The white ruffled corset underlayer is accented with little buttons. The ruffled petticoat and the ruffled bloomers contrast with the skirt and ruffled cute bustle layer. Again, the rose colored gown ended up in my shopping bag, but the choices include spring colors as well as darker shades including a lovely black and white combination. The ribbon sling back shoes are the reason I went shopping in the first place! You can wear the shoes with toe bows, heel bows, or no bows! You can show off your ankles or just peek your toes out from under a floor length gown.

Finally, the "Julie" dress can be changed into a springtime party dress. Drop some of the ruffles and bows and you have a dress ready for dancing.  Enjoy a visit to G Fields soon - even if your only reason to visit is to shop for shoes! (Did I mention her accessories are really cute?)

Gowns:  *G Field*
Shoes: *G Field* 
Hair: Truth - Lilllian Coffee
Skin: Tuli Hope Sunkissed Blush
Poses - Striking Poses - Ballgown Elegance, Full of Grace, and Eye Candy

Pretty in Pink

I practically jumped for joy when I checked my overflowing mail basket.  Teaa Demina had left a sweet note of apology for being absent (that RL does tend to take precedence in our lives for good and not so good reasons).  She delivered an announcement of a pretty springtime dress named M'Lady Bella. Tucking up my hair really quick, I popped over to her main shop.  Being in a "pink" mood, I danced around in the Rose bustled and lace gown. The bodice was white lace with pearl buttons marching down the front with both a lace ruffle high collar and ruffles outlining one's figure.  The bustle was draped in a paler rose pink with more lace - so pretty for springtime.  The gown itself is a striped fabric with matching trim along the hem.

 

However, when you swirl around to peek in the back, there is another matching fabric draping from underneath the bustle - so pretty. Make plans for a springtime shopping trip over to M'Lady's to see the other colors of Bella which comes in Teal and Cream.

~ Credits

Outfit - M'Lady - Bella in Rose

Hair - Truth - Lillian in coffee

Skin - Tuli - Hope - sunkissed blush
Poses - Striking Poses - Ballgown Elegance

The Highwayman

 Gown: Wretched Dollies - Beer Maiden

Here is my favorite poem - one of those classics that have stood the test of time.  The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes is the story of two lovers in a romance story that does explain my typist's addiction to historical romance novels today.  The audio version as recorded by my typist is attached below.  Both of these outfits remind me of Bess, the landlord's daughter waiting in her window for her lover. Star Fairymeadow's cute outfit is decorated with little shamrocks for that Celtic touch. There is a purple swirl of tulle petticoat under the eyelet ruffles at the hem. Included with the outfit is a white apron.

      

Gown - Evie's Closet - Nathalie - Black

Evie's Closet is a long time favorite.  Nathalie is the newest gown in a variety of colors.  The black version features white embroidered flowers on the corset.  Two versions of the corset with and without the white ruffled chemise provide options.  Included is two versions of the skirt plain and with a tier of white apron.  The value is outstanding since the Nathalie gowns are on sale for 150L. Make sure you check out the WILD.released stamp hunt! I usually don't care for hunting but this stamp hunt is fun, the stores are great for shopping, and the prizes are just outstanding and worth your time.

The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes podcast
   
   
Powered by Podbean.com
  

   ~ Credits

Gowns - Wretched Dollies - Beer Maiden

Gowns - Evie's Closet - Nathalie - Black

Hair - Maitreya - Bo - Coffee

Hair Ornament - Illusions

Skin - LAQ - Pearl 05 Fair

Down Memory Lane - Arundel Designs

Rust Watering Place Day Gown - Cost 50L

Do you have a gown by Arundel Designs tucked in your virtual closet? Many of us do have trunks full of Arundelain Dumart's historical designs.

 Melody Garden Party Gown - Cost 50L

In my early days in Caledon, I fondly called her gowns my "cupcake" dresses.  I would dress in flowing bustles, ribbons, and flowers - a fantasy Victorian creation.  Since Ms. Dunmart has quietly ceased designing for Second Life, one tends to forget about her gowns that really were way ahead of many other designers.

 Meghan Spring Polonaise in Peach - Cost 50L

As I cleaned out my closet, I discovered I even had unopened gowns still sitting in their shopping bags.  To assist with sorting, I took a chance of going to Arundel's Main store in Antiquity.  There it still stood - vendors displaying their wares for ladies and gentlemen.

Rylie Steampunk - Cost 50L

(includes Steampunk top hat, jewelry, boots, and hair)

The good news for all new residents of the Steamlands who need historical gowns for Steampunk, Victorian, Elizabethan, Regency, and Pirate Attacks is that every single gown, suit, and outfit is for sale for only 50L each.

 Molly Roberts' Pirate Costume - Cost 50L
(includes pirate hat, jewelry, and boots)

Yes, the boots may be "old school" and the shapes and hair included with many of the gowns are not current with today's Second Life avatar standards.

 Rylie Steampunk accessories includes top hat with brass decorations, necklace & earrings with spinning cogs, and the gorgeous steampunk goggles in blue to match the outfit.

However, the gown's textures are still beautiful with the accessories such as top hats and jewelry are well worth the purchase price alone.

 Gentleman's Formal Victorian Suit - Cost 50L

If the lag at the Fashion Fair 2010 is too much for you, 

take a step back into the past for a glorious gown for only FIFTY$L.

~ Credits

Gowns - Arundel - Main Store - Antiquity Township

Hair - Truth - Lillian - Chocolate (Victorian Gowns)

Hair - Argrace - Soft Breeze - Dark Brown (Pirate Costume)

Skin - LAQ - Pearl - Fair 01

P.S. Just in case you wonder about the good ol' days, here is the link back to one of Caledon's Companion's past postings. Love those cupcake dresses!

Victorian Purples

 After a suitable period of mourning, Victorian ladies could gradually leave their blacks for subdued colors such as gray, mauve, and purple.  Being a Merry Widow, my closet seems to have several mourning purple gowns.

Gown:  Goth1c0  Ophelia Victorian in purple and black.

Love the striped corset with the belts circling the waist. Includes a high collar with a bow plus the top hat decorated with flowers and ribbons.

Gown: Grim Bros - Miss Vapeur Plum

This gown definitely has touches of steampunk brass and cogs on the collar and sleeve cuffs which come in two options of purple to match the dress or steampunk brown.

Dollie Girls

As events and connections change, I have found that my look changes also. Not always do I follow the prim Victorian bustle "cupcake" look. In fact, frilly is over-rated! To that end, I have funky not quite Goth outfits. My friend Audrey called it "pastel Goth". I lean toward being dressed in steampunk with a toss of whimsey. Have discovered a new designer and neighbor in Winterfell's Star Fairymeadow! I'm not usually into the "dollie" looks but her outfits are enough to make one dance! The Frilly White Eyelet Dollie is my special favorite. The dress is trimmed in black ribbons and lace petticoats. This outfit has skirt, shirt, flexi cuffs, non flexi cuffs, hat and leggings and made with real and handpainted fabrics. The skirts are bouncey with the coolest black stockings. I have worn this to the Wednesday raves in Caledon and had fun just watching my skirts twirl. I also bought a couple of more dresses - all right I bought several. The designs are so detailed and each one is appealing in their imaginative use of textures in the fabrics. And I just fall in love with those cute petticoats. The dress below is Wretched Dollies Burgundy Brocade and really could be worn as a formal party dress. Strapless bodice with layers of pretty fabric, lace, and netting make for a romantic gown. This outfit comes with corset, skirt, mini tophat with netting, stockings, panty, bloomers. Panties are bikini panties. Corset and panties can be worn seperately as lingerie. The black stockings are the best sheer black hosiery I have worn and that bonus lingerie you are not going to see here!
This third outfit is now the dress I tend to toss on for any event - Wretched Dollies Black 'n Blue gown has long sleeves and the dark colors that fit into the steampunk side of Caledon and the gothic edginess of Winterfell. The pictures here and in Star's gallery really don't do it justice. You have to see up close the textures on the skirt which is made from photographs of real Victorian lace. Comes with glitch pants, 4 layer skirt, wrist cuffs, leggings and hat!
For a romantic dress, you cannot go wrong with one of Star's creations -
you will look like a doll!

Wretched Dollies Winterfell Laudanum http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell%20Laudanum/207/210/23

Tanglewood Bunny Hutch Rules!

Miss Lapin Paris was shopping in the RFL Clothing Fair when she & I met checking out the new designs. She very graciously gave me her Spring Cornflower gown - just in time for Easter outings! Love the hairbow plus she includes a pot of purple flowers - perfect for setting out by my Caledon mailbox. Springtime blue toile print just says "Spring" and now I have an adorable watch to pin to my shirt.

Anyone interested in a French baquette? Just try on the Bread Seller Girl outfit! The bread basket and baquette are extra props for strolling around Caledon - what fun!

Clutching my bread, I shopped at Miss Paris's Tanglewood shops. Of course, added a few things to my closet. Can't wait to try on the flower seller outfit - shades of Liza Doolittle!
Tanglewood shop location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Tanglewood/241/46/23

Hair - Glorious Hair

You started out with the ponytail look and then disco hair! Now you love visiting in Caledon and realize your look just doesn't fit in. What is a girl to do? Why go shopping for your new hair styles of course!

There are traditional Victorian hairstyles available - very much in the formal style of the era. Traditional hair styles can include covering the ears with a backswept updo. Braids and curls can decorate your face in abundance. You can find other styles out on the the grid that fit into the Victorian look with a dash of modern fun. Mostly you look for the style that suits you! Some are very formal or others are touseled and trendy.

Walking around Caledon

First things first! The clothes are pretty, the gardens wave in the breeze and the homes are cooler than anything I will ever live in. However, for a "shoe person," Victorian and other period shoes typically leave something to be desired in SL. I spent days hiding my feet underneath my bustles since the occasional shoes included with an outfit were pretty bland.

Taking myself to Google, I researched period costumes and footwear. Research showed that the proper Victorian miss wore half boots or high lace-up or button leather boots for everyday wear outside. Proper shoes included a mule with low heels usually decorated with buttons, bows, and embroidery. For formal dress, shoes could be satin flats tied about the ankle or just slip on's.

Shopping for shoes to match period costumes now became a treasure hunt - for there are some treasures hiding out there.

Victorian Boots @ Shiny Things
All the shoes at Shiny Things are treasures! Wish I could find shoes this nice looking in Real Life. For those "shoe people" (you know who you are!) you will love these models to peek out from under your crinolines or swaying gowns.

Lady Victorian Boots - These half boots come in several colors plus basic black. Leather with brocade inserts with buttons plus an ankle ruffle that hides the weird ankle effect in SL. The neatest trick is that these boots are one piece - no adjusting between the boot and ankle sections.















Ruffle Boots - These leather half boots also with buttons come in black, red, coffee, and chocolate. These were the first shoes I purchased! I needed to find boots for jeans and pants that didn't have the calf section poking out of the pants fabric. (Of course, now I know to look for jeans that have the two layers - pants or underwear.) These worked beautifully! Of course, now they go with those lovely Victorian walking dresses.

















Ballet Slippers come in multiple colors such as these flats also from Shiny Things. Several shops sell variations of this style. Just like brides or prom girls in RL, the stylish miss in Victorian or medieval play can wear these for dancing slippers.