OLD & NEW/MIX & MATCH at STYLE STARTS HERE

As I wandered through Style Starts Here the other day, I found these new items by Simone Stern that grabbed my attention. Tops with a strap over one shoulder and a cute, large heart on the front met my gaze.

On another wall I found cute mini-skirts/shorts that had a tiny heart as the button closure on the front and a heart on both hips on the back.

I couldn’t help but buy a few tops with skirts to match–okay, you don’t have to match up the colors, but I like to match.

Then I realized that these simple pieces would be great mixed and matched with other items from my rather extensive collection of Simone’s clothing. I started with strapped boots that matched the outfits–sorry, I really can’t help myself sometimes. Then I added a pair of jeans or a skirt to go with the heart top and then a top that would go with the skirt or shorts.

I think I came up with some great looks, and I know that if I would let go of the matching look, I could come up with literally thousands of outfits just from what I’ve got in my inventory. Now if I could just remember to make folders for outfits before I took them off, I could sure get dressed faster.

Style Sheet

Red

Tied Blouse: Style Starts Here–Trashinista Top (Red) (160L)

Sheer Red Mini-skirt: Style Starts Here–Sheet Enticement Mini Skirt, Stockings & Garters (Red) (145L)

Heart top: Style Starts Here–Big Heart Half Top (Red) (115L)

Heart mini-skirt/shorts: Style Starts Here–Li’l Denim Skirt & Shorts Set (Red) (135L)

Boots: Style Starts Here–STYLE! Strapped Boot (Red) (450L)

Brown

Jeans: Style Starts Here–Canvas Jeans (Brown) (160L)

Top: Style Starts Here–Satin Scarf Top (Chocolate) (135L)–Worn without the scarf prim

Heart top: Style Starts Here–Big Heart Half Top (115L)

Heart mini-skirt/short: Style Starts Here–Li’l Denim Skirt & Short Set (135L)

Boots: Style Starts Here–STYLE! Strapped Boot (450L)

Purple

Jeans: Style Starts Here–Sexy Leather Jeans (Purple) (160L)

Blouse: Style Starts Here–Cutwork Top n’ Belt (Purple) (185L)–Worn without the belt

Heart top: Style Starts Here–Big Heart Half Top (115L)

Heart mini-skirt/short: Style Starts Here–Li’l Denim Skirt & Short Set (135L)

Boots: Style Starts Here–STYLE! Strapped Boot (450L)

All Photos

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction (Copper/Dark Love) (800L)

Hair: DrLife Hair–Bo (All colors) (350L)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Star (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/Pose)

Model and Photographer: Xenobia Foxclaw

SWANSONG BY THE GRACEFUL LILY

Talia Lefavre of The Graceful Lily has a knack for designing versatile outfits. In the Swansong, Ms. Lefavre has given us pants, two skirt options, a blouse, and two options for the waist. When you begin mixing and matching pieces, you get more outfits than the ones I have shown you here. Her use of colors and textures is pleasing to the eye–I love the swan in purple–loves of details and an unexpected color. Many of her pieces can also be worn with a wheelchair–although I had to move the attachment point for the feathers and belt. The boots from [Decoy], although not a perfect match, went well with the colors and looked very comfortable.

In the picture below, I’ve added the system skirt that works well with wheelchairs, and changed the feathers for the belt, which has a very well-designed tie. I also added the wristlets and necklace that are part of the set. Then I switched out the boots for my favorite Basevi Moda color-change pumps.

In the photo below, I’ve added the feather skirt for the standing pictures, but the skirt really doesn’t work for a wheelchair because it hangs straight down–as do most skirts in SL. Still, I don’t feel left out when I’m in the chair, because I can still wear the feathers around the waist.

Looking at these options makes me want to try these pieces with other items in my inventory. I need to quit writing and go back in world to try these on with…hmmm, maybe a pair of the leggings from Zaara or a pair of jeans from Style Starts Here…sorry, gotta go play with my inventory….
Style Sheet

Outfit including jewelry: The Graceful Lily–SwanSong v.2 (500L)

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Boots: [Decoy]–Jully Boots (Pine) (285L)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Replica) (800L)

Hair: booN–FKO548 (Blonde) (200L)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Fingernails: CCD–Short Nails–Natural Wave Pink (100L)

Wheelchair: The Free Bazaar in Stillman–Wearable Wheelchair (0L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/pose)

Model and Photographer: Xenobia Foxclaw

AGNES FINNEY’S MCQUEEN SPECIAL

Agnes Finney of My Precious is offering her newest gown, McQueen, at a discounted price Sunday, January 24, only to group members. The gown (not including the shorter dress) will sell for 780L usually, but until Sunday at midnight, it will sell for only 500L to group members. Ms. Finney began with a simple black mermaid gown, but she took it beyond simple by adding wonderful textures that pull the eyes upward and make a necklace unnecessary. She added two poofs above the flare of the mermaid tail that add interesting detail. Then she went a step further and added lacy poofs on the left arm that again draw the eyes upward toward a face that will be glowing with delight from the overall effect.

I’ve added a black earrings from the Ambrosa II Set which is still on sale for 50% off at Alienbear Designs. However, if you have been delaying making a trip to Alienbear, you’ll want to do that now as the sale is over today.

I couldn’t resist wearing two new hairdos that were group gifts this morning from ChiChickie! Too often hair gifts are a color I would only wear to a costume party, but designer Chiana Meredith was kind enough to send colors I would actually wear. She also offered the first 30 buyers of each hairdo the entire fatpack for only 95L. I had joined her group only a few weeks ago when I bought a new hairdo or two from her shop. The hairdos are not modifiable, but they are scripted to change size either all prims or individual prims.

Don’t forget that My Precious and Entre Mares are having their next fashion shows on Saturday, January 30 at 11:00 AM SLT and 4:00 PM SLT. The sim fills up for the shows, so arrive early so you won’t miss out on seeing all of Ms. Finney’s and Ms. Adamski’s newest creations. The gowns shown are usually offered for a discounted price for a limited time after the shows.

Style Sheet

Gown: My Precious–McQueen

Earrings: Alienbear–Ambrosa II (Black Pearl Set) (

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Frost) (800L)

Hair, dark: Chichickie!–Rosita (Brunette) (Group Gift)

Hair, light: Chichickie!–Pamela2 (Honey) (Group Gift)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Fingernails: Talon Faire–Light Wav es, colorchange (200L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/pose)

Model and Photographer: Xenobia Foxclaw

SOON TO BE RELEASED FROM AGNES FINNEY

I love form-fitting mermaid gowns, and this soon-to-be released gown from Agnes Finney is a beauty. The ruffle around the shoulders makes a perfect frame for this lovely pearl necklace from Alienbear (50% off for another day or two). The skirt is topped by a lovely floral piece that is a beautiful artistic touch. I think black makes the perfect formal gown and this is one that I will pull out often–it’s both elegant and sexy. It’s complemented with opera-length black gloves.

This gown will be introduced at the next My Precious & Entre Mares Shows on Saturday, January 30 at 11:00 a.m. SLT and 4:00 p.m. SLT. Ms. Finney of My Precious and Ms. Adamski of Entre Mares usually sell their gowns that were presented during the show at a discount for a few hours after the show, so you won’t want to miss the chance to see all of their new designs and get them at special prices. Use the taxi below to TP to the runway and grab an LM. You’ll be ready for Saturday. Just remember that the sim tends to fill up during shows, so you’ll want to be there a bit early to get your seat.

Style Sheet

Gown: My Precious–Monica (price not yet announced)

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Jewelry: Alienbear Designs–Ambroisa II Set (cream Pearl) (50% off sale price/ 140L)

Skin: CUPCAKES— Seduction (Copper/Princess) (800L)

Hair: TSM–Orly (Creamed) (250L/blond pack)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/pose)

Model and Photographer: Xenobia Foxclaw

VALENTINE SPECIALS AT MY PRECIOUS

Agnes Finney has set out two gowns at a reduced price until January 22, so don’t waste any time getting over to My Precious to get them before the prices have gone back up. If you are looking for a gown for Valentine’s Day, these two are great choices. The Sweetheart gown (above and below) is a lovely dark pink with a hem of black lace that encircles a long, full skirt. The same pattern is found on the system skirt, a nice touch for the ladies in wheelchairs.  The neckline and straps are made from dark pink flowers that are a perfect frame for the set of Princess Felicity jewelry on sale for 50% off at Alienbear Designs until January 24. The gown is complemented with a pair of elbow-length gloves.

The second gown Ms. Finney has put out for a special price is Love Bugg (below). This gown has a lovely, brilliant red  full skirt with a border design of hearts–certainly appropriate for Valentine’s Day. The neckline is a V formed by inverted Vs of white lace over red above a midriff of red. The neckline is perfect for the Alienbear Magnolia Set also on sale for the next few days. The gown is completed with a pair of opera length gloves.

Both of the gowns have skirts that are resizable. I’m getting better and faster at resizing skirts, but I haven’t mastered it yet. I’d like a few more minutes to adjust some of the prims in both skirts. However, it’s getting very late and I’d like to get this posted before I turn off the lights and go to bed. I don’t want you to miss the reduced prices which are only good on the dresses until January 22 and on the Alienbear jewelry until January 24, so pop over to get these great items before time runs out.

Style Sheet

Gown: My Precious–Sweetheart (Special Price 400L)

Jewelry: Alienbear–Princess Felicity set (50% off sale, 190L)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Pewter) (800L)

Gown: My Precious–Love Bugg (Special Price 400L)

Jewelry: Alienbear–Magnolia Set (White) (50% off sale, 175L)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Moonlight) (800L)

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Hair: TRUTH–Natalia (Dune)()

Eyes: Insight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Wheelchair: The Free Bazaar in Stillman–Wearable Wheelchair (0L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/pose)

Model and Photographer: Xenobia Foxclaw

BLISS COUTURE GOWN–RICA IS SOMETHING SPECIAL

One of the advantages of being a blogger is that you are sometimes invited to review a gown–such was the case with this lovely gown from Bliss Couture. I was asked which color I wanted, and I replied that black was my preference, but that I would be happy to review any color. I was sent the black gown I requested as well as the lovely teal gown from the set. I like the black very much–it uses one of my favored border prints on the ruffle that begins below the breasts and extends to the middle of the back. The midriff is a slimming band just above a very full skirt with the border print in evidence again. This design really emphasizes a slender waist and will be a knockout on the dance floor.

As I said, I really like the black, but I love the teal with its lavender flowers–the color is very flattering for my skin tone. I love the satiny look of the skirt, the shading is beautifully done. The ruffles bring the color up to my face and encourage me to add a floral necklace in a similar shade of lavender. I really like the completed look. Now I’m looking for the dance floor.

Style Sheet

Gowns: Bliss Couture–Rica Gown (Teal and Black) (780L)

Jewelry: Alienbear Designs–Princess Felicity Sets (lavpink and Diamond) (50% off sale/190L)

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Pewter) (800L)

Hair: Calla–Lavendar Lights (Blonde) (300L/5-pack)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Fingernails: Talon Faire–Prim Fingernails Light Waves  (200L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/pose)

AGNES FINNEY SETS OUT NEW GIFT GOWNS

If you are not a member of Agnes Finney’s My Precious group, you can pick up the blue gown above for 1L. However, if you are a member of Agnes Finney’s My Precious group, you can pick up the blue gown for 1L and then pick up the pink version below for free. Now that’s what I call a deal.

I love the delicate simplicity of these gowns with their empire design and the drop sleeves that leave the shoulders bare to invite a kiss. I love the flaring skirts, the translucent fabric, and the pastel colors. I love the way the neckline lets the focus be on my jewelry. (I’m sure Alienbear Gupte appreciates that too.)

The lines and texture of the gowns may be simple, but they are also elegant and I feel like royalty.

Are you still here? Go–get your gowns–here’s the limousine to My Precious. Here’s the limousine to Alienbear Designs–her annual sale  is going on for a few more days.

I’m working to improve the quality of my photos. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Style Sheet

Gowns: My Precious–In Love Gowns (Blue Public Gift 1L/Pink Group Gift 0L)

Jewelry: Alienbear Designs–Princess Felicity Sets (lavpink and babyblue/50% off sale 190L/each set)

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Princess) (800L)

Hair: booN–JUN762 hair (Blonde) (200L) and booN hairpiece DARE82 (Blonde) (200L)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/pose)

THE ROSE 50% OFF UNTIL MIDNIGHT JANUARY 10

I fell in love with this gown when Agnes Finney introduced it at her second anniversary show at My Precious on December 26. While it was in my favorite color (red) then, it’s in two new colors now. Better yet, the blue and purple colors are 50% off until midnight. Ms. Finney has included two versions of the ruffle and the skirt–one resizable, the other not. I did a little resizing before I took pictures, however, I didn’t perfect them for my figure because I was in a hurry to get these photos posted so you could take advantage of the special price. (I’m also still learning to resize–I’m never quite sure whether I want something smaller or moved and if the answer is “moved,” which of the x, y, or z directions to take. If it were a simple prim, I could easily figure it out, but the prim has been shaped and turned, it’s a bit more difficult for me to figure out, especially when I’m using a menu and not editing the prim directly. The nice thing is that you can click on a button and if it’s the wrong one, you can click on the opposite to undo it. You can always reset it to start over again. If I were editing directly, reversing what I’d done would not always be easy. I suspect that’s why designers have begun to use resize scripts–a lot of us have destroyed skirts and asked for replacements because we couldn’t or didn’t make copies before beginning to edit.)

I assure you that taking a little time to get it just right is worth the effort. The dress is gorgeous no matter which color you select. Ms. Finney has once again used a delightful border print, and this one is a reminder of spring at a time when there’s snow outside for many of us. It’s a welcome reminder that green grass and roses will return in real life not too far in the future. I love the design of this gown. It’s a relatively simple design, but I adore simplicity. I love the full skirt and the upturned ruffle connected with a wonderful solid black bodice that highlights a slender midriff.  The gowns would look lovely with necklaces of sapphires, amethysts, or rubies. I tend to buy diamonds, like the earrings I’ve added here, but I’m going to make a trip to Alienbear Design to find necklaces and earrings in the right gemstones. Since most of Alienbear’s designs are on 50% sale right now, I can afford appropriate gemstones for each gown.

Shopping time!

Style Sheet

Gowns: My Precious–The Rose Purple (50% off 480L), The Rose Blue (50% off 480L), The Rose Red (850L)

Earrings: Alienbear Design–VernaRosa (50% off 75L)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Frost) (800L)

Hair: TRITH–Chelsea (Dune) (Sale price 200L/fat pack)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Fingernails: Talon Faire–Prim Fingernails Light Wave (200L)

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/pose)

TRUBBLE

When Tracy Rubble began Trubble almost two years ago, I’m sure she had no idea how prophetic that name would be. In the last year Ms. Rubble has had more than her share of trouble. First, there was a personal issue that kept her out of SL for a few weeks. Then she dropped her computer–smack and crack! She was able to get it repaired enough to make it safe to use a bit but not repaired enough to use it as much as a designer needs to use her computer. While she can use her husband’s during the day for administrative matters, he doesn’t have the software she needs. Been there…done that…it’s no fun.

So, I was thinking that we might be able to help a little bit. Why not stop by Trubble and buy something? I’ve shown you below a few examples of her work. While you’re there, you can pick up the dollarbie and, by subscribing to her group, you can get a free gown. (When I asked if the gown were for new subscribers only, she told me yes–but pointed out that I could unsubscribe and then re-subscribe–thanks, Tracy.) You know, if everyone who reads this spends 250L in her shop, she might be able to get that computer tomorrow. Come on, I’ll make it easy for you–here’s the limousine.

Briony

Swan

Claudette

Yvette

Rebecca

Lillian

Style Sheet

Design 1: Trubble–Briony (595L)

Design 2: Trubble–Swan (499L)

Design 3: Trubble–Claudette (375L)

Design 4: Trubble–Yvette (315L)

Design 5: Trubble–Rebecca (August Dollarbie–1L)

Design 6: Trubble–Lillian (Subscirbe Gift–0L)

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Dark Love)

Hair: Truth–Evi (Barley) (250L/5-pack)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/per pose)

SIMONE DESIGN GROUP BENEFIT

If you aren’t a member of the Simone Design Group, you don’t know it, but every time Simone’s designs are blogged, she sends out a group gift. Sometimes the gift is a blouse or a pair of pants or maybe a sweater, but her latest group gift is a copy of a yet-to-be-released gown, Firena. The gift is in response to the blog entry from yesterday A Simone! Moment.

Below is what Simone Stern stuffed into the box: bodice on three layers, glitch pants on both layers, stockings, system skirt, belle skirt with train, split skirt, princess skirt, slender skirt with fan train, and short skirt. The color is such a beautiful, deep blue that is perfect with the silver accents at the waist and shoulder. There is a skirt for any occasion–maybe you should consider joining and digging around in past notices. Then be sure to stay in to await the next gift and notices for sales and other events.

Oh, by the way, I don’t know what colors Simone will bring out in this gown, but you can be sure it will be several. So if you aren’t a fan of this beautiful blue, watch for more–they just won’t be free.

Style Sheet

Gown: Simone! Firena (Yet-to-be-released gown) (Group Gift)

Earrings: Alyssa Bijoux Jewelry–Diamond Burst Earrings (250L)

Shoes: Basevi Moda Shoes–ColorChange Stiletto (295L/2 Pack or 445L/Megapack)

Skin: CUPCAKES–Seduction v.2 (Copper/Sweet) (800L)

Hair: TRUTH–Lillian (250L/5-pack)

Eyes: InSight Eyes–Stars (75L)

Eyelashes: Amacci–Diva (125L)

Fingernails: Talon Faire–Prim Fingernails Light Waves (200L)

Wearable Wheelchair: The Free Bazaar in Stillman–Wearable Wheelchair (0L)

Poses: Striking Poses (50L/Pose)