An Explosion of Art...

Tonight's blog is at once an explosion of newness, and a remeberance of past joys.  But to set the stage let me first give you a quote:

My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.

John Lennon 

As you may have gathered form that quote what I want to talk about in this article is art.  One of the most amazing aspects of Second Life for me is the plethora of arts and artists that inhabit this virtual world of ours.  From the clothing we wear, to the home we live in everything here has sprung from the imagination and talents of digital artists.   Tonight I will examine the works of two artists of Second Life.  First from Ghee is Warm Clarity, the next and certainly not least is Yula Finesmith.  From Warm I received one of her Animated gowns.  Yes, this beautiful gown is alive with swirling colors and light and movement.  It is a joy to behold.

It may be impossible for me to adequately describe this gown, but I shall try.  Imagine the pattern of this gown comes to life.  There is movement and a unique swirl that seems to circle one's body.  It is alot of fun to watch and to wear.   Well, I could go on for hours about how cool this gown is, but I'll never get this article completed, so let's trudge ahead.  

This next part is going to be hard for me.  There is only one set of jewels that could even begin to work with a dress this unique.  I am lucky that this was the set made for me by Yula Finesmith.  The Maniko set is one of the most exciting and versatile sets I've seen from FINESMITH and it fits this gown so well.  Static pictures simply do not do this combination justice.  You really have to see the two working together to get the entire picture.  Trust me on this point dear readers, this combination will ROCK any place you wear it.  Just do yourselves a favor and have the LM for Finesmith and Ghee at the ready, you will be passing them out all night...

My poses are from Posesion's Giz and Haute sets.

xoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Dress:   Animated Gown by Ghee

Jewels: Maniko by FINESMITH
Shoes:  Marilyn Sandals by Gos

Poses:  Giz and Haute sets by Posesion

Do You Want to Dance Under the Moonlight?

Do you want to dance under the moonlight
Hold me baby all through the night
Oh baby
Do you want to dance?
Do you, do you, do you
Do you want to dance with me baby...
 Do You Want to Dance - The Beachboys


My dear readers, there are a huge number of genres for fashion in Second Life.  As new Designers join the ranks of fashion producers, they bring with them a unique sense of style ll their own.  Such is the case with Ghee.  Now I love researching things, and the first item that piqued my curiosity was the origin of the name - Ghee.  I have to admit my first thought was that this is the martial arts outfit.  A quick trip to Designer Warm Clarity's profile straightened me right out:

~ghee~ is a labor of love.
____________________________________________
ghee (n.) Ghee is the pure butterfat left over after the milk solids and water are removed from butter. It's used widely in Indian cooking, and the word ghee is the Hindi word for fat. Ghee might as well be a synonym for clarified butter.
[Hindi gh, from Sanskrit ghtam; see gwher- in Indo-European roots.]

Indeed, as you will shortly see, the fashions coming out of Ghee are indeed labors of love...  For today's look I immediately looked at the Ghee Geometric dress.  This dress is available in two styles, one with hood up the other with hood down.  I chose hood down and charged on.  The very first thing you will notice is the pattern... it is bold, it is in your face, and it is trendy as all heck.  Really well done and very eye catching.

When I first saw this outfit on, I felt like dancing, so tht guided my styling choices.  Looking for a somewhat demure yet exciting club look, I added my favorite Maitreya Jazz boots in a complementary crimson to give a nice dash of color to the outfit. Sort of hard to miss huh? 

To add additional flair and a touch of excitement, I added some pieces from the FINESMITH Nes set in Ruby.  Coupled with the crimson boots, me have a stylish and sexy outfit.  As I said at the beginning, I was thinking of dancing when I started this styling.  And as soon as I finish this article, that is exactly where  am headed!  The Ghee Geometric is an exciting and versatile outfit.  It is a fun piece to play with and style. 

My poses are from Posesion's Giz and Haute sets.

xoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Dress:   Geometric by Ghee

Jewels: Nes by FINESMITH
Shoes:  Jazz boot by Maitreya

Poses:  Giz and Haute sets by Posesion

Upendo na mwanga wa mwezi ... (Love by the light of the moon...)

My dear readers, one of my favorite designers in Second Life has to be Loovus Dzevavor.  The vibrant color palate and exquisite attention to detail are evident from the first wearing.  Coupled with exciting styles, these fashions are hard to beat.  My topic for today is a new design by Vikeejean that is a limited edition and available only at one location in-world.  The Loovus Dzevavor Surreal Dress is a wonderful interplay of style and substance and the color palate is just a sheer delight.

The dress is just a symphony of colors and patterns that play so well together.  I particularly like the vibrant green side panels that show off one's figure so well.  the center panel is a wild pattern that truly makes this dress unique.  I completed this styling by adding Aesthetic Value from FINESMITH as it fit the mood and heritage of this dress perfectly.  Pumps form Gos completed the look with some goodness from Blackliquid's makeup line adding the finishing touches.

The result is a colorful harmony that can be worn in so many places.  While it has a playful almost casual air it it, Surreal can easily be accessorized to work in more formal climates as well.  I can easily see this becoming a staple of my wardrobe it is just so versatile.  It is part of the Summer 2013 designs just released, and only 100 copies will be sold.  Surreal can only be purchased from the Limited Bazaar @ Euphoria.   It is a truly unique look that is sure to please. 

My poses are from Posesion's Giz and Jewelry sets.

xoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Dress:   Surreal by Loovus Dzevavor

Jewels: Aesthetic Value by FINESMITH
Shoes: Peeptoe Pumps by Gos

Poses:  Giz and Jewelry sets by Posesion

All That Shimmers...

My gentle readers, there are some incredibly beautiful people in Second Life - inside and out.Wicca Merlin and Mimmi Boa and Sequoia Nightfire are a few that come immediately to mind.  They are always so helpful and are amazing teachers of the craft of Modeling.  I graduated from Mimmi Boa Modeling Academy today and it was a wonderful time adn a great show.  I was fortunate to have a few friends come by and it made for a grand time.

I have to admit something.  I am having an affair.  Oh not THAT kind of affair.  Jeesh.  No, I am in love with the art of Countdown.  The delightful fashions that coe form the mind and hands of Antonia are simply amazing.  In tonight's blog I am going to talk about one of the sexiest dresses I have ever worn.  The Satisfaction dress by Countdown is raw gold and sex appeal.  Satisfaction?  Contrary to the Rolling Stones song - you WILL get satisfaction with this stunning dress.

The gold of this wonderful dress grabs your eyes immediately. But it is the style that keeps your eyes locked on it.  From the slightly puffed sleeves that impart a Haute Couture look to the sexy slit asymmetrically placed over one thigh, this dress screams "Look at Me".  Finishing this project was a lot of fun.  I used my signature hair from EMO-tions again - I can't seem to take it off I love it so very much.  The Chevia hair has been released at EMO-tions so get yours today!  For my jewels I chose the Diamond set from FINESMITH.  Diamond is one of the most versatile sets of jewelry I have ever owned.  The ability to change the textures of the stones and the metal into a number of great colors makes this set fit with just about anything. 

I used the Grace sandal form Gos to tie this look together.  As a finishing touch I used the Vixen eye shadow from Madrid Solo.

Walking into Countdown is a real challage of will.  These incredible creations of Antoina;s are like potatoe chips - bet you can't buy just one...

My poses are from Posesion's Giz and Jewelry sets.

xoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Dress:   Satisfaction Mini Dress by Countdown

Jewels: Diamond by FINESMITH
Hair: Chevia by EMO-tions
Shoes:Grace Sandals by Gos

Poses:  Giz and Jewelry sets by Posesion

FINESMITH - Announcing Muse 2014

A muse lays hidden in its energy shimmering shell, preparing to break out with a touch of a pearl.

I am happy to announce - FINESMITH Muse 2014
Models all over the grid are invited to join the journey.

with pearl drop wishes,

yula Finesmith

For details visit the FINESMITH Main store:

FINESMITH Main store
 

A Golden Dawn...

Hello dear readers!  Today is another exciting fashion-filled day and I have a real treat for you.  I recently saw a post on facebook of an amazing dress and Antonia form Countdown stepped up and said she would make it.  I like that.  I like confidence and passion in art.  I can't wait to see her creation, but until then I had to run by Coundown and see what new beautiful outfits were on the racks.  And oh boy was I pleasantly surprised!  I found Ruby and fell in love what a stunning haute couture outfit!  I think you will agree that the overall look is just eye catching and oh so elegant.

 From the gold glitter skirt to the corset top this is a sexy, stylish ensemble.  I love the mix of colors and textures that when combined give a warm and lovely feel.  I adore the detached collar - oh so stylish!  So to complete this look I just had to use my namesake hair - Chevia from EMO-tions!  Wow!  Mirja really knocked it out of the park with this one.  All of my friends are sporting it and I have to say that Falbala and Sess really rock this do!  A perfect accompaniment to this outfit was the Diamond set from FINESMITH.  This is one of the most elegant and versatile sets I've ever had.  I mean, I just wore this set in a totally different color set to a wedding yesterday (congratulations Llyssa & Heath) and it looked nothing like this.  Truly a chameleon of my jewelry box.

I added makeup from Madrid Solo to give a fierce edge to this styling, and finished the look with a wonderful pair of Gos Grace Sandals from the Elegance line.  Overall you can achieve a really nicely refined and edgy ensemble with relatively little fuss.  Important for this on-the-go life we lead in Second Life.

Oh, and if you can't tell, I am totlly in LOVE with Haute Chic poses form Posesion.  Dahriel has a real hit with these exceptional poses.

xxoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Outfit:  Ruby by Countdown
Jewels: Diamond set by Finesmith
Hair:  Chevia by EMO-tions
Shoes: Grace Sandals by Gos
Poses:  Haute Chic by Posesion

A Little Galliano in the Night...

Vogue released a real treat to bloggers today - Zalyn Baley's Galliano Inspiration.  John
Galliano's Haute Couture design work has sparked the imaginations of so many designers with his incredibly whimsical take of fashion.  Known for his bold looks, this treat from Vogue is truly a tribute to the Galliano style.  For me, it struck a deep chord and I fell for this outfit the second I saw it.  I know you have all felt this.  That moment of clarity when your path to styling an outfit becomes so clear and so defined that making it happen is almost frantic.  That was what this outfit did for me.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do the minute i saw it on my avatar.

To keep true to the art of Galliano, I knew that I had to have a pale, but very detailed look to my face.  For this I went to another fashion icon, this time of Second Life  - AnaLee Balut.  Her ALB Dream Fashion has been pushing the boundaries of what can be done in Second Life for many years.  I chose her Giesha Skin since it offered the perfect look for this style.  AnaLee's daughter ShuShu supplied the incredible Geisha hair.

I used the new Diamond set from FINESMITH for the wonderful earrings.  N-Core supplied the Ultra Platform kicks and the cute knee socks and we have a wrap. 

Vogue is such a fun organization to work with.  This jewel is just one example of the many incredible outfits tucked away in the Vogue store.  Let you imaginations run wild and head over to Vogue today.

Posesion supplied the poses for this shoot from Dahriel's Haute Chic set, and they were just perfect!

xxoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Outfit:  Galliano Inspiration by Vogue
Jewels: Diamond set by Finesmith
Hair:  Geisha Hair by ShuShu Congrejo
Shoes: Ultra Platforms in Noir by N-Core
Poses:  Haute Chic by Posesion

A Warm Caress

My dear readers, it's Seattle.  The weather was looking so wonderful all week, and now with the weekend comes the cold and rain we are so famous for.  So, I admit my mind has been wandering a bit to warmer thoughts.  Thoughts of sunshine and sand and a gentle touch.  Somehow the image of palm trees fill my dreams.  What would Freud and Jung say about that one? Hahahaha.  Well, anyway, I was out the other day and stopped in to Kungler's and found this reminder of warm tropical nights - The Giselle dress in nude.  Wait, I know what you are thinking, but really it's NOT like that.  I mean... I really wasn't thinking of wandering some palm-filled island hand-in-hand with my lover... nude.  Honest.  I wasn't.  I swear....

Yeah rights have all stopped echoing, so let's get back to the real reason for this post :)

The Kungler Giselle dress is a sweet, sexy dress that is at home at a party, a dinner out, or the board room.  Yes, it really is that versatile.  As with all of Kungler's designs, this one is filled with awesome details that just delight the eye.  The attached belt is a thing of beauty, and I for one am thrilled to not have to adjust prims and body shape just to wear it.  The wonderful shadowing is just right on the texture.  And speaking of textures, that's where the tropical part comes in.  The main design consists of the outline - in emerald no less - of a Monstera leaf.

Overall the look is quite pleasant and lends itself to much more exploration than I had time for.  I finished this look by adding a set of FINESMITH Scatterheart that matched the emerald highlights of the dress to perfection.  Last but not least a pair of Gos Sophia Peeptoe pumps completed the picture.

A bit more about those awesome Gos shoes.  I hate having to match skins for shoes.  I have no idea why, but I hate it.  So, along comes a company that makes matching shoes with skins totally simple - ONE click.  You pick your skin and the proper settings are sent to the shoes.  DONE.  Can you believe it? Well, the results are awesome.

I admit to really enjoy this crisp Italian style most of the time.  This Kungler sweetness is a beautiful and easy to wear example.

Oh!  And now I am blogging for Posesion Poses.  Today's poses are from the Haute Chic set, and they are really amazing poses. Love you Dahriel & Wicca :)

xxoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Outfit:  Giselle Dress by Kungler
Jewels: Scatterheart set from Finesmith
Hair:  Hair #16 from Dura
Shoes: Sophia Peeptoe Pumps by Gos

The Fabic of the City...

Hello gentle readers!  Tonight I was warring with myself a bit.  Go dancing or blog.  Well Writing my blog won as you will soon see.  This evening I am going to talk about a rather exciting collection from Shiki.  Now I have to tell you  that I met two of the sweetest guys in Second Life at Shiki - the owner Shinichi Mathy, and an amazing artist Vinn Wong.  Both of these guys are total gentlemen and I always enjoy our conversations so much. 

Tonight I want to tell you about Shiki's Urban Symmetry line in general and the Urban Web Solar Heat dress specifically.  The line was inspired by urban life - those object we see around us in everyday life suddenly become the texture for incredible fabrics and styles.  Another key feature that makes this style totally unique is an asymmetric angular bodice that is featured in a few different styles throughout the collection. . 

 I love this dress.  The styling is just superb, and as with all Shiki creations the textures are to die for.  Solar Heat is a darling shade of tan covered with intricate geometric patterns.  The overall look is just stunning.  To complete this outfit I added a purse form The Secret Store (well not so secret now) The beautiful Kotar set from Finesmith and Diva heels from N-Core.

If you are looking for a truly unique look that is also versatile and beautiful, Shiki's Urban Web Solar Heat is for you.  The entire collection was featured at Avenue's Spring Fashion  Week and this dress as well as many others can be yours with a short trip to the Avenue Retail area.

Take a Cab:  Shiki At Avenue
                      Finesmith
                      Wasabi Pills
                      The Secret Store

xoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Dress:   Solar by Shiki

Jewels: Kotar from Finesmith
Hair: Christy from Wasabi Pills
Shoes: Diva from N-Core

Pose:  Ma Vie

The Heart of Africa...

My dear readers, as you who follow my blog know by now I have just been loving the Avenue Fashion Week shows.  One of the designers who has really stood out for me has been Loovus Dzevavor.  I have been consistently impressed by the quality of both the designs and the styles of each piece I've gotten there.  So, today, I've decided to write about another work of art to come out of that very wonderful store.  The Vanettaesque dress is a special and limited dress - only 100 will be sold.  The minute i laid eyes on it I knew it had to follow me home.

The very first thing one notices about the Vanettaesque are the incredible colors and textures used.  This dress is so well done you almost feel like you can reach out and touch it.  The styling is stunning with a cute zipper in the back to give this dress an ability to move well.  The bold use of color gives this dress a class that transcends being a simple shift.  You will find yourself putting this on to go out more often than not, because it is so very striking.  To complete this look I added some stunning jewels from Finesmith - both the Sdares and Denna bracelets as well as the new Here Comes the Sun run in Fire.

 

Some trusty heels from N-Core finished this off quite well.  I have to say that the reaction when i wore this was pretty profound.  Walking into one of my favorite haunts i immediately got 6 IMs asking where I'd gotten this incredible dress.  Well, like I said... it is limited and available at the Avenue retail area for just a short time more.

Take a Cab:   Loovus Dzevoor

Loovus:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/zenshi%20south%20two/50/123/1939

                      Finesmith:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Azure%20Island/134/161/7

                      N-Core:   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Heels/165/107/25

xoo
Chevia

Chevia's Shopping List

Dress:   Vanettaesque by Loovus Dzevavor

Jewels: Sdares and Denna Bracelets and Here Comes the Sun Ring in Fire from Finesmith
Hair: Moelleux from Dela
Shoes: Diva from N-Core

Pose:  Ma Vie