Blend With the Forest

 Elves and forests are my two favorite things (well, besides unicorns!), so I was in the mood to blend with the forest for this blog :)  Surreal LeShelle of Deviance has the perfect outfit for that!  Here is her writeup in the marketplace:

The Dark Elementalist costume comes with:
• Sculpted Skirt with Flexi Panels
• Sculpted Top
• Sculpted Bracers
• All sculpted clothing pieces come with both silver and gold trim
• Matching silver and gold scepters
• 2 sizes included + a shape for quick and easy fitting
There are a total of 6 different colors. Discounted minipacks and multipack available in world.

Clothes:  Dark Elementalist Fantasy Costume in Enchanted Forest by Deviance

Skin:  SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife

Hair:  Finya in Flames by EMO-tions

Eyes:  Sunrise eyes in Light Lagoon by FASHISM

Circlet:  Emerald Blossom circlet by Anastasia Domenici

Sunny April

Sunny, cheerful, colorful, spring, Easter! Just a few words that describe Elvina Ewing's April Easter outfit. This was so much fun to wear and to take pictures in. What's nice, but typical of the versatility of Elvina's designs, is that you have a choice of 2 skirts or bloomers along with 3 coordinting top choices. This design is so rich in color and comes with a beautiful head and waist wreath. The shoes are also Elvina's, but not included. Here is Elvina's list of what's included from the marketplace:

In this set:
✿ shirt on undershirt and shirt layers;
✿ dress bodice on shirt and jacket layers;
✿ shirt + bodice in one on undershirt, shirt and jacket layers;
✿ underpants;
✿ stockings;
✿ sculpted prim skirt with apron, lace underskirt, daisies and bow at the back;
✿ flexi prim skirt with lace underskirt and bow at the back;
✿ sculpted prim daisies belt;
✿ sculpted prim bloomers with bows at the front and back;
✿ flexi lace trim for the bloomers (worn on L&R hip);
✿ sculpted prim puff sleeves with bows;
✿ sculpted prim shirt collar with bow;
✿ sculpted prim daisies wreath (mouth and chin fit).

Outfit: April Easter outfit by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura
Shoes: Flower Vines Clogs by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Eyes: Sunrise Light Lagoon by FASHISM
Hair: Wanda in Gold by Tukinowaguma
Basket: Basket of Strawberries by Maena Tammas of Mae Fairy Tale
Location: Tol Narwa Vire and Enchanted

With bloomers

A Light in the Dark Forest

If you catch a firefly

and keep it in a jar

You may find that

you have lost

A tiny star.

If you let it go then,

back into the night,

You may see it

once again

Star bright.

by Lilian Moore

Natalie's clothes: Amarie's Bower in brown by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet
(Also comes in green, black, red, and blue)
Skin: Petal Frex Yum Bonus 1 BR in Light by Curio
Elf Ears: Sad elf ears HamHam by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express
Hair: Peta in champagne by Truth
Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Light Lagoon by FASHISM
Lashes: by Damned
Necklace: Kosh-Oaken by Lynaja Bade
[D O D I E] Firefly Jar by Dodie Snowbear (on back)
!JK! Firefly Jar with Pose by Skyla Cyannis
Firefly Hollow from Basic Elements by Klyks Klees

The Beauty of an Enchanted Castle

As if a King overlooking his subjects, the castle stands atop a large mountain in the Bavarian Alps. Towering above misty clouds, it stands strong and majestic and exudes charm, magic and pure enchantment to all those who grace its presence.

What is it about castles? I loved them as a little girl, grew up loving them, and still love them. There's something so magical, yet so mysterious about these beautiful and amazing architectural pieces of art. My favorite castle of all time is the Neuschwanstein Castle in southwestern Bavaria, Germany. It was originally built and owned by Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century and embodied the architectural fashion known as castle romanticism. It has become one of the most famous castles of all time bringing in thousands of visitors every year.

I'd like to focus on a wonderful and whimsical hat called Enchanted Castle created by Precious Restless of Vita's Boudoir. When I saw it in the store I smiled and it became a part of my huge inventory in a flash! The castle is extremely detailed and has so many extra touches worth mentioning. These include the flag on top of the castle, the light shining at the top, and especially the clouds which float around the castle while you're wearing it. I also found a beautiful dress called Potpourri at Vita's Boudoir that goes perfectly with the hat.

Natalie is wearing...
Enchanted Castle hat by Precious Restless of Vita's Boudoir
Potpourri dress by Precious Restless of Vita's Boudoir
EarthStones Basket of Spring earrings
Whitney necklace (comes with earrings too) by Dahlinks and Wicked Gear
Glam Affair Castalia skin in Natural #8 by Aida Ewing
Sunrise eyes in Rose by FASHISM
Lashes and Tribal makeup by Damned
Ethereal Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Dina hair in Blonde by EMO-tions
The Unicorn pose prop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe

Background picture for Enchanted Castle hat pictures is a painting of Neuschwanstein castle.

This is the beautiful and magical castle tower found in Elven Realm of SL

NEUSCHWANSTEIN POEM by Robyn Schwartz

Across the ocean and above the lands
Sits a legacy for all curious eyes.
An ivory castle on a lonely peak
Where even the clouds bow down
Beneath its soaring majestic spires.
It was the dream of one king not long ago
That flustered the brow of every fair maiden.
To build for beauty, hold art above war.
Dismissing tradition and logic for lies
And following a single dream to lands end.
He sat on the banks of the river Rhine
Imagining one original palace after the next.
Maybe he shopped in the Marienplatz
For velvet loveseats and porcelain swans
To adorn the seed of his hearts content.
But now the king has been gone for years.
And Bavaria has never quite been the same
Since the death of Kind Ludwig the mad.
His castles stand proud and greet the wanderers
And journeyman, and dreamers and historians alike.
Though all are rare in craft and dripping in style
One of his lonely dreams stands above the rest.
Reaching beyond the Alpine rolling skies
Coloring heaven with a touch of human royalty.
A place any Sleeping Beauty would pray to wake.
It is here, I fell in love again, twice in the time of a year.
First with the earth, its inhabitants achievements
And the very nature that hides them in its breast.
The lakes that capture the suns final rays,
The heaving mountains with their fancy caps of snow,
The whispering cow bells carried by the gentle winds
And the serenity of the painted villages sleeping below.
The second time was with a young mate
Who accompanied me to my secret place.
To cavort once the daily bustles had calmed.
He fell for the battlements I had loved before
Understood the treasures I longed to share.
He carried me up the mountain like a princess
To her new palace on the night they were wed.
He kissed me to the whimpering of waterfalls,
Then watched on as the sun sank to bed.
Blessed be whoever may fall upon this place
Tucked into the heart of the Bavarian Alps
For this is the spot where I proudly left my heart,
And left Neuschwanstein for widened eyes to behold.

Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland and Disney World was designed after Neuschwanstein

Happy Mardi Gras 2012!

Happy Mardi Gras everyone! Today, Tuesday the 21st, is THE actual day of "Mardi Gras" in New Orleans, or Fat Tuesday. This will be the last day of all the festivities before Ash Wednesday, when fasting and religious obligations begin the season of Lent for many. Here is a link for more information about Mardi Gras in New Orleans:

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

Natalie is wearing...

Clothes: *katatOnik* Jester Dress Set in Purple by KatatOnik Pidgeon
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Eyes: Sunrise Imperial Purple by FASHISM
Hair: Working Mondays in Essence by Tabata Jewell of Vanity Hair
Shoes: *katatOnik* Kita Mary Janes in Purple by KatatOnik Pidgeon
Jewelry: Drakke Mardi Gras jewelry set (PROMO 100L off sale) by Mandrakke Dagger
Masques: Purple (Columbina) and Green (Perorno) masques both by Siyu Suen of Illusions
Jester Staff: Mardi Gras staff by KatatOnik Pidgeon
Fan: Mardi Gras Fan by Schadenfreude

Cupid Got Him! Happy Valentine's!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you all had/are having a wonderful one! I meant to post this much earlier today, but wasn't able to until now. I know it's a little late, but better late than never lol!

Natalie..

Clothes: Amore Cupid by Tiana Biondetti of Crushed Velvet
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Ethereal Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Hair: Laleh Long in Pearl Platinum by Amacci
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Rose by Fashism
Poses: Cupid Felt In Love Single and Couple Pose Set (Valentine's) by the Aphrodite Shop

Tiesto...
Clothes: Naughty Cupid Men's by Kyla Dreamscape of Shade Designs
Skin: Jordan M10-H by Nany Merlin
Hair: Lesley hair in Black by EMO-tions
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Caribbean Blue by Fashism
Poses: Cupid Felt In Love Single and Couple Pose Set (Valentine's) by the Aphrodite Shop

Moonlight and Amore

Valentine's is that distinctive day we use to honor our love for that special person in our life. Mix this with a setting of moonlight and stars plus the perfect outfit=the recipe for romance!

Natalie...
Clothes: Valentine's Special Moonlight Melody ~Love~ by Caverna Obscura
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Ethereal Fey ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Rose by Fashism
Hair: Jolie in the color Marilyn by LeLutka

Tiesto...
Clothes: Naughty Cupid Men's outfit by Shade
Skin: Jordan M10-H by Nany Merlin
Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Caribbean Blue by Fashism
Hair: Lesley hair in Black by EMO-tions

Arwen's Creations: Lirimaer

The last in my Arwen blog series is a gown called Lirimaer. It's another gorgeous, versatile design full of rich, detailed trim and many optional pieces. Here is Arwen's marketplace description:

"Lirimaer" is Elven-inspired. The name "Lirimaer" means "Lovely One" in Elvish, and you will be lovely in this 21 piece ensemble crafted from white velvet with gold accents. The outfit includes 3 skirts, golden head circlet, waist circlet, necklace, sculpted shoes (alpha layer enabled, so please be sure your viewer supports alpha layers - no invisiprims were used), flowing sleeves, high neck with button closure, and lovely curved rim veil for Freewoman roleplayers.

This gown can be as revealing or as modest as your roleplay needs demand: The offshoulder blouse is cut with a low neck and back; the undershirt is a scoop neck (collar bone revealed) with 3/4 sleeves (to provide a bit more modesty). They look great individually, or, layered together. The jacket layer is done as a waistwrap and looks lovely over either the blouse, the undershirt, or both.

This gown comes in 23 wonderful color combinations and can be found at Arwen Serpente's store, Arwen's Creations.

clothes: Lirimaer in Luscious (raisin and brown) by Arwen Serpente of Arwen's Creations

skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife

Eyes: Sunrise Gold by FASHISM

Hair: Orchid in Swedish by Truth

Arwen's Creations: Cerridwen

This time I am focusing on another beautiful gown from Arwen's Creations called Cerridwen. When I was in the store, this one stood out because of the simple yet detailed and lovely styling. I also love the color combination I chose, green and brown (called pear and pinecone). These colors have always been some of my favorites because they're so befitting of a forest elf, plus they are just naturally pretty, representing true nature. I love all of Arwen's designs because they all look and feel so realistic, from the period look to the fabric itself. This one is no exception, plus it can be worn casually or otherwise, as it has contains many different pieces and ways to wear them. It also comes in 18 amazing color combinations. Here is Arwen's writeup in the Marketplace:

"Cerridwen" is a complete 16-piece Ladies ensemble for Medieval, Fantasy, or Rustic roleplay. The ensemble includes extremely detailed clothing layers (Jacket, blouse, high neck white undershirt that is not visible in the pictures, pants, underpants, and wrist length gloves), 3 skirts (1 single layer, 1 single layer with draped front and built in belt, and 1 double layer), scrunchy ¾ sleeves, shoulder pads, Cape, belt with scissors, pouch, and lock & keys, and an opaque draped veil.

Please click on each picture for a bigger size.

Clothes: Cerridwen in Pear and Pinecone by Arwen Serpente of Arwen's Creations

Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife

Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude

Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Absinthe Green by FASHISM

Hair: Yuri in Red by Catwa Clip of ^;^CaTwA^;^

Arwen's Creations: Morgan

Knights on white horses, Camelot, castles, and medieval are a few words that come to mind when browsing Arwen Serpente's beautiful designs. I plan to do a series of blogs showcasing some of my favorite creations by Arwen. They are amazingly detailed, authentic, and of high quality materials. She is so creative on how she crafts and places each and every component! All designs have many optional pieces, which I have tried to show below in my pictures. There are three different style skirts and different bodice options, thus different looks to achieve! Here is Arwen's description from the marketplace:

"Morgan" is a 20-piece ensemble featuring 3 skirts (High Waist, Low Waist, and Low Waist with Train), elaborate leather Neckpiece, jeweled Headpiece/Crown (also a gold and silver version is included), detailed leather belt, puffed sleeves, shoulder pads, laced cuffs, and opaque veil. All of the clothing layers are no modify, except the undershirt which is a simple semi-sheer, high neck undershirt with modify permissions so you can tint it and use it with any outfit you want.

The outfit comes in 8 gorgeous and rich colors...this one being Periwinkle Blue. Please visit Arwen's wonderful store in world, "Arwen's Creations".

Clothes: Morgan in Periwinkle Blue by Arwen Serpente of Arwen's Creations
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Eyes: Sunrise in Light Azure by FASHISM
Hair: Dina in Blonde by EMO-tions
Lashes by Calla

...and All That Jazz!

Well, I had every intention of posting this particular blog before New Year's, but didn't quite make it. That's okay, this gorgeous gown by Rebel Hope can be worn for any special occasion, not just New Year's! It really caught my eye because I love the blue and black contrast, so lovely :) This gown also comes in all black. The All That Jazz set includes:

* Clothing pieces on all layers (bodice, glitch pants)
* Gloves
* Flex prim skirt with and without sizing script (1 mod and 1 with sizing script)
* 1 piece of bodice top fur that just covers the top of the breast area (with and without sizing script)
* 1 piece of bodice top fur as well as fur that goes around the arms to the back (with and without sizing script)
* 2 upper arm fur pieces for added fluff (with and without sizing script)

This gown flows and fits beautifully!

Please click the pictures to see a bigger view.

Clothes: All That Jazz Sapphire gown by Rebel Hope
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Azure by FASHISM
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Hair: Nina2 Noir by Vanity Hair