glamourazzi

And now for something new...or not. As you've probably gathered, a lot of us bloggers are wearing the SAME DAMN THING today. Achariya issued this challenge in response to some conversations on plurk. I think most of us bloggers have caught flak from time to time because we've blogged something someone else already showed. But this challenge is to show you that while we are wearing the same item, we look completely different. We all bring our own personality and sense of style to an outfit. So what if someone else already blogged it? Maybe you didn't care for it the way you saw it once, but the second time was a look you could see yourself wearing? Isn't that fashion in its truest form?


Our item of sameness is the Men's Cambridge Cuffed Sleeve shirt from Armidi. I dragged Rhodesy into this challenge (actually, she volunteered) and just in my blog alone, we created two completely different looks.





I've gone Punk Chic by pairing the Cambridge shirt in Aqua Afrillia with the Black 3/4 Pants (Kitty Pants) from WRONG. I chose Aqua to bring out my eyes, but it comes in a myriad of color options. I completed the look with some well thought out accessories and my Basic Boots from WRONG.


Of course, being a Men's shirt, the prim cuffs and collar are H-U-G-E. But a quick resizing and they're just fine. I left mine a little big because I thought it went better with the look I was going for, but you can make them as small as you want.



Rhodesy went more for the Glamourously Sexy Chic look by throwing the Purple Lily Corset from Insolence over her Cambridge Cuffed Shirt in Aufren Light Grey.



The SLink Leather Pants continue the sexy look and the boots from Storm Schmooz don't hurt either.

One shirt, two different looks in my blog alone. You might get tired of seeing this shirt on the feeds today, but then you might find it to be an interesting experiment like I do. And who knows? Maybe you'll even find a new perspective on fashion.





Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio

Model Info:
Arcadia:
Skin: Celestial Studios - Charmed SKin - 20 (Glitter - Silver 2)
Eyes: Eye AC - darkturquoise
Manicure: Sin Skins Glitter Manicure, Black
Hair: theAbyss - Secret, Full Moon
Shirt: Armidi Gisaci - Cambridge Cuffed Shirt - Aqua Afrillia
Pants: WRONG - Black 3/4 Pants (Kitty Pants)
Boots: WRONG - Basic Boot, Black
Accessories: Urban Dare - Leather Bracer - 2 strap, Left
WRONG - Sanity Jelly Bracelets
Inks & Kinks - Diamond Nostril Stud
Caroline's - Individual, a Right Hand Ring
Alienbear - Dark Sassy II Pearl Necklace

Rhodesy:
Skin: Alina Fair Eye Shadow Smokey, Red lipstick 1
Eyes: TD Eyes Violet
Hair: Tyra in Black by ETD
Nails: SinSkins Glitter manicure in plum
Shirt: Men's Cambridge Cuffed Shirt by Armidi, Aufren Light Grey
Corset: Lily Purple Satin Corset by Insolence
pants: Leather Pants in Pink by SLink
shoes: Storm Schmooz Maitresse Profond
Earrings: Chrstimas Fae Earring by Street Magic

I stumbled across Calypso Giano the other day and virtually squealed in delight when I saw the jeans. Designer Calypso Giano has taken the Rock n' Roll to Couture, and he not only does it with style and flair, but he also has the substance to back it up.



I love, love, love the jeans! There are a ton of colors and textures to choose from. I'm wearing the Fray jeans in black here, but you can bet I'll be going back soon for some of the ones with skulls on them. There are a ton of fantasticly rock n rollish tops to choose from as well. I'm wearing the Angel Top. I love how the design wraps around to the back of the shirt. Oh and let's not forget the many layer options, which is always a plus.

Details are an important thing when designing clothing, and Calypso Giano has certainly paid ample attention to them. From the logo on the pockets to the designer's name at the top of the shirt, each piece has a lovely array of fine details that complete the design.

This look allowed me to break out some rarely used but fun as hell acessories like the audio wire bracelet and mixtape necklace from Kari and the V gloves from Vette's. The ETD Janine Hair and the Apnea Tattoos from Sn@tch complete my rocker-chick-meets-couture look.



There's lots to choose from at Calypso Giano. Men's clothing, skins, tattoos, women's clothing, you name it.

Calypso Giano's motto is "Style Your Life," and there's no better way than to go and grab some of these fantastic clothes.

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio

Model Info:
Skin: Celestial Studios - Charmed Skin 20 (Glitter- Silver 2)
Eyes: Eye AC - darkturquoise
Hair: ETD - Janine, Sapphire
Shirt: Calypso Giano - Long Top - Angel
Jeans: Calypso Giano - Fray BLACK
Boots: WRONG - Basic Boots, Black
Tattoos: Sn@tch - Apnea Tattoos
Gloves: Vette's Boutique - V Gloves, Black
Inks & Kinks Nostril Diamond Stud
WRONG - Sanity Jelly Bracelets
{Kari} - Audio Wire Bracelet
{Kari} - "92" Mixtape Necklace

Poses:
Photo 1: Lost Angel -Action Unisexy Cat Eyes
Photo 2 & 4: Striking Poses - Ashanti Freebie Pose
Photo 3: Striking Poses - DQ2 - Ann Margaret
Photo 5: Striking Poses - Alessandra Ambrosio_9

Zaara Kohime has done it again with her newest release: the Amala gown. This came out a week or two ago, and I immediately teleported over to Zaara's main store and snagged the crimson version, but I've been unable to get a post up until tonight. If you've not bought this yet, exactly what are you waiting for?

More behind the cut.

I'm not sure I have adequate words to describe how lovely this dress is. The texture is simply amazing. It might even be the best texture I've ever seen on a dress. The richness of the brocade silk and the delicate lace bodice work together to create the most stunningly elegant gown I've ever worn.


This dress is even stunning from the back. I love how the skirts floats around my legs. As with all Zaara's work, it moves beautifully. I paired it with some simple pearl earrings and a bracelet from Muse along with the Aiiyana hair from ETD for an understated elegant look. Really, this dress doesn't need very much in the way of accessories.

Zaara's Amala gown would be a lovely addition to any wardrobe and perfect for a ton of different occasions. In fact, there is a certain holiday coming up next month, and this might just be what I wear to celebrate it.

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio

Model Info:
Skin: Celestial Studios - Charmed Skin 20 (Glitter- Silver 2)
Eyes: Eye AC - darkturquoise
Hair: ETD - Aiiyanna, Elika's Brown
Manicure: Sin Skins - Glitter Manicure, Crimson
Dress: Zaara - Amala Gown, Crimson
Shoes: ZHAO - Chelle, Black with Diamonds
Jewelry: Inks & Kinks Nostril Diamond Stud
Muse: Claris Pearl & Diamond Earrings, Silver
Muse: Claris Pearl & Diamond Bracelet, Silver
Muse: Catherine White Pearl Cocktail Ring, Platinum


Poses:

Photo 1: Long Awkward Pose - So Sweet

Photo 2: Long Awkward Pose - Softly

Photo 3: Striking Poses - Kiera Knightley_8
Photo 4: Ana_Mations - ANA_BabyDoll4_chest

Photo 5: Striking Poses - Sarah Michelle Gellar_1

My next Dress Me Up Challenge is from Ana Lutetia, who said "hmmm... me thinks neko! ^^"

I know, I know, I'm way behind.

I have to admit to being a little excited about this challege because I am somewhat of an Ana Lutetia fangirl. I read a lot of fashion blogs, but hers is definitely one of my favorites. So, her taking the time to give me a challenge, was very cool.

I had an outfit in mind the minute I read this challenge, the Plaid Short Set from Riddle and it's one I've blogged before, which is probably not the best plan, but it's perfect for the look I wanted to end up with. However, I did take this opportunity to go out and find the best tail and ears I could find. I have one pair, and they're...good. Just..not excitingly good, ya know?

My friend Sutcliffe had this amazing tail on one night, and after getting the landmark from him, I tp'd over to Urban Dare. I recognized the name from Ana's blog, but I'd not gone to explore it. I'm so glad I took the time now because I LOVE this store. There's so much to see and do on this SIM that I think I spent at least two hours there, and that's saying something for she who has been known to tp out of a store in less than a minute.

The first thing I bought was the ear and tails. The quality here is amazing. Now, if you've read any of my posts at all, you know I'm a big fan of versatility, and the Neko Furry Tail and Neko Ears are the epitome of that. They come with a ton of options, from tail and ear length, to colors, to sound...a drop down menu is full of fun choices to help you coordinate your tail and ears with your outfit. Or, if you prefer, you can wear the HUD that comes with. I got the version with Bells, and you can toggle the level of the sound as well, which is a nice touch. There are several options to choose from though if bells aren't your thing. Oh, and people can interact with your tail and ears, petting them, tickling them, etc. And if you're with someone that has the same tail and ears, they interact with each other as well. How fun is that? The tail was just 200L and the ears, 150L. I'd say that's more than a bargain for everything you can do with them.

More behind the jump!

Even if you don't want to go full neko, this store has some amazing accessories that you could wear with just about anything. From boots to collars, to piercings, Urban Dare has a little bit of everything. My favorites are the leather arm bracers and straps, which also come in several options. These can be worn with a lot of the outfits in my inventory.

I grabbed the Urban Dare Cream Skin with Red Lips and Runny Eyeliner and I have to say I'm highly impressed. Skins are a bit of a problem for me. I can never find any that look right on my avatar...but this one is fantastic. It still looks like me, and I love the combination of the runny mascara and bright red lips. Craven Theas has several fun skins for you to choose from, and at 500L they're a bit of a steal. Oh, and let's not forget the Neko eyes. I got these lovely Lucky Monkey Neko Eyes in Medium Blue/Green. They're quite stunning. I forgot to take them off when I changed clothes to do a photo shoot, and my client complimented me on them and ran to get some for herself. She was as in awe as I was at the choices for eyes here. Every color combination you can think of!

There are also other merchants at Urban Dare, and Little Nuisance is probably my favorite. I got this super cute Art Belt by Little Nuisance and Urban Dare for 150L. I can't decide what part of this belt I love more: the picture changing frame, the paint brushes, the crayons that say Urban Dare, or the box of Nerds.

I also got this fantastic Poloraid picture changing necklace and loaded it with photos. It's super fun and works great. Also, the razor blade hanging off the back is a great creative touch.

I had the pleasure of meeting the creator and an owner of the club on Urban Dare, Indira Wobbit. She was very nice, and it was a pleasure meeting her as well as the host of the club and Urban Dare Model, Andie Boozehound.

I will definitely be going back to Club Dare. The mix of music was perfect for me: a little Electronica, a little Goth, a little Industrial. The club itself is extremely well done; the atmostphere is very welcoming, and the entire sim is a photographer's dream. I found some fun little hidden pathways and took some snaps. I couldn't resist. ;)

So if you're interested in high quality Neko items or just fun accessories, check out Urban Dare. With such excellent quality and affordable prices, it's definitely a great place to shop.


Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio

Model Info:
Skin: Urban Dare - Cream, Red Lips, Runny Eyeliner
Eyes: Lucky Monkey - Neko Eyes Med Blue-Green
Hair: ETD - Aleah, Elika's Brown
Manicure: Sin Skins - Glitter Manicure, Black
Ears: Urban Dare - Neko Ear with Bells, Small
Tail: Urban Dare - Neko Furry Tail Long/Full - 3 Bells and Chain
Top: Riddle - Red Plaid Bikini
Bottoms: Riddle - Grey Plaid Shorts
Boots: WRONG - Basic Boots, Black
Tattoos: SN@TCH - Apnea Tattoos
PeppermintBlue - NekoPaws Tattoos Brown #01, 80%
Accessories:
Belt: Urban Dare/Little Nuisance - Leather Art Belt
Arm Straps: Urban Dare - Leather Arm Straps
Wrist Straps: Urban Dare - Leather Bracers, Double Strap

Jewelry:
Necklace: Little Nuisance - Polaroid Picture Changing Chain

Piercings:
Nose: Inks & Kinks - Diamond Nostril Stud
Lip: Shit Luck - Crossing Lip piercing, female
Eyebrow: G6 - Double Eyebrow Ring

Cajsa said: "I would love to see what eshi otawara outfit really draws your interest.Be sure to check out the second floor of her store as well as there's a lot up there and it's all on sale right now."

This was an interesting challenge. I've seen several of Eshi Otawara's designs before in Cajsa's blog and in other fashion blogs and magazines, but I'd never really spent time looking around her store. Her designs are unbelieveable, really. I'm in awe at the level of creativity on display there and can only imagine the time it takes to make such fantastical designs.

However, while I can appreciate the creativity involved, I can't say any of the designs really drew me in and made me fall in love. Of course, this is all a matter of personal taste and you may well find something there that you love. I hope you do, even...because the talent of Eshi Otawara should be appreciated.

I did find one dress on the second floor that I ended up buying, not only because I liked it but because it was a bit ironic. You see, Gabby Panacek did a review of this dress for Glamourazzi right after I joined the blog. I remember thinking how beautiful it was, and also knowing it was completely out of my price range. And now, because of this challenge, here I am reviewing the same dress. Things come full circle sometimes, don't they?

I bought the Smokey Tux Dress in Strawberry and once I put this glowing confection of a gown on, I immediately thought of Dracula. You can take the girl out of the Goth, but you can't take the Goth out of the girl. I'm afraid. So, of course, I tp'd over to the cemetary at Transylvania to photograph this fantastic dress.

Some interesting photos behind the jump.

One of the best features of this dress is the glowing skirt, and glow it does. If you look closely you can see how it lit up the bones in this coffin I'm kneeling on. This dress is just an absolute piece of art. The movement on the billowing skirt is lovely. It floats around your legs as you move, and the light coming from the skirt is a wonderfully creative touch. This is not the dress to wear if you're trying to blend into the crowd.

Of course, when you stand out in a graveyard, you should be prepared to attract attention.

Just like the movie. Well, as close as I can get anyway.

Check out Eshi Otawara's store when you get the chance. Be sure to check out the second floor where all the sale items are, including this lovely dress in it's myriad of color options. It would be a lovely addition to any wardrobe.

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio

Model Info:

Arcadia is wearing:
Skin: Celestial Studios - Charmed Skin 20 (Glitter- Silver 2)
Eyes: Eye AC - darkturquoise
Hair: ETD - Aiiyanna, Elika's Brown
Manicure: Sin Skins - Glitter Manicure, Crimson
Dress:Eshi Otawara (Chambre du Chocolat) - Smokey Tux Dress, Strawberry
Jewelry: Inks & Kinks - Diamond Nostril Stud
Pearl Choker that came with the dress
Bite Marks: Thirst::Bloodlines


Vampire Sutcliffe is wearing:
Skin: AVID - Vampire
eyes: AVID - goldfire
Hair: The Abyss - Illusion
Outfit: Van Helsing from Avid
Shoes: Van Helsing from Avid
Accessories: Bloodlines HUD and Fangs from Bloodlines