glamourazzi

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

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I discovered TRUTH while jumping from SIM to SIM searching for ghosts over Halloween weekend. It's an interesting store, with a vast array of items for both men and women (looks pointedly at Payten). My favorite item, though, is the Spy coat. I love it. I love everything about it; from the black color, to the shiny silver belt, to the fun zipper detail. The bottom of it moves beautifully as you walk and it definitely screams "Spy".

For the TRUTH photo contest, I headed over to AM Radio's Dancing Umbrellas Installation. Cajsa gave me the landmark for this when MDR did their shoot for Runway Magazine. That issue comes out this week, I believe, so be sure to pick up a copy and check out the feature on the ladies of MDR.

The contest rules are that you must wear TRUTH hair, clothing, and shoes so I paired the Spy Coat with the Huntress boots in night. Spy. Huntress. Midnight. Night. I feel like the next Bond girl! The Jennifer hair in Flame was the perfect compliment to the look.

This coat would look wonderful with almost anything you paired with it; i.e. jeans, black pants, etc. I chose to go without for the contest, which certainly works as well. Though you do have the added complication of people asking you if you're wearing anything underneath the coat. Perhaps it's more fun to leave them guessing.

Photo contest or no, I like TRUTH's style. There's a wide selection of hair, clothing, and shoes for both men and women. It's definitely worth stopping by on your next shopping trip around the grid.

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio

Model Info:
Skin: Celestial Studios - Charmed Skin 20 (Glitter- Silver 2)
Eyes: Eye AC - darkturquoise
Hair: TRUTH - Jennifer, Flame
Coat: TRUTH - The Spy, Midnight
Boots: TRUTH - Huntress Boots, Night
Jewelry: Inks & Kinks - Diamond Nostril Stud
Caroline's Jewelry - Graduated Diamond Set

Poses:

Photos 1 & 2 - Striking Poses - DQ2 - Bette Davis
Photo 3 - Striking Poses - Sandra Bullock Freebie Pose
Photo 4 - Striking Poses - DQ6 - Ann Margaret

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It is friendship week at caLLie cLine and what a fun week it has been so far! Last night, I popped in to pick up the Day Three gift and, of course, shop around a little bit (I managed to exercise a bit of self-control for once, but I know it won't last the week, so you can be sure there is a CC shopping spree in my very near future). As is the norm in caLLiefornia, you can't stop in without making a new friend (or five) because all of the girls in the Cal Gal group are just so amazing! Taking advantage of the poseballs caLLie has set out, Joonie, Sky2, Kurvy, Chanteusse, Clover and I set about creating our pyramid (that's me at bottom center). I think I need to find a good chiropractor.



If you haven't yet joined the Cal Gal group, now is the time! And not just because caLLie is so generous (though I gotta tell you, she lavishes gifts on this group like no other I am, or have been, a member of), but she is also an amazing designer. I simply can't resist picking up each new release and by now, I think I own almost all of the first floor.

Big hugs to caLLie and all of the Cal Gals for making this the best week ever...you all rock!

Oh...and one last thing...I was playing around with a black and white skin that I picked up from La Sylphide at the Rue d'Antibes sim opening, so I took a couple of pictures and sent them to Tucor, who added a little lighting effect to come up with this finished product. Here is a different take on the Fun in the Sun Dress, Fat Belt and matching bracelet that was the Day 2 gift.


What I'm wearing:
Dress: Fun In The Sun (Friendship Week Day 2 Gift) - Callie Cline
Shoes: Stiletto Moody Pumps (Color Change Version) - Stiletto Moody
Skin: Liliana Black and White-Noir - La Sylphide
Hair: Davina II in Black - ETD

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This past Sunday, I was feeling a little blue...Guy wasn't online yet, Pyper was nowhere to be found, Tucor was busy building his Lunar Landing and my inventory was just sitting there glaring at me, begging to be organized in some way. So, what's a girl to do? Why, go shopping, of course! I logged into my reader and checked out some of the blogs that I hadn't kept up with over the weekend and decided to visit the Gossip Girl Street Fair, based on a tip I picked up in the SL Free*Style blog. While wandering through the vendor's booths, I came across Rebel Hope. My eye instantly went to the stunning blue gown on the back wall. I immediately decided that this deep blue, sparkling confection would go a long way toward curing my Sunday Night Blues...I was not disappointed.

As if by magic, the instant I purchased the dress, Guy appeared online. I teleported home to show him my new dress and let's just say that his response erased any lingering blues that might have been hanging around. After adding a few accessories, Guy whisked me away for an evening of dancing aboard the RMS Titanic. (Another fantastic build...don't miss the poseballs at the bow of the ship for recreating the movie's iconic image.)

After dancing and exploring on deck, we decided to teleport to another dance venue where we encountered my old friend Ted and his lovely Ashby. ::waves:: It is always so nice to unexpectedly run into old friends on the grid.

Now, let me tell you about the dress that was the catalyst for this fantastic evening and the cure for my blues...

Rebel Hope's Lumiere Azure Limited Edition gown was created to celebrate Rebel Hope and RH Engel's third anniversary as Second Life content creators. From the high neck and plunging back to the mermaid skirt, this gown sparkles and shimmers in a deep shade of royal blue. According to the Rebel Hope blog, the dress was created in Windlight and this is the only color that it will be made in. Even after dancing in it for three hours, I still can't find the words to describe how beautifully it moves as it swishes and swirls around the dancefloor. The skirt comes in five parts, so that you can adjust the fullness to your individual liking.



To accessorize, I wanted to keep the jewelry light in color and chose classicly simple pieces. I opted for Rebel Hope earrings that I also picked up at the Gossip Girl Street Fair, the Claris White Pearl and Diamond Choker in Silver from Muse and the white gloves from Simone Stern's Cotillion Gown (awwww...this was my Maid of Honor dress from Pyper's wedding). For shoes, I chose Stiletto Moody's Elegant Slingbacks in Silver Twinkle. When it comes to hair, I normally stick to colors similar to ETD's blonde, but I tried on this Platinum shade from ETD and haven't been able to take it off. If only I had figured this out during the sale...*sigh* (see below for complete details)

The other thing I can't seem to take off lately...my new skin from Fleur. It is the Feline in Bronze 3 and I just love the cat-like liner on the eyes and I'm in love with the lip color. I purchased this skin with the 500L Gift Certificate that Roslin and CJ, in a display of their usual (and unparalleled) generosity, made available to members of the Fleur Update Group. A very big thank you to the Fleur team!

Okay...time for some accountability... I was out of commission for a week or so, and then I was just lazy. So, here is what I plan to bring to you this week (I'm thinking that if I put it into writing here, I will have to stick to it): An interview with Rose Farina and a review of her store Rose Petal Creations, more looks from Last Call, and a tour of some of my favorite places in SL. Then, for next week, I'll be working on a peek into my inventory spotlighting designs from Icing and Cupcake

All the Details:
Dress: Lumiere Azure - Rebel Hope
Gloves: Cotillion Gloves (part of outfit) - Simone
Necklace: Claris White Pearl and Diamond Choker in Silver - Muse
Earrings: Diamond Drop Earrings - Rebel Hope (free gift at the Gossip Girl Street Fair)
Ring: 16 Diamond Silver Band (London Collection) - Debbie Watson
Shoes: Elegant Slingback in Silver Twinkle - Stiletto Moody
Skin: Feline in Bronze 3 - Fleur
Eyes: FreshBlue, mid size - Glanz
Hair: Davina II in Platinum - ETD

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As I mentioned earlier this week, I spent a good deal of time at the Stiletto Moody sale last weekend. While coming out of my post-shopping-frenzy stupor, I noticed the most striking Avi at the front of the store. I immediately had to inquire as to where she found the fabulous outfit she was wearing. As luck would have it, the Avi in question was, in fact, the designer of said fabulous outfit! Within minutes, I had a landmark and found myself chatting with Ms. Iota Ultsch of Tres Jolie and her delightful assistant, BritneyParis Underwood in their boutique.

What a treat! I always enjoy meeting designers in-world, it really gives you the opportunity to "see" their designs from their point of view. I appreciated the way Iota was able to look at my skin and my hair and make suggestions as to which of her designs would best compliment my features.

I immediately fell in love with the green hue of the outfit that first drew me to Iota and snapped up Le Singe en Vert with it's faux fur empire waist, silk bow, cupro leggings and velvet top. We styled it with the Gold O Wedge from Stiletto Moody and some giant gold hoops that were a gift from Iota. Totally glam and completely fabulous! Of course, I couldn't get away without picking up a hot little platinum sequin cocktail dress and a darling little black dress.

Guy made such a fuss over the sequin dress, that you know I had to drag him back there with me the very next night! He generously purchased the Aboriginal Lace Dress for me (yes, he spoils me and yes, I love it!) Again Iota was in the store, quick to offer guidance for adjusting the dress to just the right color for my skin tone and she made several suggestions for the shoes, hair and jewelry that would best suit the dress and my avi.

The designs offered by Iota Ultsch at her Tres Jolie Boutique are not inexpensive...nor are they unreasonably priced. And, quite possibly, they are not for everyone. But, what I can tell you is this...Ms. Ultsch is an artist. Each texture is hand drawn, each seam is finished flawlessly and each piece transitions beautifully into the next. One only has to look at the creations "in-avi" to recognize the hours of work and meticulous attention to detail required to create a final product as well-crafted as those offered at Tres Jolie. These are quality items created by a designer who puts a higher priority on artistic expression and design than the quantity of items sold.

So, am I going to tell you to run down there and snap up every outfit in the shop? No. But, do make the time to visit the boutique, chat a little with Iota and BritneyParis, and treat yourself to an outfit or two that makes you feel a little more glamourous, a little more sexy or even a little more exotic. I, for one, look forward to collecting these wearable masterpieces created by a true fashion artist.

I think this is as good a time as any to address content theft in SL. There are a number of designers for whom I have great respect. These artists toil tirelessly to make sure that our avis are stylishly dressed and accessorized, that we have beautiful homes and furniture for relaxing, and that our skin, shapes and hair are always perfectly styled...we have so many options for creating cyber versions of ourselves (or our alter-egos) thanks in large part to the creativity, drive and talent of these enterprising individuals. They deserve our respect and admiration, and they deserve to be compensated for their efforts.

Content thieves rob these designers of their intellectual property and compensation. So, whether you choose to spend 5L for a dress or 15ooL...make sure that you are purchasing from the original creator of that dress. Do not support those who make their SL living by stealing from others. And if you find something you think has been stolen and copied, contact the original creator right away.

Until next time, Happy Shopping! And I hope to see you at Tres Jolie!

For a larger view of each photo, please visit our flickr site.

What I'm Wearing (visit our In-World Locations page for slurs and teleporting):
Left Photo
Dress: Tres Jolie - Platinum Limited Edition
Shoes: Stiletto Moodie - Elegant Slingback in Silver Twinkle
Hair: ETD - Ashley in Blonde

Center Photo
Dress: Tres Jolie - Aboriginal Lace Dress
Boots: Maitreya - Dune Boots in Brown
Jewelry: Last Call by Ginny Talamasca - Wood, Metal and Opal Jewelry Set
Hair: Analog Dog - New Pom Dark in Brown

Right Photo
Outfit: Tres Jolie - Le Singe en Vert
Shoes: Stiletto Moody - O Wedge in Gold
Jewelry: Gift from Iota - Gold Hoops
Hair: ETD - Sofia in Black

Photos by Tucor Capalini - Visit his Flickr page or contact him in-world.

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On Gabby:
All Clothing by Last Call
Hair by ETD
Boots by Lyra Muse for ::Vamp::
Heels by Stiletto Moody
Jewelry by Caliah Lyon for Muse

On Pyper:
All Clothing by Last Call
Hair by ETD
Boots by Lyra Muse for ::Vamp::
Heels by Devyn Carmichael for ::Vamp::

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Recently, as I wandered around the local Barnes & Noble, I noticed a few books about Second Life. I knew they were out there, but I'd never actually looked through any of them. As I flipped to the back of the book about how to become a successful entrepreneur in SL, I noticed an ad for Creating Your World: The Official Guide To Advanced Content Creation For Second Life. Interesting, thought I. But, alas, the book was not in stock and I had gift certificates just begging to be used. And then, divine intervention. The salesperson reminded me that gift certificates could be used for internet purchases. Color me happy. The book arrived last week...

Color me confused.

It is a great book, don't get me wrong. Well organized, cleanly written, relatively easy to follow (provided you have at least some basic knowledge of SL, the client viewer menus, and building). So why, then, am I confused?

I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. The possibilities are literally endless. I love the idea of being an animator. But, what about building furniture? I could animate the sit positions. Oh, I know, I could make Clothing or Jewelry (but let's be honest, I am much better at shopping than I am at creating original, intricate and detailed clothing...so many others do it so well).

I think for a while I will just really commit myself to spending some time each day in content creation, talking to the people who have been successful in bringing their talents to SL (see note below) and practicing the skills I know and learning new ones.

So, dear readers, the questions are these: What should I be when I grow up? And what do you want to be when YOU grow up?

Until next time... do something, learn something, find something new...remember it is up to you to Create Your World!


...Check back later this week...Pyper and I are preparing a very special post all about Second Life Clothing Designer, Model, SpokesAvatar and Business Owner....Callie Cline! You won't want to miss our interview with Callie and a photo album of her designs...

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Okay, number one. All evidence to the contrary, The Sound Of Music is not my favorite movie...but i had the opportunity to watch it again last weekend and it sort of inspired the theme of this post and has sort of taken on a life of its own. My favorite movie? That would be The Godfather, and Gone With The Wind, and The Contender, and The Cutting Edge (yes, the one with DB Sweeney and Moira Kelly. It's cheesy, I know), and...well, there are alot of movies that I love and could watch time and time again...maybe one day that topic will become a post of it's own. But, I digress...

Getting back to the topic at hand...some of my favorite things in SL are:

My amazing group of friends: Guy, Pyper, Tucor, Payten...these are the people who know me best and put up with me anyway (lol?). Actually, I have this network of SL friends whom I have met over the last six months or so...and they really make SL interesting. Each of them is unique and special in their own way and I love them all dearly. ::hugs:: And that will conclude the sappy part of our program.

Second Life Fashion: I am continually amazed by the creativity and talent dispayed by those who create the fun and functional for dressing up (or down) our avatars. I could list all of my favorite designers, but it seems I add a new one each day. I will be sure to talk about them all as I blog my way through SL for you.

Content Creation: I have discovered something very odd...I like to build (shock!). Really, ever since Tucor taught me to torture my first prim, I have been addicted. Sadly, I don't have the talent or knowledge yet to do everything I want to do, so I bother poor Tucor to distraction with what I'm sure he considers to be the stupidest of questions. But, I have found that I like, and am getting pretty good at, creating animations. This was a complete surprise to me. I'll tell you more about my adventures in animations and highlight some of the wonderful builds that can be enjoyed in SL.

My Inventory: Yes, it is a mess. Yes, it is desperate need of organizing. Still, I love it dearly. My SL New Year's Resolution was to not purchase anything else until it was clean and organized. But with a sale starting at ETD today, I'm pretty sure that resolution won't last out the week. But, I do have some really cool stuff that I just adore. Such as...

• Anything by Callie Cline. Especially her limited edition Diamond Dust gown and the Sapphire gown that Guy had made for me for Christmas...a one-of-a-kind gown made just for me...could he spoil me any more? I think not.
• Mystitool HUD. I love this radar and I wear it all of the time. Not only do I know who is around me at all times, I can rez posing stands, tables and chairs when i need a seat, control my flight speed, keep my favorite landmarks handy and so much more.
• Stiletto Moody Python Slingbacks. If there is a hotter shoe on the grid, I haven't found it yet.
• My Photo Album. I take pictures of everything and you will see alot of them here. These are my SL memories...some better than others, but all important to who Gabby is today.
• My Inventory Storage Boxes and Texture Organizers from THiNC. When I use them, they are fabulous!
• My Chimera. I have loaded it with all of my favorite dances from Sine Wave and I love it. It is perfect for those times when the club dance ball just won't do.

There you have it...a little about me via the things I love most in Second Life. Until next time...

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