My 18th Century Life

In my  18th-century life, I'm the 18-year-old daughter of a a French Marquis of a well-connected line and modest fortune.  Papa has announced that his most important project of this season is to help me find a good husband.  This spring was a flurry of fabrics and styles and fittings to prepare for presentation at the Royal Court, all supervised by the discriminating eye of my dear aunt.

Here I am on the day I was presented to His Royal Majesty and the Court at Versailles.

I absolutely ADORE this gown, made for me by Madame swaffette Firefly, of 

sf design.  It is a lovely mix of velvet of the deepest burgundy and exquisite Belgian lace in an ecru color.  Its lines set off my figure in a way designed to tantalize the eye of any man, yet still remain within the bounds of propriety.   The sheer gloves run the length of my arm, and are trimmed with the most delightful of ribbons.  It makes me feel like the belle of the ball, and not a child from a small country estate.  Dressed like this, I hope to attract the attention of a husband this season.  I pray that the man my father approves will be kind and thoughtful, handsome, and neither too old nor too young.  Wish me luck!

Gown:     Cordelia, by swaffette Firefly of sf design

Hair:       Mirabella, by Enigma

Skin:       Oleana (Pale), by Amacci

Jewelry:  Shaina, by Lazuri

Fan:        Almond Lace Fan, by Urid Dal's Hat Shop

Inworld Location:  Chateau de Versailles2

Photo:     Jeannie Dreamer

THE WELL-CLAD PIRATE

SWASHBUCKLERS FOR LIFE'S

WALK THE PLANK FASHION SHOW

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. SLT

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Caledon/25/98/23

Ahoy, ye scoundrels, scalawags, pirates and wanna-bes!  Ye'll want to be in attendance this coming Saturday for the Swashbucklers for Life's third annual WALK THE PLANK FASHION SHOW, a Relay for Life of Second Life event.  

It is co-sponsored by Black Moon Marauders, one of the most infamous pirate groups of Caledon, and Team Caledon, the Relay for Life team of the Independent State of Caledon. The show staff and models are all volunteers from the Black Moon Marauders who enjoy having fun while raising funds for the American Cancer Society.  The design houses included this year are among the top fantasy clothing designers on the grid:  Avatar Bizarre, BlakOpal, Caverna Obscura, Designs by Isaura, Evie's Closet, and Suki's Silks.


Here is a sneak peek at what you will see on the runway (er, plank):

Corsair, by Isaura Simon of Designs by Isaura

Modeled by Chriss Braveheart, photo by Jeannie Dreamer

Dashing Pirate by blakopal Galicia of BlakOpal Designs

Modeled by Jayleden Miles, photo by Nyree Rain

Lumina Mermaid by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet

 Modeled and photographed by Nyree Rain

Rusalka II by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura

Modeled and Photographed by Zahra Ethaniel

Now,  I've seen photos of the designs from Suki's Silks, and they are gorgeous, but I can't publish them because they are yet to be released.  Be among the very first to see them at Saturday's event!

SWASHBUCKLERS FOR LIFE'S

WALK THE PLANK FASHION SHOW

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. SLT

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Caledon/25/98/23

Relay for Life of Second Life is conducted by volunteers all across Second Life in support of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and raises many thousands of US$ each year to support cancer research.  If you cannot attend the show but would like help, you can make a secure donation at this American Cancer Society web page:  

http://tinyurl.com/rflconvio2013tc

Belle of the Fantasy Ball

I was invited to a fantasy event last weekend, The Lost Hall Ball, so I set out to find a fantastic gown for the event.  I found what I sought at Jessie Auer's !!!Quality Designs!!! in the form of the Victoria Formal Gown in a luscious dark red velvet.

The gown, in the French Renaissance style, has a gold-embroidered corset set above a luxurious skirt of draped velvet.  Peeking out below is an underskirt in a wonderfully textured gold print.  Optional sleeves and modesty panel above the bodice are available.  It's a pity the photo doesn't show the matching ankle boots, so here they are!

Hair is Alanis by Alli&Ali, and jewelry is "Only You" by Zuri.

The setting for this wonderful soiree was a long-lost ballroom on a mountain lake created by Blondbear Santiago.  We danced to the strains of music fit for the princes and princesses we were.

MY FINAL EXAM AT CWS

This evening was my final exam for the Basic Modeling Course at the University of Classic With Style.  It has been a whirlwind month of daily classes and weekly evaluations, meeting new people, learning new skills, stretching, trying new things, and alternately feeling terrified and exhilarated.

I was as ready as I knew how to be.  The final was conducted by Janet Brink, the Dean of Students at UCWS.  I had been told to prepare a gown with appropriate styling, and to prepare 21 poses and a default.  From that I assumed that the walk would be the Styling Event walk we had learned.

No matter how well prepared you think you are, there are always surprises.  I was instructed not to say or ask anything during the procedure, only to answer the questions put to me and do what was asked of me.  There was one instruction I misunderstood, but -- oh well!  I did the best I could.

One of the exercises was to do a character test and photograph it.  I'm sure everyone in Second Life has seen this before, but to the left is the result of my character test.  At least I was in a pose, and not the dorky newbie stance!  From there, I was asked to do a quick change into a swimsuit outfit.  After a few more questions I was given a list of landmarks for the CWS runways and asked to photograph them and describe them here in my blog.  At the school building we worked with three different runways.  I knew there were a few more, but there were some I'd never heard of or seen.  Hence my description of these will be somewhat sketchy.

The first show I saw at CWS, when I had signed up for classes, was the Beach Runway.  It is set on a lovely beach, a wooden runway surrounded by comfortable wicker chairs and shaded by palm trees.  We trained on a replica of this runway at the school facility, and it is a linear walk, from a backstage A (at the right of the photo), to the dot to the right of the center stage, then to point A (at the bottom of the center circle), then B (at the top of the center circle), then one more stop in the center of the runway on the B side and into the B backstage area.

The next venue was the Ballroom Runway.  It has three walks all leading to the center stage, and is decorated in neon colors.  While I was there the colors of the runways changed, but I didn't stay to figure out the sequence.  There are two grand pianos, one on each side of the center runway, and very comfortable-looking seating for the audience.  Since I have never seen it before, any comments on how it might be used would be pure speculation on my part. 

The third location was the Black and White Runway - again, one I had never seen before.  Its runway has a black center aisle surrounded pools with swans swimming in them.  The flooring is black and white marble, with comfortable chairs in black and white for the audience.  Once again, I cannot say what the walk pattern might be.

 This is called the Blue Venue, although it certainly looks red and gold to me.  Perhaps it is so named because the backstage area opens onto the blue ocean. I have yet to learn about how this venue is used.

At the Dome Runway I am back in familiar territory, as we trained on a replica of this at the University building, and I saw a show here last week. This has three runways, of which the center is used solo, and the two side runways are walked by two models with poses in sync with each other. Again, it has  plenty of comfortable seating for the audience.

This is the Main Stage, perhaps the most familiar to me, as we trained on its replica at the school, and I watched two styling events and participated in two on this stage.  The way I saw it used was by a solo model in the center runway who poses on her way out, and around the main stage circle.  The dots on the side wings are for models to wait onstage until all have completed their walks

The Red Pageant Stage I saw when I did the blog entry on the Top Model Pageant on May 19.  It is formal and elegant in its styling, with "fleurs de lys" patterns on the main runway, surrounded by sunken red carpeted runways that were used for the finale with all the models onstage.  The seating is modern and comfortable, and the entire area is surrounded with red and gold satin draperies.  Very elegant indeed!

And with this I have completed the blog entry portion of my final exam, and I leave with fingers and toes crossed, hoping for a good result!

A PREVIEW OF NEW SASCHA GOWNS

On Saturday May 25, Classic With Style did a fashion show previewing new gowns from Sascha Frangilli, designer and owner of Sascha's Designs.  Now, Sascha being one of my favorite designers in SL, I was eager to see what she will be releasing over the next weeks and months.

There were 19 outfits presented in at least 36 configurations, as one of the features of Ms. Frangilli's offerings is multiple options in one package.  So rather than present all of what I saw, I'll pick the highlights to share with you.

Please note that these designs are a preview of what is to come.  To receive notifications of the releases of these outfits, join the group at Sascha's main store at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Coco%20Beach%20Kelina/253/202/24

LUNA

As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing as sexy as a black dress.  With the wide shoulders and the feathery skirt that moves as you walk, the LUNA gown fits the bill nicely!  Model:  Liberty Lighthouse



POONA

 Another "little black dress" with a ruffle that frames the face.  The layered skirt leaves the right leg bare.  This will leave that special someone speechless!  Model:  ladysunfire Erin



SPARKLE NAUGHTY

This shimmery delight comes in several colors and seems to change as you move.  With a daring V in the front, it covers the essentials, but tantalizes the eyes.  Model: Sidney Abbot


SHAY

The Shay gown is available in many colors and three different skirt options.  The irregular neckline and the form-fitting bodice attract the eye while still maintaining your modesty.  Model: Bell Frayar


FOOLS

Sibilantly sexy, this reptilian texture fascinates the eye.  Like most of Sascha's designs, it comes in several colors and with several options.  Model:  Sidney Abbot.

ACCACIA

This gown will definitely turn heads when you walk into a room.  With a lace bodice covering just barely enough, and exposing your right leg to the hip, it will show off your form without offending the most sensible sensibilites.  Model:   Liberty Lighthouse.

SAVANNAH

I'm a sucker for the eye-catching, elegant daytime dress.  This offering is tantalizing, yet suitable for the afternoon business appointment.  Model: Lil2imp

These are just a few of the offerings you will see at Sascha's Designs for the coming season.  You can see them as they are released at Sascha's main store
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Coco%20Beach%20Kelina/253/202/24

CLASSIC WITH STYLE'S TOP MODEL PAGEANT, MAY 19, 2013

This was the first big pageant I attended.  The splendor and imagination did not disappoint.

I bring you a summary of the swimsuit round and the final round in formal attire.

The theme was Futuristic, and the swimsuits showed a great deal of imagination in interpreting the future.

Mr. Zigrich Zsigmond

PULSAR swimwear by SySti Cisse

Griddie Lunch headgear

MetaTheodora Heavy Space collar and

MetaTheodora JAEGEN Spine Implant by Sion Pearl

EL-Bra shield by Brice Z Bonetto

I-Tron watch by Tron Furuseth

Hollow Badge future scanner by Sov Meriman

BIOMECHANOID Neptune Shoes

Ms. LizzyLola 

Swimsuit:  Robotic from Ash's Trash

Boots:  from [sYs] PULSAR

Body Tattoos:  *MSS* Cyborgian Inserts White

Futuristic Swim Cap, Fingerless Gloves, Neckband unattributed

Ms. Liberty Lighthouse

Swimsuit:  Gizza
Sculpted Leather Boots:  ezura
Bracelets, earrings, necklace and arm bands:  Chop    Zuey
Feather Brows:  Vita's Boudoir
Makeup: [Gauze]
Hair:  HOB
Black feather collar unattributed

Ms Agee Canto

Choker and Boots:  [sYs]
Swimsuit, snorkel, and helmet unattributed

Ms. Sidney Abbot

Swimsuit: Avant Garde E.T. Outfit Red by Ezura
Boots:  Avant Garde E.T. Boots by Ezura
Headpiece:  Avant Garde E.T. Hair Piece by Ezura
Eyebrows:  Swan Jeweled Brows by Purple Moon
Hair:  Fantasia by Mad Design
Makeup:  Red Planet by Madrid Solo

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

Top Model Ms. Sidney Abbot

Photo courtesy Janet Brink

Gown:  Fairway Noir by Utopia

Hair:  Stradivarius by Vanity Hair

Heels:  Eternity by N-Core

Earrings and Ring:  Gold Sassy White Pearl Set by Alienbear Design

Makeup:  Brilliance Eye Makeup by Glamorize

First Runner-Up Mr. Zigrich Zsigmond

Outfit unattributed

Second Runner-Up Ms. Liberty Lighthouse

Gown:  Tribal Glam by Utopia

Tribal Headpiece, Shoulder Feathers, and Tribal Skull Collar by Utopia

Earrings:  Tarika Claw Silver Earrings by ZC

Heels:  Open Toe Silver Stiletto Heels by N-Core

Makeup:  Fantasy Makeup by Madrid Solo

Third Runner-Up Ms. LizzyLola Resident

Gown:  Pink and White Orchid Dress by Utopia

Jewelry by Lazuri

Orchid Headpiece by Utopia

Heels:  Nude Stilettos by N-Core

Fourth Runner-Up Ms. Agee Canto

Outfit pieced together by Ms Canto using work of many designers.

The Jazz Age -- a new freedom

Tuesday evening I participated in a styling event at Classic With Style on the JAZZ AGE theme.  To me the time known as "The Jazz Age" was a time of rapid social change from a restrictive Edwardian era to a more daring and experimental time, especially for women.  The US, with it's Puritan background, had met Europe face-to-face in The Great War.  Many had witnessed first-hand the breakdown of society on the front line, where for the populace, survival was the only issue.  After the war, and the influenza epidemic that followed close on its heels, the younger generation had a more imminent sense of its own mortality.

In terms of popular society in the US, that translated into a more hedonistic approach.  The constrictive, modest fashions of the elder generation were thrown over for clothing allowing for more freedom of movement, and yes, for a more unrestricted view of a woman's body.  The popularity of Jazz music, made available to all by the invention and adoption of the home radio, assisted in this change by blurring the lines of racial segregation in the US a bit.  The music clearly had African-American roots, but was enjoyed by all.  In a generation who felt the pressure of living in the moment (for the future was uncertain), it became much more common to experiment with alcohol, drugs, and sex.

Here is my interpretation of the thoroughly modern girl of the 1920's.  Papa turned a blind eye, and Mother did NOT approve!

Dress:   Fame Dress (red) by MOLiCHiNO
Skin:     Heather Porcelain Skin (Makeup 8) by TuTy's
Hair:     Romantic by TuTy's
Belt:     Cinch-Belt in Black  by [Gos]
Gloves: Long Satin Gloves (black) by VictoriaV
Cigarette:  Long Cigarette by Purple Poses
Boa:     A Few Feathers Boa (black) by ! Laville !
Earrings:   Tokyo Tears (red) by Maxi Gossamer
Bracelet:   Kassandra Gold Red Sequin by TST
Shoes:  A Touch of Elegance Heels (Reds) by Cerri's
Location:  The Eldorado Club, 1920s Berlin

CWS Styling Event

The Best of Hollywood

There's always something going on at Classic With Style!   Monday evening I went to a styling event themed around "The Best of Hollywood", where I saw four gorgeous models strutting their interpretation of the topic.

First on the runway was Ms. Sidney Abbot posing as Angelina Jolie ready to claim her Oscar wearing the "Thread Bare Silk Gown (Dusk)" by Mohna Lisa Couture.  Her shapely shape is "Angelina Jolie" by Body Doubles, skin is "Claudia 2" by LAQ.  Her hair is "Jolie Hair" by LeLutka, jewelry "June Set" by Virtual Impressions, shoes "Infinity Snow" by N-Core, and makeup by Blacklace.  Ms. Sidney looks every inch a winner!

Next was LadySunFireErin and her recreation of Joan Crawford.  She creates the late 40's look in this stunning burgundy dress.  This photo doesn't do the dress justice -- the texturing is magnificent!

Jewelry is by Purple Rose and shoes by N-Core.  Other items are unattributed. 

Ms. LadySunFireErin created an elegant outfit with stylish poses to match.  Gorgeous!

Ms Jene Rene Canis captured the look of the 20's with this outfit based on the new movie "The Great Gatsby".  Her distinctively 20's gown is "The Great Gatsby" from White Armory, her skin is "Mairi" and her eyes from the "Colorful Collection", both by Dulce Secrets, and her shoes are "Cream Puff" by The Curious Seamstress.  She looks ready for a night on the town where she's sure to steal the heart of a gentleman or two!

The final model to present was the irrepressible Ms. Becky Kènaan, also representing the 1920's, but as the beginning of the "Golden Age" that produced the "Best in Hollywood", including films, stars, fashions, and increased freedom for women.

Her shape is "Drunna" by Kitori, skin is "Curio Breeze Sundust" by Tyr Rozenblum, eyes are "Expressive Eyes BIG" in gray by Nany Merllin.  Her hat is "Cloche Agnes" with blonde hair by Nurielle Damiano, and her dress and gloves, also by Ms. Damiano, are the "Agnes 1920 Dress" and "Agnes Gloves".  Her "Djinnie Sheer Sleeves" and "Djinnie" jewelry are by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura, and her shoes are "Aura (Champagne)" by N-Core.

And after all the presentations were done, Ms. Kènaan grabbed a member of the audience to dance the Charleston on stage!

The winners of the Styling Event were in first, LadySunFireErin, second, Becky Kènaan, and tied for third, Jene Rene Canis and Sidney Abbot.  The Judge was Ms. Laci Rossini-Washborne and the hostess was Ms. Janet Brink.

University of Classic with Style

Classic with Style Magazine

Classic with Style Blog

CWS Calender Models

Here it is -- the one thing I have been dreading about becoming a model -- a blog.  I'm more nervous about this than I was my first time on a runway!  I mean, what can I possibly say that hasn't already been said?

Reservations notwithstanding, I've taken the plunge.  Time will tell what comes of this venture.  (Thank you instructors at UCWS for giving me the kick in the behind I needed to get started on this!)

There may or may not be some significance to the fact that I am creating my first blog post on my first rezday.

I imagine that the more I post the more comfortable I will feel with sharing my experiences.  I'm basically very shy unless with people I know well.  Perhaps I'll get to know you . . .