It's XMAS!!! And HAPPY HOLIDAYS hunt is soon!

Been a great year, for sure. Looking forward to many more fashion filled SL years to come *Crosses fingers* \^_^/. HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

As we all know, I simply adore Son!a's Luxury Fashion clothing. And this year for the 'HAPPY HOLIDAYS HUNT' starting on the 10 of December, we are getting a festive, yet very versatile edition of her 'with love' dress for 10L.

The dress can be worn with or without the lovely skirt. The flared skirt adds that extra fire to the ensemble, and creates an original eclectic style.
Without the skirt, the outfit becomes a sleek sexy mini dress, that hugs your curves in all the right places. Enjoy!



More pics and different colours can be seen here :- http://www.flickr.com/photos/silenaconstantine/

And for that added teaser, check out Sonia's blog. It will keep you up to date, on the 2nd edition of her holiday collection being released on the 10th. I eagerly await them, with as much patience as any fashion addict can muster...lol ( http://sonia28-jie.blogspot.com/2010/12/holidays-part-2-collection-holidays.html )

Son!a - Nymph (Green & Yellow) Modavia 2010

Modeled and photographed by Silena Constantine

Hair - Sayuri by Sparkle Skye (Another wonderful Hair Fair find)
Skin - LAQ (Tess2)
Eyes - Poetic Eyes - limited summer edition 2009 'Dry Soil'
Earrings - Swallowtail Designs ' Coral Earrings' by Natsuko Paravane.
Outfit - Son!a 'Nymph' in green and yellow
AO - Milky House 'Haruno Hasakura' Mermaid - RD

LM - slurl.com/secondlife/Milky%20House/45/206/7

I was born on an island, the ocean has a special place in my heart. There is nothing more serene and calming to me than the clash of waves along the shore lines and in true Trini form, vibrants surroundings, a good meal and family around...lol

This gown brings to the design world of SL, a whole new take on Nymphs.
It embraces the wondrous colours and seductive beauty the ocean has always held. The detailing of the coral pieces, holds true to the oceans majestic beauty and the fragility of this delicate plant(technically a mix of plant and animal life).

It encompasses all aspects of the seductive daughters of the ocean, in a regal astonishing piece.
The colour combinations are intense, with an effervescence I have come to expect of Son!a's pieces.
It is one of my most adored fantasy pieces to date, and I believe many that appreciate the mermaid rp or ocean nymph ideal in general, can appreciate the detail and couture flair this gown embodies.

Parts of this gown that are most fun - One top option has bubbles that are great for pictures and the same accented top without the bubbles as a 2nd top option, you also get a basic top without the shell and coral accessories (Which I think is a loss, as I adore those plants (slash animal mix) immensely)- That's my own bit of bias there...lol

The wings of the outfit add a very regal aspect to the gown and can be worn with or without them. It seems to add a mystical aura to the gown when worn.

The skirt and wings part of the ensemble, comes with resize scripts, making for an easy fit.

Overall this outfit is simply gorgeous, and I will definitely be adding more of them to my collection, as they come in 4 colours.

Hair Fair 2010 - Flicker Contest

Ok, I actually did something productive on SL/flicker with my photos.

Hair fair 2010 on SL is 'Major'. My friend Madison has been talking about it since July...it doesn't start until September (Hair Fair is 4th September - 19th September)...lol. You got to admire her passion for hair shopping.

So thought I'd add some pics to the flicker site. I was lucky enough to have 3 pics accepted, as there was, I am told, a screening process. I am honored they were even accepted.

So as my support to this cause, and to those that read my blog, I will post pictures on the hair fair and offer you a chance to win a $5000L shopping spree after it opens, if you can correctly identify the hair pics I post (I am thinking to just post 10 pics in total).

Bonne Chance! (I learnt some French from one of my patients this summer...Now just watch my spelling of it be wrong...lol)

Flicker Site for the hair fair Contest - http://www.flickr.com/groups/hairfair2010/

~Silena Constantine~

Unfortunately the hair fair has crashed me, sent me through the ground, walls, tents, hairs stands to a point I found it most annoying. So I decided on this for a contest... First 2 people to send in a picture of their hair fair experience get $2500L each, to spend as they see fit. Enjoy ^_^

Technical Difficulties - AKA - The move...lol

I forgot my log in name and password and pretty much the blog! Plus I moved, and did lose internet for 3 days...3 DAYS! was scary...rofl

But I didn't forget your pics you sent in, so as an apology and as a thank you for all your effort, in response to said blog contest. Everyone got 1st place on this contest, and have now received their Linden prize. CONGRATS!

Whew, I hope you guys can forgive me.

So yeah blog blog blog...it's summer...I so want to be lazy and not bother with the internets...

BUT! I have been inspired by my friends wedding to come. Maybe she will let me feature her gown hunt for her and her bridesmaids *smiles angelically*... I look forward to this new adventure.

~Silena~

Lapointe and Bastchild

(Picture by Silena Constantine)

For the Traditional bride, that wants that vintage flare. I give you "Desire" by Lapointe.
It's their newest I believe, but it was my necessary random buy...
I had my moment of shopping, shopping..bored *harass Jodie in IM*...shopping...'zoom in' omg....CUTE moment. "How classic!"

Sil - "Jodie...do I need another bridal gown?"
Jodie - "Really Sil?...Really?" (equates that to... wth woman, you have never been married sl or rl...you obsession is creeping me out)...
Sil - Glad we agree *buy*...lol

In all very well made, I would have liked to have seen a resize script for the veil and skirt part especially, as I'd hate to have lots of curves and be incapable of fitting a gown to my shape, as my editing skills are not as good as Jodie's (as she is maybe 5 feet tall by SL standards and is forced to edit pretty much everything she wears...lol.)
But as credit to Lapointe they do make their skirts modifiable, so you can add resize scripts to the item, if you know how too. If not, I say ask the guys and gals at the main door, they are always friendly and willing to help (trust me I know first hand..."why won't my gift card let me shop...*weeps*...Isabelle, Arton or Gil to the rescue...rofl)
The texture of the gown is beautiful and there is great attention to detail and flow of the skirt, so that it does not end up in the floor rather than around you, major yays on that.
The jewelry by Bastchild added just enough depth to the outfit, and served to accentuate the gold of the gown without over powering it, the pearl drop and diamonds added that ethereal kiss to the entire look.

Side Note :- Hair by Vanity Hair (Venice 'blonde'), works beautifully with the rose and lily prims of the veil.
Pose by - Deeposed - www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&Mercha...

(Model - Jodie Keng wearing Swear - 'Insolent')

Stepping into a more casual aspect of clothing, we see Lapointe bringing a new flare to the competitive world of SL fashion. Prims and exquisite texturing are in harmony that serve to better extenuate the curves of any female. We look forward to the progress of their Swear line.

ROZOREGALIA! My obsession... And an amazing find

I had spent 2 hours obsessively seeking a necklace I had seen on a picture in a store. I am one of those people, if I like it, I want it...and my goal was to attain it that night, and I was going to find it! I started sifting through stores I knew sold jewelry, clearly if I had never seen it before... it could not be at my regular haunts, I began to sift through SL's search for jewelry stores, then it dawned on me! XStreet would be sure to have something to point me in the right direction. Nothing, then I saw it..."Vinitas' by Yumi Pausch

( Picture taken and modeled - Silena Constantine)

https://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=1497204

Was there more? I began to look for the stores name to find a main store...I had found one outlet, and there was the necklace...but...there might be a fat-pack at the store... and why own one, when I could own all? I lucked out, the owner happened to be at the outlet in the mall and was kind enough to give me the LM to her main. Necklace, bracelet, earrings and anklets...I am in complete heaven!


https://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=1345510

AND! Major plus side, I found the perfect gift for my brother and his fiancee...Gothic to their very core, and wonderful people, they took me a picture for my blog to show of the beautiful pieces. Thank You both for being so amazing!
They are so cute! <3
The pieces they wear reflect their individual style, Vice wears the necklace set from the Nornir collection and unisex piercings, while Perhaps dons the choker, that compliment their bodies frame respectably. Two enchanting pieces, for equally inspiring people.

(Picture by Vice Cale- Featuring Models - Vice and Perhaps)

What can I say about their virtual jewelry? The detail of each piece is exquisite, paying close attention to the look and elemental aspects of the piece. I would gladly don them real life.
They take the concept of jewelry design to different heights and do not hesitate to push the boundaries of the acceptable norm we have in our mind about these accessories.
Rozoregalias scripts even allow you to change the colours of the gems within the jewelry, giving you many options for your daily outfits and allowing once more, for you to customize your look to better suit every aspect of your individual style.

I look forward to your future creations, as it is a store I find myself returning too very often in hopes of new releases.

~Silena Constantine~

Contest Take 3 - Amount up for grabs $2400L

It's Summer finally!!!! (Ok. maybe officially in a month...rofl)
Trust me it's worth celebrating, some places in Canada had snow last week..THE HORROR! You might as well be swearing using the word 'snow'...lol

To welcome summer (early) in the virtual world, I want to know how your taste for clothing changes. How does your fashion sense reflect the weather in the real world. Ladies and gents, I give you the opportunity to sizzle the blog pages with your hot summer picks, your choice clothing for the season.

Good Luck and Enjoy!

You can send the pictures in world, or post them as a reply to this blog. I wish you the best!

1st prize $1000L

2nd prize $800L

3rd prize - $600L
(Contest ends - July 1st, 2010.)

~Silena Constantine~

Sartoria Review

(Photo by - Silena Constantine. Featuring Model - Garon)

To those that sent in their 1 paragraph write up, I do thank you for your time and effort, all entries will receive a 500L thank you gift in their account for said task. Congrats to the recipients!

The winner of this particular contest was Nic Lacombe, who I dear say rivals my own fashion adoration! His critic was short and sweet, having stated...

(Photo By Nono Nozomi, Featuring Model/Contest Winner Nic Lacombe)

"I've found the textures to be some of the most realistic available, with minor details such as wrinkles and shadows that give the fabric a wonderful 3d effect. Most of the jeans come with prim legs which by now, is almost required for sharp dressing in sl. Overall, a great shop with good selections and not bad prices." Very honest Nic, thank you for taking to time to share your thoughts about what you enjoy about this stores designs, enjoy your gift for your wonderful review.

I personally found Sartoria to have a very tame, but sophisticated take on casual male clothing. It maybe a bit predictable, but very well made and with great detail. I don't particularly see many men on SL wearing a plum feathered hat with horns and a few diamonds (Gah, the horrid thought that it may exist...lol), but a nice casual sweater, with wonderful textures and a nice pair of jeans, that allows for that sense of masculine individuality, most definitely.
Sartoria's formal male clothing as shown below was very well made, with a great eye for small details, that gave the ensemble just the right edge it needed. I find the suits merely accentuate the male form, without overpowering the models frame, it does not make the model look overly buffed and as I call them 'roid droids' (steroid user, for our laymen), there is something to be said for quiet demure, that serves to merely add to the individual, than overpower their being. Great work Sartoria, I must say I am impressed and so to are your loyal customers.

~Silena Constantine~

For more pictures of Nic Lacombe in his fave Sartoria outfits, taken by Nono Nozomi. A YouTube link for your viewing pleasure ladies and gents!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8sWIpAAKu8

This piece again is accompanied by the exquisite Britpants, Valerie blouse and Gingko Flexi Dress/tulip (undershirt). And that has to be one of the reasons I tend to shop at LeeZu!. The layers... undershirts, shirts, jackets you have your pick. You can wear the entire ensemble as is or mix and match to your hearts content. It gives you the freedom you need to be that individual, allowing you the choice to add that personal flare to anything you wear.

This outfit is the "NOiR - Van Elisabeth Dress" by LeeZu! With it's sexy curves and plunging neckline, this outfit is far from conservative, but embodies the elegance one would expect from a formal gown. The hat is my favourite part of this outfit as it adds to the whimsical charm of the entire piece. The dragon eyes caressing the bust-line at first were alarming, but one could not help but be drawn into the allure of the ideal, gems were common place, the eyes add a touch of that sl design edge we have come to adore from LeeZu!.

This outfit is comprised of the Margo Jacket, and Britpants by LeeZu! To me this outfit says classic suave, with a scandalous edge. It pushes the boundaries of fashion on SL, giving me personally the feeling of sexy meets bad ass. And the gun adds that extra bit of "I dare ya"...In all it's two of my favourite pieces by this designer mainly because it allows me to pair it with a lot of different options, allowing for versatility, impeccable textures, without losing that very sexy feminine feel.

My personal view on SL fashion is honest...

I don't care if your rocking a 50L or a 5000L outfit, it's not and never will be how much you spent on it, but how you wear it. Don't think because your shoes costs more than your skin you look fab, cause honey it's just drab...
In real life I have seen many make Chanel look like bargain basement crap, and there are many on SL that do the same, to some very pricey yet horribly uninspiring pieces.

Clothing to me is the complete freedom of expression of the individual behind the avatar. As it is in real life. The brand you wear does not make or define you and doesn't define your social standing. What you wear should merely frame what is already there, the individual
My goal is not to discredit designers, but hope to point out their many lovely pieces and voice what I think can be done to improve future designs, giving the many readers/consumers the chance to be heard, and win some great gifts to their favourite stores.

SL gives us a very different way of judging items, the quality of a product is not merely in the fabric and the colours, exquisite details, shape and flow of a ensemble, but the ability for fashion to transcend the norms of real life fashion and take on it's own essence in SL.
If anything, we see the shift from merely copying real world fashion, to the creation of a very unique inworld fashion evolution. In SL it utilizes the intellect of programmers and the eyes of designers, creating a unique team dynamic or allowing an individual to transcend real world limitations.
To me all these factors combined is what makes a piece palpable, the uniqueness, the ability for the product to convey to all a sense of individuality, the details of the physical and scripted product to give all consumers that touch of being tended too and last but not least, customer service of a store, for it is your customers satisfaction, that promotes you and your product.


~Silena Constantine~

Just to give you and idea of my fave things about cloths, I reviewed three of my fave pieces from one Designer - LeeZu! Baxter

1st Designer

I wanted to start my blog on a positive note, so I chose a designer from a list I could really support. It's not even female clothing, shockingly enough.
I have noted a rather limited selection for men in the fashion department, and as a group of 3 spent hours scourging the grid for wearable male clothing, we were disappointed at our meager finds.
As my friend Jonny phrased it ever so eloquently, "There seems to be 2 categories for clothing on SL, female and unisex"... it dawned on me, why not start my blog with a male clothing store?

It is time to represent your ideas and let the designers know your thoughts guys, so I am giving you a chance to step up to the plate and get in the game.

Thus my first Blog will be on Sartoria
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Velvet/121/65/23

This is how my blogs will work, you have 1 week (Due - April 9th, 2010. BUT since I have exams and won't be writing anything until after April 22nd...you have until then...lol) from my first introduction of the store to check it out and send in a 1 paragraph description of this store and the freedoms it gives you -: such as what it means to you as the customer to be met with great customer service/great cloths/great accessories etc.
I will choose one to be added/quoted into my review and the chosen paragraph will win 'S500 - Sartoria Black Trench Coat' (New design at the door ^_^ worth $550L )

1st Option you can post directly on this site
2nd Option - Send me a note-card in world.



Happy Shopping, and Have a Great (Easter) Weekend

~Silena Constantine~

The first designer

I am not sure who to feature as of yet...
Someone new, someone old and well established...
My search for the 1st blog victim is on...

Post or note-card your thoughts, and gain a chance to win $1000L...
Send notecards in world to Silena Constantine, with a picture of you wearing an outfit from your fave designer.
Those that know me, know this is very legit, I adore contests ^_^!
Ah... end date...I had forgotten >_<"... End date for contest - March 31st

~Silena Constantine~