Tag: Chat Noir

[#693] Be A Light

 

In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light

Thomas Rhett, ♫Be A Light♫

 

 

The past 6 months have been pretty crazy to say the least. The world has been going through a lot and I’m fairly certain that no one needs a recap. I haven’t been as creative as I once was and that’s just kind of the road that I’m on right now when it comes to blogging and creating art in Second Life. Now and again I’ll hear a song that I want to share and create a picture with and this post is a great example of that. Thomas Rhett’s “Be A Light” is a prime example of something good in this world that we all need right now. As always I embed the video for the songs I choose in my posts so if you’d kindly check it out when you get to that part of the blog or even skip to it right way, that would be something I sincerely appreciate.

The way I lay out my blogs now is a lot different then how I used to do them. I think for time and just wanting to get things out quicker that the way I have been doing them suits me just fine. I am still happy to be a part of some great blogger teams and I try to do them proud as I work to get back to a better routine where my head sparks more creativity. They’ve been awesome to me and I thank them for that more than words can even express.

One of the latest releases from lock&tuft is the “Rhett” hair and the name alone is what inspired me to use the song that I chose as the theme for this blog entry. Not just because it is a good song (which it is in my estimation). The hair has 32 colors to choose from and also includes a Bakes On Mesh hairbase to go along with it. It has been created with LeLUTKA Evo head owners in mind but I managed to make it work with the CATWA Stanley head so it should work with most heads with some slight adjustments.

Session Skins latest male release “Cooper” is in their brand new store for all of you guys to try. Intended for use with the CATWA Stanley head (may work well with other CATWA heads but that would be require some experimentation). The package comes with appliers for the skin as well as Bakes On Mesh head layers in several options. The options are Brow, Hair, Hair No Brow and No Brow. I’m wearing Tone 02 but it is also available in Tone 03 as well if you prefer a little darker (tanned) skin.

 

In a race that you can’t win, slow it down
Yeah, you only get one go around
‘Cause the finish line is six feet in the ground
In a race you can’t win, just slow it down

 

POSE: Chat Noir – Pose 1002 (3b)

HAIR: lock&tuft – Rhett
HEAD: CATWA – Stanley 4.5
SKIN: Session Skins – Cooper (Tone 02 / BOM)

SHIRT: TONKTASTIC / HERMONY – Cotton Tee

 

[#671] Please Come Home

 

Snow’s coming down
Watching it fall
Watching the people around
Baby, please come home

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), ♫Dustin Kensrue♫

 

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve so I thought I’d do a little blog post because I’ll be spending time with family and not sure exactly how much time I’ll have online or want to spend online. Eventually I’ll run out of songs to use each year because I’m pretty picky but until then I’m going to use ones that I really like, as is this version of this song as performed by Dustin Kensrue (of the band Thrice). The holiday this year is definitely a lot different for me then in years past but I can also hope for next year to be better than this one.

I finally managed to get a good shot of the “Bad Santa” hat by lock&tuft just in time for the holiday. It should be in the store now as Tannenbaum ended a few days ago but I can take a big breath to know that I finally ended up with something that I’m satisfied with as far as angles go. There’s a lot of features of the hat/hair combo that would have taken a lot of pics personally as a rule I haven’t been doing more than one pic per post unless it is largely story based. In the box it comes with two HUDs that are for the hat and then for the hair respectively. The hat itself has 3 different parts that can be changed (the fur at the base and ball, the main part of the hat and then for the patch that has some rather funny sayings such as “Merry Christmas ya filthy animal” ala Home Alone 2). The HUD to color the hair speaks for itself and also has a built in hairbase applier for Catwa, LeLutka and Omega (depending on your preference).

This post isn’t meant to be word heavy as they can sometimes get so I’m going to end it by wishing everyone out their a very happy holiday and a Merry Christmas (or for those who have other festivities to enjoy those as well as in the end it’s all relative). To my fellow bloggers/photographers I wish you all the creativity and good tidings in the world as all of us have our own unique way of telling stories through the photos we blog (or post). To those close to me (you all know who you are), you are the gifts that give continually throughout the year and whether we speak every day or even just now and then on account of busy schedules there is a place in my heart where you reside.

Now that all the sentiments have been spoken, who has the egg nog?

 

Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most
Ruth Carter Stapleton

 

POSE: Chat Noir – 1753 Pose Pack

HAIR/HAT: lock&tuft (Store / MP) – Bad Santa

SWEATER: Lenox – Wool Sweater (Fatpack)

 

[#654] My Best Habit’s Letting You Down

 

As a single tear falls to the ground
For the people that we are not now
If you’re not you you’re everyone else
Who are you, who are you now?
Burned our teenage years down to the ground
Oh the hand on the clock’s wearing out
If you’re not you you’re everyone else
Who are you, who are you?

The Maine, ♫My Best Habit♫

 

I found myself just kinda chilling and listening to music and I reached an idea while listening to one of the songs on the most recent iPod playlists I made. Yes I have an iPod (it’s one of the Classic ones so when it bytes the dust then essentially I’m outta luck…get what I did there?) I know everyone seems to be using Spotify or some other thing but I’m just happy with the things I know and with an iPod I don’t have to dink around with having to have a certain amount of data or whatever for my phone or tablet etc.

So as it stands I’ll stay in my somewhat cross between tech savvy and Luddite and that’s just fine with me.

For this blog entry I put together a nice batch of things to complete the scene that is one for the ladies this time out. That’s just the way the inspiration took me because with the song I chose to carry it through, it had more of a female vibe to it even if the band that performs it has a male vocalist if that makes sense? I think with just the upbeat nature of it I could just throw on some pink or purple tones and just get right into it.

Paparazzi just dropped two new different backdrop styles at equal10 that are just asking for people to give them a look. The “Starlit Staircase” that you can see here was the mood I wanted and also the purple version fit the color scheme that I wanted to work with as well. All it took was a some messing around with windlights and I had one of the easiest photo sessions that I can think of in a long time.

Hair Fair for 2019 is a mere few days away and this is one of the events that I’m always excited for to see the different styles and choices from all the big creators as well as new ones that become popular names. If you make it into Hair Fair then you definitely aren’t doing too bad and that is my take on it really.

This is why I’m really proud to say that my son Elijah (aka Alyx Banks) of Lock&Tuft has four new releases coming out at this years event. I’m featuring one of them and I will be adding the taxi to the credits as soon as it officially opens and know what sim it will be located on but until then you get to take a look at “Beau” which is a pulled up bun type style. The styles for all the of the hairs are inspired by characters that are a part of a web series called “Critical Role” which is where professional voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons. It’s not something I’ve heard of but being that I’m old school and loved D&D it’s something I might have to check it out.

Uber still has around a week left and while I’m not necessarily a fan of styling myself in anything with long sleeves during the summer months here in the US, in some places the evening time can be a bit cool so with that line of thinking I highly suggest that the ladies check out the “Gemma” jacket from Swear by L&B. I really like the frond type laces on the sides of the jacket and also the back (not shown). I am always pretty amazed by the amount of color styles in the full HUDs that L&B does and this does not disappoint either. Along with options for Light, Medium and Dark color choices the crop top also has some graphic options as well as solid colors as well so you can represent your style the best way possible.

The jacket is compatible with the following mesh bodies: Belleza (Freya/Isis), Maitreya and SLink (Hourglass/Physique). For anyone who may have the legacy body the only thing I can suggest is that you grab a demo and see if it will work for you but definitely don’t buy it without doing that first.

This is the second time that I have given a female skin by my people at Session Skins a shot and while I definitely would eventually like to add Genus to my lady style portfolio I am still pretty happy with LeLutka’s Korina and LAQ’s Noelle heads so maybe down the road still I will give it a shot but not in the near future. With that said, the “Gemma” skin that was a part of last month’s Dubai event (now available in the official store). I like the look of it and the applier HUD gives several different options such as moles and freckles, along with 6 different lipstick styles. You’re also able to choose if you want to use the brows the skin comes with or to use some from your favorite brands as well.

One thing that I personally would love to see for the LeLutka heads is lighter tones like some of the Genus head skins have, that’s just a personal preference of course but I don’t really mind Tone 01 either. I think think that more options would give the discerning consumer a way to choose what best works for them (this would also count for the men’s side of things too).

I thought it was really cool that several of these items came with the name Gemma, which is my daughter’s name and while I don’t get to talk to her or see her often these days I still think about her and can’t wait for the next time we’re able to catch up. Life just kinda happens and it’s funny the way it operates really but…having great memories are what helps us I think.

 

Life is a long preparation for something that never happens.
W.B. Yeats

 

POSE: Chat Noir – Pose 1703

BACKDROP: Paparazzi (Store / MP) – Starlit Staircase @ equal10 ✦ NEW

HAIR: lock&tuft (Store / MP) – Beau @ Hair Fair 2019 / Coming 08/17/19 ✦ NEW
HEAD: LeLutka – Korina v3.3
SKIN: Session Skins (Store / MP) – Gemma (Tone 01)
BODY: Maitreya – Lara v4.1

JACKET / TOP: L&B Swear (Store / MP) – Gemma Jacket (FATPACK) @ Uber ✦ NEW
PANTS: L&B Swear (Store / MP) – Kayla Pants (FATPACK)

 

[#653] Right Left Wrong

 

And I don’t even know where I’m going to
But I don’t want any motherfucking part of you
I’ve been waiting for this moment for way too long
I don’t know where I’m going but I just keep moving on

Three Days Grace, ♫Right Left Wrong♫

 

Posts have been few and far between lately but there’s several reasons for that but if anyone is concerned that I’ve retired from blogging, I can say with absolutely certainty that is not the case. My focus has shifted a little bit to a few things that are not virtual related but I still enjoy doing this but will not allow it to consume me like it has in the past and that’s just the way it is. I have excellent brands that have given me an opportunity and I will keep trying to shine for them but I’m not necessarily looking for anything else on top of that or that has requirements that I’m not a fan of.

So to those stores that have shown their loyalty, I love you guys for letting me be myself and for having relaxed requirements so that the people that blog for you don’t lose their minds.

Native Urban has a new Henley style shirt that is available at the Anthem event this month. It’s compatible with Signature (Gianni) only…sorry all other fitted bodies (though I’m sure that the Legacy body owners will at least try the demo to see if they can get it to work). A cool feature about this is that in the package there is an untucked version for use with jeans or pants but it also has extra versions that work with previously released Native Urban products (Deck Shorts, Rolled Jeans / Pants and the Wezol Joggers).

The FATPACK HUD boasts 12 different colors with 4 different faces that can be colored and even the buttons have 4 different choices too! Single colors are available as well for shoppers that are only interested in maybe a certain color choice. To make things easy I did pair the shirt up with the Rolled Jeans and they fit together like a glove (as they are supposed to!)

I also decided before I take some photos of other new Session Skin items (one male and one female) that I’d wear “Simon” for one more go in case it takes a while for me to wear it again. They have such a great variety of them that I tend to be torn with which face to wear but it does help that I have them kind of categorized by mood so that helps me distribute as evenly as possible. Simon can now be found at the Session Skins store after having it’s run at eBento.

Also making an appearance in this blog that I’d like to mention is the “Fade To Black” backdrop by Paparazzi. It’s part of a Gacha that was from the June round of The Arcade and the entire set is pretty cool but I know sometimes those machines can be pesky so I wouldn’t say to anyone to seek out the entire set but at least take a ride over to Paparazzi’s store and play a few times just to have something interesting and cool to use in a scene.

 

Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.
Lyndon B. Johnson

 

POSE: Chat Noir – 1002 ✦ Group Gift

BACKDROP: Paparazzi (Store / MP) – Fade To Black 13 ✦ Gacha

HAIR: Stealthic – Rebellion
HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.3
SKIN: Session Skins (Store / MP) – Simon (Tone 02)

SHIRT: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Cercle Tee @ Anthem ✦ NEW
SHORTS: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Rolled Jeans
SHOES: Equal – Regan Sneakers (FATPACK)

 

[#620] Be Alright

Equal10 recently opened their April round and it’s definitely a good place to find some cool clothes and accessories for both men and women. Modulus has a new hair there that I was rather excited about getting my hands on as it is based off of a movie character that I am a huge fan of. There was definitely no way that I was going to let this one get away from my styling.

“Wick” is inspired from the character of John Wick (portrayed by Keanu Reeves in 3 different installments of which the 3rd has not been released). This is the first time that Chucky Hollak has tried his had at having a style which a completely parted middle and I think it’s fantastic when pairing it with a great hairbase. Of course I’m mostly a fan of black hair coloring but I can see myself trying out different tones with this hair.

Much like the last blog, my wardrobe consists of items already in my closet but the recent release collab between Tonktastic and Hermony is still really fresh. I experimented by wearing it without either version of the hood to see if it would work and to me I consider it a success and adds even more versatility to an already great article of clothing.

I also have to mention the new “James” skin by The Skinnery that my drinking buddy Mike is wearing. It’s a CATWA only applier and is intended for the Daniel head but he’s rolling with Victor and it still looks good to me. I think though that I’d be interested in seeing what it might look like without the beard (which is how the skin comes) but regardless it’s a good look.

By now it’s likely been noticed that I haven’t done much in the way of features in the last few posts but don’t worry, it’s not something I’m going to do away with because I feel like that is one of the things that combined with my thoughts on what I’m blogging gives this site it’s uniqueness. I have just not put together any scenes with items from sponsored stores or events but there will be more soon, I promise.

On that note, I’m going to turn this over to the credits so if anyone has some free time they can take a shopping break if there’s something here they like. Until the next time we meet I’ll catch you on the flip!

 

POSE (Me): Chat Noir – Pose 1757
POSE (Mike): Chat Noir – Pose 1768

BUILDING: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Pub RARE ✦ Gacha
BAR: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Pub Bar RARE ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Gin Bottle ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Whiskey Bottle ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Vodka Bottle ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer India Pale Ale Bottle ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Brandy Bottle ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Creme De Menthe ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Strong Ale Bottle ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer Red Wine Bottle ✦ Gacha
BOTTLE: MadPea – Bow Bells Boozer White Wine Bottle ✦ Gacha
BEER: 220ml – Chronos Beer

My Style

HAIR: Modulus – Wick Hair @ Equal10 ✦ NEW
HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.3
SKIN: Stray Dog – Mario (Tone 02)
BEARD: Mister Razzor – Vic Facial Hair

JACKET: Tontastic + Heromony – Hoodie
JEANS: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Rollup Jeans @ TMD ✦ NEW

Mike’s Style

HAIR: Stealthic – Narcotic
HEAD: CATWA – Victor v3.2
SKIN: The Skinnery – James (Tone 02) @ TMD
BODY: Belleza – Jake v1.0

SHIRT/VEST: Kalback – Denim Jacket M2 (Dark)
JEANS: Legal Insanity – Butch (Black)

[#612] Material Girl

 

Living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl

Madonna, ♫Material Girl♫

Don’t adjust your screens or monitors or think that your phone is borked. What you see is what you’re actually seeing as I’ve decided to branch out a little bit as I was given a nudge by Skin Fair to take a crack at seeing how the other half lives. So far it hasn’t been bad and it may take a bit of an adjustment from taking photos of an alt or taking a photo of someone else.

When it comes to things like skins and clothing the female market is super wide open as compared with the male market. There are also more events that specialize more in items that females would purchase so if every now and then I tap into that market because I can creatively fulfill a need then I might as well do it because I have more of an access to it as a blogger (with slight name recognition).

It was an honor to have been given a review copy of the newest addition to the LeLutka mesh head family, Korina. For it being my first official female head product, I really like the look of it and it’s very much the style that I envision of myself as a lady. One of the things I like best about LeLutka is that right out of the box you get a very detailed HUD which from the moment you run it gives you a rundown of how it works before you even get started. So for those who have never had a head from LeLutka before you are given a crash course from the word jump.

Of course the base skin is created by Aida Ewing, head honcho behind Glam Affair so this will easily gel with the skins that come with the Maitreya body for those of you who also own one of them. Likely I am not providing any new information as it relates to these things but it’s somewhat new to me so I’m reporting what I know as that is what I do.

Even though I am a fan of how “Korina” looks right out of the box, I wanted to show off the latest skin from Clef de Peau which is being sold right within the LeLutka booth at Skin Fair. “Bianca” has a really good look to her and as a someone who has enjoyed male items from Clef de Peau, I feel that the detail for the ladies is just as consistent as it is for the guys.

Also appearing at the fair is a store I’m very familiar with, Avi-Glam. I was once a part of their team as a blogger and I loved being a part of them so it’s great to be able to showcase their work by wearing the “Daydreamers Eyes”. There are four color packs to choose from and I’ve always been partial to the blue eyes, so I went with pack 3 so I could have my trademark blue eyes.

It’s taken me some time to adjust actually having female parts on this avatar but I think it won’t take me long before I take off with some ideas that I might have squirreled away for a rainy day.

LeLutka – Korina

  • Original mesh bento head
  • Fully immersive HUD
  • Starter skins from Glam Affair
  • Bento Facial Animations (looped and non-looped)
  • Exclusive to Skin Fair until 03/24/19

Clef de Peau – Bianca

  • For LeLutka Korina
  • 5 different skin tones to choose from
  • Body shape and eyebrow shape included
  • Body appliers sold separately
  • Exclusive to Skin Fair until 03/24/19

Avi-Glam – Daydreamers Eyes

  • 4 colors in each pack
  • 4 color packs (FATPACK option available)
  • Mesh eyes
  • Applier HUDs for Catwa, Genus and Omega
  • Exclusive to Skin Fair until 03/24/19

As a part of this blog I wanted to wear something unique to go along with the occasion so direct from the On9 event is the “Persea Dress” and “Persea Boots” from Bakaboo. These items are definitely an attention getter as they are a part of the Animated line of clothing that has started to take off more and more.

The dress and boots each have a pack with 3 different animated designs but you can also get both items with all the designs in a convenient and also value priced FATPACK. Ladies, if you are interested in getting the entire outfit may as well save yourself some extra dough by getting the whole set at a reduced price. Works out best in the long run.

Bakaboo – Persea Dress and Boots

  • Original mesh
  • Three different designs for both dress and boots
  • Animated mesh
  • Dress and Boots packs sold separately (FATPACK also available)
  • Fitted for Belleza (Freya and Venus), Maitreya (Lara), SLink (Hourglass and Physique)
  • Standard sizing also included
  • Exclusive to On9 until 03/30/19

Now that I have gotten the first of who knows how many blogs with a female look out of the way, I feel like this could be a way to make me more confident about my creativity as it relates to the virtual world of Second Life. Please keep in mind readers that I will still be doing my usual thing as that is not changing, this is just another outlet for me to work with even more great brands potentially.

On that note I am going to wrap this blog up so that I can begin work on what is likely my final post for this years Skin Fair. There has been many great designers for both genders and I hope that I’ve been able to bring things to those who have found me through other bloggers or via social media. It’s always my goal to give as much information about the things I enjoy on this site.

Until the next one, enjoy your journey as best as you can. See yaaaaaaa!

 

They can beg and they can plead
But they can’t see the light, that’s right

 

POSE: Chat Noir – Pose Pack 1704

HAIR: Navy+Copper – Macaron Fatpack RARE ✦ Gatcha
HEAD: LeLutka – KORINA v3.3 @ Skin Fair ✦ NEW
EYES: Avi-Glam – Daydreamer Eyes (Omega Pack 4) @ Skin Fair ✦ NEW
SKIN: Clef de Peau – Bianca (Pearl) @ Skin Fair ✦ NEW

DRESS: Bakaboo (Store / MP) – Persea Dress (Color C) @ On9 ✦ NEW
BOOTS: Bakaboo (Store / MP) – Persea Boots (Color C) @ On9 ✦ NEW

 

[#590] Falling Inside The Black

You were my source of strength
I’ve traded everything
That I love for this one thing
(Stranded in the offering)
Don’t leave me here like this
Can’t hear me scream from the abyss
And now I wish for you my desire

Skillet, ♫Falling Inside The Black♫

It’s not very often that I shoot photos that lack a background but I made an exception for the idea that became the idea for this blog. The concept has been swirling in my head for more than a year but I just didn’t have the right things to make it happen until the last week or two and I’ll break it down as I write this.

Before I get any further I want to talk about the song that became the soundtrack for this blog. “Falling Inside The Black” was the first song I remember hearing by the band Skillet and yes they have a funny name but the music they make easily could fuel the soundtracks of many people lives (mine included). The song was used in a video I had watched on YouTube and little did I know that it would spider through many things over the years.

Some time passed after I first heard it and then I started hanging out with Lucky (our friendship goes well beyond the virtual world) and we bonded over music as it is both a passion of ours and we happen to like most of the similar things. He reintroduced me into Skillet and I had remembered them from the video I had seen a while back and it was just meant to be that I started listening to them more and became a solid fan of theirs almost as if I had been right from the start.

I take a lot of care when I use their songs as a part of ideas for blogs because I want to get it right and not be a disservice of what their music means to me. To this day I have seen them about a half dozen times going to festivals with Lucky and even to other shows they have been a part of as it has become sort of a tradition for us.

Music has the power to do many things. It has the power to lift us when we are down, it also can heal wounds in our hearts and minds and it can also help us cement lifelong friendships and bonds. Skillet is one of those for me and as I said they may have a name that makes people scratch their head but when I introduce them to some of what I like about them it seems as if it catches on and increases the fanbase.

As much as I love the events and stores that I blog for, when I have downtime from both I like showcasing items that likely might not find their way onto the blog because they don’t fit with the items I have chosen. So with that in mind I’m going to start out with the body paint that suits this idea perfectly and is reminiscent to a certain anti-hero from the comics world.

MooLoo Body Art’s “Starry Eye Body Paint” reminds me of symbiosis and the way that I’m using it in this particular blog is to show how the darkness is beginning to take over and in time could possibly control everything that I do if I choose not to fight it. The way this paint is used in application is very clever and I think I am very fortunate to be a blogger for MooLoo Body Art and that this was created for me to stretch out my creative legs.

MooLoo Body Art – Starry Eye Body Paint

  • Omega Face/Neck Applier
  • Body Applier for Belleza (M/F), Omega, Signature and SLink (M/F) mesh bodies
  • Available at the MooLoo Body Art’s store and marketplace

There is nothing more rewarding then when you miss an item at an event by a day and the store finally puts it out for sale. This is the case with the “Vulture Talons” from Contraption. I had seen them in a photo and had a major desire to own them but when I tried to go to the event (Equal10 in this case) it had already ended the previous day. Sometimes I’m not known for my patience and every few days I would check back with no sign of them in sight. It was then that I felt it was best to not do this to myself because it would just be a disappointment so I waited an even longer time before I went back and the next time I did they were finally there and I snatched them up fast and went to my platform to put them on.

Contraption makes really neat things and I have been a fan of theirs as far back as their first music machines at the Arcade so many years ago. They also make masks and other steampunk and gothic type products and these talons are one of them. The box contains these hand accessories that are fitted for the widely popular mesh bodies and also with a HUD to change different areas of the metal with an array of colors. I went with silver and black for this photo because it was meant to be in a dark setting as I played with darkness.

It adds to the appearance that I am giving in to the darkest reaches of my soul.

One of the things I like about the virtual world is that I can purchase and wear things that I may not wear in my real life for a multitude of reasons. Arm warmers are one such thing that I have never owned but at many times would have liked to own and the newly released ones by Gild at FaMESHed added something to this look as well in combination with the talons. Putting them on the same arm allowed me to keep my left arm bare and to be able to stay in the shadows as it is not in the forefront of the pose.

Black was the easiest choice for me (because I couldn’t see buying the fatpack and wearing the other colors) taking into consideration everything I was doing in this photo. For those of you that are interested they come fitted for Belleza (Jake) and both Signature bodies (Geralt+Gianni) mesh bodies; I of course am wearing Gianni and the fit is great. I recommend these for those who are just fashionisto’s or going to be doing weather related photos as they will add that extra something.

It’s that time for me so on that note I am going to turn over to the credits so you guys can go get some shopping in (for those of you who will be busy tomorrow for the big football game). This blog was a joy for me even with it being a bit on the darker side as it gave me the opportunity to try some things that I wanted to experiment with as far as lighting; it came out to my expectation which is any artists wish.

Until we’re all back here for another conversation, I wish everyone well and to show one another compassion and kindness. Fans of good rock should click the link up at the top and give Skillet a try and if you do maybe leave a comment because I do read them.

Best wishes,

Brennan

POSE: Chat Noir – 1003 GG Pose Set ✦ Group Gift

HAIR: Burley – Ivar
EYES: Hermony – Eyes of The Beholder
PAINT: MooLoo Body Art (Store / MP) – Starry Eye Body Paint

TALONS: Contraption – Vulture Talons
ARMWARMER: Gild – Arm Warmers (Black) @ FaMESHed ✦ NEW

[#558] Was Blind But Now I See

Amazing grace (you’re amazing)
How sweet the sound (you’re amazing)
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost (it feels so bad when you’re lost but I know)
But now I’m found
Was blind but now I see

The Almost, ♫Amazing Because It Is♫

This time of year can be tough for people whether it is the memory of a lost loved one, or if the weather gets them down, or because of loneliness and there are statistics to prove this is a condition. While some can get through it okay there may be someone that needs something extra such as medicines; I myself deal with seasonal depression but am fortunate enough at the moment to not need additional assistance. I’m not saying that there is shame for anyone who does as I am all about people being as happy as they possibly can (who wants to be miserable, right?)

I came across the soundtrack for this song many years ago and was recently reminded of it nearly right after I finished taking the pics for this blog post. I thought why not use it for a theme because I feel like the words have a lot of meaning to it and can be viewed in the perspective of someone who is struggling with some of the same kind of things I do.

One of the things that makes this song is the fact that it takes an excerpt from one of the most well known hymn and uses it to help set the tone for the song which I feel is meant to help uplift anyone who is feeling down or less than. There have been times I’ve used these kind of themes because I personally do not want anyone to feel like they are alone, because they are not (regardless of how silent).

This year though things have changed in a way I wouldn’t have expected. People have come into my life (some of which were already present but have had more impact in the last half of 2018) and the way I feel about things has started to change and while it is a slow process for me I think maybe I’m starting to really understand how good happiness can be (where it had not reached full potential yet). My exterior can be tough but once it can be gotten passed, maybe I’m worth a lot more than I even realize and it’s becoming aware of how much people value me that has started to bring me back from a very rough place.

So…now that I’ve rambled a little bit more than maybe I should have I’m going to get to the meat and potatoes of what this site is about and that’s fashion (and sometimes accessories). Equal10 is an excellent event that I enjoy visiting as a shopper but it is also great to know that brands I blog for also showcase their work there as well.

Modulus is offering the “Xavier Hair” which is a bit of a messy side-swept hair which has mirrored version so it can hang on either side of the face depending on personal preference. For this scene I let it cover my face along with my hands because I don’t often take photos without seeing my face (for blogging skins that is necessary but I’m wearing my current normal skin so it allows me to deviate).

My preference in hair and how it pertains to being long or short is all over the board sometimes but this style of hair is something I like because it’s not super short nor is it long and sometimes even if you are a big fan of having longer hair this kind of style works out better for your overall look. The mesh itself is super well done and is a reason why I am proud to be apart of their team.

Modulus Xavier Hair:

  • 100% original nex-gen alpha mesh
  • Mirrored versions (left and right) included
  • 5 color packs + integrated tinting
  • 40 color FATPACK also available
  • Exclusively @ Equal10 until 01/05/19

Cold-Ash added to my excitement level this month with two new releases one at their store and the other at The Men’s Department; they are intended as a pair to be worn together so making a trip to both places is a must. I am going to try and stay focused and not blabber on about these items too much but from the moment I put them on I thought they looked awesome on me and normally I change outfits right after I finish taking photos but I am still wearing them so that should tell you something.

The “Aaron Tucked Tee” fits so nicely and it has two options of how it is tucked (high and low waist). For these photos I chose the high waist version because I feel like most might choose the low waist by default. It comes as a full pack with 10 different fabric colors and to me that is great because I can mix and match different color combos between both products. Also the pocket on the left chest side is a nice added touch as well and gives it that comfortable feel.

The Men’s Department is host to the second half of the new matching releases in the form of the “Grayson Rollup Trouses” which are very nice and simple slacks with a slight roll of the hem at the bottom. It’s not rolled up far as some styles (like jeans for example) it is slight and allows for the wearer to accessorize with half boots (or desert boots, etc) or even a nice dress shoe that shows off a really cool pair of socks. A belt is also included in the pack to be worn or it can also be left out if it is deemed unnecessary; the included HUD has the ability to choose from 14 fabric colors and 6 belt leather colors and if combined with the “Aaron Tucked Shirt” allows for lots of outfit combinations.

Cold-Ash Aaron Tucked Tee:

  • Original mesh
  • High or Low waist tuck options
  • HUD with 10 different color choices
  • Fitted sizes for Belleza (Jake), Signature (Geralt, Gianni) and SLink Physique mesh bodies
  • Available now @ the Cold-Ash main store

Cold-Ash Grayson Rollup Trousers:

  • Original mesh
  • HUD with 14 fabric color and 6 belt color choices
  • Fitted sizes for Belleza (Jake), Signature (Geralt, Gianni) and SLink Physique mesh bodies
  • Exclusively @ The Men’s Department until December 30th

With the look complete all I needed was a setting which I found in one of the gacha prizes in the “Cozy Christmas” set by Papparazi. This set has backdrops with various types of Christmas decor, lights, and a festive neon sign. There are 11 backdrops in all with 8 common prizes and 3 RARE prizes and I honestly intend to see quite a few people using these in their holiday photos and if not then they should because even a grump like me really like them.

I think the time is up for this blog and I know the beginning was a bit on the heavy side and I truly hope that for the rest of this year the posts I make will be not so serious and lighthearted and fun but I tend not to make promises that I’m unsure that I can keep but what I can say is that no matter what direction they end up at, the products that can be found here are truly great and worth every bit of attention they can get by the virtual consumers of Second Life.

Until my next entry may shopping be fun and the products purchased be used for enjoyment and even photographs.

BACKDROP: Paparazzi (Store / MP) – Cozy Christmas 4 @ ✦ NEW

POSE: Chat Noir – Pose 1033 ✦ Group Gift

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) – Xavier Hair @ Equal10 ✦ NEW
HEAD: CATWA – Daniel v3.2 ✦ Previously Blogged
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

SHIRT: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – Aaron Tucked Tee ✦ NEW
PANTS: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – Grayson Rollup Trousers @ TMD ✦ NEW

[#557] Still They Try And Break Me

Excuse me while I tend to how I feel
These things return to me that still seem real
Now, deservingly, this easy chair
But the rocking stopped by wheels of despair

Metallica, ♫Hero Of The Day♫

For this particular blog post I thought it would be good to get away from the outside winter scenery and work with something that I know and enjoy much better. With the rise of super hero films over the years I decided to pay homage to the man with the suit of iron (see what I did there?) With the aid of the “Iron Soul” backdrop by The Bearded Guy (the brand not a person for those not in the loop). This set of backdrops which are a part of a gacha set, I really liked all of the different characters that were depicted in them but I knew that I could use it to accessorize my outfit much better.

This post has a lot of coverage for The Men Jail event so bare with me if I tend to flood this entry with a lot of words as once I get going sometimes it is hard to stop.

The top I have on is made by A&Y and called the “Nash Cyber Shirt” and it’s futuristic/metallic look, I thought it really paired up well with the backdrop. The HUD that comes with this shirt is very sharp, it acts like a computer interface which was a pleasant surprise; it also allows you to color change three parts of the shirt which come included with a dozen or more preset colors along with a color picker that allows for endless customization.

A&Y really did a fantastic job with the look and feel of this shirt, the metallic texture and shine make it very unique and not often seen on the grid (at least by me) and also lends to boost a futuristic or science fiction type role-play outfit.

The Bearded Guy Our Heroes Backdrop Gacha:

  • Original mesh
  • 6 backdrops to collect (5 commons, 1 RARE)
  • Resize script inside
  • Advanced Lighting recommended for best look
  • Exclusively @ The Men Jail until December 28th

A&Y Nash Cyber Shirt Fullpack:

  • Original mesh
  • 8 individual designs for sale
  • Fullpack available for even more customization
  • Exclusively @ The Men Jail until December 28th

It wasn’t necessarily intended that I make myself look somewhat like Tony Stark but it probably helps with the theme. Now that the trailer for next years “Avengers: Endgame” out it felt appropriate to do something like this because I cannot wait to see how the finish out this particular chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; I also wanted to give off the feeling that the hero in this photo was emotionally on the ropes as if the bad guys had the upper hand and the chips were down.

One of the things that is easily figured is that even when it feels like certain defeat, heroes tend to rise up to meet the challenges they face and it is that hope in their stories that inspires us all in a variety of different ways. Some people become writers who hope to inspire, some choose the profession of physicians or surgeons with the hope of saving lives and also those of police, fire and rescue.

I sidetracked a little bit to talk about my thoughts of putting this scene together but I will get back on track. The facial hair applier that I am using is by FE Style and for as long as I can remember I was and still am a fan of the different types of facial hair styles that Kev Brunswick makes. There is a style for just about any type of presentation of mood and it is good to see that he is working on items other than clothes to provide variety for his customer base.

Mesh ears are something that I normally tend not to fuss with because most of the time I just can never get them to match well or there is always some kind of hang up that prevents me from wearing them or even purchasing them. I decided to give it another go and check out the Le Gene ” Oh, Oh Gun” mesh ears with piercings and I didn’t get frustrated with them. The HUD that comes with it is easy to use as well as gives quite a bit of choice as far as metals for the piercings and jewels that are a part of it.

Le Gene is also selling a tattoo HUD that works with these ears and I figured that if I were going this far that I’d go all the way with it and get the most out of wearing them. I’m not disappointed at all about how cool these are and has changed my view about mesh ears (from this brand at least). I’m certainly willing to feature their products if they continue to be a part of The Men Jail as it is worth it and gives me a chance to accessorize further.

FE Style Beard v52:

  • Applier HUDs for both Catwa and Omega
  • Applier HUDs for both black and tintable versions
  • Exclusively @ The Men Jail until December 28th

Le Gene Mesh Ears Oh, Oh Gun:

  • Original Mesh
  • HUD included changes skin tone, metals and gem colors
  • Tattoo HUDs available (Sold Separately)
  • Exclusively @ The Men Jail until 12/28/18

These items are just some of the variety that can be found at The Men Jail event and to me it just keeps getting better and I enjoy seeing what kind of things come to my door to use creatively in my photos. It is an excellent event filled with great designers and many of them I was already a fan of but I’m also finding new ones by being a part of this event.

I also hope that I am helping others find them as well.

Alas now it is time for me to get to the style credits and start to focus on the next venture but putting this scene together was a lot of fun (not that previous entries haven’t been). Hopefully I can do more superhero type things in the future providing there are products for me to do so within the rules of the virtual world.

Until the next time I rattle away at the keys with whatever ramblings my brain puts out along with what I hope are creative visuals, I wish all the very best as I seek out the next conversation and adventure.

BACKDROP: The Bearded Guy – Our Heroes (Iron Soul) @ The Men Jail ✦ NEW

POSE: Chair Noir – Pose 1768 ✦ Previously Blogged

HEAD: CATWA – Daniel v3.2 ✦ Previously Blogged
EYES: Hermony – Eyes of The Beholder #19 ✦ Previously Blogged
EARS: Le Gene – Mesh Ears – Oh, Oh Gun @ The Men Jail ✦ NEW
FACE: Session Skins – Ian Tone 02 ✦ Previously Blogged
BEARD: FE Style – Facial Hair v52 @ The Men Jail ✦ NEW
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

SHIRT: A&Y – Nash Cyber Shirt (Fullpack) @ The Men Jail ✦ NEW
PANTS: Mirage NA – Saudade ✦ Previously Blogged (No Longer Available)