Love Stoned...

"Those flashing lights
Come from everywhere
The way they hit her
I just stop and stare
She's got me Love Stoned
Man I swear she's bad and she knows
I think that she knows..."

"Love Stoned" by Justin Timberlake

Hair: Vikeejeah in Black by 3636-NEW!

Thank you so much dianny3636 for gifting and believing in me...I will always support you! Visit 3636 HERE

Skin: Renee by Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Shape: Custom-SaVy SHAPES (coming soon 2011)

Eyeshadow: 2.0 Smokey Cat in Teal/Yellow by L.Fauna

Jacket: Panel Sleeve Blazer in Black by *GC* New!

Pants: Panelled Leggings in White by *GC* New!

Earrings: Big Feathers by LaGyo

Bag: Pochette in Black and White by La Besace (no longer available)

Gloves: From Silent Ensemble by GOTHICATZ

Bodysuit and Flower: NAOMI from the MALICE LINE by *Beauty Avatar*... rebranded as GLAM AFFAIR

Nails and Rings: MANDALA

Runaway...

"...Never was much of a romantic
I could never take the intimacy
And I know I did damage
Cause the look in your eyes is killin' me
I'm guessin' you're at an advantage
Cause you can blame me for everything
But I don't know how I would manage
If one day you just up and leave..."

"Runaway" by Kanye West

Skin: CHARLENE by Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Shape: Custom-SaVy SHAPES (coming soon 2011)

Eye Shadow: Bright Lights 6 by Cheap Makeup

Hair: Amara in Blonde Tones by 3636...NEW!

Earrings & Necklace: Calla by DeLa*

Blouse: From Kook Vintage Dress by Modd G...NEW!

Belt: Waist Belt Black by EMERY

Slacks: ARADIA Pants in Teal by [LeLutka]

Gloves: WoolTop in Grey Plum by *LeeZu

Bracelets and Nails: SINRA by MANDALA...NEW!

Clutch: Big Clutch in Croco Leather by +plus

Shoes: Saffron Pumps by Lelutka

London Calling...

"London calling to the faraway towns
Now war is declared & battles come down
London calling to the underworld
Come out of the cupboard all you boys & girls...
London calling to the imitation zone
Forget it brother-you can go at it alone..."

"London Calling" by The Clash

Dress: Paneled Minidress in Nude by (epoque) NEW! Visit EPOQUE HERE

If Victoria Beckham were a resident of Second Life, then her favorite store would be EPOQUE. Vintage McMillan offers us London streetwear at its finest, and the pieces keep getting better and better. This Paneled Minidress couldn't be more perfect; it includes three different versions and it looks great solo or all styled up. Eyewear, hair, ready-to-wear...is there anything Vintage can't KILL? I think not.

Skin: CHARLENE by Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Shape: Custom-SaVy SHAPES (coming soon 2011)

Hat: Ingrid by Elegance Hats

Hair: Pretty Boy in Blonde by (VW) now (epoque)

Glasses: Boho Shades in Metal by (VW) now (epoque)

Earrings: Hoops in Platinum by Fabulous

Necklace: Shell Statement Necklace by P.C

Purse: Chanel Shoulder Bag by ARBIZU (old school unsure of availability)

Jacket: Bomberjacket in Black by *COCO*

Belt: From Lulu by MichaMi

Gloves: Leather Higher by Made For You

Cuff: Buddha in Silver by MANDALA

Watch: Oyster Lady Watch by Bandit Jewelers

Bracelet: Diamond Platinum by Bandit Jewelers

Leggings: From Roxy by Malt

Shoes: Athena in Black by *kookie*

Photos taken at Eugene...Home of EPOQUE

Underground...

"Underground, underground
Everything's heavy underground
You been kicked around
Did life bring you down here?
Everything's heavy underground
And we'll be decked
In all black...
It's industrial
Work it underground
Get down, get down, get down..."

"Underground" by Ben Folds Five

Inex Hax of Fume' is quickly becoming one of my favorite new designers. My first piece from her was a killer snakeskin mini-dress with perfectly structured shoulders and an amazing texture. I paired it with one of my go-to blazers and draped on tons of chunky gold jewelry. Even with the sexy short hemline, I felt polished. Finished. Classy. And I think that's what she does best: she designs pieces that at first glance exude sex appeal, but fit effortlessly into a wardrobe belonging to a conservative woman. Inex is making staple pieces; mini-dresses and skirts, leggings, etc. And now with this jumpsuit, (which happens to be her ready to wear offering for CFC and also includes a dress version), she is solidifying herself as being a designer to WATCH...if you're into BEING watched that is...

Jumpsuit: Wild Jungle by Fume' ...VISIT Fume' HERE

Hair: HSO388 in Black by *booN

Sunglasses: RG1 Swirls with Brown Lenses by =DeLa*=

Earrings: GLAM earrings by [glow] studio

Necklace: Large Chain Link by ::House of Hucci::

Bracelet: NO 301 in Black and Zebra by *kraftika

Gloves: From Anarchy by GOTHICATZ

Bag: LC Clutch in Red and Pearl by [ICoN]

Boots: Enya in Black Wash by *kookie*

Skin: CHARLENE by Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Shape: Custom (SaVy SHAPES coming soon-2011)

This Woman's Work...

"I should be crying
But I just can't let it show
I should be hoping
But I can't stop thinking
All the things we should have said
That we never said
All the things we should have done
But we never did
All the things I should have given
But I didn't
Oh darling make it go
Make it go away..."

"This Woman's Work" as performed by Maxwell

SHARON Skin from CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Dress from Glam Affair, All jewelry from MANDALA, Hair from fri.day

Most of us have been effected by breast cancer in some way, shape or form at some point in our lives. And with October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's comforting to know that there are people raising awareness in both worlds. My husband gave me this lovely pink ribbon symbolic to the cause, it's delicate and beautiful and quite well-made. If you would like one for yourself, IM MiMi Ghennyn in-world, she's very sweet and they are free of charge. For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness, visit http://www.nbcam.org/

Tightrope...

"When you get ELEVATED
They love it or they hate it
Just dance up on them haters
Keep gettin' funky on the scene
While they jumpin' round ya
They tryin' to take all of your dreams
But you can't allow it...
Cause baby whether you're high or low
Whether you're high or low
You gotta tip on the TIGHTROPE..."

"Tightrope" by Janelle Monae

Shape: Custom (SaVy SHAPES coming soon-2011)

Hair: TONNELLE in blonde (mod'd and tinted black) by CHANTKARE

Glasses: James Shades by LeLutka

Earrings: Oversized Enamel Loops by P.C

Skin: April-2...Part of "The Hershey Kiss Collection"

By Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Blouse: CoutureDeLaMo by Frozen Turquoise Valentine

Skirt: From the Houndstooth Ensemble (Spring) by Modern Gypsy

Belt: Carmela in Black by MichaMi

Gloves: Long Gloves in Black by COCO

Boots: PRESTIGE in Black Suede by BAX

Whip My Hair...

"Don't let haters keep me off my grind
Keep my head up I know I'll be fine
Keep fighting until I get there
& when I'm down and I feel like giving up:
I WHIP MY HAIR ..."

Willow Smith "Whip My Hair"

Skin: MAYA from the "Hershey Kiss Collection"

By Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Shape: Custom (SaVy SHAPES coming soon-2011)

Hair: Niagara in Soil by !VA!

Glasses: Golden Shades by [Glow Studio]

Earrings: Callas in Gold by =DeLa*=

Necklace: The Vintage Black Pearl Necklace by +plus

Jacket: Black Leather Jacket by *COCO*

Bra: From the Herangsa Set by *SG

Belt: MiVida in Brown by [LeLutka]

Gown: Beaute Volcanique Gown by Modern Gypsy

Gloves: From Dark Sense by Baiastice

Ring: Be Careful by LaGyo

Monster...

"Pink wig thick a*s
Give em' whiplash
I think big get cash
Make em' blink fast
Now look at what you just saw
This is what you live for
AAAAAhhhhh!!!!!
I'm a muthafu*kin MONSTER!..."

'Monster' Verse by Nicki Minaj

RENEE Skin by Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Hair: Irena in Pink Tentacles by Vita's Boudoir

Hat: From the Paige set by **DIRAM**

Sunglasses: Boho Shades by VW (re-branded as EPOQUE)

Earrings: Silent Bamboo by Creamshop

Necklace: Treasures Bib by P.C

Gloves: Biker Gloves in Pink Snake by +plus

Ring: Shield Rings in Black and Gold by LaGyo

Bodysuit: Strapless Onepiece in Nude by EPOQUE

Fishnets: From the Brown Glitter Clubbing Dress by *REDGRAVE*

Jacket: Celebrity Jacket in Black by Adam n Eve Catwalk

Belt: Adorable Snake Belt in Black by +plus

Clutch: Rock Clutch in Fuscia by +plus

Bangle: Black Sheep Bangle in Gold by .::FabulouS::.

Garter: Femme Fatale Garter by *LC*

Boots: Thigh Highs in Black by J's

The Call For Couture...

A pet peeve of mine has always been the misuse of the word COUTURE in second life. I couldn't be happier that there's finally an event that exemplifies precisely what the term truly means. The Call For Couture Festival opened on October 10th, and closes October 31st. It includes an auction and 50% of those sales will be donated to The Samaritans-a 24 hour center devoted to suicide prevention and people in emotional crisis. Each designer participating has created a true COUTURE item to be auctioned off, and a corresponding ready-to-wear item or items available to the public for purchase at the event. The couture item up for auction will be 1 of only 5 copies of the piece in existence in the world.

I couldn't be happier to show you the couture and ready-to-wear garments from OSAKKI, one of my favorite brands in SL. My beautiful friend Kayshia Piers is back after hiatus with both a fresh perspective and new design aesthetic. I asked her about her inspiration behind these pieces and where her head was currently at...this is what she had to say:

[23:54]  Kaysha Piers: Well, I've been really going through alot of darkness lately...with my recent graduation from college I've lost alot of things, friends, people...especially this year I've experienced a death and a loss of love...I've been a little tortured from both.
[23:55]  Kaysha Piers: The mystery of things really has me inspired, just not knowing what will happen next is pretty mindblowing.
[23:56]  Kaysha Piers: Finding a nice medium between that and my love for couture clothing has really got me thinking about new design ideas and new concepts in general :)

OSAKKI [Imports] "Obscure"

Auction Item

Thank you Kayshia!

Skin from CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Hair from !VA!, Earrings from LaGyo, Bracelets from +ROZOREGALIA+

And Kay's ready-to-wear dress is all the things I love. Sexy. Structured. Edgy. The only thing I love more than to see a designer in their prime, is to see a designer that I consider a good friend in their prime. Get em chica...

OSAKKI [Imports] "Bipolar"

Hair from Exile, Glasses from Modern Gypsy, Earrings from LaGyo, Necklace from Glow Studio, Belt from MichaMi, Cuffs from FTV, Gloves from Gothicatz, Tights from SHAMPOO

Zaara Kohime, owner and designer of {Zaara} never disappoints. She's been one of my favorites since I was introduced to her gorgeous pashmina shawls ages ago. Texturely, I'm not sure anyone does it better than she does. She reiterates this with the "Acira" dress, her ready-to-wear offering at CTC...

{Zaara} "Acira" in nude

And I couldn't talk about CFC without spotlighting THE shoe of the event...SLink's "Ariadne."

The first time I saw these boots I knew they were special. SLink is one of the most prolific shoe brands in SL; the work of Siddean Munro never ceases to amaze me. She gets it right EVERY time.

SLink's "Ariadne" Boots

Hair from LeLutka, Glasses from Epoque, Earrings from MANDALA, Vest from Glam Affair

Cuff from MANDALA, Bracelet from Stiletto Moody, Clutch from .::Fabulous::., Leggings from +plus

Don't miss The Call For Couture Festival...

Stairway To Heaven...

"There's a lady who's sure
All that glitters is gold
And she's buying a stairway to heaven...
When she gets there she knows
If the stores are all closed
With her words she can get what she came for..."

'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin

Why Zeppelin? Because my Papa LOVES that song and he would sing it to my sister and I when we were little. Why a blog? Because it's time. Why the title 'Material Girl'? Because of the obvious; I LOVE fashion, shopping, styling, modeling, and witnessing some of the most dynamic minds in the world converging in this place we call Second Life. Designers don't get their just due. There's something magical about starting with absolutely nothing and ending up with show-stopping garments. Exquisite jewelry and accessories. Stunning skins, shapes and hair. Breathtaking shoes and bags. Good GOD don't get me started on shoes and bags. And it is my belief that when we know better we do better. When women in SL take care and pride in their avatars, when we elevate our style in-world, we find ourselves doing the same in our everyday REAL lives. When we look our best we FEEL our best. We're better academically and professionally. We're better to our family and friends. To our communities. In my studies I've learned the term MATERIAL to mean SIGNIFIGANT and SUBSTANTIAL; material means that a factor greatly influences the merits of a case or contract. And in my world, fashion and style are VERY MATERIAL...

Skin: CHARLENE Skin by Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

Shape: Custom...SaVy SHAPES (coming soon 2011)

Hair: XXX777 in Blonde by BOON

Sunglasses: Metal Jacket in Wood by P.C

Earrings: Studded Gold Circles by P.C

Necklace: Imber by LaGyo

Bracelet: Cuspidis Bangle by LaGyo

Coat: From the Segwick Ensemble by Modern Gypsy

Dress: The Buttershow by KIM Bodysuits

Belt: Maroon belt from the VLIET Minidress by R.icielli

Leggings: Roxe by EMERY

Boots, Gloves, and Clutch:

All parts of the DIPLOMAT Ensemble from {Meghindo's}(worn in my banner photo)

Thank you Meg for this AMAZING gift =)