In The Air Tonight...

"Well I remember....
I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget
It's the first time
The last time we ever met...
But I know the reason why 
You keep your silence up
No you don't fool me...
The hurt doesn't show
But the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you or me...
I can feel it coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord...
But I've been waiting for this moment
For all my life
Oh Lord...
I can feel it in the air tonight Oh Lord
Oh Lord...
But I've been waiting for this moment
For all my life
Oh Lord..."

                        

                        

Skin...Gio... -Glam Affair-

Shape...Custom...G E T  M E  B O D I E D...

Due to high volume, custom shape requests are currently CLOSED...

Makeup...Blue2.0...L.Fauna

Hair...ECLAT Updo... [LeLutka]

Top...TOR...{Gasqhe}

Skirt...High-Waisted Zipper in Leopard...ISON

Scarf...From the Cosmocavier Ensemble...Frozen Turqouise Valentine

Thigh Highs...Black Leather...ISON

Shoes...Arch Spine Boots in Black...House Of Fox

Earrings...CUBEMOON DOUBLE GOLD...Glamorize

Bangles...Fine Wood in Black...**Atelier AM**

Glasses...Aviator in Army...Emery

Ring...Moon...Paper Couture

Vibe..."In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins...CLASSIC...

Ladies: ALWAYS stay MATERIAL,

<3, SaV.

  Note: I NEVER edit garments in post-processing...what you see is ALWAYS what you will get...

Miss Independent...

"Ooh it's somethin' about
Just somethin' about the way she move
I can't figure it out
It's somethin' about her...
Ooh it's somethin' about
The kinda woman that WANT you
But don't NEED you
Hey I can't figure it out
It's somethin' about her...
Cause she walk like a BOSS
Talk like a BOSS
Manicured nails to set the pedicure off
She's fly EFFORTLESSLY
And she move like a BOSS
Do what a BOSS do
She got me thinkin' about getting involved
That's the kinda girl I need...
She got her own thing
That's why I love her
Miss Independent won't you come
And spend a little time?
She got her own thing
That's why I love her
Miss Independent ooh the way you shine
Miss Independent..."

          

This week has been NUTS....but in very good ways...
I'm gearing up towards final exams, and I feel confident and in control. Things at work are on point, and the weather's been allowing me to run a few times a week again. Here in SL, things with the **UNITED** event couldn't be better, and Project FUR Japan is turning out to be an incredible success. Things with my hubby Tairo are greater than ever (love you babe), and words can't adequately express how fulfilling publishing "MATERIAL GIRL" has been. Thank you so much to all the designers and content creators that have been gifting me and showing me LOVE. Things will be calmer in the upcoming weeks, and I promise to get to you all =) It's no secret that one of my passions is styling; and right now I'm going through a SPRING CLEANING process. Over 60,000 inventory items are too many for me, so some things have got to go. But isn't it fun remembering all the pieces that you've LOVED over the years? Items you've forgotten about; things you can't live without. I've put together SEVEN Spring looks, NONE of which consist of new pieces. Because while new is great, CLASSICS are SPECIAL. There are so many layers to us as INDEPENDENT women, and I think ALL of our inventories reflect that. Do you own any of these timeless pieces? Can you find the woman that YOU are in any of my looks...? Shall we begin?

"The WORK&PLAYER"

She works hard and plays HARDER, never forgetting that dressing for work can STILL be fun. Tailored pieces and sharp accessories can take you from the office to after work cocktails. A fedora always looks smart, and don't forget a STATEMENT bag...

Skin: Customed SAVY with Blonde Pixie Cut by Tairo Parkin of CHANGING FACEZ & SaVy SKINS

(Skin will remain the same throughout post)

Shape: Custom by SaVoy Nightfire of G E T  M E  B O D I E D (Coming Soon)

(Shape will remain the same throughout post)

Nails: SINRA in Venus Gold by [MANDALA]

(Nails will remain the same throughout post)

And presenting for the first time @ MATERIAL GIRL

Atauro: Train-A-Pet Monkey by Zooby's (He thinks he's a supermodel)

Trench Coat Top: From Giada in Khaki by *Luster (Old school-unsure of availability)

Shorts: High Waist Grey Jean Shorties by Willow

Belt: QUIMBAYA in Brown by [LeLutka]

Hat: Hombburg in Chidori by Apollon

Earrings: Zebra Feathers by [glow] Studio

Scarf: Cosmocaviar by Frozen Turquoise Valentine

Socks: Touristmo Argyle by CHANTKARE

Bag: The Gainsbourg by null (Old school-unsure of availability)

Bangle: #301 in Black and Zebra by *kraftika

Boots: Shearling in Smoke by Maitreya Gold

"The GOLD-DIGGER"

Not the one Kanye was talking about, but the one that knows that GOLD is a key color for spring/summer. A sexy, glitzy mini-dress is deconstructed and made more wearable with a cropped leather studded jacket. Bold jewelry keeps the eye moving and adds visual interest...

Hair: XXX777 in Blonde by *booN

Sunglasses: Bambi in White by Chapeau Tres Mignon

Jacket: MISSIELING in Mostarda by RICIELLI

Dress: Noemie Ansamble in Nude by {Meghindo's}

Belt: MI VIDA in Brown by [LeLutka]

Earring: The Abyss by [glow] Studio

Bracelets: SINRA in Vintage Gold by [MANDALA]

Necklace: Siamese Twins in White by LaGyo

Bag: Vintage Clutch in Light Gold by [glow] Studio

Shoes: Snakeskin Heels in Gold by [AMG BOUDOIR]

"The SEXY JOCK"

"Material Girls" look their best at ALL times...the gym included. Athletic gear can definitely be sexy; even the most discerning fashionista has great workout clothes and killer tennis shoes. Classic striped shorts and knee socks look great while you work up a sweat...

Hair: Pretty Boy in Blonde Tones by (VW) (Rebranded as EPOQUE) (No longer available)

Shirt: Wonky Top in Deep Red by FuK'N'HawT

Shorts: Wei in Blue by *BOOM*

Hoodie: Hooded Parka in Dark Red by *COCO*

Hat: Ladyz Era Cap 2 Skulls by DEF!

Bra: From The Hotness Bikini in Lucky by *Linc*

Necklace: GoldDigger Pendant by .::FabulouS::.

Gloves: From the CatzArmor2 Ensemble by >>GothiCatz<<

Earrings: The Bitterness II by [glow] Studio

Bracelet: BRY in Gold by -RYCA-

Socks: Tube Socks in Black and White Stripes (Megapack) by Danny Nolan (Old School-Unsure...)

Shoes: PURE by 2REAL (Thank you 2REAL Okelli for gifting me and showing me LOVE)

"The INDIE GIRL"

Being an individual NEVER goes out of style. Mixing colors and metals, textures and fabrics help you stand out from the crowd. Dipping in and out of cafe's and hitting flea markets and vintage shops are part of an "Indie Girl's" routine...

Hair: ECLAT Bangs in Fair Blonde by [LeLutka]

Earrings: Milky Way in Samurai Blue by [MANDALA]

Top: Purple Hoodie by Frozen Turquoise Valentine

Skirt: B-Zip # Citrus by Emery

Bra: Candy Blue by *Fishy Strawberry*

Leggings: Taboo in SeeMySoul by OSAKKI (Thank you Kay for gifting me and showing me LOVE)

Belt: Wide Waist Belt in Olive by fri.day

Gloves: Duct Tape by ::HD::

Necklace (Short): Niama by [Armidi Gisaci]

Necklace (Long): Feather Necklace in Grey by {SMS}

Bangle: TAKARA in Buddha Silver by [MANDALA]

Sunglasses: CN-2-SILVER by -RYCA-

Bag: The Ireben Carry All Color Change by Indy&Co

Boots: Edgy Boots in Cream by House Of Fox (Thank you Fashionboi for gifting me and showing me LOVE)

"The POLISHED ROCKER"

Still a BADASS...just all grown-up. Fitted high-waisted leather pants will NEVER go out of style, and are perfect for chilly spring evenings. A feminine, edgy printed blouse and an oversized clutch add sophistication to your concert look...

Top: From the Diva Jacketsuit (Spring) by !Modern Gypsy! (Old School-Unsure of Availability)

Pants: Rockin' Pants in Black by [LeLutka]

Necklace 1: Circle Dream in Gold by *REDGRAVE*

Necklace 2: LIC Long Gold Chain by -RYCA-

LC Clutch in Red by [ICoN] (Old School-Unsure of Availability)

Bangle: Dian B in Gold by =DeLa*=

Gloves: Leather Higher by MadeForYou

Earrings: Studded Gold Circles by Paper Couture

Basic Ankle Boots in Black Patent by Mentine

"The UPTOWN GIRL"

Posh. Refined. Sophisticated. A simple yet bold structural dress anchors this look, while STUNNING statement jewelry adorn the neck and wrists. A modern hat adds a playful twist, reminding onlookers that you're still approachable and don't take yourself TOO seriously...

Dress: Zhia in Purple by Roule

   Hat: Beret Tropez in Sea by Emery

Necklace and Bracelets: From The Mistress Set by $GaNKeD$ (Thank you Misti for gifting me and

showing me LOVE)

Earrings: Oversized Enamel Loops by Paper Couture

Shoes: Foxy Slingback in Python by Stiletto Moody

"The URBANISTA"

 Houndstooth. Gold finishes. Lace. Crocodile leather... things that make my heart SWOON. Pieces that don't seem to fit together, but when paired in the right context-look like matches made in heaven. An "Urbanista" is all about high fashion, but on HER terms. She doesn't follow the trends...she SETS THEM...

Jacket: FASHION MONSTER by [MODERN GYPSY] (Unsure of Availability)

Top: Cotton Stripes in Cian by BAIASTICE

Bodysuit: From the Elanor Ensemble by -Glam Affair-

Gloves: Fingerless Fishnet  by Snatch

Necklace: VN BLack and Gold by [IcoN]

Boots: ILLEID in Black by [LeLutka]

Bag: Crocodile Black 2009 by BAIASTICE (Old Collection-Unsure of Availability)

Belt: Waist Belt in Black by Emery

Bracelet: Cuspidis Bangle in Gold by LaGyo

Ladies: ALWAYS stay MATERIAL,

<3, SaV.

  Note: I NEVER edit garments in post-processing...what you see is ALWAYS what you will get...

SEXY...

"SEXY, baby SEXY
You know I've just got to be SEXY
Cause all over the world that we live
Everybody wants a little SEXY thang
I just want to be what you want me to be...
And yes, I can take a little pain
I'm not your typical American girl
I'm gonna take this sex appeal
And reveal it to the sex starved world
I know they are just hungry for me..."

"SEXY" by Klymaxx

The "Shattered" Ensemble by {Meghindo's}

Let's talk about POWERHOUSES. And by powerhouses I mean brands that continuously produce high-quality, show stopping, jaw dropping pieces, items and ensembles-time after time. If you're living under a rock and have never heard of {Meghindo's} then I encourage you to climb out from under it and join us in 2010. Meg's designs are always SEXY, yet sophisticated and polished. If I could pay her a flat fee every month and have her newest releases sent to me (sight unseen), I'd gladly do it.  She NEVER disappoints in the quality of her work, her knowledge of real life designers, her creativity, and maybe most importantly-her KINDNESS. She's very sweet and generous; she's gifted me with her work in the past. However it's my belief that even designers on your friends list have to make a LIVING, so I will ALWAYS pay for her work, even if she gifts me with it too. If there's a problem with anything she'll fix it right away. And if she's in her shop while you're there, if you want to see something on before you purchase it, she'll gladly try it on for you. I'm sure we've all encountered designers that aren't so friendly and approachable; Meg's personality and willingness to provide the best possible shopping experience to us is like a breath of fresh air. Visit {Meghindo's} HERE, it's truly the epitome of SEXY...

I wore these gold earrings from the photo while out shopping with a friend yesterday morning, and within an hour I was literally stopped 4 times with inquiries about the designer. Well they're from [glow] Studio, and they are PERFECTION. The attention to detail Linka pays to her jewelry never ceases to amaze me. She makes pieces that are timeless yet always fashion-forward. [glow] Studio is definitely another POWERHOUSE that doesn't get the attention it deserves. Sunglasses. Earrings. Necklaces. Bracelets. Hats. Purses. Gloves. Clothes. Poses. Makeup. Lashes. Did I miss anything? Probably, but you get the point. It is THE accessory house of SL in my opinion, and their work with "The Dressing Room" projects is remarkable as well. Visit [glow] studio HERE

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

Shape: CUSTOM by SaVoy Nightfire of SaVy SHAPES (coming soon 2011)

Lipstick: 2.0 Pink2 by L.Fauna

Hair 1: XXX777 in blonde by BOON

Hair 2: RUMI51 hairpiece in blonde by BOON( HEAVILY mod'd)

Dress, Boots, & Clutch: "Shattered" by {Meghindo's} (How HOT have Meg's BOOTS been lately?)

Earrings: Bitterness II by [glow] studio

Scarf: From the "Cosmo Cavier" ensemble by Frozen Turquoise Valentine (Hey Valentina: WHERE'S YOUR NEW STUFF I'M ITCHING FOR NEW RELEASES lol :)

Tights: Black Glitter by GC*(Gigi Couture)

Gloves: Wool Top in GreyPlum by LeeZu*

Nails: MANDALA

And while we're on the subject of POWERHOUSES, am I the only one that's noticed how EXQUISITE the hair by Amutey DeCuir of Bliss Couture is? Already a powerhouse in gowns, bridal, accessories and casual wear, she has solidified herself as THE premiere spot for all things updo in second life. Mhm I said it. She's absolutely KILLING the game with her hair. It's always elegant and refined, but there's a twist of contemporary edge to it that makes it unlike anything I've ever seen before. The hair I'm wearing is called "Anne" and it's one of (if not THE) most well made formal hairstyles I've ever owned. Visit Bliss Couture Hair HERE...you can thank me later.

And to round out this POWERHOUSE post, let's talk about the beautiful Launa Fauna of L.Fauna. So many ladies have SWORN by her skin for a long time now; always highly detailed and unique, it's the type of skin you won't ever want to take off. It's no secret that my husband Tairo is my primary skin provider (thank you baby ;) but I've recently become OBSESSED with Launa's lipsticks. The textures are so realistic and the colors are glossy (but not TOO glossy-not 'I just finished eating fried chicken' glossy.) She makes damn near an entire rainbow of shades, I'm in love with them all especially the 'Black' I'm wearing here. And most of all, they're REASONABLY PRICED: about 25L per color or 60L for a set of 3. Thanks Launa for doing what you do. Visit her store, L.Fauna HERE.

Do you LOVE this dress as much as I do? Well it's {Meghindo's} and it's FREE...

Just join her in-world group, teleport to the shop,and it's yours baby...what are you waiting for?

Visit {Meghindo's] HERE

Skin & Shape: See ABOVE CREDITS

Lipstick: 2.0 Black by L.Fauna

Hair: "Anne" by !*Bliss Hair*!

Earrings: Mania by [glow] studio

Dress: Fashion Show Official Dress by {Meghindo's}

Gloves: From the "Italian Black Ensemble" by VINTAGE p.c (Paper Couture)

Necklace: Multi-Strand I Dream of India by VINTAGE p.c (Paper Couture)

Bracelet: BRY in gold by -RYCA-

Ladies: ALWAYS stay MATERIAL,

<3, SaV.

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

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...