Be Gone, Dull Cage.

Going further from the place we come and love, but fear the most
And change your mind, and now we’ll nurse the way we feed like babies, on plastic bags
And tryin’ to chase the light, the time arrives, the time that leads back home
It’s not hard to let go.

Something old, something new.

We ❤ Roleplay will be closing its doors very soon and opening them again on the 4th of April. So, before you miss out on all the joy of the last round, nip across and make sure you grab anything  you might have missed! Like this fantastic medieval hood from the very talented [Oblivion].

Without a doubt, one of my favourite new additions to the We ❤ Roleplay event has to be [Life in Mono]. I’ve been following this designer for some time now, and I have featured a few of her pieces before now. However, to say that Paris has come on leaps and bounds is probably an understatement. Her most recent dress, Queen Mary, is the perfect example of just how unique and creative this brand can be. You can grab this fantastic gown at the upcoming round of We ❤ RP in a huge array of colors — along with cape and shawl to compliment it. Don’t miss out!

Dangerous.

You understand, they got a plan for us

I bet you didn’t know that I was dangerous.

Fantasy Gacha Carnival is OPEN.

In a second break from form, I’ve embraced some good ol’ sci-fi for today’s post.

Alegria have released a really unique set for Fantasy Gacha Carnival, all decked out in metallic shades. It might not be my usual fare but I was really very impressed by the quality of this outfit. It’s very high fantasy and perfect for anyone who’s looking for something of a different look to their rogue. Really, worth a go on the Gacha machine!

Another firm favourite at FGC comes from Aisling.

The Dangara set is yet another beautiful release from Aisling and as you’d expect, every piece is lovely. Oddly enough, my favourite piece is the skirt and I’ve found myself adding it to various outfits and bits and bobs. Really, more versatile than I would have thought. Naturally, the headdress is very impressive and elaborate. One thing that I always love about Aisling is the level of detail and intricacy about their items. I am sure I am not the only one who shall be pouring my Linden into this gacha…

Hair:  Analog Dog — One Trick Pony — Light Blondes

Headdress:  .aisling. — Dangara Tiara (RARE) — Available at FGC

Outfit:  Alegria — Penumbra Rogue Outfit — Black (RARE) — Available at FGC

Boots:  Lassitude & Ennui — Buccaneer Boots — Black

Worthy.

Suddenly the clouds have opened up
And I’m being seen in all of my glory
The time has come for fate to decide
If a part of me is even worthy.

My, oh my is this an overdue post.

Anyone who spends their time following events and new releases has certainly had their Schnauze full of them recently. Not only do we have the old favourites, the good ol’ regulars but also some new ones and in all cases, there are some excellent purchases to be made!

We ❤ Roleplay! is most definitely open and chock-a-block full of items for all of your fantasy/medieval/roleplaying purposes. I have to say, one of the most compelling releases this round does not come in the form of clothing and/or accessories — which are my normal fare — but in the form of a stunning new bed from the talented TIA.

The Baron’s Bed is one of the most realistic and beautifully crafted beds I have seen for this genre. It really is worth a look. Especially since it comes with a HUD and can be fully tinted to your own decor preferences.

One of my other favourites comes from Empyrean Forge (as always). Unfortunately, you can’t quite make out the beauty of this jewelry set but take my word for it — and the picture so kindly provided by the WLRP website. It’s lovely.

And of course, the event on the tips of almost everyone’s tongue, is that of Fantasy Gacha Carnival. Having seen some of the previews already, the hype is not unjustified and the breadth of items available — for all tastes, shapes and sizes — is second to none.

One item in particular took my fancy and that is the series of dresses released by Figment.

The Wonderland dresses are a series of high fantasy fashion dresses sporting fishtail trains and imposing, flared collars. It truly is a very striking silhouette and I was immediately taken by it. Coupled with my new favourite necklace from Peqe (available at ROMP!) and the very pretty headdress from Kibitz, the overall effect is something striking. It is definitely a dress to impress and can be yours tomorrow, once you break through the crowds to get it!

Keep in mind that FGC are running their best-dressed event, too! Details of the Contest are included below, make sure you jot them down because there are some great prizes to be won.

Times.

“Your old road is
Rapidly fadin’.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’.”

Another month, another host of events. Another reason to love Peqe.

We ❤ Roleplay! is now in full force and one of the standout items for me, has to be the Princess Robes from Inex Hax at Peqe. Admittedly, Inex’s style suits my own roleplay preferences but putting that aside, her items are always of a very high standard and her designs are beautiful. The full range of these robes should be available at the Peqe mainstore but a smaller, discounted line is being offered at WHRP and its well worth the trip! Personally, the sleeves alone make this robe a worthwhile purchase and I haven’t been able to take it off for several days.

Another item which I simply had to have in — multiple — colours, is the Melech dress from :[Plastik]:.

The gown comes in so many colours that it is almost impossible just to pick one, hence why I am now the proud owner of three! The outfit also comes with a spider web necklace and matching shoes, so quite the package and beautifully well-made just to top it all off. Again, this is another item that I have not really been able to part with since I bought it and I would recommend it for any medieval/fantasy/gorean roleplayer. As featured in this post, it is very easy to match this gown with other items and customize it to suit your theme.

[The Forge] are also at WHRP this round and once again, not one to miss. Deccan is immensely talented and all of his items showcase this, including the scale collar and hand guards. Especially in a fantasy setting, scaly jewelry and accessories are a must-have and I really love these hand guards.

Finally, I have to highlight a fabulous new release from the creative hands of Zibska. The Calais set is available now at the Jewelry & Accessories Expo by Siren Productions and I love it. It is just enough of a statement piece to offset any outfit and still the typically unique and creative style of Zib Scaggs.

Hair:  -Tableau Vivant- — Barley Hair — Summer

Dress:  :[P]: Melech Dress — Nightingale (Available at We ❤ RP!)

Robe:  Peqe — Princess Robes — Blue (Available at We ❤ RP!)

Collar/Hands:  [The Forge] — Scale Collar and Hand Guards — Silver (Available at We ❤ RP!)

Necklace/Earrings:  Zibska — Calais

Creature.

I swing from the trees into the slope
Hold my head high, just by the tip of my toes
And he lies, he lies so sweet that I choke.

Secret Affair is fast becoming one of my most anticipated events and this round has been no disappointment.

Hands down, one of my favourite items from this round has to come from Adele Bumblefoot at [Stitched]. Although she has made a rather formidable name for herself in male, fantasy fashion she has also proven that she’s not just a one-trick pony and can employ that same creativity to female fashion. In fact, you can take your pick of dresses from [Stitched]. Not only can you find her at Secret Affair, with her beautiful Helya Dress (pictured above) but you can also find a lovely shift and a dress and cloak Gacha (pictured below) at the newly opened Gorean Gacha.

The dress is available in the beautiful textured version which I am showing off in my own outfit, but you can also try your luck at the Gacha and nab yourself a lovely silky variation. What is most appealing about this Gacha, however, is the coat which can be won alongside that dress. I cannot tell you how much I love these sorts of outfits. With strappy dresses and low-cut necklines rather standard fare in Second Life, it is always exciting to see someone go in the opposite direction. What Adele gives us is an outfit which could really be at home in many genres, Gorean/Medieval/Fantasy — you name it. It also serves as a fine example of just how far this creator has come! The textures are truly beautiful and always have a tangible feel to them, which is enviable. Keep an eye on this woman!

Another shining star of this round of Secret Affair comes from the infinitely talented =Zenith=.

Whilst obviously not suited to everyone’s roleplay or character, these headdresses have to be admired for their sheer attractiveness and the skill which quite obviously went into making them. I admittedly did not even think twice before buying this piece. I’m not even particularly bothered that I can’t wear it everyday on my roleplay character. It’s just stunning — and after Zenith’s equally beautiful releases for FGC and Fameshed, this is certainly one to watch.

As far as events go, you are truly spoiled for choice. We ❤ RP is still open, as is Fantasy Gacha Carnival, Fameshed, Gorean Gacha, Secret Affair, Genre and Liaison Collaborative.

Happy Shopping!

Headdress:  =Zenith= Gypsy Divine Wreath (Tiffany & Gold) — Available at the Secret Affair

Hair:  (EPOQUE HAIR) Ever — Genetic — Available at the Fantasy Collective

Dress:  [S] Helya — White (G) — Available at the Secret Affair

Coat:  [S] Elyana Coat — Silver (RARE/Mod) — Available at the Gorean Gacha

Necklace:  . a i s l i n g . Chandra Collar

Bang, Bang.

Bang bang, he shot me down
Bang bang, I hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, my baby shot me down

There really aren’t that many TV Shows which inspire my creativity as a writer. There are several which inspire my imagination and interest, but I rarely come away from watching TV with a desire to write or create something in that show’s image. One of the exceptions to my general disinterest in TV is the BBC show, Peaky Blinders. Despite the bloodletting, the show tackles some intense themes and the emotional pain of its leading characters is so visceral that you quite easily become invested in their story.

Betrayal and lust is what inspired the feeling behind today’s post and nothing speaks more of betrayal than a fatal shot to the head.

Skinnery released a Battle Wounds series for We ❤ RP and whilst graphic and brutal, they are extremely well made and textured. As horrible as it may sound, you almost want to reach out and touch these wounds, the liquidity and colouring is just so realistic. Definitely a must have.

And naturally, what speaks more of lust than deep crimson and a cheeky flash of underboob?

Life in Mono is a new and exciting brand of fantasy/medieval clothing and I couldn’t be more delighted to feature Paris’ latest release. The Nari dress is undoubtedly Paris’ best work yet and really shows her progression in mesh clothing and texturing. The wrinkles and fabric fall on this particular gown is beautiful. The dress comes in several colours and is really a must-have for anyone looking for that unique piece for their wardrobe.

I’m also featuring the Ellaria Vest from Peqe for this round of FGC. I feel no shame in telling you that I spent a lot of money playing this machine. This vest is exactly what I’ve been looking for in fantasy fashion and more of the same would be much appreciated! Make sure to check out Peqe’s other machine which offers up the female version of her textured sash.

Another new release comes from Zibska in the form of some abstract and unique hair. Helka is really well put together and I just love Zib’s creativity in all of her products but most of all, her hair. There’s a whole array of styles available at her main store, so give it go!

Hair:  Zibska Helka Hair [Group Gift] – 09

Hair Accessory:  [The Plastik] Hair Loops – Taupe (Available at FGC)

Circlet:  [geek.] Crossed Headchain – Copper (Available at We ❤ RP)

Wound:  [theSkinnery] Battle Wounds (Available at We ❤ RP)

Bracelets:  ieQED Harrison Bracelet

Dress: ]]LM[[ Nari Dress – Night

Vest: Peqe Ellaria Vest – Red Damask [RARE] (Available at FGC)

The Lion Tamer.

Oh mother tell your children

Not to do what I have done

Spend your lives in sin and misery

In the House of the Rising Sun.

So, I am not usually one to don the ol’ animal print. That being said, I really do love the circus theme of the upcoming event, Cirque de Seraphim. Especially the “classic” representations of the circus always seem to evoke these very nostalgic images for me, and elements of the bizarre. Many circuses were all out freak shows and its that aspect of the theme which I really wanted to draw on. Something quirky, something odd.

Amidst all of these big events, like We ❤ Roleplay! and Fantasy Gacha Carnival, I think it’s worth mentioning that Cirque de Seraphim shall open tomorrow (the 6th of November) at 12 SLT. The event is being held to benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and boasts a very impressive list of creators which alone make it worth the visit!

One of those very talented creators is Dream Resistance, the name behind The Library. Dream has brought out three variations on this dress — Tamer, Ringleader and Crown — and they are really great pieces. I love the shape of the skirt and its perfect for its theme and setting.

I’m also featuring the latest hair from the new brand, Entwined.

 

This is a really exciting brand and one to keep a very close watch on. I’ve loved the last couple of styles that Blair has released and really look forward to more! Make sure to head to We ❤ RP and grab the Ivery hair for yourself.

The rest of this outfit is made up of separately very simple accessories, but things that I really love. The chest strap from Peqe is one of those very simple things that just make me happy. It’s the perfect accessory to pull an outfit together. I’m also very much in love with the Muse Head Loops from The Plastik at FGC. Again, they are just a very unique piece that really adds something extra to your outfit. Also, the bracers from [Haste] add that bit of bite — excuse the pun — to my Lion Tamer look and fit perfectly. And then finally, MUD SKIN have released a series of mesh eyes for We ❤ RP and they are very vibrant. Definitely don’t give this round a miss, there’s plenty of good finds to be had!

Gathering Leaves.

Next to nothing for weight,

And since they grew duller

From contact with earth,

Next to nothing for color.

Gathering Leaves by Robert Frost

It’s that time of the month again. We ❤ Roleplay is back!

The event officially opens on the 4th of November and this month will certainly not disappoint. Almost all of the old favourites are back for November and you can expect to see a few new and exciting faces too! After taking a month off for Mystic Realms Faire it’s nice to see this ol’ favourite back again.

November is that favoured and dreaded month in which the changing seasons really take hold and we are treated to truly beautiful colours… as well as constant reminders of just how close we are to Christmas. Luckily, it’s the former which inspired today’s post.

Robert Frost is one of my favourite poets and really has been since I was forced to read through his poetry anthology in school. I’d like to think that I could appreciate some of his language then but I’d like even more to think that time has been the better teacher in that regard. Frost really fed off of his natural surroundings and I think that is the most tangible aspect of his work — and certainly what drew me to his poems. Of course, during this time of year there are several beautiful sims dotted around SL and Twilight’s Edge is one of them.

The autumnal colours here really inspired me to go for a rusty, earthy look. Les Encantades has brought out some amazing wings for this round of We ❤ RP and I was honestly surprised by their detail when I unpacked them and tried them on for size. That sort of fantastical look is not normally something I keep in my bag of tricks but these wings are really beautiful.

 

 

Combined with the lovely new Maiden Top by Pixicat, the whole look falls somewhere in between Medieval maiden and Valkyrie. Pixicat never really disappoints in her quality and her detail and this top is no exception. Even more so because it comes with a HUD and that’s the path straight to my heart. And just to tip it over the edge in favour of Valkyrie, the Empyrean Forge pendant. These pieces are always simple but very well made. The detail on Ymir’s Sigil is lovely and definitely worth the zoom! And lastly, another lovely piece of jewelry from .random.Matter. The LeLuna headchain is also very simply done but again, beautifully so. I have a big soft spot for simple things, in case you haven’t noticed. Especially for those of us who spend our free hours in medieval or Game of Thrones-themed sims, this is just the sort of thing.

Rule of thumb, have your Lindens ready come the 4th and happy shopping!

 

Siren Song.

“My name is pearl
And I’ll love you the best way I know how
My blonde curls slice through your heart
And the siren come calling
In the night till the light.”

I was genuinely over the moon when I heard that I had been accepted as an ieQED blogger, as SigiFaust is one of my favourite accessory designers and creators.

ieQED offers a wide range of items, from stilettos to sunglasses but also boasts a very impressive range of fantasy-appropriate accessories. Almost everyone I know owns a pair of ieQED pauldrons and their Gachas are always some of my favourites. So, unsurprisingly, I am more than happy to promote the week-long sale which has already kicked off and includes 50% off almost all of the items at the ieQED mainstore (excluding gacha items).

I’m sporting the Burst Metal Crown and the Nike Breast Plate, both of which come in various metals and colors for your wardrobe needs. All of the many varieties of pauldrons are also on sale, so now is the time to grab yourselves a good deal! Of course, if you’re anything like me, you’ll also find yourself chancing another go on one of those many tempting Gacha machines. Just can’t resist…

Hair:  tram D802 Hair – Shell

Dress:  Peqe Autumn Maxi – Teal (Available at the Liaison Collaborative)

Crown (01):  ieQED burst.metal.crown.gold

Crown (02):  ieQED nike.crown.gold (50% off!)

Breasts:  ieQED nike.breastplate.gold (50% off!)

Shoulders: [whatever] Shoulder Chain – Gold (Available at the Body Modification)

 

 

 

 

Imperfection.

“Perfection exacts a price, but it’s the imperfect who pay it” — Margaret Atwood in MaddAddam. 

 

With the weight of a thesis is now off my shoulders I found myself picking up my first novel in a depressing number of months. My life had been consumed by the kind of professional procrastination which sees you staring at your computer screen for hours and I’d almost forgotten the joy of being captured and consumed by a story. It was really by chance that I found myself picking up Margaret Atwood’s latest novel, MaddAddam in the airport.

MaddAddam is a dystopian tragedy of sorts, based in the aftermath of a biological catastrophe which had wiped out the majority of the population. There are familiar nods to the works and themes of Orwell, as well as Huxley’s Brave New World. It’s not my normal fare, in terms of literature, but there’s something so compelling about the simplicity and simultaneous complexity of Atwood’s writing that I have not been able to throw it from my mind.

Thematically, it might be a break from my norm but content-wise it’s right up my street. Atwood dissects human nature under the most extreme pressures but also, stripped bare of all its material goods and complicating variables. After all, who do we become when we have only survival and ourselves to think of?

In it’s own way, I found a quote from this book particularly fitting for the rather understated but compelling gown from .Luminary.

Augurer has done an excellent job with the texturing of this gown and I really love the detailing on the train. Simple, but elegant.

I’m a bit late to the party, but it’s about time I featured at least ONE item from FGC and of course, it would be from [Keystone]. My love for these guys is bordering upon a blind obsession and a rather impressive inventory collection! 😀

The Maise facechain is really quite lovely and I’m not normally a fan of facechains for my characters. I love the detailing on the design, and per usual; quality is top-notch from [Keystone].

La Metallique Fair have some beautiful pieces on offer too and one piece, is the Rock in a Hard Place necklace from 22769. Definitely, check it out. It’s chock-a-block with great jewelry and accessories.

Hair: [Lelutka] Magdalene Hair — Powder

Dress: .Luminary. Isabelle — Red {Available at the Fantasy Collective}

Epaulets: GizzA Epaulets V2 — White

Necklace: 22769 [Accessories] Rock in a Hard Place {Available at La Metallique Fair}

Bracelets: -Pixicat- Metal.Armband

Facechain: [Keystone] Maise Facechain — Silver/Red {Available at FGC}

Earrings: MG Esra’s Giant Teardrop — Black/Silver {SALE}