Boho, Bikes, Beautiful

It has been a while since our last feature on Boho Hobo and much has happened there worth noting. Trill Zapatero has expanded her line and opened a branch shop called Meena, specializing in the native designs of Afghanistan. This is a must visit mountain top setting where you’ll find a extensive and exciting selection of Afghanistan Bohemian themed clothing and jewelry. I strongly recommend the Magic Carpet Ride for a storybook tour of the landscape. If not the Magic Carpet then maybe the Indian will have you humming a little Steppenwolf?

I simply could not resist the colorful new Kuchi skirts and paired my favorite one with one of Trill’s yummy little silk tank tops from the main Boho Hobo shop, a really perfect compliment to these skirts. Oh don’t dare forget the cleverly, and appropriately named Shlumpy Hat. What a fun chapeau – perfect for those casual yet frivolous days when you just must have that one feel-good-about-life-in-general look.



There are so many unique and beautiful things at Meena. Check out the selection of ponchos for sure and the rich array of finely detailed Jewelry, also from Afghanistan. These pixel creations emulate the styles of ethnic tribal metalworkers from all corners of Afghanistan; from the Kuchi nomads of the south to the Tekke Turkomen of the northern highlands. Paste glass inlays, twisted metal, coins, carnelians and lapisand engraved and carved designs are some of the features of these designs. I found that the Yakata set I am wearing with the poncho also works very well for more formal looks.



I did a bit of a mix and match under my Big Floppy Hat (gotta love Trill’s apropos names for stuff to show the Nikoo bangles and the Delaram Dangly Bell Pendant. Both of these items have their own matching pieces including earrings, necklace and bracelets.



One could run up and down the mountain between these shops all day, and Trill has thoughtfully provided a teleporter to make it easy. On one of the treks i discovered this amazing leather jacket with simply awesome texture and detail. I suprised more than a few friends when i put together this outfit including Boho’s faded bell-bottom jeans and another silk top and ran off to The Crossroads for some on-location shooting amidst SL’s most difinitive collection of vintage motor bikes. Even if you are not attracted to these amazing machines, you will find the stream of live blues music there well worth a visit!


On Location at The Crossroads

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Featured items:
Wearing – Kuchi Skirt, Silk Tank Top and Shlumpy Hat from Boho Hobo
Wearing – Faded Jeans, Silk Tank Top and Black Leather Jacket from Boho Hobo
Jewelry – Nikoo Bangles and Delaram Bell Pendant from Meena Afghanistan-Bohemian
Hat – “Big Floppy Hat” from Boho Hobo
Poses – DieselWorks

Animal Magictism

Our New Year begins with a few delightful selections to showcase from Paris Metro. I have always found Rose’s designs to not only be very innovative, but also most wearable and well matched to the way we move. She has consistently brought a fresh approach to SL fashion, in the line of her designs, as well as her choice of fabrics and fine textures. I just love the subtle animal print she chose for the Tu An Animal Panther Cocktail dress. That big cat’s eyes seem just right with the flirty off-the-shoulder look of this little dress.



The long sheer gloves, made from the same fabric as the bodice overlay, are a perfect accent. I’ve just added the Ruby Pepite earrings from Orage Couture’s Christmas Collection and matching Sydney Stilettos from SLink and let my hair go appropriately wild and untamed with the new Darilynn from Damselfly.



Changing the theme from flirty to elegant, the Arabian Magic gown from Paris Metro is the perfect choice for that most formal evening with someone special. Once again Rose has followd the inspiration of the most amazing gold embellished fabric to highlight the daring lines of her seductive and sophisticated design. Tosy Xue’s incredibly intricate Plume Jewelry Collection compliments this look so perfectly. And, of course, putting my hair up into Amacci’s Rona adds that finishing touch of elegance.



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Tu An Animal Panther Ruby Cocktail Dress by Paris Metro
Jewelry – Peptite Earrings by Orage Creations
Hair -Darilynn by Damselfly
Skin – Molly by LAQ
Shoes – Sydney Stiletto by SLink
Poses – Body Talking

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Arabian Magic Santorini Gown NEW from Paris Metro
Jewelry – Plume SEt by WTG
Hair – Rona by Amacci
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Sydney Stiletto by SLink
Poses – Body Talking

Notions of a Very Merry Christmas from KymSara and Sequoia

Model/Photographer – Sequoia Nightfire
Wearing – GizzA Flawless Gown [Red} dress gift from GizzA Creations
& Red Retropolitan gloves from Ivalde
Jewelry – Princess Haukea necklace white from AlienBear Designs
Hair – Princess Ribbon Chocolate from Tukinowaguma



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna

The Pageantry of Christmas Shoes

Covering the full spectrum of Christmas shoes available during the holidays would certainly take longer than the season would allow. However, one shoe maker may have mastered a microcosm of that fashion universe in their new toe boot, Scarlett StillettoBoots by Kalnins. Here KymSara employs her artistry and the Scarlett StillettoBoots to show the pageantry of the Christmas season with a beautifully refracted flurry.



From the bows to the toes this seasonal shoe provides the sensual wow to style up with so many outfits. The leather texture is even patterned with a raised pattern which speaks to the finely refined hand tooling available of only the most select cobblers and craftsmen. Santa Baby, just slip these under the tree, for me.



“The Scarlett Ankle Boot is available in 2 versions. The Classic provides a wardrobe essential with 3 texture choices: Black, Gold or Red. The Fatpack provides the best value with a variety of colors (Classic colors included) available through a base of 12 texture choices. Both versions come with a detailed HUD allowing for endless customization.”

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Scarlett StillettoBoots by Kalnins
Poses – Body Talking

Winter Blues? Blame It On Mame

Looking for that perfect winter gown with a flourish then direct your sleigh to Ivalde Vintage Fashion. This bit of satin yumminess called Gilda is 50% off for a limited time. Also available in red and green to fit your holiday theme and of course a passionate purple and black as Rita Hayworth wore in that fantastic scene from the movie Gilda



While you are there at Ivalde sign up for their group and collect the almost two years worth of group gifts and if that wasn’t enough! Pick up the remaining Advent gifts daily. Each day Neferia puts one fully priced dress to sell for FREE as part of her Ivalde Vintage Fashion Advent Hunt. All you need do is follow the clue or find the vendor with the snowflake. Clues are placed daily in a Christmas package located in the group member room.



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Gilda Gown NEW from Ivalde Vintage Fashion
Jewelry – Midnight Pearl Teardrop by Alienbear Designs
Hair – Jessica by Amacci
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Bare Marilyn by Stiletto Moody
Poses – DieselWorks

Cool Blue Fascination

Cool blue fascination abounds in the sheer elegance of the Ananya Iceblue Gown NEW from Angel Dessous. The pattern and veiling so mimic the fine intricacies of a snowflake. So precious and perfect for creating that incredible impression for that star filled rendezvous with someone special.



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Ananya Iceblue Gown NEW from Angel Dessous
Jewelry – Logo Lady by AlienBear Designs
Hair – Ulrica by Amacci
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Bare Brigette by Stiletto Moody
Poses – DieselWorks

Holding Onto Autumn

The Winter Solstice arrives on December 22nd and Christmas 3 days later but you can hold onto that Indian Summer as long as you wish to when you wrap yourself in the Winterberry Silken Mountain Gown NEW from Paris Metro. Yes i said “Winterberry”, this gown is not only stunning but can make the seasonal transition very easily. No one does feathering of skirts quite like Rose[RFB Morpork] of Paris Metro and the texture is fantastic in its patterned artistry. Kym has chosen so well adding the gold leaf necklace from G Field to offer a nice accentuation to this deciduous delight!



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Winterberry Silken Mountain Gown NEW from Paris Metro
Jewelry – Gold Leaf by G Field
Nails – je suis
Hair – Rosetta by Damselfly
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Square Court by GoS
Poses – DieselWorks

Catch the train for more Meiling

Meiling’s Collection, Last Train to San Fernando, inspired by the Johnny Duncan tune from the late 50′s, is amazing in the post modern minimalist sense…her designs are incredibly sophisticated while maintaining a certain simplicity. This collection covers the spectrum of style for the modern day active woman while paying homage to the past of the traveling, forward thinking adventurer ready to meet challenges of the fashion frontier. Today we will show some of the cotton, chiffon and silk outfits, then tomorrow expand into the gingham and plaids of this wonderfully rich collection.


The Balandra
Very clever pattern work and tatting are revealed upon close look at this fabulous ensemble. The detail is exceptional considering the shape and silhouette maintain a very uncomplicated and unquestionably flattering contour to move with your body. Perhaps the most notable thing to appreciate about a ‘deceptively simple’ Meiling outfit is that she has given a lot of thought to creating separate options which allow the wearer the freedom to style in a way that suits their own personality.

I selected an accent set of my Vintage Beads in Argyle green from my designs at +Aurora Borealis+ to add with some of my favorite Cassandra Heels from SLink for a kicky overall look that could go anywhere from an early fall jaunt to the flower show or to the city for a shopping outing with your best friend and still have enough sass to meet that special someone for a midnight opening of a new wave art performance.



Dawn at Macaripe
Kym grabbed this lovely little chiffon top immediately when we were reviewing the collection! Which was no surprise to me because Meiling said herself, when she showed me a preview, that she fully expected that Kym would look fabulous in it. As a separate, this piece could be matched nicely with a dark skirt or trousers or, as she has done here, with a pair of lace trimmed tights for a more dressed up look.



Near the time of the Meiling collection release, tosy Xue also had a new release of his amazing Drops-S jewelry set from WTG — a perfectly delightful accent to the soft flowing lines to the Dawn at Macaripe.



Your Path is Red
From the upturned collar to the lace-up bodice to the billows of silk of the skirt it’s all about the RED! The Your Path is Red really doesn’t need a whole lot of explanation it just is! Any woman will definitely be immediately the focus of attention when making her entrance in this stunning dress!



The stylishly tossed coiffure, Folie d’Ete-Soil, from Vanity Hair and a bit of contrasting accent color from my Rainbow Bangles from +Aurora Borealis+ add just the right spice to this fiery mix.



Tea & Crumpets
With deep folds and a crisp linen flare Meiling’s Tea Time Stop handkerchief skirt is just the right look for that mid-afternoon garden gathering. Topped with the soft pastel Crumpets & Cream Blouse the ensemble is set off brilliantly with a bold satin sash in flowery orange. Kym looks fresh and delectably sassy, as she heads off to meet her dear friends for afternoon Tea.



Shoe designer and friend, Delinda Abbott, has created some wonderful flexibility in her Lindy Modern and Retro Shoes. The Kymmie pumps, strong name resemblance to the wearer is no coincidence , offers color change of all prims which allowed her to easily pick up the colors of the Tea & Crumpets outfit for a head to toe complete look. This is one train you won’t want to miss…

Last train to San Fernando, last train to San Fernando
If you miss the one, you’ll never get another one
Bee-dee-dee-dee-bom-bom to San Fernando.

Style Card

BALANDRA

Model – Sequoia Nightfire
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Balandra Smocked Sleeve Mini Dress NEW from Meiling Couture’s “Last Train to San Fernando” Collection
Hair – Labieja BALLZY PONYTAIL by Chantkare
Jewelry – Vintage Beads by +Aurora Borealis+
Shoes – Cassandra Heels by Slink
Poses – Avante
Skin – LAQ

DAWN AT MACARIPE

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Dawn @ Macaripe NEW from Meiling Couture’s “Last Train to San Fernando” Collection
Jewelry – “Drops” NEW from WTG Jewelry
Nails – Rave Reds by Finesmith
Hair – Zaylie by Damselfly
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Sydney Stilettos by SLink
Poses – Avante

YOUR PATH IS RED

Model – Sequoia Nightfire
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Your Path is Red Gown – NEW from Meiling Couture’s “Last Train to San Fernando” Collection
Hair – Folie d’Ete-Soil by Vanity Hair
Jewelry – Vintage Beads – Sangria Red earrings and Rainbow Bangles from +Aurora Borealis+
Shoes – Casandra Heels by Slink
Poses – Avante
Skin – LAQ

TEA & CRUMPETS

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Tea Time Handkerchief Skirt and Crumpets & Cream Blouse NEW from Meiling Couture’s “Last Train to San Fernando” Collection
Jewelry – Spring Pearls from Eclectica
Nails – Rave Reds by Finesmith
Hair – Salem by Damselfly
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Kymmie from Lindy Modern and Retro Shoes
Poses – Body Talking

M as in Mentor, M as in Meiling !

Yay!!! Anya Won!!!! Anya who? won what?

Second Life fashion continues to grow in relevance, more imaginative minds are making their way to share their art and creative force and networking connections are made expanding real life markets. One such influence came from Team Anya, a SL group formed to support a contestant in Lifetime televisions 9th season of Project Runway and lo and behold if she didn’t go out and win!

A week ago, like so many other fashion followers, i was anxiously awaiting the outcome of Project Runway. This season was a bit more personal because of the Second Life connection to the winner, Anya Ayoung-Chee. Anya is from Trinidad & Tobago which is also home to Meiling confidante & SL designer Chigadee London of Couture Chapeau and real life designer Meiling Esau or as she is known in Second Life, Meiling Couturier. Her SL brand, Meiling Couture, was chosen by BOSL magazine as one of the top 5 designer houses in Second Life. Deservedly so! the SL designs are recreations of her real life collections. So… you ask what does that have to do with Anya winning? Well…Meiling has long been a part of Anya’s life long before she was accepted into Project Runway’s 9th Season. Anya described in her own words her relationship with Meiling in an interview with AfroBella.

Interview with Anya Ayoung-Chee of Project Runway, Season 9 | Afrobella

Meiling nurtured Anya’s ambition of being a designer long before Project Runway was a possibility, and she advises her on more than just fashion – Meiling offers expert counsel on life, love, and building a brand. When I told Anya that I think Meiling sees her as more than just a mentee, she agreed. “Meiling is like my mom. I remember sitting in her foyer in 2008 and telling her I wanted to have my own fashion line and she just said — let’s do it. There is no ego or competitiveness there and perhaps from others there would be. She has been supportive to the nth degree.”

To celebrate this momentous occasion over the next days we wanted to share some of Meiling’s most recent releases in Second Life directly inspired by her real life collection ‘Last Train to San Fernando’ beginning with one of the Meiling’s Mavens, KymSara Rayna, wearing Ode to Matura.



CARIBBEAN FASHION STYLE REVIEW

There is a reason why Meiling Esau is named as one of the top Caribbean designers, stands at the head of the local fashion scene in Trinidad and has made an impact outside of the region as well. There is a reason why this designer has lasted more than four decades in the fashion industry, where so many others try to find their footing and either fail or give up. There is a reason why a Meiling fashion show can fill a space to capacity, all for the sake of watching 40-50 outfits walk the runway.

It is seven months into the year of 2011, and Meiling has already shown two full collections – her Macafouchette Carnival collection as well as this current collection entitled ‘Last Train to San Fernando’; she has shown a selection of pieces at San Fernando Fashion Week 2011, stolen the limelight at Caribbean Fashion Week 2011 in Jamaica just last month, and this is before we even begin to list her separate projects working with soca queen Fay Ann Lyons and her annual collaborations with Rapso group 3Canal. No other Caribbean designer works harder, smarter or more consistently than Meiling Esau.– Darcel de Vlugt, Editor-in-Chief of CFstyle

A better case could never be made for having art imitate life!
Experience the designs of Meiling for yourself at Meiling Couture

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Ode to Matura by Meiling Couture
Hair – Caitrin by Exile
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Jewelry – Audrey Earrings by +Aurora Borealis+
Shoes -Thick heel Pumps by Lindy Modern and Retro Shoes
Poses – Glitterati
On Location lighting by LumiPro

L`Abel “Everything 75% Off Store Closing !!!”

Photo courtesy of KymSara Rayna

The exquisitely designed and fashion forward looks of L`Abel by Neferia Abel will soon be gone from Second Life forever and now is the time to gather all of the exceptional tailored and textured ready to wear items for a song! Separates priced as low as 10 lindens and nothing more than 99, including her most fantastic gowns or seasonal ensembles!


Photo courtesy of Mimmi Boa

Nef wants to be certain every fashion conscious woman of style is able to get these beautiful outfits, which she hand drew to give such rich realistic texture and depth. Everything in the store at L`Abel is 75% off what were originally very affordable prices.


Photo courtesy of July Raymaker

Our very dear friend has for such a long time been trying to accomplish the superhuman task of maintaining two brands, one her exciting vintage collections at Ivalde and the other her contemporary fashion forward designs at L`Abel. She has decided after much heartfelt thought that it was time to make a choice and let go of L`Abel. Which although sad is a good thing for the bargain seekers, and oh my is it ever!


Photo courtesy of ElaraGloriana Scrabblebat

Come take a look at all the L`Abel designs and you will surely leave with several overflowing shopping bags to complete your wardrobe for any season!

Photo courtesy of Sequoia Nightfire

You can find all of these sensational looks at L`Abel http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ivalde/188/47/26