Retro is back . . . hmmm is that redundant?

It seems that recently some of our favorite designers have been picking up inspiration from past decades. We even saw a great new sim, Spyderville, spring up with a completely fifties theme. That’s where we found these groovy Barbie boxes. Sadly, it is disappearing almost as quickly as it rezzed. But the timeless styles of the era continue. Neferia Abel continues to amaze us with her fastidious study of vintage era fashions, and her finely crafted vintage dresses. Sequoia is wearing one of her favorites, the Katinka, a recent addition to the Ivalde Fifties Collection. Kym is showing a brand new offering, the ChaCha dress, from PurpleMoon’s Vintage collection. With all crinolines and florals these designs capture the fashion spirit of the 1950′s, but can also be perfectly compatible with a trendy summer party today.We also continue to be very impressed with the expanding line of Hush Skins. Each new release is a delightful surprise!



I’d call your special attention to the fabulous NEW Blossoms Earring & Bangle set, which Seq made for me to go with this special dress.! It is available at Aurora Borealis. (Mention my name )



Sequoia is wearing – Katinka pink from Ivalde Vintage Fashion 1950 Collection
Hair – Scarlet Semi-Updo from Pocket Mirrors
Skin Amy in Glossygrape from Hush Skins
Shoes – Ribbon Slingback shoes from G Field

KymSara is wearing – ChaCha Dress – NEW from PurpleMoon Creations Vintage Collection
Jewelry – KymSara Blossoms Earrings & Bangles NEW from Aurora Borealis
Hair – Yara v1 – from CaTwA
Skin – Fay in “Temprting/Honey” from Hush Skins
Shoes – Absinthe by Nardcotix

On Location Lighting by LumiPro

And, with yet another echo from the fabulous fifties set in 1958 the film and play, “Grease” . . . PurpleMoon’s Sandy Dress. A sure hit at the drive-in or your favorite dance venue, or an evening cruise down Sunset Strip with the top down on the cherry red Corvette! Just to show how this lovely vintage offering can work for a current look, I’ve accessorized with jewelry from Finesmith and a most trendy pair of Fay’s Shoes’s Roxanne strappy heels!



Wearing – Sandy Dress in Cherry NEW from PurpleMoon Creations Vintage
Jewelry – Trivia Earrings & Swirl BRacelet from Finesmith Jewelry
Nails – Rave Reds from Finesmith Jewelry
Hair – Lolwa by CaTwA
Skin – Lily- Bewitched/Honey – NEW from <a href="Hush Skins“Hush Skins
Shoes – Roxanne from Fay Shoes
Poses – Morgane Batista Poses Shop

More Mesh from PurpleMoon

Poulet Koenkamp is really on a roll with her elegant mesh releases from Purple Moon! Her fab Bed of Roses Gown, shown here in but one of the yummy colors, is definitely a front-runner in mesh design. While we were a bit skeptical that we’d see our favorite designers really embrace this new medium, the consistently beautiful and well-fitted offerings from PurpleMoon are showing that it can be done very well indeed. Seq found the Teal and Grape colors ideal for her graceful Nena jewelry ensemble from Aurora Borealis and was delighted that the hemline allows her to show off her new Goshi Pumps from Mstyle.

Model – Sequoia Nightfire
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Bed of Roses NEW Mesh from PurpleMoon Creations
Jewelry – - +AB+ Nena (Teal/Grape) set by Aurora Borealis
Hair – Lily ~ Dark Brown by Amacci
Shoes – GOSHI Pumps – Wine by Mstyle
Skin – LAQ
Poses – DieselWorks



And, speaking of hemlines! The little Julia Balloon dress from PurpleMoon raises both the hemline, and the bar in mesh design. This a most comfortable dress which has some wonderful movement and enables one to sit down gracefully, without having parts vanish into the pose! If you haven’t yet tried any mesh designs this dress would make an excellent first run. Comfortable, and easy to dress up or stay casual. Fay’s Dorian platform heels work extremely well for a evening of dancing at the club, and provide a good reason to sit down and enjoy that mesh flexibility too.

Model & Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Julia Balloon Dress NEW Mesh from PurpleMoon Creations
Jewelry -Alfi Necklace and Earrings, Shae and Dawn Bracelets – from Finesmith Jewelry
Hair – Electra from Amacci
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Dorian from Fay’s Shoes
Poses – DieselWorks



Even in the great frozen wilderness of the north one eagerly awaits the warming breezes of summer and Sequoia is ready to hit the beach in style. PurpleMoon’s NEW swimwear Tropicana was designed for the contestants of the Miss Reina Hispana 2012. The neckline is gorgeously lined with feathering and ruffles. Available in a range of plumage shades to get your strut on up and down the beach or peak interest on that romantic getaway.

Wearing – Tropicana Swimsuit in Gold by PurpleMoon Creations
Model – Sequoia Nightfire
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Skin – Amy – GlossyGrape – Cocoa by HUSH skins
Hair – Jill Ebony by Tukinowguma
Jewelry – africain::bracelet and ear hoops by ::je::suis::
Shoes – Venus (Gold) by [ =L+R+W= ]

This could get Meshie!

While so many other designers are struggling with the basics of the mesh, Poulet Koenkamp of PurpleMoon is already leading out in some innovative exploitation of this new fashion potential. My favorite advantage is the death of the mini skirt coverage prim. It seemed forever impossible that we would have the solution for a perfect seamless match up in pattern and texture we can have with mesh! I have had my struggles, like others, of acceptance of mesh, but mesh in the right hands is really bringing my opinion full circle. A really good example of this is PurpleMoon’s new selection of Urban Mini Dresses. I love the fit and no fussing or body adjustment was needed! I matched it up with one of my Nena sets from Aurora Borealis and off i went. Oh did i mention the Nena sets are all on sale now for only 123 lindens at the Aurora Borealis Four Season Plaza store. That’s more than 50% off!



Model/Photographer – Sequoia Nightfire
Wearing – Urban Mini Dress [Mesh] Black/Blue by PurpleMoon
Jewelry – Nena (Teal/Brown) Necklace & Earring set by Aurora Borealis – 50% Off Sale at Four Seasons Plaza
Hair – Coralee ~ Brown Sugar by Amacci
Shoes – “Aulii” Blue from R2 Shoes
Skin – LAQ
Poses – Morgane Batista Poses Shop



Among Poulet’s delightful mesh offerings in this latest release is the Lyn Cocktail Dress. More than a simple mesh design, the luscious tone-on-tone fabric choice and contrasting accents and details give this new dress a fine quality look. I loved finding that the latest hunt offerings from Aurora Borealis – the Woven Leather Bangles and the Gold Filigree Cuff – are so nicely matched too! And a visit to Designer’s Warehouse to discover Fay’s wonderful new Roxanne Shoes made the outfit (and my day) complete!

Model & Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Lyn Cocktail Dress NEW Mesh from PurpleMoon
Jewelry – Woven Leather Bangles (TPRH Gift) by Aurora Borealis and
Gold Filigree Cuff by Aurora Borealis (Hunt Prize at Four Seasons Plaza)
Hair – Aletheia by Damselfly
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Roxanne NEW from Fay’s Shoes at Designer Showcase Now!
Poses – Body Talking



In her Harmony gown she has created a dynamic blending of the curve hugging mesh sheath with the flowing lightness of the soft flexi components. Both parts of this incredible gown share the same colourful texture and the interaction is most harmonious indeed!

Model & Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Harmony Gown – NEW Mesh from PurpleMoon
Jewelry -Ribbon Classic Ensemble from WTG
Hair – Electra from Amacci
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Shoes – Krystal from Fay’s Shoes
Poses – Body Talking

and not just any hat!

If you have been following our blog, even casually, for a while you are probably aware of our abiding love for vintage fashion. And, so many of the favorite eras of fashion history featured special hats. One of my favorite quotes on hats…  

“A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor, and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothes and wearing a costume; it’s the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it’s the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over, and to make all men feel masculine about. A piece of magic is a hat.” – Martha Sliter

One of SL’s magic makers of hats, Chigadee London of Couture Chapeau has just released a fresh line of very special hats, sure to delight vintage fashionistas as well as those with more contemporary tastes.

With or without the optional veil, the “Ode to Miss Peele” fedora is a perfect accessory to complete a typical forties look and would also be a striking add for that special dress you been eyeing for the first spring garden party.



Wearing -Olinza Dress from Ivalde Vintage Fashion 1940′s Collection
Jewelry – Zelda Pearls by Aurora Borealis
Hat – Ode to Miss Peele Fedora NEW from Couture Chapeau
Shoes – Felicia Capped Stilettos by SLink
Hair – Grable by Vignette FREE!!!
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Poses by Glitterati
On Location Lighting by LumiPro



Seq has accused me of seeking the title of Fedora Queen since both of my very favorites from Chi’s new collection have a “fedorian” heritage. (is that even a word? we will pretend it is.) I can handle that! Indeed the Salt Fedora, with it’s extended brim and fine textures, seems to have a bit of regal mystery to it, whether worn with a vintage thirties dress, as i did here, or with a crisply tailored modern pants suit. I know that I’ll be exploring a variety of potential matches for these two designs, and heading back to Couture Chapeau for another helping of Couture Chapeau magic.



Wearing – Laurende Dress from Ivalde Vintage Fashion 1930′s Collection
Hat – Salt Fedora NEW from Couture Chapeau
Hair – Caitrin by Exile
Skin – Alva by LAQ
Poses – Reel Expression

Peachtree Southern Style

Model’s Workshop is a wonderful gift to Second Life Fashion, an organization that promotes continuing education of models and photographers and a forum for the exchange of ideas. I have attended a few of the Photography workshops over time and enjoy the Monday evening chats sis coordinates. I had not necessarily considered and maybe I should more often, joining the Model’s Worshop Styling Challenge held on Wednesday evenings.

When I saw the announcement that the weekly challenge was a 1930′s theme, Neferia Abel’s latest release from Ivalde immediately came to mind. The Elvira Gown has such a refined gentility and I thought it might be a nice excursion into sharing something I have become quite familiar with styling. I was both honored and amazed at the end of the evening when the voting was concluded, that I won the styling challenge! It is always a treat to share Neferia’s designs.

Being from the south, I grew up to the stories of the well mannered and fashionable southern society. As I prepared, I was paused to ponder the many period photos I had seen of the ladies of Atlanta lined up in their fashionable post antebellum southern style along Peachtree and Forsyth Streets, anxiously awaiting the premiere of Gone with the Wind at Loew’s Grand Theater. That was 1939 and knew the Elvira Gown would suit the definitive look I had in mind.

As I explained to the Model’s Workshop audience, during the 30′s ladies from the south were letting their hair flow while “y’all up nawth were lopping it off” into finger curls. We also were still so very fond of our millinery, a woman of refinement would not be caught dead without a suitable hat for the occasion. However lovely we looked, there were the occasional gusty days no hatpin was large enough to keep our hats from also being “gone with the wind”.



I just had to include the Emma hat, which matched both the era and my vision for the ladies of Atlanta 1930′s outfit and went extremely well with the flowing curls of the Bettie hairdo from Analog Dog. Sadly this particular piece of fine millinery from Elegance Hats is no longer available in Second Life. The good news is that one of the fine makers of vintage shoes, Enkythings, continues to offer a myriad of designs. The Sulaco open toe style shoes are a perfect depression era look and the Clara Pearl set in Golden picked up at +Aurora Borealis+ completed the ensemble beautifully. Thank you to all who attended and voted this ensemble the best styled of the evening. Y’all come back now ya hear!

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing Elvira Gown by Ivalde
Jewelry – Clara Pearls by +Aurora Borealis+
Hat – Emma by Elegance Hats (Designer left SL – no longer available)
Shoes – Sulaco by Enkythings
Hair – Bettie from Analog Dog
Skin – Nellie by LAQ
Poses by Diesel Works
Nails – Je Suis

For more information on the Model’s Workshop visit: http://modelsworkshop.wordpress.com/

Summertime and the Livin’ Is Easy…

Neferia Abel has released the very popular and much anticipated Part Two of the L`Abel Country Chic Collection to an very enthusiastic response. We are excited to be able to showcase a few of our favorites. The Country Chic Collection Part Two continues the theme set in the first collection of comfortable cotton cool summery fashion with a definitive southern country chic flavor. A full selection of separates and outfits which can be interchanged is sure to have something to suit both your fancy and your taste.



Sequoia has chosen a few favorties to share. The crisp cream colored July Lace top, paired with the color matched Lana Cream leggings is a fresh and stylish casual outfit – perfect for most everyday summer activity including jaunts to town or a picnic at the lake.



For a slightly more dressy look you could pair up the Raspberry Dasha Tunic with the tailored Alicia white pants, a look that inspired her latest +Aurora Borealis+ jewelry creation — The Baccara set available now at the Designer Showcase.



KymSara’s favorite outfit from the new collection is definitely the Ella dress with matching bloomers. Feeling and looking every bit the southern country girl that she is, she strolls the colourful summer gardens of Ivalde comfortably cool in the cotton lace couture of the Ella outfit. Kym’s G Field Lace Up boots not only match well but are easy on her feet as she steps over the uneven terrain and with the summer heat bringing her hair off her neck was easy with a fresh new hair style – Cocomin, from LaLa Moon.

Yes, its summertime and the livin’ is easy at L`Abel. Y’all come on down and see us real soon now, ya hear.

Style Card

Model: Sequoia Nightfire
Wearing: July Cream Shirt & Lana Cream Leggings, L`Abel Country Chic 2 Summer Collection
Jewelry: Wanderer – Wood Medley set by League
Shoes: Little Diva flats from G Field

Model Sequoia Nightfire
Wearing: Dasha Raspberyred Tunic & Alica White Pants, L`Abel Country Chic 2 Summer Collection
Jewelry: +AB+Baccara Orchid set by +Aurora Borealis+ (NEW at Designer Showcase)
Hair: Liz – Natural Blond by Amacci
Shoes: Venus Sandals by VioMagic

Model: KymSara Rayna
Wearing: Ella Dress with Bloomers NEW from L`Abel Country Chic 2 Summer Collection
Hair: Cocomin from LaLa Moon
Necklace: Super Ladybug from Gems & Kisses
Shoes: Lace Up Boots from G Field
Skin: Molly by LAQ
Poses: Mirone

ALL Photogrphy by KymSara Rayna

Three for the Red, White and Blue!!!!

Three Cheers to the Good Ole US of A !!!! And three of us to offer you a fabulous Happy Independence Day! Notions of Style hopes you will have a happy 4th of July no matter your country of origin. Please join us in celebrating the principle of how the 4th of July came to be our national day of Independence. How wise were our nation’s founders, who made law the opportunity to express ourselves and to assemble to do so? I think it is safe to say without those guarantees our Second Life would not exist. Let Freedom Ring!!!!



Models (left to right) – Baccara Rhodes, Sequoia Nightfire & KymSara Rayna
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Betsy Sailor Suit from 1940 Collection at Ivalde
Jewelry – Nautilus Earrings [Preview] by Aurora Borealis
Hair – Pin Up by Vanity Hair

Fuego y Salsa!

Pardon me if i seem impertenent using Spanish for the title of my post today. “Fire and Salsa!” seemed a little tame and the Carnation Salsa gown from Paris Metro is anything but tame! Upon seeing it for the first time i thought this is one virtual blaze of passion! The vibrant colors and waves of flame create a conflagration with your every movement. Run, don’t walk, burn a path to Paris Metro at FOUR SEASONS PLAZA right NOW! There is a special introductory 66% off sale price, but the Carnation Salsa Gown will go to full price after Sunday July 3rd. Wearing this gown is an almost certain guarantee to ignite a few sparks in your flame and my oh my what a way to create some fireworks!

You know i love accessories and love this new set i am previewing from Aurora Borealis. This fascinating set called Fire is part of the Elemental Series available soon in stores. The Fire earrings and necklace have a flickering flame captured in the in the jewel! Finesmith’s most awesome Rave nails, and Cybergirl bracelets added a fabulous finish. But the final touch came from Kara Goodliffe who sent her Hair Fair demo pack from Me., arriving just in time to include the sensationally sensual Elizabeth hair.



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Carnation Salsa Gown NEW from Paris Metro at Four Seasons Plaza
Earrings & Necklace – Elemental Fire! [Preview of Elemental Set Series] by Aurora Borealis
Cybergirl Bracelets and Rave Nails by Finesmith
Hair – Elizabeth NEW for Hair Fair by Me. at the Hair Fair
Skin – Julie by LAQ
Poses – Diesel Works

The Vintage Advantage

Neferia Abel, designer of Ivalde Vintage Fashion and L`Abel has such incredible designs inspired by her personal research of fashion photography, magazines & films, patterns and fabrics from nearly every fashion era since the birth of Haute Couture. There has been a flow exquisite pieces from several historic periods in fashion history since the Ivalde sim was rebuilt to reflect the comfortable surroundings of her native Norway, and we are delighted to share some of these fabulous designs with you. Let us take you now on a journey from Disco to Go-Go.



First up on our itinerary Sequoia is wearing a lovely silk dress that is already destined to become a season favorite for 2011. The Dolly dress is inspired by the shimmery glam disco dresses of the eighties with a timeless attractiveness that will keep it in the spotlight well into the future. This figure hugging gown communicates a sexy sublime elegance, with only the minimal need for further accessoriies.



The Toril Pantsuit from the 70 decade, is a unique period design that can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood and the occasion. Sequoia has chosen a more alluringly sophisticated approach, coming in hot, hot, hot coiffed in her fiery copper Maryam hair from CaTwA and her scorching SEDUCTION XtremeHeel “Galaxy” sandal heels from N-Core.



One of Ivalde’s all-time favorite suits, the Joan, inspired by stlized office wear of the eighties, is back again with a fresh update.



KymSare looks thoroughly professional, and the Joan has just the look for that interview, or presentation or dinner with someone special. the cropped jacket , contrasting bow and matching wide waist band are indeed reminicent of the 80′s while presenting a sharp fashionable appearance for today’s professional woman.



And finally, we can say for certain when you shop Ivalde you will see Nef has covered all the dance floor options! From the 60′s we complete our Disco to Go-Go tour with KymSara in the kicky little Gemma dress ! Pull those skin tight white boots out of storage and find those contrasting shades and you are good to Go-Go!

Style Cards

*All photography by KymSara Rayna

Model – Sequoia Nightfire
THE 80′s
Wearing – Dolly from the Ivalde 1980 Collection
Shoes – Xandri Disco silver shoes by SHINE
Skin – LAQ
Poses – Body Talking

THE 70′s
Wearing – Toril Pant-suit from the Ivalde 1970 Collection
Shoes – SEDUCTION XtremeHeel “Galaxy” by N-Core
Hair – Maryam Hair from CaTwA
Nails – Takara Nail/Gold from MANDALA
Skin – LAQ
Poses – Body Talking

Model – KymSara Rayna
THE 80′s
Wearing – Joan Suit from the Ivalde 1980 Collection
Skin – Emma Sunkissed by Tuli
Jewelry – Clara Tahitian Black Pearl Earrings from Aurora Borealis
Poses – Mirone

THE 60′s
Wearing – Gemma Dress from the Ivalde 1960 Collection
Hair – #132 by W&Y Hair
Skin – Emma Sunkissed by Tuli
Earrings by Gems & Kisses
Sunglassees – Butterfly by GOS
Boots – Tall Patent by Stiletto Moody
Poses – Diesel Works

Soho Retro Metro Boho

Isn’t it wonderful when we see certain styles that we love return to vogue, like this years Boho Summer fashions? We here at Notions of Style are all for being “Green” and especially when it recycles something we truly take pleasure from, so please enjoy my “trip” down memory lane.

Peace! Make Love not War! I am feeling so happy being caught up in today’s fashion forward trend, mostly because it seems so familiar and thinking that i would have got along famously back in the late 60′s, at the very least i would have had a splendid time assembling outfits with clothes of that era! Bold colors, comfortable fit, and expressive hair out to there! So i was delighted with Bohemian Rhapsody, a NEW release from Paris Metro. I then found this terrific “shoulder width” Rykiel hair at LeLutka with just the right shade of red. I loved the whole look so much in fact, that i even forsook my usual tall heels for a more style-consistant pair of colorful flats from Zaara. Sis thought i was standing in a pothole

Sequoia also thinks that I would have fit right in with the hippie generation, not only because of the spot on style, but because i play the mountain dulcimer and would have been popular and a welcomed member to any commune. I left my flat in Soho or was it the Chelsea Hotel, I can’t remember, and was making my way up 8th to the tunnel to try to catch a ride up to Bethel where they are having this Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Seq was sure i was trapped in a time warp, especially when she saw “Sid and Nancy” on the Chelsea Theater Marquee. But hey its New York! stranger things happen and what a long, strange journey it’s been. Was i channeling a Chelsea Girl? Andy is gone but not forgotten. Like good fashion it is good to preserve and reclaim our history before it is gone. Bring Back Stanley Bard!



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Bohemian Rhapsody from Paris Metro
Hair – Rykiel from LeLutka
Skin – Molly by LAQ
Shoes – Ilaida Mojri by Zaara
Jewelry – iGems Vintage Beads by Aurora Borealis
Poses – Mirione