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= ]

Mmmm…Chocolate!

Who among us doesn’t love chocolate? Snapping a piece off and savoring a rich Belgium dark chocolate with 74% cacao, so sublime, or perhaps the smooth silky tantalization of your tongue when a truffle melts on it, or perhaps unwrapping the jewels of confection, from the box of Maribelle’s of NY signature chocolates, that never made it home. Just the thought of such a delectable can set your mind reeling and your mouth watering. Hold that thought…ok got it? good



Consider what it might be like if that special treat were somehow transformed into an exquisitely luscious wearable. Rose Morpork has done exactly that, realizing her vision in layers of lace and silk in her design of the Chocolate Feast Gown, a recent release from Paris Metro. And what a delightful treat it is, at once daring and elegant. The sheer lace bodice is trimmed in rich dark chocolate velvet to emphasize the tailored design with a raised collar and cuffs. The skirt is a cascade of smooth silks and lace that will have you arriving in marvelously good taste. Sounds pretty yummy, don’t you think?



Choice of accessories was rather easy, the exceptional Shena Inspiration set from Finesmith Jewelry seems just the right touch to carry on the bold theme of the gown’s design. Hmmmm . . . . the little wrapper on my Dove chocolate bite reads, “I deserve another, just because I’m me.” I believe i will!

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Chocolate Feast Gown by Paris Metro
Jewelry – Shena Inspiration by Finesmith Jewelry
Hair – Sinnea by Amacci
Skin – Julie by LAQ
Nails – je::suis
Poses – Avante Poses

All That Glitters…Part II

As you may recall we promised you a peek at the other variations of pixivor Allen’s amazing Miss Phillipines gown, available from Ala Folie. It took us a few days to get back to it, but worth the wait and what fun I had getting them ready!




For the long gown I wore the optional stole to our shoot locale, the home of Lusti Decosta of Decosta Custom Builds. I chose not to add the lovely Fleur attachments with this variation, mostly so that i could better highlight the sensational silouette and detail of the sequinned streamers.



For this particular look the cascade and flow of Yula Finesmith’s Shena Inspiration Set of earrings and necklace seemed to be made to go with the gown. Coincidentally, Yula released her incredible series of Inspiration Jewelry sets just as we were preparing these shoots and i think the combination of the AlaFolie gowns and Finesmith jewelry sets are just magic!



As i continued to explore the possibilities of the Miss Phillipines gown I found an irresistible set, the Taylor Neckpiece and Bracelet Ensemble! True to the series name, these accessories provided just the right touch of fantasy and inspiration for the presentation of the third variation. If you look real close you will see that i am adorned in the earrings from the Finesmith Rusalka Inspiration set. All of the Finesmith Inspiration Sets are released in a limited edition of 50, so if you are even considering adding them to your fine jewelry case — hurry!



Ten available Finesmith Inspirations and three delightful AlaFolie gown variations the possibilities seem endless. Did we mention there is a black version of the gown called Diamant Noir to be featured in future Notions of Style posts. We know you’ll enjoy these delightful dilemnas as much as we do!

Long Variation

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Miss Phillipines Gown by AlaFolie
Hair – Necy by Damselfly
Skin – Julie by LAQ
Jewelry – Shena Inspiration Set by Finesmith Jewelry
Shoes – Bare Katherine by Stiletto Moody
Poses – Body Talking

Short Variation

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Miss Phillipines Gown Courte by AlaFolie
Hair – Faith by Tukinowaguma
Skin – Julie by LAQ
Jewelry – Taylor Inspiration Set (Limited Edition of 50) by Finesmith Jewelry
Shoes – Bare Katherine by Stiletto Moody
Poses – Body Talking

All That Glitters…Part I

I received a fabulous and rather satisfying surprise the other day, one that was eyeopening to say the least!
I am not naturallly drawn to sequins, but when i slipped into the absolutely elegant Miss Philippines gown created by pixivor Allen, I was completely blown away! Instantly transformed, I was feeling every bit of the glamorous starlet with an adoring paparazzi begging for just one more pose.



This beautiful dress from Ala Folie captures your imagination as well as the complete attention of those who will see you wearing it. pixivor has sculpted some very alluring lines; the entire gown, including the flared train, is made from a soft translucent lace with a sequin pattern providing an extremely attractive focus. Both the front and back of this gown and the cross-lacing at the back getting the full sparkle treatment.



The glitz and glamor theme is carried throughout including the optional fleurs with a hint of gold tone giving contrast and additional interest. The flow and movement of the sequined streamers cascading from the shoulder fleur is a very attractive feature i love. The Miss Philippines gown is so attention grabbing it felt right to choose accessories that would add to the total effect without being a distraction. Yula Finesmith’s recently released, and appropriately named, Rissa Delicate Earrings from Finesmith Jewelry seemed the perfect accent to complete this look. “But wait!”, you say “Aren’t there two other exciting variations of this gown?” I guess you will just have to stay tuned




Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Miss Phillipines Gown by AlaFolie
Hair – Bryar by Damselfly
Skin – Julie by LAQ
Jewelry – Rissa Delicate Earrings by Finesmith Jewelry
Poses – Body Talking

Demure Delights Modest Maisie

Despite my rl and sl youthful appearance, i have an secret affection – (some might say affliction) Seq’s comment – for 1950′s fashion, especially when Nef drops a very special design from that era on the News board at Ivalde. My mind wanders as i daydream of sockhops, riding with the top down to the drive-in, poodle skirts and Débutante balls with visions of crinolines and proper heels. Looking back it seems there was an unspoken code that everyone followed, to always be perfectly pressed and appropriately dressed. One simply wouldn’t venture out without checking makeup and being sure that everything matched just so. Sure, we can giggle now at the TV shows of that era that presented the perfectly prim housewife (i.e. Domestic Engineer) bustling about the kitchen looking like she is about to host a tea party (i.e. Girls only afternoon parties with crust off sandwiches and no alcohol). Oh and lets not forget the ever classic look >coughs< of vacuuming while wearing pearls.

So when the new Maisie dress appeared at Ivalde all these notions floated thru my head. A delightfully demure little dress, faithful to the spirit of the fifties, fashioned in the perfect silks with all the fine period accurate detail we have come to expect from Nef. The bodice embroidery and lines of the folds are simply astonishing. And Nef even provides the perfect pair of 7 button gloves.



Wihin moments of opening the box, containing this lovely creation and pondering the styling, I received a notice from Finesmith Jewelry. Yula Finesmith had just released a new spring line including a set of incredible jewelry, DEMURE earrings and necklace ! What a perfect name and upon inspection i found they could not be more perfect with this dress. I would be surprised if Yula had been thinking of vintage fifties when she crafted these pieces, as she is such a forward thinking designer. However, they caught my fancy and certainly would have been the talk of the town had they been so available. Coco Chanel said ” Fashion fades but style is forever.” Some designs are timeless – so too are designers with style.


Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Maisie Dress – NEW from Ivalde’s 1950 Collection
Hair – Alyx By Damselfly
Skin – Molly by LAQ
Jewelry – Demure NEW from Finesmith Jewelry
Poses – Glitterati

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Silver

A New Year to ring in and I was so ready! I was simply overjoyed to see this week for Luna Jubilee’s 52 Weeks of Color Challenge she had chosen SILVER! I had already selected a silver ensemble for my New Year’s Eve look from Ranena Olivier Couture (ROC) so was thrilled i would get to showcase specially for the challenge one of Ranena Olivier’s newest releases ROSELYN. Roselyn is a multi-option outfit which features a sequin jacket that just called out to me when i saw it! My plans for this special New Year’s Eve of course included some ballroom activity, so it was easy to settle on the scrumptious jacket and long dreamy chiffon skirt, the skirt virtually floated on the dance floor giving me the feeling of walking on air. Ranena includes in the set a shorter skirt, and some lovely sequinned pants and a vest option.



Carrying the silver theme further, i chose the new Finesmith Dimensiions jewelry set to complete the look. Hidden away under the skirt above, but elegantly visible during the twirls on the dance floor were Norman Maroon’s Paris boots, from FM Shoes, also in silver. ~kym

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Roselyn Gown by Ranena Olivier Couture (ROC)
Hair – Ulrica by Amacci
Skin – Molly by LAQ
Jewelry – Dimensions by Finesmith
Shoes – Paris boots (silver) by FM Shoes
Poses – Glitterati

Styling Seasonal

Well, after that sunny, summery diversion for the challenge in yellow and a small vacation it is time to get seasonal again! Seq, I and all loyal fans of Ivalde have been having such fun collecting the delightful Advent surprises Neferia Abel has gifted to all her Ivalde customers! Almost too much newness to keep up with, we manage somehow always don’t we *wink*! And … never will you hear me complain for more space on my closet floor there is always room for shoes and boots! I recently discovered a relatively new shoe shop – FM Shoes has only been on the grid for about 5 months now. Norman Maroon is the designer and his work is great, and his attitude even better! Sis and i visited with him and learned all about his objectives to offer attractive, well designed shoes and boots which are also easy to wear and adjust. An example of his work is his HUD design, which allows you to make adjustments and save settings for multiple skin AND use a single Master HUD to work with any of his shoes! AND it operates on a SINGLE script! Yes! That will make our lives so much so much easier, but do his designs look good? More good news- yes! When i found his Zebra boots i knew exactly the outfit to match them up with – Ivalde’s Jina – Nef’s Advent Gift #9. If you missed it, you can pick it up for a really discounted price after Christmas. I think that Zebras are onto something – Black and White is a super look!

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Jina from Ivalde’s Advent Gift Series
Hair – Zaylie by Damselfly
Boots – Zebra Alpha by FM Shoes
Skin – Molly by LAQ
Jewelry – O2 Earrings by Finesmith
Poses – Glitterati



Another of my favorite holiday looks is the classic red plaid, captured so perfectly in L`Abel’s Doriane coat. The crisp fur trimmed cropped jacket and flared long skirt reminds me of luxurious vintage weaved fabrics, but the classic lines of this coat are entirely up to date with the most current trending styles. I’ve paired my new red Paris boots, also from FM shoes, feeling very much in a winter wonderland. ~ kym

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Dorian Coat by L`Abel
Hair – Ulrica by Amacci
Boots – Paris in Red by FM Shoes
Skin – Molly by LAQ
Jewelry – Snowman Earrings by Auroa Borealis Jewelry (ABJ)
Poses – Glitterati