Joy in the West via Land of the Sun

Japanese jewelry designer Tosy Xue really has created such a awesome bit of Ameicana called the Western set. The Western set is 4 gifts offered to group members of WTG . This was the June set of gifts but due to his generosity he has set it out for a few more days, until the 4th of July. Tosy has also created a very special red, white and blue nails set (not pictured) set out as a special gift for group members for the 4th of July (US Independence Day).



The June gift contains **Western** bracelet a awesome silver beaded bracelet on rawhide and **Western** nail set both with a lone star cowboy theme any Texas girl would be excited to have. The set also includes a Western belt, cowboy hat, and bolo tie and earrings pictured. To you horse people… this is a perfect set for y’all, so mosey on over to the WTG stable and rustle up some fine jewels. Here is your ride to WTG



Model/Photographer – Sequoia Nightfire
Wearing – SAS – Arrogance Casual – Black by Sascha’s Design
Jewelry – **Western** belt, hat, bolo tie, earrings, bracelet and nails WTG GROUP GIFT*
Boots – Whitney Boots Black by SLink
Skin – LAQ

….You Make My Heart Sing!

It’s officially Summer, and time to find that perfect swimsuit! We’ve been watching our waists, counting our pixel intake. Now we get to show off our sexy curvaceous shape in high style! Swaffette Firefly has created some extraordinary sets for the beach and poolside, including her wonderful new line of Wild Thing Swimwear from SF Design. Each suit comes with a matching sarong which intensifies the vibrant colors patterned exquisitely in an animal skin. All of the color selections are tempting , i finally decided on the pink in snakeskin. That settled, i knew exactly where to turn for accessories – where else but Finesmith?



I faced a wide selection of possibilities from Yula’s myriad of incredible designs. I couldn’t narrow to one set so decided on pieces from a couple of different Finesmith series – the earrings are from the Leah Inspiration Set, while the bracelets i like best come from The Idioma Series – both are colour change and menu adjustable. And of course would feel naked without my nails so i added Finesmith Rave nails to finish the look. I recently picked up a few summery shoes at a new store to me, SHOEnique. The have some really unique and comfortably stylish designs worth a trip to see. I chose the Sea Shell Wedges which not only looked just right ,but have a name to match for any beach or swim suit destination.



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Wild Thing Swimsuit & Sarong by SF Designs
Jewelry – Leah Inspirations Earrings & Idioma Bracelets by Finesmith
Hair – Angie by EMO-tions
Skin – Julie by LAQ
Sea Shell Wedge Heels by SHOEnique
Nails – Rave Purple by Finesmith
Poses – Diesel Works

Are Meiling Mavens Looking For You?

Something special is afoot on the grid! Meiling is continuing a tradition she began at her real-life fashion shows by selecting an exceptionally styled person who she believes would wear her creations well as a Meiling Style Award winner. Continuing that tradition here in SL, there is a wandering band of four Meiling Mavens seeking exceptional candidates for her consideration at various venues throughout SL each month. Once a month Meiling will select one avatar to award this prestigious honor. This is not a contest that requires you to be wearing her clothes. This is a special prize to award the exceptional woman who makes a point of always looking her best no matter what the occasion. Meiling is all about, in her words, showing the woman in the clothes, and not the clothes on the woman. In addition to the honor of being selected, the winner will receive a title and special exclusive group tag, discounts and a special dress designed and named for her.

Sequoia is showing the Laura – Lovely in Lilac gown, recently released in honor of the very first Meiling Style Award Winner, Laura18 Streeter. A flowing spaghetti strap gown with an empire waistline and frill trimmed bodice, this beautiful dress captures the softest light to highlight your every gentle movement.



Sequoia chose the Sara hair from CaTwA because she loves how it cascades over her bare shoulders framing this gorgeous gown. Future winners will be so lucky to find other awesome creations named after them. Congratulations to Laura! Will you be the next Meiling Style Award winner? There may be Meiling Maven watching you!

Model – Sequoia Nightfire
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Laura Lovely in Lilac by MEILING Couture – Au Courant Style
Hair – Sara Wheat by CaTwA
Skin – LAQ

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

Sweet Summer Tea

The excitement continues at Meiling Couture as new amazing creations from real designs arrive fresh in Second Life! I am wearing one of these fabulous releases – the Tea on the Verandah. As a genuine G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised in the South) i know a thing or two about enjoying a glass of refreshing sun Tea in the cool shade of the Verandah. This lovely floral dress is just the thing for such traditional events. The flowing skirt of this floral masterpiece has all the charm to take you from an afternoon tea to that evening’s cotillion. The use of a solid sateen fabric with a vine design on the back panels of the Tea on the Verandah offers such a wonderful contrast to the floral design that coming or going you will have heads turning to admire this special creation — which, after all, is why we attend these summer social gatherings, is it not? 🙂



It was easy to choose the Michele hair by Kia Goodliffe of Me. Hair, this delightful coiffure was just released this past week. For accessories i chose the Goddess/Magdalena Set from Chop Zuey Couture Jewelry, a recent addition to Notions of Style which provided a remarkably lovely match!



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Tea on the Verandah by Meiling Couture
Hair – Michele NEW from Me.Hair
Jewelry – Goddess/Magdalena by Chop Zuey
Skin – Molly by LAQ
Poses – Diesel Works

Natural and Native

Crisp, fresh, demure and playful; all adjectives to describe Neferia Abel’s recent release, Farmer Girl bloomer set , part of her Casual Chic Collection featuring natural woven fabrics found at L`Abel . Both casual and fun, Nef did not spare any expense or detail weaving in an elegant touch of Belgian lace trim to raise this ensemble into the category of dressy summer attire. The versatility of opportunity to wear well into any summer event is such a delightful feature.



I added an aesthetically pleasing touch of colour with a selection of Chop Zuey Couture Jewelry that is both natural and native. The latest Pocohantas jewelry set features wrapped and braided rawhide with turned and polished natural turquoise beads. Chop Zuey is new to Notions of Style, and you will no doubt be seeing more of Belle Roussel’s fine jewelry creations in the future.



Belle also has something special brewing called “The Search for Miss Chop Zuey Summer 2011”, with an impressive list of prizes for the winners. Details and an entry form, and one of the largest collections of fine jewelry on the grid awaits you! Hurry to her main shop at Chop Zuey!

Model – Sequoia Nightfire
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Farmer Girl white bloomer set by L`Abel
Jewelry – Pocahontas Earrings & Necklace by Chop Zuey
Hair – Liz ~ Natural Blond by Amacci Hair
Shoes – Jolie Pied Achillia Gladiator Silver by SLink
Poses by Behavior Body

Evenings In Black

Happy Anniversary to our friend Tosy Xue of WTG!!! Tosy is officially entering his second year as a SL designer and you would think him much more mature by the sophistication of his jewelry designs. The Kaleidoscope sets of jewelry and nails are exquisitely detailed. We have already featured the long necklace in dazzling platinum with medallion pendant in a previous post, today will showcase the black set of the earrings, choker necklace and bejeweled nails with bracelet set. Sequoia adores the intricate filigree of this set and opted for the medallion earrings and choker necklace; the delicate design of the Kaleidoscope set will enhance and evening wear where you demand a certain unique elegance.



As we return to showcasing the fabulous collection of Meiling Couture designs, we focus on the “New Reality” in SL fashion we have spoken of in previous posts. You need only look to the fabric of the sateen and ruffles, with fine detail in every fold and crease, to see the exquisitely unique recreation of a real life gown in the Midnight in Maracas worn by KymSara. The evening wear from Meiling is consistent in the theme of exceptional design we found in the casual wear and dresses, which could be worn in either dressy or more casual modes. Meiling uses only the finest fabrics and pays close attention to detail with an emphasis on comfort and unique styling. Kym selected the smaller double elemment earrings of the Kaleidoscope set from WTG to compliment the softer look of the Midnight gown.



Kym found the soft silks and chiffon overlay and frills of the Midnight at Maracas Gown to be irresitable. Meiling has used a similar wrinkle-pleated silk skirt design with both of the gowns featured, but achieves distinctively different looks with her use of finely textured bodice elements.



Sequoia is wearing Meiling’s fabulous Haute Noire Gown which features a layered, wrinkle-pleated silk skirt and a peplum jacket top. The trim contours, wide satin waistband, and sheer collar are unique design details which will definitely merit a second and third look at your next formal event. Whichever choice you make, Meiling’s wearable elegance is sure to become your favorite look for that special evening event and many more to come! We also want to give a big shout-out to Tabata Jewell for her creation of her NEW Folie d’Ete hair from Vanity Hair. I am sure we will be seeing this beautiful coiffure styled to much of the seasons elegant creations this season.

Style Cards

Model – Sequoia Nightfire
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Haute Noire Gown from House of Meiling
Hair – Folie d’Ete-Nova Brown from Vanity Hair
Jewelry and Nails – Kaleidoscope-black from +:+WTG+:+
Skin – LAQ
Shoes – Cassandra Heels Black by SLink
Poses – Body Talking

Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Midnight at Maracas Gown – NEW! from House of Meiling
Jewelry and Nails – Kaleidoscope-black from +:+WTG+:+
Hair – Kat by Damselfly
Skin – Molly by LAQ
Poses – Body Talking

Coveting Pixels

Coveting pixel outfits may seem a bit out there, but when you wear business wear as i do in my RL circumstance you might even become envious of your avatar when you come across certain outfits. Among Swaffette Firefly’s latest releases from SF Designs, the Rizzo silk blouse and Leather skirt separates really caught my attention. Swaffette, in my humble opinion, is one of the select group of SL designers who is simply superb in bringing desirable and current RL designs to SL. Her styles are exciting, her workmanship flawless and she always includes options to make the fit and look personal.



The Rizzo Blouse, for example, includes both regular and “discrete” variations, as well as integrated and separate collar and ruffle attachements to enable all the fine adjustments for a perfect fit. The menu adjustable skirt and finely tooled belt, with exquisite detail and silver buckles, also reflects her customer care. Like many SF Designs outfits there are additional options in each set; she has thoughtfully included a mini-mini version of the leather skirt! I found my NEW Marina boots from SLink to be a perfect match and i loved the way the streaks of my blond Nanase hair by Hal*Hina were drawn out by the color of the blouse. This is an ensemble i will wear a LOT and hope some RL designer will be inspired to recreate.



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Rizzo Silk Blouse and Leather Skirt by SF Designs
Hair – Nanase by Hal*Hina
Skin – Emma by Tuli
Boots – Marina by SLinK
Poses – Body Talking

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

Country Chic: Florals

The excitement continues at Ivalde and L`Abel as the word of the special new L`Abel Country Chic Summer Collection splashes on the fashion scene like a beautiful sun shower offering refreshment for the body and soul. Cool comfortable lace, ruffles and florals are the order of the day this summer fashion season. We have already highlighted a some of the lace frosted and hemmed confections of this collection, now let’s have a look at two of the delightful florals.



Seq predictably grabbed the Summer Pantsuit in seagreen floral print and is stunning and at ease in the knee length loose-fitting pants and layered strapless top. The picture hardly does justice to any of the Country Chic Collection you must see the impeccable detail to really appreciate ! Tosy Xue really seems to be on a roll creatively as his nails most often are the manicure of choice, this time Seq is wearing the Magna Mater in platinum from WTG. Ever alert to spot a special exquisitely made jewelry design, Sequoia also discovered a wonderful bracelet called Friendo at The Hive when she was buzzing the grid. Of course she bought the necklace too but will save that for another time 🙂

Model – Sequoia Nightfire
Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Summer Pantsuit in SeaGreen- NEW! from L`Abel
Skin – Najeenda Pale from Deesse’s Skins
Hair – Sara Hair – Wheat from CaTwA
Jewelry – Friendo bracelet from The Hive
Nails – Magna Mater platinum by WTG
Shoes – SLink Jolie Pied Achillia Gladiator Silver from SLink
Poses – Glitterati



As you may have already guessed, when it comes to florals Kym would seek the sweetest and loveliest flowing full skirted dress. Savanna features all the summery hues of pink, purple and blue that are certain to capture the attention of the entire garden grid. Cool comfort is a bonus feature of this lovely dress. It moves with the softest summer breezes to reveal the delicate Belgian lace underskirt. This, of course, was the perfect excuse for Kym to run to Hatpins for a new summer hat to match! (as if she really needs an excuse!) Reghan Straaf always has a super selection of vintage inspired hats which work beautifully with actual period dresses or as a special finishing touch to todays most modern ensembles. It was a challenge to decide, but the Lady Zarah seemed a perfect choice for a midnite stroll in the meadow.



Model/Photographer – KymSara Rayna
Wearing – Savanna Dress – NEW! from L`Abel
Hair – Evi by Maitreya
Skin – Emma by Tuli
Hat – Lady Zarah by Hatpins
Poses – Glitterati