Bringing you THE BEST OF SECOND LIFE

Frank Sinatra… Dean Martin… Sammy Davis, Jr… Shirley Maclaine… Peter Lawford… Joey Bishop… The 50s and 60s saw Ol’ Blue Eyes form a close-knit friendship with a group of talented pals that became known as “The Rat Pack.”

Performing together or just hanging out, the Rat Pack was the epitome of cool. And designer Applonia Criss took inspiration from this iconic group with their undeniable style to bring you her latest releases, Chantkare’s “Rat Pack” Collection.

You’ll be snappin’ your fingers all the way to Vegas…

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/132/219/27

By Breezie Noel

Photography furnished by Applonia Criss

Honestly, the winter clothing of Second Life is so incredible this year. A perfect example of a fine designer at the top of her game is Applonia Criss of Chantkare.

Just look at her last release of 2009 – The “Sweaterless” ensemble is a delightful wool knit dress with muffler and gloves…just gorgeous.

And today, oh boy, get ready for a treat. Today Applonia releases two fabulous Chantkare gowns and a new hairstyle from her Labieja label.

“La Traviata” is a vision in sheer lace and exquisite details, including a whimsical headpiece and shoulder armor that put an optional surprise twist on this lush gown.

In keeping with her romantic mood, Chantkare’s “La Boheme” is a marvelous confection of light and dark, with yards and yards of tulle, and, again, an edgy accessory in the “Boheme Face Guard” that takes the design to another level.

Both photos show Applonia’s new “Labieja Hair 2010″ updo – a perfect accompaniment to the new styles as well as a fresh look for 2010.

Well done, Appl!

Main Entrance
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/133/219/27

East Wing
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/222/239/33

<Hums, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”> Whether you celebrate Christmas or another holiday special to you, this time of year is a time of love and celebration… and parties. This is the final posting in my Breezie’s Picks holiday blog series, and I’ve styled up more marvelous party ensembles for you.

I hope you enjoy these, maybe even give you party dressing ideas of your own. Regardless, there are many talented designers and content creators out there in our virtual world, so go looking around and end 2009 looking fabulous!

OUTFIT & GLOVES: Chantkare “Chubby”; HAIR: Truth “Lauren” (mirage); BOOTS: LeLutka “Chloe Ankle Boots” (black); SKIN: LeLutka  ~model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Jador “Margot” (gold); HAIR: LeLutka “Ava” (platinum); BOOTS: Magnifico “Cage Boot” (red); SKIN: LeLutka  ~model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Vita’s Boudoir “Frozen Night”; HAIR: Maitreya “Zoe” (Strawberry Blond); HEADPIECE: LaGyo “Noir Desire-Black Widow”; EARRINGS: LaGyo “Noir Desire-Sacre Coeur”; SHOES: Stiletto Moody “Bare Lauren” (Python); SKIN: LeLutka ~model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Phoenix Rising “Willamina’s Tease” (Emerald); HAIR: Maitreya “Zoe” (ginger); JEWELRY: Phoenix Rising “Breezie’s Intoxication”; SHOES: Nardcotix “Varela Heel” (green); SKIN: LeLutka  ~model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Chantkare “Ballet de Noir”; HAIR: Maitreya “Aisha” (natural blond); JEWELRY: Phoenix Rising “Kay’s Kiboh”; SHOES: Stiletto Moody “Bare Lauren” (patent colorset); SKIN: LeLutka  ~model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Sascha’s Designs “Tease” (pink); HAIR: Truth “Lucinda” (seaspray); BODY JEWELS: CHIC Inc. “Body Diamonds” (Ruby); EARRINGS: Gems & Kisses “Pure Beauty” (silver); SHOES: Stiletto Moody “Elegant Slingback” (Pink Moc Croc); SKIN: LeLutka  ~model: Breezie Noel

OUTFIT, GLOVES, EARRINGS: Tres Beau “Frolic”; HAIR: Maitreya “Green II” (platinum); SHOES: Stiletto Moody “Bare Elizabeth” (Black Diamante); SKIN: LeLutka  ~model: Breezie Noel

Warmest wishes for a safe and blessed holiday season from me and everyone at Best of Second Life to you and your loved ones!

Love,

Breezie Noel

*Note: These photographs and all the others in this series of “Breezie’s Picks” blogs will be available soon at http://www.flickr.com/photos/breezie_noel/

I hope you enjoyed my previous post, highlighting some really beautiful formal gown choices for the holidays. But, as we all know, Second Life events aren’t always formal  – we also have parties!

From festive to chic to downright sexy, here are some party dresses sure to delight your style and turn every head in the room. Holiday Spotlight on YOU!

DRESS, TIGHTS, & HAT: LeLutka “Guile”; HAIR: LeLutka “UPDO” (blonde) with hairbase skin; EARRINGS: Phoenix Rising “Ashoka’s Fantasia”; BRACELET: Phoenix Rising “Kay’s Kiboh”; RING: LaGyo “Skulls!-Chic Knuckle” (dark); SHOES: LeLutka “Saffron Pumps” (black); SKIN: LeLutka *LeLutka clothing will be available for purchase first week of January.  Model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Baiastice “Silk Hug” (cream); HAIR: Uncleweb Studios “Raymond” (topaz brown); NECKLACE: LeLutka “Lilly”; BRACELET & EARRINGS: LeLutka “Nicolette”; RING: JCNY “Model 17-Art Lovers”; SHOES: Stiletto Moody “Bare Ingrid) (gold); SKIN: LeLutka  Model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Chantkare “La Dove”; HAIR: LeLutka “BlondBUN” (with hairbase skin); JEWELRY: Caithlin Carter Designs “Gwyneth Collection”; RING: Alienbear Design “Queen Heidi”; SHOES: 24 “Diamond Sandals” (white); SKIN: LeLutka  Model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Vita’s Boudoir “Bonjour Dress”; HAIR: Maitreya “Moon” (peroxide blond); BRACELETS: cutemurder “valerie” (pink); EARRINGS: LeLutka “Diamonde Bead”; RING: LaGyo “Be Careful” (silver); BOW/HEADBAND: LaGyo “Rare”; SHOES: Stiletto Moody “Bare Elizabeth (Silver Diamante); SKIN: LeLutka  Model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Chantkare “MattyBow”; HAIR: Laqroki “Ress” (black); EARRINGS: Aurora Borealis “Zelda” (freshwater gold); RING: LaGyo “Skulls-Chic Knuckle” (gold); STOCKINGS: Stiletto Moody “Lucky Seamed Stayups” (medium sheer); SHOES: Nardcotix “Varela” (gold); SKIN: LeLutka  Model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: LeeZu “Noell Sculpted Dress” (violet); HAIR: LeLutka “Ballerina Bun” (charcoal black); JEWELRY: Phoenix Rising “Kay’s Kiboh”; SHOES: Stiletto Moody “Bare Ginger” (Patent); SKIN: LionSkins “Yang”  Model: Breezie Noel

DRESS: Prism by Journey “Audrey” (pink sequins); HAIR: Beauty Avatar “Poker Face” (platinum, includes hat); EARRINGS: Baiastice “Synthetic Crystal”; RING: Chloe “Bubbles”; TIGHTS: LeeZu! “Cat Tights” (black) BOOTS: BAX “Ankle Boots” (black patent); SKIN: LeLutka  Model: Breezie Noel

PANTS & JACKET: Bliss Couture “Ophelia Mink Shrug/Pants Set” (midnight); HAIR: LeLutka “Ava” (platinum); EARRINGS: LaGyo “Noir Desire-Sacre Coeur”; RING: LaGyo “Noir Desire-Caged Dove”: TATTOO: Singing Moth “Crows”; BOOTS: LeLutka “Chloe Ankle Boots” (black); SKIN: LionSkins  Model: Breezie Noel

Here’s wishing you a holiday season of glittering parties and cozy nights by the fire with friends or that special someone.

Love,

Breezie Noel

*Note: These photographs and all the others in this series of “Breezie’s Picks” blogs will be available soon at http://www.flickr.com/photos/breezie_noel/

Applonia Criss of Chantkare just keeps getting better and better. The new Chantkare Winter Collection is a pure triumph of style and panache, offering original designs for the discriminating woman, from casual to daytime chic to striking evening wear.

Feast your eyes on this fabulous collection, and don’t even pretend to resist!

Oh, did I say the “discriminating woman?” Let me hasten to announce, my friends, that Appl is now designing for the Second Life male, too! Distinctive and sophisticated menswear that will set the discriminating man apart from the crowd.

Finally, this just in… There’s a huge Fall Sale at the Chantkare Main Shop in Tabula Rasa, with many selected items marked down. Go upstairs for great bargains on fabulous fall fashions!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/132/219/27

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Couture%20Boulevard/86/86/2

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Laguna%20Arenal/222/144/23

Designer Applonia Criss wowed Second Life fashionistas with her recent new Fall Releases. And now she has done it again with the newest additions to the Chantkare Fall Collection!

The “Chi Chi Coat” is just that – very “chi chi,” as in chic and stylish. The textures are perfect for fall, and the 2-color combinations make this a great layering option.

And what to layer over? Why the new Chantkare “Paush Pant!” These pants are bright and vibrant – just the thing to brighten your spirits on those gloomy October and November days. I really like the feminine cuffs, and the multiple colors make it a natural for mixing and matching.

Here’s another fabulous layering option – Chantkare’s “Fall Jacket.” In a great take on plaid, taking it on the bias, this jacket looks so cool with its collar over the high buttoned neck. Wear it with a pencil skirt or long flowing skirt or your favorite pair of slacks; this jacket will be one of your fall staples.

Of course, Fall isn’t just about keeping warm – it’s also about looking beautiful at autumn events. Chantkare’s “Holiday” combines soft feminine colors with the sheerest delicate lace for a lovely after 5 dress that will turn heads for sure.

Chantkare’s final new fall release, “Lemongrass,” just knocks me out. This is one of the prettiest gowns I’ve seen this season, and the waist attachment with bow adds a unique look that definitely sets this gown apart. Just gorgeous.

Finally… I don’t have vendor photos of these next two designs, but they are two of my favorites from the recent Chantkare fall line. So I took my own pics!

“Jersey Girl” is a very flattering and sophisticated dress. The belt and stockings are included with the outfit. I put on some great Motoptica sunglasses and high heeled pumps from Maitreya for true daytime glamour. Accessorize this differently, and you could be the center of attention at any event. 

“Bedrock Mini” is a charming mini dress that you can accessorize different ways for lots of occasions.  For this version, I put on some black stockings and great boots from B&G for a slightly edgy, kicky effect. But it also looks divine with black or red dressy sandals and feminine hair for a party. I love this dress.

 Oh, and check out the back! Hot, huh! ;D

You can shop for these and the rest of Chantkare’s Fall Collection at the main store in Tabula Rasa. As Applonia says, “Get your Fall colors on!”

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/132/219/27

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/222/239/33

“Hello darlings, in just a short while the mainshop shall reopen with Fall 2009 along with NEW additional pieces…soo STAY TUNED! Thanx, Applonia Criss.”

For those of us who know Applonia Criss and her fabulous women’s fashion brand Chantkare, those words are enough to send our pulses racing. And if you aren’t familiar with Chantkare, you owe it to yourself to visit.

There are several satellite stores, but the main Chantkare store in Tabula Rasa has most everything and will be reopening Friday September 18 with new Fall 2009 Collection designs.

Here’s a little tease for you of some of the new styles Applonia will be releasing with the reopening of her store tomorrow…

<Breezie does the happy dance in anticipation>

The Best of SL Presents BOSL Fashion Week 2009!

From August 8 through August 16, Second Life fashion fans and fashionistas will thrill to eight (8) amazing runway shows, each presented in its own stunning venue, featuring some of the most innovative and talented designers on the grid.

It’s the premier fashion event of the year!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Couture%20Boulevard/64/65/3015

August 8th – Saturday – 4:00 pm SLT: VIOLATOR

Designer Soraya Vaher presents her visually stunning, sensual designs and accessories in a light show tunnel that is an experience in itself!

August 8th – Saturday – 5:00 pm SLT: BOSL FASHION WEEK OPENING CEREMONY

SLebrity Mankind Tracer performs live at the opening ceremony concert – don’t miss this event!

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August 9th – Sunday – 11:00 am SLT: ITALIAN HAUTE COUTURE

Top Italian designers present the height of fashion in an outstanding runway show at the lush outdoor Renaissance Cathedral!

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August 11th – Tuesday – 3:00 pm SLT: JAPANESE KIMONOS BY MILKY HOUSE

Designer Sequanna Kidd presents her amazingly delicate and intricate Japanese Kimonos in a beautiful setting at Boulevard Agency!

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August 12th – Wednesday – 4:00 pm SLT: NARDCOTIX and PHOENIX RISING

Designers Nardya Rousselot and Ashoka Eales present gorgeous creations sure to delight at the renowned Patch Thibaud Auditorium!

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August 13th – Thursday – 3:00 pm SLT: KWZ

Designer Kariwanz Felisimo bursts on the SL fashion scene, presenting her fabulous and inventive designs in a fantastic venue at Boulevard Agency!

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August 14th – Friday – 4:00 pm SLT: FANTASY COUTURE

Designer Nonna Hedges and others present fantastical creations in a Cirque du Soleil setting in the tunnel venue that will have you cheering on your feet!

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August 15th – Saturday – 12:00 noon SLT: LADY THERA

Designer Thera Taurog presents her artistic vision in an exciting fashion show at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium!

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August 16th – Sunday – 10:00 am SLT: TRIBUTE TO COCO CHANEL

An astonishing array of top Second Life designers present original designs created for this tribute to the singular talent and style of real life legend Coco Chanel at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium in a setting that will rock the fashion world!

Participating Designers:

Soraya Vaher(Violator)
Micah Kanto (Modern Gypsy)
Raven Pennyfeather (RFyre & RP Couture)
Nonna Hedges (Details by Nonna Hedges)
Indyra Seigo (Indyra Originals)
Mami Jewell (Azul)
Brenda Clellon (Brenda Clellon)
Amutey deCuir (Bliss)
Elettra Gausman (Orage Creations)
Pixie Prevost (Crossroads Creations)
Bunni GossipGirl (Ice Couture)
Alatiel Malies (Alatiel Fashions)
SySy Chapman (SySy’s)
Dezi Jarvinen (Staged)
Monica Outlander (Miamai)
Aleida Rhode (Aleida)
Aradhana Voight (Mashooka Designs)
Sonatta Morales (Sonatta Morales Weird Couture & Curio)
Potnia Theas (Ora Trei Designs)
Applonia Criss (Chantkare)
Ziamela Loon (Jador)
Nardya Rousellot (Nardcotix)
Elisea Carter (Gold in the Night)

SLebrity singer Melodyblue Melody will perform live during the closing ceremony for this unprecedented event!

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Watch this blog and The Best of SL Magazine Readers Group for daily announcements, updates, and landmarks.

See you at BOSL Fashion Week!!!

Some exciting news from designer Applonia Criss for Chantkare!

~~~~~CHANTKARE PRESENTS“““““““`

MODEL SEARCH FALL 2009

Hello Darlings – well wishes from the staff of Chantkare.

We are having our very first Chantkare Model Search contest. The winner that is selected will be the model for the Fall campaign. This includes all magazine ads and in store promos and LookBook – only one model will be chosen. In addition to that she will receive 5000L cash prize as well as items from the Fall Collection 2009.

~~~~~~~~~~~REQUIREMENTS“““““`
1. Submit one head and one bodyshot – these will be posted on the board in the Chantkare Main Store and Resume (if available, but not required).
2. Must be wearing item of Chantkare clothing in photos.
3. Must be an active player for commitment and be available between the hours of 9am slt and 4pm slt on weekdays.
4. Entries may be submitted until 7/31/2009
5. Submit entries in a folder entiled “Chantkare Fall Model Search” to Chantkare Vyper.

Judging is done by staff of Chantkare. Employees are not eligible for contest. This IS NOT a voting contest. Board will be updated with entries daily.

Winner will be announced 8/3/2009

GOOD LUCK TO ALL

APPLONIA CRISS-DESIGNER/OWNER
LONG PAUSCH -CEO/CO-OWNER

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/222/245/32

Last week I introduced you to new jewelry designer Gyorgyna Larnia and the wonderful designs of LaGyo Jewelry. This week Gyorgyna releases an all new collection that you really should see – the LaGyo Jewelry Circus Collection!

The Circus Collection features beautiful and intricate jewelry and accessories with a circus theme, including these necklaces and earrings.

LaGyo Collana Carousel Necklace

LaGyo Orecchini Carousel Earrings

LaGyo Ballerinas Necklace

 

 

LaGyo Beauty Earrings

Gyorgyna launched her Circus Collection with a 2-day party at her main store in Garman. She built a whimsical carnival circus setting on the roof of her store, complete with a fortune teller’s tent, wild animal cages, pony rides, pose balls for fun photos, and the “Big Top” itself, which houses the Circus Collection of jewelry and accessories.

LaGyo Siamese Twins Necklaces

LaGyo Brooch

Some of my favorite pieces in the LaGyo Circus Collection are the charmingly detailed cuff bracelets.

LaGyo Loving Little Clown Bangle

LaGyo Frilly Elephant Bangle

LaGyo Odd Beauty Bangle

LaGyo How I'm Feeling Now Bangle

And, of course, Gyorgyna Larnia does not disappoint with her Circus Collection unique accessories!

LaGyo Tears face prim

LaGyo Soubrette mask

LaGyo Trapeze Vertigo

You can check out the LaGyo Jewelry pieces at Gyorgyna’s flickr stream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/35421709@N06/ and check out her blog at http://mychangingrooms.blogspot.com/. LaGyo Jewelry is also on display at Chantkare.

LaGyo Main Store
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Garman/162/107/102

Chantkare Main Store-East Wing
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/227/234/33