Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Vixie has been CAPTURED

Impacratrice Breiz was kind enough to send out the Captured Photography Book tear sheets last night. Here are a few highlights from the latest issue along with a few styling notes. Working on this book was an amazing experience. Impa works a bit differently than most photographers in SL. With Breiz, there are NO pose stands. As the model you are expected to show up and WORK. All of the following shoots were on location (except for Swallowtail Designs). None of the locations are photoshopped in, and we all travel in one large troupe and run over the sim like crazy people trying to get the shots done. And, yes I mean run (ctrl-R). Its a wonderfully unique part of working with Captured, we work as a team and make it fun. If you haven't applied for a spot in the next book - What are you waiting for? Click here for details.


Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Model/Stylist: Vixie Rayna
Designer: Swallowtail Designs by Natsuko Paravane
Details: Full Prim Pearl Earrings (Short), Branch Necklace (Long)
Location: Studio
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts



Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Model/Stylist: Vixie Rayna
Designers: Digit Darkes and Sky Everett
Details: Digit Darkes Midnight Dress, Sky Everett White Feathers with Diamonds
Location: Emvee Cuba
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts



Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Model: Vixie Rayna
Designer: Free Speerit
Details: FS Skin Desidella Miwu
Location: Emvee Cuba
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts


Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Models: (L-R) Kay Fairey, Vixie Rayna, Keno Beardmore (Standing), Chalice Carling (Sitting)
Designer: Alchemy by Constanza Volare
Details: Alchemy Outfits - Aire in Purple, Happy in Red and Lime, and Supernova in Sky
Location: Tombstone
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts

*updated 10/2/08 with SLURL and Links

Monday, September 29, 2008

Have you been CAPTURED?

This was the best weekend ever in SL! After months and MONTHS of hard work, the premiere Captured Photography book was released on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the Captured Trade Show. The 12 hour event was filled with 8 runway shows featuring the designs of well-known brands such as VictoriaV, Digit Darkes, Baiastice and some amazing new designers like Sevenstar Amat of Stitch by Stitch and Irie Campese of So Many Styles. The SIM was a one-stop shopping extravaganza featuring all of the above designers and many more. If you didn't get a chance to participate in the event, you really missed out on a wonderful day.

The event celebrated the release of the premiere issue of the Captured Photography book. Please enjoy a sneak peek into the book.


Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Cover Model: Imogen Miklos
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts


Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Model: Vixie Rayna
Designer: Digit Darkes and Sky Everett
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts

The Captured photography book is the vision and dream of Impacratrice Breiz. Featuring the best in ART, BEAUTY, DESIGN, FASHION, and LIFESTYLE. The book is seasonal and only comes out FOUR times per year. The book is an advertisement free book featuring high quality editorials photographed and produced by the Breiz Creative Concepts team. Selection is competitive as there are only 250 pages per issue. We are currently accepting applications for the January/March 2009 issue. Feel free to contact me (Vixie Rayna) in-world via notecard for an application to be a featured creator.

Online version available here. Pick up the premiere issue of the Captured book today in-world, ONREZ or SLexchange.




Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Model: Vixie Rayna
Jewelry: Swallowtail Designs
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts


Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Model: Ella Quinsette
Skin: Free Speerit
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts



Photographer: Impacratrice Breiz
Model: Imogen Miklos
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts

Captured Photography Book is now CASTING models. You could be one of 20 models selected for the January issue. Visit the Breiz Creative Concepts headquarters today for your application. Deadline for submissions is October 13th.

Please allow me to say thank you all of the wonderful designers, creators and models involved with this issue. It was a wonderful pleasure to work with you all. Stay tuned for the upcoming issue in January. We are just getting started.

I would like to also say thank you to the Breiz team for their incredible hard-work especially in the last two weeks. Working behind the scenes is a tough role, and everyone stepped up beyond my wildest expectations. To the Breiz MUSES: Chalice, Dmitri, Ella, Gemini, Imo, Kay, Keno, and Laya - you each played an essential role in making the Captured Photography book and Trade Show an unbelievable success. Together we made an incredible TEAM. And finally, to Miss IMPA (aka Impacratrice Breiz - CEO of Breiz Creative Concepts). You shall forever be our fearless leader, visionary genius and waffle queen. We love you.

A Fashion Fairytale...



There once was a girl named Vixie, who lived and breathed fashion. Each day, she threw back the covers and jumped out of bed eager to begin a new quest for fashion fun. She crossed sim after sim in search of the best skirts, shoes, hats, and earrings in the land. One day she stumbled upon some of the most unique designs she had ever seen, with patterns and textures galore. It was as if the heavens opened up and shone a light onto the most glorious fashions in the land. Her eyes grew large as she spied the most spectacular hat she had ever seen. As she stepped forth to pay, evil stepped in and took the hat vendor away. With tears in her eyes, Vixie searched far and wide to find the maker of the magical chapeau of her dreams.

Thus began the story of Sevenstar Amat, designer of Stitch by Stitch, and Miss Vixie. Read the original adventure here.


Its hard to believe that just over a month ago a simple quest for a hat could lead to one of the most unbelievable experiences I've had in Second Life. After that initial conversation with Seven, I blogged about my experience and her designs. Just after I published the blog, I contacted Seven again in-world to provide a link. She loved the post and pictures. As a thank you, she sent me hats and a few outfits. During this time, I was doing a lot of work with Impacratrice Breiz for the Captured Photography Book. She also enjoyed the Stitch by Stitch post and asked if I would consider writing a feature for the book. Impa asked me to edit the article a bit, and to also include more looks. Well I was over the moon with excitement. I finished the styling, shoots and updated article in record time and emailed over to Impa. Within hours she uploaded to Captured, and I was in awe of seeing my article in print. Completely thrilled! **I've included some sneak peeks from the October/December 2008 issue of the Captured Photography book. Full styling details are in the book. Please pick up your copy in-world via OnRez, or SLexchange. If you want to view it out of SL please visit ONLINE VERSION HERE**



Photographer: Vixie Rayna
Model: Vixie Rayna
Designer: Stitch by Stitch
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts


Photographer: Vixie Rayna
Model: Vixie Rayna
Designer: Stitch by Stitch
October/December 08 Issue-CAPTURED
(C) Breiz Creative Concepts

Oh so proud!! But, the show had to go on and I was kept busy with styling and shoots for the other features.


A few days passed and I got an excited message from Seven. She thanked me for the article, and I was just so humbled she thought of me. I asked her how she had heard (it was to be a surprise), and she mentioned Rusch Raymaker of Avenue had been given a preview of the book. Good news travels fast! I was just thrilled others enjoyed the piece. Another week past, and the idea for the Trade Show was hatched. Of course we wanted to include Stitch by Stitch, and Seven was generous enough to provide us wardrobe for the show. Fast forward to Saturday, September 27th... I was helping Chalice Carling with some final preparations for the Stitch by Stitch show, and she said, "Vixie, I have something to show you. This is Seven's newest dress and she's designed and named it the 'Miss Vixie' after you." I was absolutely speechless and the tears just sort of welled up. Fashion for me is art, and I'm completely inspired by the content creators and artists in SL. Its an honor for me to even wear their clothes. I feel like I am part of living art. This blog and my work with Captured was a way for me to give a little back to the community that I call home. For me to be able to shine a little light on the work of others gives me such joy. To hear that you somehow inspired another person leaves me with no words. Thank you Sevenstar Amat, for your unbelievably sweet gesture. I am the luckiest girl in SL. HIGGIES! ;)




Style Card:
Skin: Blowpop Honey - Plum Portia
Hair: Novocaine Antoinette - Port
Outfit: Stitch by Stitch Miss Vixie's Dress and Hat
Shoes: Aoharu Ribbon Heels - Black
Earrings: JCNY Diamond Studs - Modified Metal and Gem
Eyes: MMS Turquoise (No Longer for Sale)
Lashes: KM Starry

Monday, September 15, 2008

Southern Comfort



It's been a lazy weekend for me, and now it's Monday. BOOOOO! Have you got the workday blues, too? If so, glam it up with this amazing dress from Kunglers. I tried my best to capture the wonderful layers of the skirt prim, it's too delicious for words. The prim is a mix of animal prints, feathers, and sheer fabrics. The dress is exceptionally well made and is part of Kunglers' couture line. We won't get into a couture in SL debate. Personally, I don't care what the designer calls their clothing, as long as it looks good on me. Yes, I'm vain. In fact, I told one of my friends that I felt like a lioness and rightfully declared myself "Queen of the Jungle." She laughed and basically called me an idiot as lions live in the Savannah. Obviously the designer of Kunglers knows this little fact too as the dress is named Savannah. ;)
Enjoy your Monday and remember, Fashion is FUN!

Model/Photographer: Vixie Rayna

Style Card:
Skin: Blowpop Tuesday Honey in Shir Seductive
Hair: Maitreya Mica 2008 in Autumn
Dress: Kunglers Savannah
Hosiery: Sheer Fishnet Tights
Necklace: JCNY Stella Couture Fashion Necklace (Metal Changed to Black)
Shoes: Stiletto Moody Bitch Bootie in Black
Eyes: MMS Deep Blue (No Longer for Sale)
Lashes: Cake Bedroom Lashes

Music: The Donnas' Fall Behind Me

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Feathered Elegance


Here's a little secret about me...shhhh. Vixie loves LOVES peacocks!! Anytime I see a peacock feather in world I do a happy dance. Seriously, you have to see it! You should be picturing the awkward yet adorable Matt dance about now.
Everyone knows about the gorgeous peacock lingerie outfit from Nyla. It was one of my first fashion crushes in SL, I wore it more than I care to admit. But, I never tire of the wonderfully exotic look and mystery of the feather's design. It calls to me..."vixie, vixie, VIXIE!", and I usually end up spending a bunch of lindens to feed my feather-lust.
On a wonderful shopping excursion to Bijou, ***edit 9.12.08 - An anonymous poster informed me that they couldn't find the freebie boxes - I've updated the SLURL and double-checked today and they are still there.*** I spied with my little eye some FREEBIE boxes. I'm not really a freebie whore, but I usually pick them up in the store and check them out when I get home. 90% of my freebies are trashed after inspection. Let me just say that this wasn't the case with the Bijou freebies. They are FABU!! Run, run, run your hot little pixel asses there now to pick up the goodness.
Imagine my sheer giddiness when I opened one of folders and spotted the name "Chanson Fur with Peacock Feather" in the DIVA outfit. As soon as I attached the prim I started dancing, and then quickly regained composure as I was naked. Bijou's Chanson outfit itself is quite splendid with a fitted purple ruched cocktail dress. Its definitely the best freebie dress I've ever seen, but I wanted a challenge. And, as an avid mash-up artist, I decided to can the the freebie dress portion and dig in and find some wonderfulness to show off this fur.
The fur and feathers are amazing textures, and I really wanted to play with that concept some more. Baiastice has the most wonderful formal dress skirt prims. I chose a silk and lace skirt from the Black Tart outfit. For the bodice, I had to go with Nicky Ree. The Florence gown has two bodice options, and I went with the fitted corset. The lines were simple yet sleek and it didn't distract from the fur. JCNY's Ballerina Diamond bracelet was the perfect evening jewelry. On my feet, I'm wearing the Maitreya Grace heels with Sheer stockings. Additionally featured items include: Blowpop Tuesday Rai Sins in Pink, Bijou Luminous eyes in Sapphire (normal size), Cake Berlin hair in Cocoa and Cake Bedroom lashes. Poses are from Pididdle and Luth.
Even when we are being elegant, its still about fun my lovelies! Go out there and express yourself in this wonderful art called fashion!

Model/Photographer: Vixie Rayna

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Casualness...



Some days you just feel like throwing on shorts and a tee, and heading out to do errands.  Today was the perfect day to play up some casual-ness.  The Elephant Outfitters shorts, are some of the nicest in SL. The texture is amazing, and I love the prim leg cuffs.  Purple is one of my favorite colors, so I added a flowy tunic tank from Random to top of the outfit.  Swallowtail has an AMAZING new collection of jewelry.  This bracelet is from the Naturalist collection, and I never want to take this bracelet off.  The flower details are stunning and the colors are bright and fun.  Of course the new ribbon hair from MMS, just brought the look together.



I added these to my Flickr stream a few days ago, but I wanted to drop a little blog to share a bit more.  Enjoy!! And, remember that Fashion is Fun!

Style Card:
Skin: Blowpop Honey -  Rai Sins in Pink 
Hair: MMS Ribbon in Chestnut (Ribbon Modified to Yellow)
Shirt: Random Solid Braided Tank Tunic in Purple
Shorts: Elephant Outfitters Jordyn in Twig
Bracelet: Swallowtail Naturalist
Earrings: +plus Yellow Plastic
Eyes: MMS Turquoise (No Longer for Sale)
Lashes: Cake Bedroom Lashes
Pose: LAP and Pididdle

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Beat City


There is something to say about music, how a simple song takes you back to a time and place.  Do you remember the first time you heard "Beat City"? Most would say Ferris Bueller's Day Off, sometime in the 80's.  Honestly, I think the first time I really heard it was two months ago. One of those wonderful virtual dates that most just don't understand.  Yes, I was in virtual love.  "Was" being the keyword.  It ended some time ago, but I guess there are some days when you can't help but reminisce about all the things that could have been.  You are probably wondering why I haven't named some sappy song, but I guess that isn't how the brain works.  I randomly heard "Beat City" and bam...I'm missing Dave.   
In an effort to distract myself, I tore through my inventory to find something a little bit tough. The Muism black suit with white suit, jumped out at me.  It sort of had this Chrissie Hynde edge to it, and of course "gonna use my style, gonna use my side-step...gonna use my, my, my imagination!" screams through my veins.  I head over to the Glam World sim, and walked about finding the perfect place to shoot as the music coursed through my veins.  I know its not obvious, but its me.


Style Card:  
Skin: Blowpop Aden in Black #1 in Honey
Hair: Novocaine Caelyn in Licorice
Oufit: Muism Black Suit/White Shirt (Rolled-Up Jacket and Cuffs)
Necklace: Swallowtail Circle Panic
Shoes: Maitreya Frenzy in Bordeaux
Pose: Vain Inc Bedroom



p.s. He was missing me, too...

++edited 9/13/08 added picture and labels++

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Fall Fashion <3


Fall is upon us, and I couldn't wait to hit the stores and put together some fun outfits. Of course, the Aoharu Walk shoe sale was all over the feeds, so I had to jump over and pick up some cute shoes. While there, I went to check out the new arrivals. I was in fashion heaven, The colors are rich almost jewel tones, and the greens, oranges and browns screamed fall! I picked up some cute things and ran home to put together some looks. Only thing missing is the leaves!

**Note - The ribbon socks from Aoharu (pictured far right) were a mod mess. The ribbons are prims, which gives a great rich look, but you almost need to have an instruction card to fit them properly. Or maybe have a notecard with leg slider numbers that work.***

Style Card (L to R):
Far Left -
Skin: Blowpop Aden in Black #1 in Honey
Hair: Zero Style Ayase in Raven
Hat: Wild O PS
Shirt:Cachet Carrie Shirt (From outfit)
Vest: Stitch by Stitch Pauline Jacket (From outfit)
Pants: Gigi Couture Striped High Waisted Pants
Scarf: Aoharu Afghan Stole in Black
Socks: Neferia Abel Black Socks
Shoes: Shiny Things Ruffle Boot in Black
Pose: Grapevine Fashionality Stand 004

Middle -
Skin: LF Chai Cole in Ginger
Hair: Maitreya Chloe in Coffee (From Hair Fair 2008)
Hat: Part of the hair
Outfit: Aoharu Pixy Tunic Set in Brown
Bangle: Armidi Gisaci Healing Giraffe in Brown
Shoes: Aoharu Walk Back Ribbon Short Boots in Brown
Eyes: MMS Deep Blue (No Longer for Sale)
Lashes:KM Starry
Pose: Luth Movement 10

Far Right -
Skin: Blowpop Tuesday Rai Sins Nude Brun in Honey
Hair: Maitreya Mica 2008 Gold Blonde
Hat: Aoharu Fluffy in Brown
Outfit: Aoharu Short Coat in Brown
Socks: Aoharu Ribbon Socks in Brown
Shoes: Shiny Things Ruffle Boot in Brown
Eyes: MMS Deep Blue (No Longer for Sale)
Lashes:KM Starry
Pose: Luth Pose 14

Music: Daydreamer by Adele

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

WaRpAiNt!!!

Are you part of the Blowpop Army? If not, you could have missed out on Annyka Bekker's first Flickr contest.  She sent a massive order to all of her "troops" (aka group) "looking for your most spectacular photos, in your favourite Blowpop skin." Being the Blowpop skin whore that I am, I loaded my inventory and went to town finding the perfect look.



I had Elysium Eilde of Second Look Studio take a few pictures for the contest and the results were spectacular. The above picture was taken on location at SLS, and I'm wearing Yip's Golden Bird, Zero Style Hair, and Blowpop Shir Angelic in Honey.

Each day I checked the stream to see what had been added.  The entries in the contest were stunning, and the lucky winners received Lindens and billboard displays in Annyka's store.  I wasn't one of the lucky winners, but Annyka was kind enough to send out these special edition skins to all of the contestants.  The eye make-up is a wonderful splash of color that begs for one to go out and have a little fun.  



Style Card:
Skin: Blowpop Warpaint in Honey (Special Gift for Contestants)
Hair: MMS Hera in Coffee
Hairpiece: Artilleri Orchids In Yellow
Earrings: Natalie Defiant Vinyl Records
Eyes: MMS Deep Blue (No Longer for Sale)
Lashes: KM Starry Lashes
Model: Vixie Rayna

Photo taken in-world by Vixie Rayna with minimal editing with Mac's Preview image color correction sliders. Like this picture, check out my Flickr stream.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Neo-Japanese



Another shoot, another day! Impacratrice Breiz of Breiz Creative Concepts and staff contributer of The Best of Second Life Magazine is one of the handful of fresh fashion photographers in SL. Her work is extremely collaborative, she expects the model to MODEL! She called five models in and asked us to show off our Neo-Japanese style. We got all dolled up in our street wear and TP'd to the SICK sim. Good thing I was wearing Chucks, because we were running to get that shot. Impa's shoots are pure energy as you shoot guerilla style. We had a great time, and the shot came out wonderfully! See this picture and article in the latest issue of The Best of Second Life magazine on stands now.

Tips for Impacratrice's shoots: Be sure to have a monster inventory of poses to choose from because there is no pose ball magic on her sets. Oh and she shoots on location see wear something comfortable to run in.

Models pictured (L to R): Imogen Miklos, Eleania Rosenberg, Chalice Carling, Kay Fairey, and Vixie Rayna. Photograph and Graphic Design by Impacratrice Breiz for The Best of Second Life Magazine.



Model/Photographer Vixie Rayna:
Skin: Less Than 3 - Glam Skins 2 - Vice Versa Deux in Tan
Hair: MMS - Hera in Light Brown
Eyes: MMS - Turquoise (No Longer For Sale)
Lashes: Cake Bedroom Lashes Above (Bianca Foulon Feather Lashes in the Shoot)
Earrings: Natalie Defiant - Vinyl Records (Cassette Earrings in the Shoot)
Bracelet: 69 - Sprinkles in Black
Clothes: DeLa - Jessica Tank Top in Orange with Nemo Blue Stripe Stole, Dora Jean Shorts in Blue 02 with Turned Up Leg Hems and Button Flap Back Pockets
Socks: MiaSofia - Striped Wool Socks in Mia
Shoes: Akeyo - Chucks (Modified Purple and Yellow)