It's raining shoes!

To my dismay, many Free Women have been seen walking around in shoes similar to the one shown above. Ladies!! If I see another FW in peep toe stillettoes I shall report you to the magistrate. I understand that FW in the books had a type of high heel, but they were so tall that they were mainly worn at home and no designer in sl has attempted to make them *coughs*. I understand that sl gives us room for artistic interpretation, but not that much. My rule for buying shoes for my Gorean closet is if you couldn't walk down the street in 1800s England and before in it, don't buy it. Some boots you can get away with, but some things people try to get away with are ridiculous!!! Remember when shoe buying, get one in black and/or white and another in your caste color.

The first three pairs of shoes I consider the basis for your boot closet. The first is a Victorian type ankle boot by Lassitude & Ennui, these were my very first pair of boots that I bought to go along with my FW dresses. They aren't the sculptie versions because I bought them in early 2007. The second boot it called the Bloom Boot from Maitreya, it came out to rave reviews about a year ago, and I absolutely love them! The next item is the hot item for this fall and winter, Long black boots by J's. I believe every FW should have at least one pair of these boots, because can go with almost all everyday FW dresses. They also can be converted to ankle boots which are definately in this year.
Boot buying depends on the FW, because some FW are very strict and will only stick to flats, and others wear what they like. Because I am a lifestyler, I am a bit liberal on the boots.

"L&E" Elizabeth lace-up ankle boots in coal by Lassitude & Ennui

Bloom boots in black by Maitreya

Long Boots Round in black by J's
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The next three pairs of boots I like to call fun boots. They are boots that aren't neccessary, but they add a bit of something extra to your wardrobe. The first one is the Rose bootie by G-field, I absolutely love this designer. These boots can be worn with the fur or without. It is absolutely lovely and eye catching. Third we have the Voyager boots bt Arwen's Creations. I knew that Lady Arwen was talented but it seems she can also make lovely boots as well. There are no limits to this Ladies talents.

Rose Bootie by G Field

Anna Ribbon boots by G Field

Voyager Boots by Arwen's Creations
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Now here is the real basis of a FW's shoe closet, her slippers. This is the type of shoe that was most mentioned in the books. The first shoe is the basic flat by Fri.day. I searched sl far and wide, and these are the absolute best simple flats. They are must have for for every FW. I have one in almost all the colors.
The next two flats are from a really cool store called 50 flats that have a wide selection of flats. They have the traditional displays of shoes as well as gumball shoe dispensers. You pay the gumball machine and it will give you a random pair of flats. The imagination of this designer is amazing, I would definately recommend this store to you.
The next pair of flats are from a store called Emjay. I think these are the perfect flats for lower caste women. Simple yet good quality.

Basic Black Flats by Fri.day

50 flats

50 Flats

Brown ballet flats by Emjay

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Next we have shoes that I got from outfit or sets. You should always find ways to reuse parts of outfits or sets, so that you get your money's worth. After looking through my wardrobe, I found that I had many shoes that I had only worn once, because they were parts of sets. Many of these shoes were very detailed, because many designers like to carry the theme from the dress into the shoes.

Aelgifu boots from "Aelgifu" FW Gown by BINA

LadyMagic slippers from Lady Magic dress by Arwen's Creations

I hope that I have helped cure some of you 'Stiletto' Goreans out there. Remember this is my twist on Gorean FW footwear, and I hope that I haven't offended any "Strict by the Books" Goreans. I enjoyed doing this post and I hope you Ladies have fun shoe hunting. Happy Veterans day!!!

Margie Meng

Below the Poverty Line pt. 1

I decided that today I would post a blog about FW peasants and she-urts. Though she-urts are at the bottom of Gorean society, only above slaves, they are Free women non-the-less. I have made a promise to all free women on SL Gor, that I would help them to make their closets the best for their role on Gor. That means all FW from the highest caste all the way down to the poorest she-urt, and every culture from every corner of Gor, I shall seek the perfect fashionable outfit for each role. I found this to be the hardest post I have ever done, because of the simple fact that I am of a high caste, and have never felt the need to look at peasant garments. So I have done some looking and I found a few dresses to start off this 2 part post.

First I will be talking about she-urts. I have traveled to a few cities and it seems that many she-urts are mistaking peasant women dresses for she-urt dresses. It is confusing when I see what looks to be a Sa-Tarna farmer's daughter picking through the trash and eating spoiled bosk meat. She-urts were dirty, hungry and at times desparte, but we can never forget that they are Free women. I have even seen some she-urts in slave camisk. Think for a moment on how a she-urt's dress became so dirty and ripped. At one point the dress was probably a proper peasant FW dress that covered her fairly well, when she found herself on the streets, she had to live in the dress 24/7. She may had to rip off a strip for a bandage or for some other use. Rips probably happen often because she may squeeze through tight places to get food and find shelter. She may only be able to wash it once a month, so it is probably very stained and dirty. When shopping for a she-urt dress, ask yourself "Was this once a proper FW dress?" If it's just a slave's rags then don't even try it!!
Next we have peasant FW. The thing to remember on this subject is, it all depends on your region. Some peasant women did not wear veils, some wore shorter skirts and others went barefoot. There were some FW who got their noses pierced, the list goes on. The important thing to always keep in mind is, could your character afford what they are wearing. I have seen peasant FW in silks and jewels of rich tones on sl, and I am here to tell you "THATS IMPOSSIBLE!!". If you want to wear beautiful, colorful and rich clothes, then rewrite your character so they are in a high caste.

She-Urt 1-
Dress- She-Urt green by Ania's Arsenal
Mud- Overt Mud by Overt

She-Urt 2-
Dress- SU Stripped Raggs White by Gutter Pup
Mud- Overt Mud by Overt

Peasant Woman 1-
Dress- Peasant Woman by I Got Charisma

Peasant Woman 2-
Dress- Peasant Robes by Merchant Tarl

Gypsy Inspired

I put together this outfit by mistake one day while I was searching for a scarf that would go well with the dress. Instead I accidentally put on this lovely coat by crazy. I had never worn the coat before, and I was searching for something that would add a splash of red at the neck to bring the outfit together. The scarf by Leezu was the perfect touch to the outfit, by adding a layering and draping effect to the top of the dress.

I really do think this dress would do well for a woman of the wagon people. Though it may not be an authentic wagon dress, I believe in the right colors (maybe more earth tones, tans and browns) it can be pulled off. This dress evokes images of European Gypsy women and Gypsies have always reminded me of the wagon people. This style is in no way meant to offend any cultures, it is only meant as artistic interpretation.


Dress- Gypsy Chemise and overdress in red by Wishbox
Coat- Gaibiel Jackey by Crazy
Scarf- Miss Mara Scarf in ethno fire by Leezu
Modesty top- Husky

Trip down memory lane

***BEWARE*** Some of the following pictures may be difficult for some readers to see.

So I have been trying to encourage some of my friends to send in some pics of themselves when they first started SL Gor. Needless to say no one wanted to come forth, soooo I shall go the first. I am very proud of my journey and my progression in fashion over the past 4 years. Below are some outfits that I would have worn to a formal event at the time. Buckle up your tarn belts, its going to be a bumpy ride through memory lane.

Margie 2006- Pre-flexi
Friend's 2nd Rez Day dinner party outfit
-During the pre flexi phase of SL Gor FW fashion there were linden skirts and Victorian stiff prim work. Authentic FW dresses are not possible to make with the limited technology.
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Margie 2007- Post Flexi/ Pre-Sculptie
My Rez Day dinner Party
-Post Flexi/ Pre-Sculptie- There was still a reliance on stiff prims to create details that textures could not. We still see dresses that would have up to 200-600prim.

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Margie 2008- Post sculptie
2008 new years party
-Post Sculptie- There are now dresses that have sculptie parts. Sculptie was slow in getting into FW fashions. We have a push to more realistic styles.

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Margie 2009 Post Sculptie/ Post Realism
My Rez Day dinner party
(I'd like to thank Lady DONATELLE ROSSINI for this style idea)

-Post Realism- Now we see almost half of the dresses sold are made with at least 30% sculpties. Scarfs and other accesories that were impossible before sculpties are being widely produced.

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***Please send in your pics with your name in the heading along with the year. Send to Margie Meng*****

Autumn

I am sorry Ladies that it has taken so long for me to post, but I hope this next outfit will make up for me being tardy. A lovely autumn dress by Nicky Ree. The flow of the sheer layers coupled with the heavy fabric underneath, gives an appearance of falling golden leaves. This is a perfect dress for upper caste FW who want to draw attention this Fall without looking like shes going to a costume ball. I am in love with the cape, it adds a very regal look to the outfit with it's long train. The necklace was added as a way to occupy the empty space between the neck and the top of the dress.

Dress- Autumn Bliss in red by Nicky Ree
modesty top- Madison's Creations
necklace- Uncut gem Necklace in orange by Swallowtail
Veil- Genevieve by Beyond the Veil
Hair- Cameron in espresso by Truth

This Fall

Hello Ladies! This is just going to be a post about the trends this fall in mainstream fashion and how they are crossing over into sl gor this year. First up is a big trend in scarfs and shawls that has been coming along for the past few months and is now catching on big time. Thanks to sculpties we can now have more realistic scarfs and shawls that aren't bulky and over sized. When this trend started only a few designers made them, but now you can pretty much get a scarf or shawl at any mainstream store. Even some Gorean designers are making dresses with sculptie scarfs and shawls now. I would recommend you always get one in black and one in your caste color.



Over sized necklaces will definitely be making their mark this season. My three favorite jewelry designers are Dona Flora, Swallowtail and Paper Couture. Dona Flora has made a reputation of giving her customers quality, realism and detail in every piece of jewelry she sells. Her diamonds are my absolute favorite.


Swallowtail brings together the imagination and finely crafted jewelry. Her store is a candy shop for women, everything is just absolutely beautiful. You will want to buy everything you see! Definitely take a look at this designer.

Paper Couture has the ability of bringing out the diva in everyone. Just stop by the store, and I promise you, you'll want to go on a shopping spree. This is one of their lesser known pieces (usually we see her huge Tumble Stone necklace), but even in its simplicity it is eye catching. Drawing eyes directly to it on almost every outfit its seen on.





The next noticeable trend coming over into Gor is mixing and recycling. It seems the economy is causing women to rethink buying expensive dresses and just focusing on accessories and re eventing the dresses they have. Now I was a bit skeptical, because I have a lot dresses, but I didn't think I would be able to mix and match them like many of the mainstream bloggers are doing. Never underestimate Margie!


Layer, layer, layer Ladies!!! I put a vest over the ruffled shirt and a belt over that. I believe that this is one of the most simple outfits to put together because it is just a shirt and skirt with layers over it. Take the skirt bottoms of your old dresses and just reuse them. Button up shirts are so cheap in sl its crazy. Use slexchange!!! Vest, are also cheap and easy to come by. You saved so much on the outfit you can probably splurge on jewels (OK we all know Margie can't save). Scarfs are a cheap and colorful addition to a shirt and vest set.

The important thing about this trend I believe is your ability to tint or recolor skirts. To darken the color or lighten it. The outfit shown above in red, I darkened the skirt slightly in order for it to flow with the poncho. It takes a bit of work, but I believe it is worth it.

I never get rid of anything, I just have a storage dress folder. Once something goes out of style it goes into the folder, because sometimes it does come back in (or I'm just a pack rat). I was able to re-event and update a few outfits using the layering and shading methods. I only spent 600L on vest, shirts and scarfs, updating 10 outfits that were just never going to comeback into style. Considering buying 10 whole outfits would cost you anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000L I think I did good. Who says I can't bargain shop! *Looks down the street and spots her favorite jewelry shop* Um...well I have to go now, but remember Ladies anyone can be a fashionista with work! *In a flash of red robes she sets out at a fast pace down the street toward Dona Flora.*

~Scarf 1~
Kashmiri Shawl in black- by Zaara
~Scarf 2~
Peggy in black by DeLa
~Scarf 3~
Pashmina Scarf in black by Adam n Eve
~Necklace 1~
Aurora gold set by Donna Flora
~Necklace 2~
Mary Necklace by Donna Flora
~Necklace 3~
Butterfly Necklace by Swallowtail
~Necklace 4~
River Stone Necklace by Paper Couture

~outfit1~
Skirt- FallnWinterWonderlandGown Slim red skirt by FallnAngel Creations
undershirt- Madison's Creations modesty white top
veil- Ariana Veil - by beyond the veil
shirt- LLA008_01 Ribbonribbon by Lico Nyanda
Vest- Long vest in charcoal by Fri.day
Scarf-Fabric scarf by Paper Couture
Belt- Belt by London Darkes

~Outfit2~
Poncho-Sarah Poncho in darkred by DeLa
Skirt- Zarya Gown Flex skirt in red by Analise
Modesty Top- Madison's Creations modesty black top
Veil- Leora by Beyond the veil

Last Maternity....I promise

So I just had to do two more maternity dresses that I absolutely love. Please forgive me for not styling a veil with them, because I just was on a veil mind block today. First up we have a lovely dress by Madison's Creations, and it is called Jocelyn.

Be advised that she has maternity skirt add-ons to some of her dresses, but I found that I only needed the regular skirt. This maybe because I am only half way into my pregnancy and my belly is not big enough for the maternity skirt. But I would hold off on buying the MC maternity skirt add on until you really need it. I believe that this is the perfect upper caste maternity dress, it is very well textured and the sleeves flow perfectly with the dress. I added a large piece of jewelry to the top to occupy the empty space between the neck and dress.



Next we have a lovely dress by Alluring sin. This is Dora Maternity in red, and it is what I would call an everyday dress. I would definitely recommend this dress for working women (scribes and physicians) as well as on the go moms, because of the maximum comfort this dress gives. I cannot stress enough Ladies the importance of good quality textures. In my book you either have excellent prim work and prim detailing or excellent textures that do the detailing for the dress. Alluring has definitely mastered the texturing details. On this dress I added a scarf by DeLa, to keep it on the casual everyday work side. This dress is subtle yet hard to miss. I would recommend this for late in your pregnancy when your belly can fill out the space.
***Notes on Maternity!***
For the first week or two when you have a small bump I would recommend Evies Closet empire waist dresses and just add modesty tops with the the ones that don't come with them. Also split up your dresses into beginning, middle and late part of your pregnancy so you have more variety at different times. Not everyone wants to buy a closest full of Gorean maternity as you will only wear it for a few weeks then probably never look at it again. Its not hard to convert other dresses into maternity so make a maternity folder and copy some existing dresses that you have modified into the folder. Have a happy pregnancy and remember women it is your birthright as free women to give birth take pride in it.

~Dress 1~
Dress- Jocelyn by Madison's Creations
Hair-Gwenevere in expresso by TRUTH
Necklace- Tumbled Stone Necklace by Paper Couture

~Dress 2~
Dress- Dora Maternity in red by Alluring Sin
Scarf- Peggy by DeLA
Hair-Cora in black by ETD