Bossa Nova is BACK!

The highly anticipated reopening of Bossa Nova is now a reality, and Moire has moved to larger premises and given us some lovely new releases. The new store in the Amour sim has a clean look and is a dream to browse. Getting there the minute it opened meant that I was the first person to purchase Moire's new limited edition \o/. Now that's quite an achievement for an Aussie who is very rarely online for any of the big events or openings, and usually wakes up in the morning to find it's all over and everything is gone :)

On to the new releases. I was drooling over the Norma outfit the minute Moire posted a preview of it on her Flickr. This is a very sophisticated retro silk dress, complete with veiled hat and gloves. Moire says it's inspired by film noir and it definitely has that feel to it. Beautifully textured, this just oozes class and old fashion glamour. Each dress comes with 2 options for the shirt - belted or softly draped.

Norma Dress in Cocoa (above) and Noir (below).

I was pretty excited about the release of a Bossa Nova Limited Edition. Insensatez is something of a surprise package - although it's priced at 1500L it IS actually worth it. The dress has a romantic feel whilst remaining completely sophisticated, and includes an intricate floral choker and matching earrings. The value for money part comes in when you realise that this is actually 12 dresses - the dress comes in four colour combinations (black, white, black/white and white/black) with 3 different skirts for each outfit. Only 50 will be sold.

Insensatez in Black with Full Skirt (above) and White with Short Skirt (below)

The last release, Francoise, is sweet and romantic, with delicate lace features and gloves. It comes in four pastel colours. I am wearing the freebie group release below, which was distributed to the bossa nova group and FashCon. Moire has always been extremely generous in releasing freebies to her group members, most of them exclusive colour options of items that she sells in store. This is one update group I would really recommend that you join.

All pictures taken at Straylight (Kriss you are my fucking HERO and always a damn good friend too), all hair by artilleri and shoes from Shiny Things. Antique Pearl Choker and Earrings by Paper Couture exclusively for the Jewelry Expo.

An assortment of new (and not so new!) releases

Just a few things that have caught my eye lately, some brand new, and others not so new. OK, so I'm a slack blogger, blame it on the fact that I'm a much too laid-back Aussie! The latest SL update is certainly making things fun here - textures that won't rez properly, attachments rezzing in my nether regions and refusing to detach until I relog. Ah well, just another day in SL, bring on the clothes.
First up is a new release from First Impressions, the Pleated Trench Coat. Believe me when I say that you MUST have this - it's free! Yay for Pukk!

I couldn't pass up this new dress from Amaretto, mainly because the design is so simple, it's such a classic look. Jersey Girl features elegant lines, and I love the fitted system skirt and the cute flexi waist tie. All of Lux Yao's designs are completely hand drawn too.

SecondWave Apparel has released a range of lace trimmed camis, these come in a great selection of patterns and colours including the leopard and zebra prints shown above. They are available on 3 layers, and at 35L each are well worth a look.

Not quite so new, but definitely a must have, is the bem querer dress from Bossa Nova. Released at the Second Convention Fashion Show, this dress is available in several colours and features a delicate flower pattern, tulle underskirt and matching modifiable corsage. Moire's releases just keep getting better and better, and I love the retro yet glamourous feel of this dress.

Here's some Relay for Life items from CKS Designs which I can't believe I haven't blogged before since not only are they totally cute, the proceeds from sales go to charity. Kit has released these tops in 2 sets, the Tropical Tube Baby Dolls (example shown in the middle) and Tropical Tube Halter Baby Dolls. Each set comes with six tops in a variety of patterns, with colours ranging from bright to muted, and there's a bangle to match each top. Pretty much a summer essential!

Finally, some releases from new shoe designer Zayante Hegel of ZayZay. Shown from left to right are Rose's Gift, Corkies in White and Everyday Sandals in Black. I was impressed with the design of the Rose's Gift shoes, these have a sweet little bow and ribbons on the toe, and a pearl clasp and entwined ribbon at the heel . Eye catching, but not over the top. Zayante seems like a shoe designer with promise.

Fabulous Frocks from Swirly

Hello darlings, Swirly here with more fashion tips just for you! Nothing expresses your fabulous, sensuous, feminine side better than a pretty frock. And Swirly is here to show you some frocks that will turn even the frumpiest majority of her readers into glamorous divas. Yes darling, YOU! Just follow Swirly's style advice and you could end up looking almost half as good as she does. Oh who are you trying to kid.......

Amanda Black and White from Luxury by Vindi Vindaloo
This black and white dress from Vindi is utterly divine. Swirly could not help but team it with one of Tete a Pied's stunning Geisha skins, for a look that just screams "high class Japanese call girl".

Dove Hat from Chapeau tres Mignon, Spikes Eyelashes from ZsaZsa's House of Beauty, Wild Plum Hair from Calla, Junior Geisha skin from Tete a Pied

CKS Designs Princess Dress
Swirly just adores this pretty little frock from CKS Designs. Yes, it is slightly reminiscent of a little girl's party dress, but Swirly can promise you, she isn't really an ageplayer. Just look at those bosoms darlings!

Paper Couture Logo Frames, Earthtones City Blossom Earrings, Blue and Yellow Paisley Mules from She's So Unusual, Barbarella Wig from ZsaZsa's House of Beauty, Vogue Skin Drama Queen - Champagne from Last Call

Carmen Dress in Flower from Bossa Nova
Swirly saw this delightful frock from Bossa Nova and immediately thought "HOE DOWN!!". That's why she teamed it with a subtle pink cowboy hat. Lovely to see Moire catering for the country and western market with her frocks.

Cowboy Hat in Pink from AMIMART, White Maryjanes from Tete a Pied, Luv Bird Necklace from Juicy, Funky Town Earrings and Totally Kickin Bangle from Funk-O-Rama, Nicole Hair in Sand Dollar from Naughty, Bubblegum Skin - Strawberry Milk from Lovey's Boutique

Delicious! Olive Dress by Kaiti Designs
Now here's a little number that just oozes class. Swirly didn't have time to finish her hair before the photo shoot, but you get the idea.

Beaded Strand from Yummy, Water Drop Earrings from Paper Couture, Aurora Bangle in Violet and Shades of Spring Stack from Earthtones Boutique, Green Silk and Pearls Shoes from She's So Unusual, Fatties Platinum Hair from Curl Up and Dye Salon, Trendy Teal Skin in Rose Medium from Tete a Pied

Casa Del Shai Jacaranda Sundress
Despite her reputed addiction to cocaine and wild sex, Shai Delacroix certainly knows how to make a pretty frock! And this one was just made for garden parties; or gardening, if nobody turns up to your party.

Cream Hearts and Pearls Necklace from 7 Deadly Prims, Vintage Strappy Pumps from Shiny Things, Cafe Skin - Honey from Lovey's Boutique, ETD Vanessa Hair - Platinum Burnt

*smooches*