CWS Casual Chic: A Barnyard of Hip Chickies

by Becky Kénaan 

How naive I was back then... HA!! Did you know that when I first heard of the term "Casual Chic," I imagined that it was all about some chicken laying on some tropical beach relaxing and sipping on a margarita. The funny thing is, chickens actually do sunbath. So, the next time you are around the barn, just make sure that you tiptoe quietly around them so as not to disturb their readings of Vogue, Vanity Fair, or In Style Magazines. Don't ruffle any feathers!

Casual Chic Example: Remember lots of Layering, Ladies!

Seriously though, the casual chic look is actually a very informal yet intentionally classy look.  Casual chic attire is basically mixing a dressy element, like tailored slacks or a very feminine blouse, with something completely informal like a leather jacket or a pair of jeans.  But overall, its appearance is based on the combination of comfort, freedom of movement, and style. Used together, "Casual" + "Chic" simply translates to smart and sophisticated. Elegant, but not overdone.

I personally enjoy the casual chic look because of  its true freedom of expression, without having to look like I am copying someone else - It allows me to create my own individual look to express both my personality and mood.

Even though it may fall under the category of casual wear, it is not a "loosey-goosey" style. It does require some thought on just how to put a chic outfit together.  But once you understand the fundamentals, it is rather easy and fun! 

What is also so cool about Casual Chic is that this look can be for all ages and ethic backgrounds. To get better acquainted with it, I recommend that you start looking at the styling icons here online and see if you like their casual chic versions first then go ahead and take off creating your own palette.

If the Casual Chic look is done correctly, it can be the perfect look for both weekends and/or holidays, in addition to a more sophisticated version suitable for your workplace environment. The basic look only requires a few specific key pieces. 

Some Casual Chic versions:

• Minimalist: Stick with simple apparel in neutral colors, using plain fabrics and little or no patterns
• French Chic: Look at capri pants, skirts, breton stripes and ballet flats  
• Feminine:  Softer cuts and styles -  wear a pretty feminine top with jeans, add color through the use of accessories.
• Masculine: Mannish style - trousers, shirts, shoes and belts.
• Luxe:  Luxurious fabrics, using a silk t-shirt instead of cotton. Layer with a cashmere cartigan with Luxe-looking accessories 
• Eclectic:  Use ethnic accessories to add interest to your casual chic outfit  such as a subtle tribal print blouse or silver ethnic bracelet.
• Sporty/Natural: Sporty and friendly look - chooses plain t-shirts in grey.  Use sporty accessories such as sporty style shoes (sneakers) or handbags

Becky's Basic Casual Chic 101: The Casual Chic Palette

The casual chic ensemble is usually made up of clothes in neutral colors. The fabrics are also more natural than synthetic. They are generally easy to mix and match that lends you greater flexibility and versatility in combining the right accessories to achieve that classy and chic look at once.

Some good examples of neutral colors would include whites, greys, blacks, navys, beiges, camels, taupes, and khakis.  It is up to you to choose the neutral color palette that looks best on you, depending on your completion and silhouette - then design your casual chic ensemble based on that selection. 


Jeans:

If the look you want is casual and away from the office, go find a nice pair of casual chic jeans. Jeans are always a great basis or foundation to build from - the number one item in most casual chic outfits in fact. Start out by selecting a pair of jeans that provide a smart looking, chic and elegant in style.  There are different types of jeans - skinny jeans, straight cut and boot cut. Just don't go too wild on the jeans - no hippy type or loose boy-type cuts.  Make sure that the fit is just right - not too loose or too small. Remember that you are looking for an elegant and comfortably appearing fit.  Denim blue is always the classic color to choose, however other neutrals can work just as well, such as black, grey, beige, navy, camel and khaki. Some great examples of these can be found at Lillou's, MoliChino's, or Diamond Style's. 

T-Shirts:

Unless you are looking to go more of a classy chic, T-shirts are probably the next most important purchase item in a casual chic wardrobe/ensemble. 

You can choose either short sleeved for summer or long sleeved for the spring, fall and winter months. What is nice about T-Shirts is the fact that they can be worn independently or as layerings under other tops. T-shirts are also so versatile & and easy way of dressing down. Just change your shoes, your hair style a bit, and play around with some of your accessories...and voila!

Casual Chic: Berry Top 
with Neutral Herringbone Pattern Pants

If you want you, can splurge with some added color as well - nothing too bright or loud mind you, but rather something rich and subdued - colors like deep teals, berries, reds, olives or plums.  I would also recommend that you study the necklines of the T-Shirts and choose a round or v-neckline - one that looks comfortable. No cleavage please! Remember that you are looking for a chic and classy look.

Layering Pieces:

Now that you have the T-Shirts and Jeans for your casual chic wardrobe, we can move on to adding more styling by layering pieces. 

These would include cardigan sweaters, shirts, blouses and even jackets. Once again, use neutral colors and plain without too much attention.





Fabrics:

Casual Chic fabrics are natural rather than synthetic. Like cottons or wools, they are comfortable looking. 

The fabrics most often seen in casual chic style clothing are denims (jackets and jeans), cottons (shirts & tops), wools (jumpers, jackets, coats, etc.) linens (dresses, trousers, tops, etc), and silks (scarves, tops, pants).

"Luxe" Casual Chic Example

Patterns:

There aren't too many patterns used in the casual chic look. It is best to keep the look simple and classy. However, if you do want to add some pattern to your look think about maybe some sexy French stripes, florals or perhaps even polka dots but be careful not to distract - use tight pattens over loud bold patterns. That can work well with the casual chic look. But whether you go stripe, floral, or polka dot, remember to stay with neutrals. Take a look at some of MoliChino's casual woven fabrics pants that appear as tweed or herringbone pattens and see if you can choose these pants with the neutral colors I mentioned to keep your look classy.

Casual Chic Hairstyles and Make-up: 

Hairstyling - The hairstyling goal is to look clean, tidy, natural, well groomed, feminine and chic. A casual chic hairstyle looks soft, natural and feminine. It isn't short and spiked. Typical hairstyles include soft bobs, wavy shoulder length styles, chic ponytails and soft up-dos. Hair color is natural rather than bleached or brightly colored. 

Make-up - The make-up look is one of a subtly natural look which lends the appearance that there is barely any make-up used at all. 


The make-up therefore is clean and understated to enhance your natural beauty.  A light layer of foundation used for skin tone, then using a natural colored lipstick or subtle gloss for your lips with a (light swish of blusher to your cheeks) gives you a healthy, radiant glow.

A neutral colored eye-liner and eye-shadows with brown mascara adds to this natural look. 

Nails - Nails are natural colored polish.

Eyebrows - regularly groomed into a soft arch.

French Chic from LUXE by Paris ~ Cotte De Mailles

Casual Chic Style Shoes and Boots:

Casual chic footwear is comfortable and easy to walk in, simple and classy . The look is flat rather than high stilettos. Choose very simple styles that are not distracting. Have people notice you and not your shoes.

Casual chic shoe styles include the following:

• Ballet flats - choose a simple pair in neutral colors black, navy, tan or brown - worn with both jeans, casual chic trousers and skirts
• Ankle boots - in neutral colors, to wear with jeans, skirts, and trousers.
• Long leather boots - again in neutral colors and worn with both skinny jeans and chic casual skirts.
• Sandals - flat or low wedge heel

French Chic Apparel Examples

Casual Chic Accessories:

Sunglasses:  

Sunglasses by far are the number accessory to make you look chic!

Choose a simple style in a neutral color. Remember to choose a style that fits the shape of your face.  Most casual chic sunglasses are round in style, which works very well if you have a soft feminine face. However, if your facial features are more angular, you might look for something in a more angular style.

Scarves: 

Scarves are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of colors.  They offer a simple and effective way to accessorize your casual chic outfit. 

Once again, choose plain colors in either neutrals or basic colors. For flair, you can choose  a scarf in a simple pattern to jazz up the simple jeans and t-shirt look.

Jewelry: Once upon a time, I focused only on my clothes and never gave a lot of thought to my accessories.  I have since realized how much they can make or break an outfit, especially Casual Chic. 

I quickly discovered that a casual or plain outfit can be made chic and sophisticated with the addition of something pretty.  Even the fanciest and most trendy outfits can be made even better and more unique with the addition of jewelry.

So, when it comes to Casual Chic, it is all about using jewelry as personal expression. 

In SL, I love finding unique, chunky types of earrings and necklaces. Bangles also look good but I recommend that you treat them asymmetrically with the bangles on one forearm and a nice watch on the other for balance perhaps.


What ever you decide for yourself when it comes to designing that special Casual chic outfit becomes so personally rewarding and fun! - The world is your oyster! Even though fashion trends tend to change every year or so, I believe that Casual Chic will remain timeless.  It also fosters new fashion ideas, bringing a variety of new styles.

Learning how to dress casual chic is not difficult - the easiest way to learn is by following the new trends in fashion set by fashion designers from all over the world and then compose your own look that fits your personality and whim!  

Cluck! Cluck!  Now cross the road and get busy shopping! HA!

CWS: "Like Dude...Why Didn't You Meet Me At The Mall? DUH!"

"For Sure" and "OMG!"

  by Becky Kénaan

"Ohhhh My Gawwwd! ...Where were you? Like Way and For Sure, Girl!! ... I'll get Daddy's car and pick you up so we can head back to the Mall!"

That was how this culture trope identified within their socialite groups back in the '70s, '80s & '90s. 

The outfit that I put together is intended to embellish this lifestyle referred to as "The San Fernando Valley Girl."   Growing up in the Los Angeles Area, I remember this culture very well... Not that I was a "Valley Girl" or anything, but I do recall many of my older High School girlfriends behaving in this manner.  

As such, I thought that this would be an appropriate look "for sure!"  So, I have chosen to go with a feminine, breezy and layered look with a flowing beige & black stripe ruffled skirt in concert with a wide-shouldered pull-over embroidered Stole top. With this ensemble, I also chose to wear one of my favorite pair of brown leather imported baroque flowered ankle boots - a "must have" from "Bloomies!"

The term "Valley Girl" actually originated in the 1970's and first referred to affluent young women living in the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles. It was characterized by an obsession with personal appearance along with an acute concern for advancing of one's social status.  This girl culture grew more prevalent in the 1980's and 1990's with Valley Girls using this lifestyle either in a positive, negative, or ambiguous manner.  

The "Valley Girl" term was shortened to "Val" for most. The stereotypical "Val" had bleached-blond (or natural blond pony) hair, bright eyes. She wore layered outfits and accessorized them with attention-seeking sunglasses and earrings.  The Val Girl would also have to keep up and wear all of the latest "must haves" in fashion - and have her cell phone with her handy at all times, of course! 

Beyond the appearance side, the more noticeable trait for a Val Girl was her speech, referred to as "Val-Speak," with sayings such as "like," "way," "for sure," and "duh."  

When it comes to accessories, I went with my favorite bangles, a tan & white striped headband (once again being obsessed with stripes), accented with a glittering, diamond-studded pair of sunglasses and attention-grabbing earrings. 

And, of course, I have my Rolex watch on (a gift from Daddy) so I know when it is time to call all of my obsessive-compulsive shopping friends to say..  "Like for sure," "duh," I will meet you at Saks! " 


**************"The San Fernando Valley Girl" Ensemble************

Hair:  TuTy's - Soiree' - high pony tail with bangs - light sandy blond

Headband:  Animal Print Tan Headband by ZEPHYR

Skin:  Curio Breeze Sundust Sepia

Shape: Drunna Model 

Eyes:  Expressive Eyes (Gray) by Nany Merlin

Nails:  Mstyle Long Nails v2 + Ring - Holy Pink

Top:  ChicZafari - Woven Black Embroidered Stole by jonyaranda

Skirt:  Azul Meissa Long Skirt by Mami Jewell

Earrings: ChicZafari - Flower Earrings in silver & black by ilanmarfil

Bracelets:   Bollywood Bangles  by Damen Gorilla

Sunglasses: ChicZafari - Glamazon Glasses in Black by ilanmarfil

Stockings: +Grasp: Hearts in Black+White by Asalt Eames

Watch:  Watch Shop Watches - Rolex LSK202c by Bubba B 

Shoes: ChicZafari - Mary Jane Leather Ankle Boots by jonyaranda

CWS - B'wuana's True Confession: "Okay, So I admit it...I am a Vacation SL Junkie!"

A-Types Only, Others Need Not Apply

I often ask myself, just why am I here in Second Life anyway? Is it because I enjoy the escape into fantasy or the ability to explore my creative yearnings? Or is it because I get bored with my Real Life events at times.  Well, in part all of these reasons are true, however I believe that the resounding truth is a direct result of my personality trait. And, I am convinced that the vast majority of people in SL share this same personality characteristic - We are all quintessential SL "A-Type" Junkies! Ha! Some of us won't admit this but just look around... And Yes, I am talking to you! 

Is THIS Lisana after coffee in the morning? OMG!

As in RL, does your definition of self worth here in SL come from what you do to keep yourself busy? Is the reason that you play and live here for hours on end come from you getting bored easily? Or do you find a greater satisfaction in creating, organizing and expanding your inventory? Are appearances everything to you? If you smirked when reading any one of these questions then you are definitely an A-Type SL Junkie.  So what if you are this type? Join the club!  Being an A type personality in SL is really about having the opportunity and chance to express yourself and enjoying the other Misfits around you!  You can also be someone else and have great experiences in SL having a whole lot of fun! 

Have You Lost Your Marbles or WHAT?  
SL is for Misfit A-Types!

Face it, we are products of RL attitudes and circumstances here.. And, if you feel that urgent need to complete a task here in SL, well you are definitely a possible A-Type Avi!  You know, the time sensitive urgency you always seem to thrive on? It is all relative to our personality trait of impatience. Many people may confuse us as being somewhat crazy when it comes to getting things accomplished (with such annoying time limitations) here! LOL

This is really me in a previous Life 
"A Becky Doll"

Just as in real life, we all strive to enjoy it here and set goals for ourselves - We are all good, fun-loving Junkies Indeed! So, don't worry about losing any more of your marbles while playing this wonderful game, just remember to come up for air every once and a while to acknowledge the RL world around you! 

Second Life is sort of a Barbie Doll Utopia, for we all can get dressed up in just about anything - from conservatively demure, to avant-garde, to the most extravagant.  We can also indulge in the most bizarre of fetishes and buy the strangest things imaginable (even breedable Pet Rocks!).  And to top things off, you can get stuff (with almost immediate satisfaction) without having to wait in long lines at the stores.  

And, if you have land you can build things you could never afford in real life. Our instant messages are just like using our cell phones too - But free to use and also fine to use almost anywhere, any time without the risk of getting a ticket while driving, losing your connection, or annoying someone else as you blah, blah, blah! Ha!

Big Deal and So What? 
We have bodies just like this in SL too!

The dating here is also an experience to enjoy. Unlike RL, if you are dancing with someone and he or she starts coming on to you, if you want you can easily remove yourself without prolonging the inevitable or devising a devious escape strategy. You simply pull the ripcord and poof! Voila! - No need to listen to their stupid, irrelevant questions once you understand that they only are interested in you for your Avi body! Ha!  Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with letting your hair down for the right Hunkster either (when the moment is right). Mmmmm!

And when shopping, you don’t need to look at salespeople or acknowledge others beyond a simple and courteous greeting for the most part. They won’t look at you beyond your profile. Oh, and it is OK to acknowledge or talk to a complete stranger without feeling like you need to hang around and wait for your friends or have to worry too much about him following you home. Whew!

Ballroom dancing is mostly for meeting others and showing off your stuff. If the ballroom doesn’t look like the Ritz Carlton inside, you must be in Purgatory.  Be prepared to shell out some nice Linden Bucks for that perfect dress or gown to be noticed by Mr. Right. Just remember that it’s non tax-deductible (unless you actually make your living pimping here in SL of course! HA!).

I must admit, this Fay Dress & Luggage by Diamond Style ROCKS! 
(but the Luggage needs better wheels for the sand. Ha!)

My most favorite "A Ticket" ride & adventure here in Second Life is, of course, having the ability to cyber-travel to fabulous Vacation Spots here very quickly, with no long security lines to pass through or violating body scans. 

Certainly, the clear difference here in SL is that we have all have won the virtual lottery here and, as a result, we can almost travel anywhere we want through SL. I mean, it’s OK to get impatient when we experience lag here, but what matters is that we really don't have to wait very long to get somewhere as compared in our RL world. 

This Stretch of Beach at Bikini Jungle is Such a Fabulous Work of Art

B'wuana Becky's SL Travel Guide - Bikini Jungle

Do you remember the critical essentials to bring along with you before you leave?  You don't? Okay, well good because I am changing tactics on this one...Bring plenty of Mulla (cash of course) BUT this time also leave your bikinis at home to  come shop with me for new ones at LUXE by Paris.  It is right smack dab in the center of Bikini Jungle!  OMG! You think at first you just died and went to Heaven! 

LUXE by Paris ~ Becky Tankini 

I guarantee that once you see her incredible line of bikinis and tankinis, you will have wished that I set you up with a Sugar Daddy for this trip! OMG! I want everything she has in that store!!! She has the most awesome swimsuits with the perfect fit for your special and unique avatar.

LUXE by Paris ~ Cotte Bikini 

And what makes Bikini Jungle so much more fun are the endless visual treats awaiting your arrival. It is a beautiful remote tropical island with stunning views and creative features. 

LUXE by Paris - Damier Tankini 

It is a great place to relax and listen to the waves crash on the shoreline. Be careful though, for there are many wild beasts that roam this island paradise. And, I am NOT talking about my Cousin Vinny either!

The Isthmus at Bikini Jungle ... One Word that Describes it Best: "Breathtaking!"

I am truly impressed with what the Owners of Bikini Jungle have done - Not just with their fabulous swimsuit line, but also in general with their island paradise fantasy. My girlfriend and I were immediately impressed with its beauty.  Not until we started exploring the island did we truly begin to fully appreciate its intimate scale, charm and uniqueness.  

If this LUXE Marin d'Eau Douce Bikini doesn't attract Dino, 
then he DEFINITELY needs to RETURN to the Jungle!

When we weren't sunbathing on the gorgeous decks or swimming in its clear blue tropical ocean waters, we would explore this great place to better appreciate its context, its incredible scenery, and its fun animated wildlife. It is certainly one experience that we will be telling all of our SL friends and family about for a long time to come. 

LUXE by Paris ~ Pique Nique Rouge Bikini 

Bikini Jungle is a must see for all Bikini-Loving creatures and  survival enthusiasts alike! 

As far as my Beck-O-Meter is concerned - I am definitely getting "Purr-Fect" readings for this spot! Four Creamy & Delicious Scoops Way Up (with Cherries)!

CWS: A Vacation Cure For "The Blind Date."

Some Men have Photographic Memories, Others Just Don't have Memory Cards

by Becky Kénaan

Not too long ago, I was visiting with my parents.  During our conversation, the same ugly topic arose once again.  My Mom asked, "So, Becky dear, have you been seeing any interesting boys lately? 

Okay...I am definitely ready to run away to a fun-filled vacation spot here in Second Life with you AGAIN (after that comment). But this time I will take a few people with me and call it a guided tour instead -  Definitely NO blind dates on this trip!  You know, I am so fed up with the whole blind date scene & ritual, btw.. I have been on so many blind dates that I should be getting a free seeing-eye dog out of the whole deal!  Pfft! And dating is so tiring anyway....At least Eve scored on her first date.  Oh, wait?  She didn't have many choices did she?  Was it the Ape or the Man? Hmmm? 

You know that I have dated so many men now that I can list them under all of the basic food groups: a real turkey; a lazy couch potato, a skinny little string bean, a fruit, a big loaf, and a few mixed nuts.

My last blind date was arranged by none other than my sweet Mom who set me up with him.  Ok.... This was HORRIBLE!!! Neither me nor my blind date talked to each other or anything before meeting up for this so called "date." We were just instructed by the arranging parties to meet at a certain place in the mall and then go from there. I didn't like the arrangement, but she was so excited about it that I couldn't say no. And she told me that he was very handsome, but a little shy. He was apparently the son of one of her girlfriends at the gym that she frequents.  Guilt drove me to accept my fate.

I was looking for a Prince and I instead found Mr. Burger King

I met him at the Mall (thinking that he was going to take me out for a nice dinner and then to see this great movie that I had been dying to see (that was actually showing there at the Mall Theatre).   Bless Mom's heart for telling him about the movie, I thought to myself.  Well...That never happened!!!....He took me to Burger King instead!  Ha!  And THAT was the full extent AND end of my freakin' date!  He wasn't the deepest of thinkers and his elevator definitely did NOT go to the top floor! I think he must have had the brain of a single-celled amoeba.  He finished his cheeseburger, wolfed down his fries and then thanked me for seeing him. 

The funny thing was that there were some great restaurants at this mall.  Thinking that he was going to take me to one of these, I wore something very chic for him (not knowing that I was going to end up at a fast food place). Well, after watching him eat, I nodded and then scurried away (and saw my movie anyway - You know, "When Life gives you Lemons, you of course make Lemonade").  The next time I came back to visit and see my Mom, I told her that I went out for dinner with him and then saw a movie. I told her that he was nice but wasn't my type.  

So, the next time you go out on a date, just remember the "Cheeseburger Principle." Even if you don't eat much meat, but you fear that the nice aroma of that burger might entice you to grab it away from him and take a bite - DO NOT!  Men are like Cheeseburgers - They can be inviting.... But you have to choose very wisely to make sure that your particular date is within your vision of interest for any potential long term relationship. So don't flirt with him and take that first flirtatious bite, unless he directs his interests to you and can make a reasonable good first impression by taking you out somewhere appropriate for the first time.  Nothing extravagant either- But a simple dinner reservation says that he has put some thought into it as well. First dates are for getting acquainted and not the food. Just remember to NEVER let him take you to Burger King!!!

If THIS is Your Boyfriend's Idea of a Resort Get-Away, Run!!

You work hard for a living, you are completely stressed out, and besides you haven't had a vacation in years. So let's pack our sun screen and go out and get a tan! The beaches and cute boutique shops here in SL are the answers to all your problems. 

Just forget about all of the Wrongs by Men (WBM) for the time being, find some nice outfits to pack, then take off for another pleasure-filled vacation excursion and find a Second Life place where we can sip on our strawberry margaritas and put our toes in the water!  Yummy!

OMG! This Guy Needs to Floss...So Rank!

Sight-Seeing at Las Islas With Dino ~ My Big Ape Blind Date

Before we leave for our next Travel Spotlight, I feel that it is important to also add that most travel is best appreciated either when we are anticipating leaving or remembering it afterwards -  But in reality, the event of traveling has more to do with losing your luggage coming or going! Ha! 

With that said, there is no problem here in SL with the luggage thingy - Your clothing  just simply goes back into your inventory! I decided to carry mine along anyway just for the look (HA!)  Also, for my B'wuana Cruise Travels, PLEASE, do NOT bring your passports along either!  If you look anything like your passport photo, you are too ill to travel! LOL

Also, remember that, when preparing to travel (regardless of RL or SL), you will need to  organize your clothes and think about how much money you want to spend. The B'wuana Becky "Tip of the Day" is to bring your sexiest bikini with you, twice the money you were originally considering to shop with, and then stop at Diamond Style for some of your vacation clothing needs first before boarding B'wuana Becky's Cruise Lines. Their prices are very reasonable and they have great stuff too!  Go there and check out the store - That way you won't need to pawn your stuff with the Old Man, Rick, Cory, or ChumLee at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. HA!!

Pssst!!  Don't Tell the Steward About this PLEASE!

Well, I decided to dress in somewhat of a more casual outfit to express a relaxed look without showing any signs of my "A" type personality while onboard the ship. Don't you just LOVE these smart looking wool stockings that I got from Diamond Style!! And, OMG, I was able to pack so much into this suitcase that I got from Christy and Cristal's Diamond Style Store as well.  I hope that they don't mind that I punctured a few holes in the top of it so that I could smuggle in a few sandwiches and my adorable Chi Phoebe onboard - Phoebe is the goddess of the moon, who protects me, and is suspicious of everyone (especially men).

Port of Arrival ~  The Island of Armenelos

OMG!!! THERE IS NO FREAKIN' WAY THAT I AM GOING TO CARRY THIS LUGGAGE UP TO MY ROOM!! (Oh... Wait a second...I see a nice man sitting at a table over next door at the Dolphin Cafe...Hmmm...and good looking also).  I think that I will just sit for a bit and be my flirtatious self and get some needed assistance. HA!

Well...I'll be? What a gentleman! This nice Greek man that I just met (at The Dolphin Cafe here at the Island of Armenelos) has been so helpful and friendly...AND he has a nice big sailboat that he travels around the world on too!  He wants me to call him Ari Jr. for short.  Such a sweet man!  Ohhhh!  And, he just mentioned (to yours truly) that he just purchased some Island called "Mykonos" from the Greek government for me instead of flowers!  And bless his heart, my luggage is being sent up to my room while we have a few drinks here and discuss world events. 

The architecture here at Las Armeneios is very similar to that found on the Island of Mykonos, Greece.   It is called Cycladic Architecture. Its vernacular is best explained as being derived due in part from the absence of construction materials found on the Island.  It's cubically formed architecture with its modulated shapes and predominantly flat roof structures were designed originally to resist against the strong winds.

Hmmm.. A sinfully romantic hide-away Villa with a built-in church?  It is a good thing that I am not Catholic.

The picturesque whitewashed cubic houses are built into the hillside and along the seafront, almost touching the sea. From its domed structures to its barreled and flat interplaying roofs -The architecture combines so well together with its colorful wooden doors, windows, paintings, sculptures, flowered balconies, and narrow tile-paved walkways.  It is such a delightful place that evokes an abundance of romance and charm. Undeniably one of Second Life's best!  

The Hillside Villas were designed and constructed very close to one another with narrow roads to protect its inhabitants from the wind, and from the pirates. The white walls were intended to reflect heat on those hot summer days.  Although the architecture may seem to appear disorganized or adhoc at first, it however successfully leaves you with the impression as though you are experiencing a glimmering white seaside labyrinth - one complemented by a full array of splendidly vivid colors that at once both creates a sense of harmony and aesthetic continuity which are enchanting and magical to experience.

 Hey Ari!  It's me, Becky!! Up here on the balcony with the candle... The Jacuzzi is almost ready for us!

This one is a very simple read as far as my Beck-O-Meter is concerned - I am definitely getting very extremely high orgasmic sensations for this spot! Four Creamy & Delicious Scoops Way Up (with Chocolate Sprinkles)!

CWS: B'wuana Becky's Second Life Travel Guide Spotlight

B'wuana Becky's Travel ~ "Right this way, Ladies!"

Yesterday I was sucked in by one of those RL cruise ship advertisements about traveling through the Mediterranean and visiting such romantic places like the Greek Islands of Mykonos and San Torini, then returning back to Athens and being netted by those wonderful handsome Greek Fishermen  in the seaport of Piraeus. 

This is so patently ridiculous for me to even consider doing this at this moment!  Why, just looking into my purse and my savings account are enough to depress and deny me of this kind of vacation trip in the short term. 

To make matters worse, a friend just recently reminded me that I somehow missed my deadline to make my first Million before I hit 30.  Fine, so what if lots of other people save their money all their life to take this kind of vacation.  As for myself (at this point in my young female adult life), I guess that I would rather stay local, make the big bucks,  accomplish a few more things, and then have babies before any serious traveling. Ha! Idealistic or a myth you say? 

Becky's Biological Clock ~ Who is counting?

Oh, and by the way.. I wanted to dispel that ugly rumor that I went out an had my eggs frozen.  I will have you know (tyvm) that I use to run track so I am quite aware of time clocks. As such,  I am NOT at all concerned about beating my own biological clock at the moment either.  

When raised in a culture where pretty much everyone is expected to reproduce, no matter what, I just have to stand back, inhale, and then slowly exhale to realize that life is more about exploration, enjoying people, and the world around me. With that said, I have put my clock on "Snooze." This is a much better alternative rather than trying to smash the damn thing! HA!

So, I ask you....What better way is there to put off the inevitable other than by exploring our Second Life surroundings? There are so many incredible places to see here and experience here in SL.  Why struggle with the exchange rates, mosquito nets, or carrying all that heavy luggage around with you anyway? 

Take B'wuana Becky's Travel Cruise Ship & enjoy the romantic sunsets with someone special

So, put away your preg calculators and testers for the time being and follow me, "B'wuana  Becky, to some of the most romantic and exotic places here in SecondLife. Come feel the ticket in your hand and join me as I introduce you to your different Second Life ports-of-call destination resorts!  l will even bring along my own special "Beck-O-Meter" to rate these places in terms of quality of Land Use, Architecture, and activities to spoil your innate senses.  Why, our fabulous CWS models will even join in with us and show you some of the marvelous shopping there as well! 


Our First Stop:  The Port of Las Isles at Las Lagunas

Las Islas - Las Lagunas Port of Call - Beautiful Italian Mediterranean Architecture 

Please watch your step as you step off of the cruise ship.  Let's start here at the Seaport because it is truly the best place to get an overall sense that you have arrived somewhere very special in Second Life. 

The Sim is so well designed and impeccably detailed in every way imaginable! You feel as though God is in the details of this magically done Island seaport.

La Piazza della Port di Las Lagunas

 I enjoyed experiencing  its nostalgic, classic auto plaza - it is a MUST to see and appreciate!  Why, I nearly burned the bottom of my feet running from the scrumptious strands of the sandy beach to see the fabulous vintage cars parked so eloquently in a row there!  

Las Islas ~ Las Lagunas: Romance awaiting you at your keyboard fingertips

The Italian mediterranean architecture is also so well conceived and articulated from it's key historical harbor fortress fortifications protecting its small romantic harbor - to Las Islas' rich and sophisticated mediterrainean atmosphere.

If you enjoy photography as much as I do, then bring your cameras along to capture some of the most beautiful romanticism in all of Second Life. 

The vibrant use of colors, the wonderful use of frescas, the sun-soaked flora, and the authentic antiquity appearance of this Seaport Village all cry out at once as both an SL Model's paradise and a photographer's dream shoot location.

So...do NOT miss the opportunity to come see this wonderfully romantic destination.  And, if you want to shop there are also some great designer stores here that speak your language and understand your tastes in styling.  

As far as my Beck-O-Meter is concerned - I am definitely getting very high sensory readings on this spot! Four Creamy & Delicious Scoops Way Up!