CWS: Classic Burglary at the "Cops & Robbers" Styling Theme Event

by Becky Kénaan


Oh my God!!! The hardships of being a model here in SL continue relentlessly. 

No...This is NOT Pussy Galore!

Do you know that I dressed up like "Catwoman" the other day for a Runway event at Classic With Style, thinking that it would be loads of fun. Well, it was fun!!!  The theme choice I made was so "un-hot" I think though.  Afterwards, I  felt like some kind of a nerd chick dressed up for Comic Con.  What the heck? I thought that Catwoman was suppose to be the all time epitome of fantasy as a fashion character here in Second Life.  Oh well, back to the drawings boards I guess. 

Becky the Boop with a Cat Tale

In the context of the CWS Fashion Theme "Cops & Robbers" this makes no sense what so bloody ever. Oh, and I'm pretty sure that Summitt had to feel the same pain as well.  It was very humorous (yet slightly painful) when we both met backstage before the event because she also came dressed as a Catwoman.  (And a VERY good one at that indeed!) Oh ..the shock and awe of seeing your body double right freakin' in front of you! (Just kidding Summitt!) I have to admit it was a little uncomfortable at first until we started sharing our catnip. And you must realize that great minds do think a like! HA!

Summitt - My Out of Body Experience

The 'Catwoman' as you may know is the slightly promiscuous "Queen Kitty of Thievery" and she has been visually reinterpreted many times since her first debut in DC Comics  

Inspired by the two most recent Batman Cats, Actresses Halle Berrys and Michelle Pfieffers meow costumes, I created my outfit to give the look that I thought was in keeping with the Cops & Robbers Styling Theme ethos. "Mew, Mew..." 

And what is wrong with Batman, anyway?  Doesn't he see quality Pussy when it's right in his face or what?  Why even James Bond enjoyed Pussy Galore in the Ian Fleming James Bond novel/movie "Goldfinger." 

If the man can't abide in the physical pleasures being around Catwoman, then what the hell kind of physical relationship does he think he will have in any later series.  If I were in the next movie, I would definitely cut him off! Yep! You are right, Tiffani... A "Jokeress" is a much more suitable choice for this creep.  He also needs to get a grip on things in order to boost his sagging ratings! HA! 

Back to the subject of burglary... I thought that (with some consolation) it was sheer unadulterated freakin' genius on the part of Summitt and me to dress up as both Catwomen in huge, epic proportions. It is too bad that Batman wasn't a Judge during the contest, for he would darn well have had given us higher scores, given the fact that he knows (under his Bat belt) all about our little BDSM secrets (with a certain amount of pain of course!) HA!

Zig - Justice is So Unfair to Dogs!

This last Styling Theme episode certainly confirms my feelings that women are feline creatures and men are more like dogs!!!  Woof! Why, just look at Zig for example - all locked away in that cage barking and hollering like a dog wanting to be freed out of some dog kennel!  So embarrassing! While Zig is faithful and as friendly as one of our world's most favorite companions, we cats are much more cool and sexy (but sometimes detached, and unreliable, HA!) 

I really believe that the Judges probably felt much warmer with dogs around them than cats (and that must have been the reason that we got axed). Think about it - Cats are as hard to understand as women are.  And when you combine the two species together, all hell breaks loose! They probably felt like keeping us at arm's length. They probably also felt that they didn't want anyone taking over their souls - for Catwomen have a habit of doing that (it has been told). So, there's probably some sort of love-resentment thingy.   And you know with women, once the romance is over somehow they never remain friends. LOL!!

You Want Me to Do What??

Anyone that knows Catwomen also understands that these lovely creatures are the antithesis of bats.  And bats are, of course, those erratically flying mammals, sometimes found in caves and at the top of churches.  Hmmm?  Might it have been that I was acting as though I had bats careening around in my mind when I chose this Catwoman outfit? That thought in my head just drives me "Batty!" HA! 

CWS: Why God Gave Woman the Rearview Mirror

By Becky Kénaan

Okay ladies...admit it!  - Women have a complicated relationship with makeup. It is the focus of our lives each and everyday! On the way to work, the rear view mirror is NOT intended for traffic use - It is there to make sure we have our eyes done perfectly right before heading into the office! Do you Boys carry around (daily in your possession) a cosmetic bag full of the necessities in life?  Well? 

Getting Ready for My Date

I read an interesting article the other day about cosmetics and that your face is your canvas..  That got me thinking...Just why is that? I wonder why we wear make-up? Love it or hate it, women have been using makeup, in different forms, for a very long time. In the animal world, female species pronounce their sexual availability and charm through physical signals and pheromones. Why these wild women (no pun intended) make it very well known to the guys (that they're interested in) that they are ready and able to get it on and have some great looking babies! We boring human beings seemingly lack these erotic signals, making it almost impossible to tell a man that we are fertile. 

Well, I believe that our makeup (if correctly done) is one such device! Because makeup works as a way of exaggerating our natural given looks of youth, sensuousness, fertility and sexual availability... In other words it makes us  seem more appealing... AND it works because it's a darn good lie!! HAHA!

The Mystery Behind the Veil of Makeup

Did you know that in the sixth century women in fashion made their faces more pale by bleeding themselves, either directly or with the help of leeches. Ewww!  Why even during the Italian Renaissance period, women coated their faces with toxic chemicals including arsenic, lead and mercury.  All that to paint the mystery of enchantment and allurement?  And for a man I ask you? I hope that he was worth it! 

My God!  Did you also know that in the 19th Century tuberculosis was considered a "romantic" disease? During that era women emphasized the circles under their eyes and used rouge to look flushed with fever. That is certainly one method to express your burning passionate desire!  I guess that is where the term "Drop Dead Gorgeous" originated!  HA!

I Spoke to My Mummy Just the Other Day

So when did people first start using makeup? No one is quite really sure. Archeologists have recorded the use of makeup dating back to the Ancient Egyptian and Sumerians as far back as around 3500 BC. They used soot and other natural ingredients to paint their faces, and even had specialized tools to apply their makeup. Before that...who knows? ....Maybe Adam was getting bored with Eve? HA!

Looking at all of the diverse cultures we have on this planet, it is easy to recognize that, although makeup is used differently across the cultural plains and eras, a pattern still remains - Makeup is and shall forever be one of the tools in making us feel more beautiful, no matter if you're a doll-like Japanese Geisha, an Ancient Egyptian or a modern western woman looking for Mr. Right on your Saturday night out. It is certainly within each of us to maintain our youthful features - and the exaggeration of our female characteristics and form can be found in almost every culture, both past and present. 

Seriously speaking, your eye makeup and lipstick can synergistically work well together if done correctly.  Women tend to be naturally darker around their eyes and mouths than men of the same skin tone. Women use cosmetics to darken the eyes and lips to make their face appear more feminine to differentiate their sex differences with a man. 

Becky with "Natural Look" Cosmetics

Personally speaking, I prefer the "Natural Look" ... and for me, imperfection is a form of one's individuality. I deliberately try to understate my makeup on my Avi unless of course there is a special event or style that mandates a specific appearance.

In RL when I get up in the morning to do my face, I do see those little vertical crevasses on my lower lip and I also see those disappointing tiny crow's feet on the corners of my eyes that I quickly want to make go away! That is certainly something that we all have to live with as we get older and lose that youthful appearance. But here is SL, "Voila!" We obviously don't have that issue because the perfection in our appearances here is resoundingly timeless. That is one of the reasons I play here...LOL

What in God's Name Was She Thinking About?

In RL I will often look at someone and notice their make-up first.  Sometimes I feel almost prevented from seeing who that person actually is behind the makeup.  You might say that they seem a bit hidden to me like the wood canvas beyond the Mona Lisa. Personally I enjoy wearing makeup unless of course I fall asleep the night before (forgetting to remove my makeup), and then having to deal with my face the next morning. HA!  

So, I ask you...what does makeup do for you? Do you like its feel on your skin? .Do you feel less attractive, clean, or fashionable when not wearing makeup? Do you consider it a necessity? Or by chance do you believe that it might be something entirely different...You know...something more akin to spoiling yourself? Or is it more about how you see yourself or you think you are being seen?

Your Face As a Canvas for Art

For some here in SL Land, there are those who revel in makeup, trying on every latest trend, delighting in transforming their avi look with the click of their mouse. Others keep it simple, sticking with the bare basics and using it to complement their overall natural appearance rather than emphasize their facial features. 

Whatever you decide, it is ultimately your choice if it makes you feel better about yourself - for art is a very subjective thing and taste is certainly in the eye of the beholder.  

CWS: Mermaids or Shoremaidens, You Tell me?

by Becky Kénaan

The Real Story of the Little Mermaid

Have you ever walked along the beach and wondered where certain items washed up by the tide come from? Well, many years ago, A certain sailor by the name of Freedom Rockfish opened his eyes to something very strange indeed on the strand of beach near his home... and it changed his life forever.

Gather around my children and I will tell you of a magical, mystical tale (or "tail" if you wish, Ha!) of a young mermaid by the name of Princess Sidneelia SwishelFin who had 4 other mermaid sisters - Princesses Libertisha, Lacisha, Breesha, and of course, Hadaralah. 

As you may know, mermaid creatures have been sighted in just about every ocean on Earth.  Reports on sightings have come from such diverse geographical parts of the World such as Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Why did you know that the Phoenicians considered a half human half fish named "Dagon" to be their deity? Certainly no glass ceiling in their ancient world! HA!

But THESE particular mermaids in this story were very different.  Unlike the ones you might have read about in Atlantis, these Mermaids and Mermen were from the undersea world of Jiveasia - whereas their mermaid "Oannes" culture was quite different from anywhere else on the planet. In fact, so different that all of the other Oannesian cultures stayed clear of them completely.

Certainly you have heard that a mermaid is a mythical creature that is half woman and half fish. Now, you may have heard that some mermaids have been described as being sea monsters and downright dangerous. Oh, Contraire! For these mermaid sisters were stunningly beautiful and kind-hearted. And they had all attended the Classic with Style's Undersea Campus, "Bubblethropia."  

As the story goes, Princess Sidneelia was told by her Mermaid Queen, Anroleela Tidebottom, that "When ya' turn sixteen mah' dear Princess Sidneelia, ya' kin go dig yo'self some puh'm wave and gots yo' snails done, den venture along de ocean currents and see fo' yo'self de land uh de humans. But once ya' see da damn land ya' gots'ta return and rememba' NEVER be lured onsho'e by nuthin dat may interest ya' - o' ya' gots'ta lose yo' tail and neva' be able t'return t'our underbooze wo'ld again. 'S coo', sis."

"Well dat plum sucks big time! Right on!" Sidneelia exclaimed. 

Princess Lacisha responded, Oh, clam it shut! Bitch! Youse bein' so's shellfish!  Besides, yo' Big Daddy, Neptune God Of De Sea - Zig Jive'n Kin'fish, would gots neva' approved uh ya' leavin' if it wuzn't fo' Queen Anroleela's insistence! Right on! Why, she used all uh ha' ways t'make dis happen fo' ya'. Do ya' dig it whut ah' am tryin' t'tell ya' yung lady? Why, she gots been boogeyin' ha' booty off around him fo' ya'! 

Neptune God of De Sea ~ Zig Jive'n Kin'fish

Finally that special day arrived and the kingdom celebrated Sidneelia's 16th Birthday with a wild party bash. Now, this was just no ordinary party... Imported Boston Clam Chowder, Escargot, Caviar from the Pacific Northwest, and Sidneelia's favorite - Sushi Sea Worms. Even King Zig Jive'n Kin'fish (Neptune) attended, bringing along a whole herd of seahorses with him so everyone could participate in water polo. It was to be a very classy event without a doubt.

After Sidneelia's birthday party was over, one by one the sisters went to the surface. Then it was the little mermaids turn. she went to the surface.

It was a horrible day for any human to be sailing on the seas... the ocean's surface was very restless with high stormy seas.  Legend has it that Mermaids have been blamed on many sailor's demise - for it has been said that they have the ability to sink ships and lure sailors to there doom - Or perhaps even rescue them.

Princess Libertisha, the youngest of the sister's exclaimed, "I plum duzn't see da damn point uh why ya' wanna boogie upside dese ho'rible ocean and see da damn human sho'eline. It makes absolutely no darn sense t'me at all! I recon' dat ya' is one crazy chick honkyfool t'be hangin' dis hun."

But the princess swam away anyway for the shoreline. As a side note it has been legend that mermaids can sink ships and possess sirens that could lure sailors to their doom. 

As she looked far across the ocean's peaking waves, she could see something being tossed violently on top of the water's surface.  It was a boat.  Being curious, she swam closer to see it. Inside the boat was a very handsome human sailor who was struggling to keep his boat afloat.

Suddenly the boat hit some rocks that weren't visible. The human was thrown overboard and into the water. The little mermaid swam and pulled him on land. As their eyes met each other's for the first time, she instantly fell in love.

But then suddenly the little mermaid saw other humans coming towards them. She kissed his forehead then jumped back into the water and swam away. She was in love and wanted to marry this human.  

The Great Sea Witch ~ Janefelia Blinkalot

She swam all the way back to Bubblethropia and immediately went to see the great sea witch, Janefelia Blinkalot.  She told her of her discovery and of her desire to marry this man. 

Janefella replied, "I gots'ta grant yo' wish, but ya' gots'ta gimme all uh yo' outfits includin' 'dat bling ya' gest picked at Lillou's... and if de man duz not love ya' ya' gots'ta turn into a green n' purple sea monsta' and ya' soul gots'ta be mine". 

The little mermaid agreed. 

Days passed and the sailor, Freedom Rockfish, had almost given up any hope of seeing this beautiful mermaid ever again. From his small beach house, he could see the the water's edge. He looked out everyday for his little mermaid until one day he saw something glittering across the surface of the water near dusk. Excited,  he ran down to see who or what it was. Could it be indeed the quest in finding a beautiful Little Mermaid? 

The Sailor ~ Freedom Rockfish

"Hello!, said Freedom to the Mermaid. " Can you speak english? Can you understand me?" The mermaid nodded her head in response. 

He then wrapped the precious Little Mermaid up in a blanket and took her back to his beach house where it was nice, warm and friendly. 

After he set a log and lit the kindling in the fireplace, he brought her over a warm glass of milk and and then sat next beside her.  "You know, he whispered softly to her, "The day you rescued me my dear maiden, it sounded like you were singing to me as you pulled me up from under the deep ocean where I almost nearly drowned."  

The Mermaid replied, "Oh dat? Well, dat wuz real not singin' ya' honkyfool - ah' wuz actually rappin' some hip hop beat dat ah' heard plum de oda' day and it plum stuck in mah' haid as ah' wuz pullin' ya' so'ry body fum de ocean. 'S coo', bro." 

His jaw dropped... He thought to himself,"How could one so beautiful talk with such a foreign and strange tongue?" He couldn't bring himself to understand as to why this beautiful maiden 's dialect seemed so foreign to him at all.  He did not know if his family would ever approve of her, not just because that she was a mermaid but a Jive'in' one at that. He asked her where she came from and she described in vivd detail for him the undersea world of Jiveasia and that she was a princess and was an aire to the kingdom's wealth once day.  His ears perked and he suddenly realized his fine "catch of the day."  

He then resolved in his mind on what he had to do. 

The next day her took her to see his speech therapist, Sir Jolly Roger of the Admiral's Second Fleet. Long retired now, Sir Roger became an expert at helping people overcome their linquistic challenges. As Freedom carried her into his office, Sir Roger noticed her fin sticking out of the blanket then immediately knew of the challenge he had before him. 
  

They then commenced her therapy.  "My dear Little Mermaid, I would like you to recite after me this sentence with these marbles placed in your mouth." 

"Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers," he resounded.  

"Peta' picked some pack uh pickled peppuh's," she replied.

"Okay..that is not too bad for starters, " Sir Rogers responded.

"Now dear, please listen and repeat this sentence to get good pronunciation and rhythm. - She sells seashells down by the seashore."

"She sells dem' seashells waaay down by de cee-sho'e," she uttered.

Try this once, Miss Sidneelia. " The rains in Spain fall mainly on the plains."

"O'dat b' easy!" She exclaimed... 

"Dem rainswat'r in Spain ja'dig fall t' mainly on de' plains."

"Okay.. I think that is enough for today. You may remove the marbles from your mouth my Dear, " he directed.

Months and months went by - and she improved each day.  Finally the day came when Freedom thought it was time for her to meet his family. He was very excited about this moment for if they accepted her, he would be set for life.

You must understand that being a sailor, Freedom came from a long heritage and lineage of famous sailors - Why, I will have you know that his great, great Grandpappy, Samuel Rockfish, was swallowed whole by some huge white whale. His Grandpappy later posthumously became a very famous legend in his seaside community.  Now as for his folks - his momma and his dadda - Skip & Bessie Rockfish...they were both retired fishermen (or more politically correct fisherman & fishwoman).  They struggled to make ends meet by running the local pub in their tiny fishing village of Sommersport in Ireland.

She had dressed special for him on this important day. She adorned her favorite bling necklace and seashore polo team jersey and put snail-glitter in her long flowing hair. She was so much in love with Freedom, and looked forward to becoming his bride and having schools of little fishies with him one day. Oh, I bet you think that they couldn't have sex?  Oh, quite the contrary!  I won't go into much detail now but all that I might add is that mermaids have the best darn booty in the world. Ha!

Freedom's Folks ~ Skip & Bessie Rockfish

So, anyway...where was I?  Oh yes..meeting his folks. They both arrived at his folks home and he knocked on the door. His father, Skip came to the door first and greeted them.  His eyes just about left their sockets when he saw Princess Sidneelia for the first time.  He had heard stories of mermaids but never saw one in real life, thinking of them only as myths of legends passed down from one generation to the next.

"I'm bloody well right pleased ter meet yor acquaintance and welcome yer ter this 'ousehold wiv open arms," he said to her. 

Mamma Rockfish then approached her and said, " 'Onestly me fair mermaid, I'm right 'appy ter meet yer also. I 'ave a look forward ter findin' out so much more about yer and where yer come from! Blimey!"

Princess scratched the top of her head as she struggle to understand them -listening to the both of them rant and rave about their son, and how he was the most famous fisherman in the town now for catching her.  Freedom then whispered into his mother's ear, "Psst...and Momma, I darn almost forgot to tell you - She will inherit the wealth of her kingdom one day and we will be set for life!" 

Little did Freedom realize that the princess had excellent hearing, far superior to humans indeed.  Her heart sank as she heard him exclaim his interest in only her wealth. Suddenly, the tone of the discussions changed and she asked of him this one simple question, "Freedom...Do you love me?"   He squirmed and fidgeted as he struggled to find the right words... "Well, I guess that I could learn to love you over time." he responded.  

The Real Princess Sidneelia

In a split second, the Princess was transformed into a large sea serpent! "Chomp, chomp, chomp!"  All three - Freedom, his momma and his papa were quickly devoured (whole like delicious sushi) by the Princess.  She quickly left quite annoyed and swam back to Jivasia to join her family - heartbroken that he did not love her the way she loved him.

When she returned, the sea witch returned the Princess to her beautiful mermaid form knowing of her broken heart and realizing that she was a bit over-reaching with the deal she made with the Princess. (Actually, the truth is that Zig Jive'n Kin'fish threatened her with a lifetime ban from shopping in the Bubblethropia Mall unless she withdrew the spell.)

The moral to this story is of course "Hell has no greater wrath than a woman scorned."  And this is especially true for all types of women - even the mermaid type.  

But, it also most certainly brings to truth the stories of avenging mermaids in "frenzied rage" and devouring sailors.  And now you understand why!  HA!

CWS: Hip Hop Shuck & Jive "So You Think You Can Dance"

by Becky Kénaan 

Well, well, well .... I see that you are back for more - and you are obviously looking for even juicier information on what happened at the last elimination round at Classic with Style's "So You Think You Can Dance."  So, please have a seat and let me tell you all about it.  

But first I did get this request from one of my concerned readers to my Becky Boop with the Scoop syndicated column:

Dear Ms. Boop:  I have been accused of being "old school." But, I just don't understand these youngsters today with all of their loud music, their awful bright jewelry, baggy pants, and gang banger looks doing this thing called "Hip Hop" Dancing!  There ought to be a ban on this type of dancing.  Why, please inform your readers about my concerns so that we can have more civility in the world around us.  The music is loud and it disturbs my cat, "Fluffy."   

Sincerely, Mrs. Gladimore Flatbottom.  

Dear Mrs Concerned: You's seem t'have lost da damn whole point about Hip Hop boogeyin', honkyfool! Right on! Boogeyin' be about 'espressin' yo' self and da damn artistic freedom t provides ya' wid on de boogie floo'. You's need t'snatch some lesson and dig some earplugs fo' "Fluffy" and start enjoyin' wats left! Right on! 

Sincerely, Becky "Boop wid da' Scoop"

Anyway....Oh, you mean you are already sitting down with your computer? Then "Never Mind." HAHA! ...You Do remember Rosanna Rosanna Dana, don't you? HA!  She was so funny on those early Saturday Night Live Shows. She would try to make a point about something or other and then she would get off so far on a topic then after all was said and done she would retract her whole point of discussion.  (Hey, wait a minute...YOU think I am doing that now, do you?) Okay, okay... let me talk to you more specifically and get back to the Competition then...

Grinding-teeth..biting fingernails - all the signs of stress as the drama and suspense mounts – only 4 contestants now remain on the catwalk in the Classic w/ Style “So You Think You Can Dance” competition. 

They are as follows:


Zig rich Zsigmond
VikkiLynn Caproni
Clint Quandry
FreedomRock Rhiadra

The in-house CWS dentist reported to me on Sunday that, after the event, all of the contestants had to apparently have their jawbones wired to mend from the incredible teeth-jarring  hip hop performances from Sunday’s second round of elimination. Yep!  That's right!  And it is all attributable to that Hip hop music they danced to.  My God!!! I still have bruises on the top of my skull trying some of those head-spinning dance maneuvers!

I am now sitting with my laptop, having a few drinks at this swingin' Hip Hop Bar with our past contestants - AngelRaella, Agee, and now Isabelle (the poor thing - having to sip her beer through a straw you know).   Anyway, we are all looking over these final contestants and wondering just who will get "axed" next.  The competition has been incredibly fierce.  Hmmm..please excuse me for a second... What are you mumbling to me, Isabelle?  Oh yes..thank you dear. Isabelle just informed me that her jaw wiring will be removed tomorrow.  Hmmm... Do you think that Zig's jar will heal as quickly also, Isabelle?... You don't do you? That's fine, hun. He will get over it. And besides, I like the serenity around CWS lately... It is different! HA!

You know, I just don't get it... I mean, I like the music and I find the clothing to be so hip and all, but come on and give me a freakin' break will you! I realize that it is a culture that has evolved now for over the last 20 years...  BUT, you would at least think that we could get an SL translator for all of that "Jive and Shuck" without the need for me to consult with Agee as my personal interpreter now would you? 

For many people, Hip Hop has emerged as a whole new way of life and it is expressed in cultural arenas in both dance and clothing styles. 

Speaking of clothing, it is amazing how its styles have emerged. For many people, hip hop clothing is at the top of their personal fashion statement. Did you realize that, as we chat, new styles are being created? And, even the old vintage hip hop fashion remains a fashion trend that will certainly be around for many years to come. 

Fancy that!  I just realized to myself that I can just simply dust off one of several old past boyfriend's varsity letterman's jacket or football jersey and wear my Yankee baseball cap (with a little bling here and there) and be a cool sister!  Why, I just bet that you can just go sneak into your favorite dude's messy closet and can find one of his favorite sports team jerseys to be at the top of the hip hop fashion scene!   Ladies - He will probably never miss it, so keep the jersey (like I did).  Besides, I hear that many people are spending big bucks on just one jersey. BTW...I also have a whole collection if you want to buy one from me. LOL!

Never mind the fact that Ziggy zagged his way on the center stage, defying gravity and doing his very own Hip Hop version.  Never mind that you were thrilled by that that tumble, shuck and jive of his!  “It’s Cool Baby, Gimme Some of Dat Skin!”  but NOOOO!..Let’s all fall for the pretty one, VickiLynn Caproni, again used her wits as well as her tattooed body to charm and dazzle our imaginations with such Hip-Hop talent never seen before here on SecondLife.

Well, you know what? There’s more to Hip Hop than Shuck and Jive! Maybe you’ll realize that when Clint Quandry makes his killing with his Music and Dancing and goes platinum with his next recording... We will certainly see just who is laughing then! 

I was just a bit very slightly annoyed when Clint started talking about having the muscular control in Hip Hop Dancing to contort his body into unbelievable positions. What the heck!   Don't you even realize what we have to go through at times to satisfy you guys? Now THAT is HipHop!

And...As for you Mr. Freedomrock smarty pants, I couldn't get over your incredible performance except for one tiny thingy.... Your choice in music  "Walk this way" as originally recorded by Areosmith. Bad timing, Dude!  Didn't you hear the report in the news the other day that an award was just handed out to the world's oldest living woman in Japan.  Yep! That's right! She just turned 115 years old last week.  And I heard that it came as a complete surprise to none other than the second oldest woman in the world -  Steven Tyler! HA! I would not think that he would be all that happy with you at the moment, Freedomrock!  But, if it is any consolation to you, I did enjoy your selection!

CWS: Lillou's Design Fashion Show 03.02.2013

by Becky Kénaan

Well, hello again everyone. Remember me, Becky Kénaan, your fun CWS Runway Run-Away Reporter?  I trust that you had fun over the weekend and are not suffering any consequences from any extra curricular activities - You know, like going out and maybe trying your abilities at Karaoke or just Clubbing it perhaps.... or something more dangerous like going out on a blind date! OMG!  That happened to me just the other day... I will tell you more about that one a bit later... LOL.

Before I get started with my blog on fashion, I thought that I would read you a recent letter that I received from one of my followers in my very own syndicated Becky "Boop with the Scoop" Opinion Column.  It reads as follows: 

Dear Ms. Boop, 

    I was just wondering if you could give me some advice on where to go to meet nice, smart, attractive guys with good jobs here in SL. I was just having this conversation this morning with some of my girlfriends here at CWS.  So many smart, beautiful girls are here in SL, but it seems that we struggle on where to meet a great guy here in SL.  You input is greatly appreciated - Signed, Still Looking

Dear Ms. Looking,

     I think the best way to meet someone you are compatible with is finding a place that really appeals to  both men & women and see if your Mr. Right can be found there.  Definitely NOT pole dancing or hanging out at some BDSM club. HA! ...And think twice about visiting one of those jazz or big enormous money pit ballroom places that we all have been to - You know, the one with the long bars and the gigantic dance floors with all of the lovely ladies standing in line waiting to get picked up - Commonly referred to what has been coined the "Meat Rack." As my Italian Uncle Louie "No-Neck" would say, 

"FORGET ABOUT IT!"  

     Now, when I say something that appeals to you... I don't necessarily mean shopping in the malls here.  These are things that men do for women, but don't necessarily enjoy doing by themselves. (Yes there are exceptions, but for the most part dudes aren't waking up early on the weekends and rushing to the malls to find bargains). So instead, why don't you try coming to the wonderful fashion events here at CLASSIC w/ STYLE.  It is a low-key show and a great and classy place to meet a guy. The bottom line is, don't drag yourself to places just to meet a guy.! Do things that you love like CLASSIC w/ STYLE and hopefully you will find someone here who can enjoy fashion with you. If nothing else you'll have a great time until you find Mr. Right. 

Sincerely,

Becky "Boop with the Scoop" 

Now, before we get into some wonderful fashion chat - "NEWS FLASH!" 

You might have just recently heard a vicious rumor that I might have run away and eloped with SpongBob Squarepants.  Well, I want to squash that ugly, horrible, hurtful and despicable rumor right here and now!  For nothing could be farther from the truth!  We all know that he is still madly in love with Vicky Yoshikawa.  Yep, that's right! My VERY reliable source has informed me that they (meaning Vicky + SpongeBob) were actually going to tie the knot very soon (and I am not talking about a neuter). 

Vicky, we definitely need to talk, Hun..

CWS: Lillou's Fashion Design Showcase

Let's talk about Fashion and what to shop for now shall we?  I came into my blog today to talk shop! Not Wood Shop, Zig!  (Pfft! Obviously a Man Inhaling too much Sawdust) ...I mean SHOP, SHOP!  As in "Shopping Your Brains Out" and "Shop Until You Drop" sort of events! ... You know, spending all those hard-earned Lindens on nothing else better than fashionable clothing here to pamper and spoil yourself.  AND please don't try to convince me otherwise that you are saving your Lindens here for anything else...Really now!

On the topic of fashionable clothing - I just got back from an absolutely incredible fashion event showcase that featured Lillou's Design. 

Ms Lillou Merlin unveiled a variety of stunning, and diverse designs & styles that made me want to rush back into my bedroom and smash open my Piggy Bank.  I was drooling...I mean the clothing that she designs are so well done - and at the top of the charts in terms of how they fit the silhouettes of our beautiful models here at CWS.  Not to only mention the sizing as well as the color options that she has made available for each ensemble are truly amazing!   

Ms Lillou Merlin is one of the great designers in SecondLife.  Classic w/ Style was very honored to present her excellent designs.  Like many of us here in SecondLife, we are inspired when we see such great work!  I personally love her attention to detail and her wonderful sense of color that she applies on every piece of work she does. 

So, without further ado, here are a sampling of the mouth-watering clothing designs that I experienced at the CWS: lillou's Design Fashion Showcase Event:

I have identified just a few examples of her designs that I feel best exemplify her talents.  To really appreciate her work you MUST certainly go to her showroom or the SL marketplace see and experience the wonderful variety of her designs and styles she has. 

Ladies & Gentlemen, I would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to the following CWS Models for making this event so enjoyable to watch:

Tiffani Celestalis, Vicky Yongbo, Janet Brink, Nina Brianna, Summit Beaumont, Thrishia Denver, Laci Rossini, Liberty Lighthouse, LadySunfire Erin, 
Sidney Abbot, and Lisana Rossen

"Tap...Tap...Testing,..Testing...Is the microphone on?  Oh, you mean I don't need a mic, Anrol...Never Mind."

Well, so much for the Microphone... Anyway I wanted to start off by telling you that  I absolutely fell in love with the monochromatic SHAMALAYA  Shiny Dress - a long, close to the body fitting mermaid shaped mesh dress in a gray white textured pattern  I just love the texture and the weave of it! A definite Retro 1940's chic ensemble look, like the Front Girl during the big band era of Glenn Miller.  Absolutely Stunning! I just love the look of that very sexy sliinky dress and those long black gloves topped by white lace on the upper arms.  The white feathered boa covering the bare shoulders is lovely.  Oooo La Lah! Those gloves gives the gown such a nice touch! And, both the beautiful white headpiece and boa complement this outfit so well! 

Another absolutely mouth-watering delight was the FANNY- A very nicely done flaired, overblouse top with unattached matching sleeves in silk and knit combination texturing.  Yummy! This green one just emptied my Piggy-Bank! HA! I think that it was the shiny sequins that caught my eye on the short unattached dress that did it! Well... I am looking in my purse now for that coupon...Hmmm...Where did I leave that darn thingy?

Then I observed the MARIA dress.  I went insane..Yes, you heard me I-N-S-A-N-E !!! This is worse than waiting in line for my Starbuck's Vente Carmel Latte or my Frappuccino in the morning!  I have to have this one!!!  It is a beautiful taffeta layered gown with wings!  I must have died and gone to heaven after I saw this! The strapless top with a bra shaped bust line hugs down to the waist, featuring magnificent flowers in the front. The skirt of this fabulous gown is constructed of numerous lace ruffled layers. The wide ruffled winged-collar accentuates the models beautiful bare shoulders, while the long gloves and the leaf-shaped flowered hat finishes this gown beautifully!  Take your Man to Lillou's and make him buy you one of these!! (Psst!  Ladies... he can spring for it...Lie to him about accompanying him to a dance or something... you know..be cunningly creative! LOL). Show him the color you want then tell him that it was his idea all along...LOL !  It's available in various colors!

GEORGIA - This gown is just fantastic! The "thump" everyone heard was when I fainted and my head hit the stage as I saw this gown literally flowing down the runway! The center strap top of this gown gracefully supports the transparent laced bodice that just barely conceals the breasts with  flower-shaped lacing... Please I can barely keep going here... Then the midriff is snuggly wrapped with a beautiful patterned lace . This is the kind of dress that calls out to me screaming "BECCCCYYYY - BUY THIS DRESS - YOU NEED THIS DRESS!  (My Knees are still Wobbling) 

So, I held my breath (and pressed the Mint Julip drink tightly to my breasts) as I swooned over the look of this fabulous gown.  My God!  There ought to be a law against showing me these outfits all at once!!! Doesn't Anrol understand the meaning to the term "Sensory Overload"  or what!!! I suddenly screamed, 

 "Take me Home!  

Them Damn Yankees are burning down Tara, Rhett !!!" 

Just when I thought that it was safe to open my eyes again,  I saw the PALOMA.  After the smelling salts kicked in, I came back from unconsciousness and peaked (mind you) again to see if my mind was still playing tricks on me.  Ladies, if you ever want to catch a Man, I mean THIS is the gown to do it in!  This is it after all!  It is done in classic black and lends a very formal feel about it with just the right amount of colored playfulness.   The Bees are buzzing on this gown!  With the addition of a spray of tropical "Bird of Paradise" colored flowers on the chest and hat, I will definitely stay clear of my next door neighbor's Bee Farm. And for you ladies that already have a Man, put this dress on his "Honey-Do" list or just simply coerce him into buying this one for you as well.  Use all of your available tools on this one indeed!...LOL  (and YES, the hat is included!)  Don't you just love how the elbow gloves balance aesthetically with the wild spray of that hat, also?   The traditional gown skirt is also so well designed and it finishes up so very nicely as it transcends to the floor.

Well...after I saw the SCANDELICIOUS worn by Janet and Liberty, I knew that there was a God and then asked myself whether or not I was in heaven.  This gown is just amazing to watch.  It is art in motion. And, you certainly don't even need 3D glasses to appreciate the true depth and sophistication of this wonderful gown -  From its strapless straight bust line top...down to its multiple layers of lace, it is a masterpiece! I love how the gown is topped by a short skirt adorned with such beautifully embroidered flowers that caress the top and lend such a very romantic touch to this design creation. The romantic mood of this gown is accentuated by the beautiful feathered wings. Kings and Princes will ask you for a dance ladies, so be forewarned!

Here we have the GINA in mesh worn by CWS Model Tiffany LILLOU'S DESIGNS!

You will have an air of intrigue when you don GINA.  At first glance I thought that it was none other than Tatiana Romanova - You know, that sexy Russian office clerk that was used to lure James Bond to Istanbul in the movie, "From Russia With Love."  You can also feel just like this Seductress in this striped loosely fit coat with matching hoodie, blouse and slacks. It also comes in a variety of patterns with five different sizes. Go to the store and check all of them out!  

My eyes were also treated and pleasantly teased by the new BETTY LOU gown in mesh that was worn by our CWS Models Lisana, Tiffany and Laci. From just under its strapless bodice, the elegant skirting transcends elegantly as a taper then flares gracefully as it reaches the floorline. It is adorned with gorgeous flowers laid over the breasts, which then wrap over the bare shoulder and across the back in a huge spray of different sized flowers interlaced with long, thin strands of straw, and small sparkling dots flowing all around.  It was complemented by a beautiful flower shaped hat, giving the final touch to this stunning gown that says, "Voila!"

CWS: Now Celebrating Its' 5 Year Anniversary! YAY!! Bring IT ON!!!

For all those people considering to become a fashion model here in SL, one cannot get a better education than what Classic w/ Style (CWS) offers.  CWS provides the training and skill set development you need to make it here in the SL as a quality fashion model - whether it is modeling on the runway or posing for advertising.   Learn how to walk, present yourself, use the huddles and integrate poses into your runway performances, while building your self-confidence to reach that goal one one day becoming a Super Model. Why I never blogged before coming into CWS.  And just look at what I have learned here on my blog from CWS. (Please overlook my Typon-ese, HA!). They have the best of instructors to teach you in beginning classes as well as in the advanced classes to tickle your every modeling fancy! And... the tips you learn on how to compose and balance your modeling photography are worth their weight in gold!

A major part of being a successful runway model is learning from the best and that is exactly what you will discover once you enroll in the University. Now you may think that walking is easy, but it takes a level of finesse to walk in a way that makes you stand out while enhancing any fashion show. Learn how to correctly edit clothing, hair and your jewelry for proper fitting. Once you get the technical aspect of understanding the different runway walks down, you will  practice and practice and then watch as your confidence grows. And, at CWS you will learn so much and be exposed to great techniques and class from "Simply the Best." 

So make the SecondLife World your stage and get enrolled at Classic w/ Style University.  You won't be disappointed!  And just remember that classes do book up early.  This is an investment in your modeling career future, and   planning ahead means staying ahead!