THE BEST OF SL MAGAZINE-JULY 2020 EDITION by The Best Of SL Magazine

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Reign Congrejo Fashion Editor Bronxie Asst Fashion Editor Shantal Gravois CONTRIBUTORS CompE Sammie Audion Jamee Sandalwood Asi Amorosi Yshiara Cerise Magissa Denver COVER PHOTO: Eden Murfin COVER WRITING: Magissa Denver

BOSL Magazine July 2020 Edition

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CONTENT

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MANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST FRIEND SL

BREATH OF NATURE

EDEN MURFIN 46 SUMMER IN GREECE

SISI BIEDERMANN

LOVING SUMMER

FASHION TREND-MIAMI|ST. TROPEZ

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MAN’S BEST FRIEND SL Article by: CompE|Photography Cara Paine Since the day wolves decided life might be better with human friends, dogs have been domesticated and loved. They are man’s best friend, the faithful companion, delightful animesh creations of Second Life. Okay, ‘animesh’ is a new one and applies to animation techniques. But it, too, is a term of endearment. Canine animesh applies well because with the advances in technology, SL dogs mirror RL counterparts minus flea concerns. Ready to get along with a little doggie? One of the best places to view, play with, and buy such lovable fur bundles is the Rezz Room. Let’s go, for there is no time to paws – I mean, pause. On a quaint Parisian street rests the home of terrific terriers, plentiful poodles, oh-golly collies, and almost every other dog breed imaginable. Don’t see one you like? No problem. They can build you the perfect friend. No, it’s not Frankin-dog’s workshop. SL creator, Bartazor, owns this happy place where animals both wild and

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domestic are created. He gives life with the skills of an artist and the magic of animesh. It is Second Life’s virtual pet store. “The animal is totally animated, and you have a lot of options,” says Rezz Room Head Manager, Elise Mersereau, speaking about choosing compatible fourlegged companions. “Your dog will become a constant companion and best friend.” Elise speaks from personal experience. “My dog was part of me, part of my heart,” she notes about her pet’s demise. Losing her pet was hard, but the Rezz Room helped. Elise has an almost exact replica of her real-life darling in Second Life, created from a photograph. Her pup lives on in her memory and in Second Life. Elise displayed an RL photo as the SL version walked with her, tail wagging. The similarities in color, features, even behavior, are amazing.

Other customers do the same thing— submit a photo or idea and go home with the cyber version. “People who love dogs understand,” Elise says with a smile. Other canine counterparts are made in-house for sale. It starts with research.

Elise brings out a menagerie of cyber doggies from big and fierce to little clowns. “The German shepherd is a guardian,” she says as a large police dog strides with her across the room. “But they are also super cute. So, we mixed animations. He has to be a guardian and cute.”

“It’s a lot of hard work,” notes the store manager. “We spend a lot of time on the web to learn how the specific breed moves, lives, its environment, and its characteristics.” Bartazor spends about 15 days creating each dog.

A Rottweiler is presented. “He is animated to be more aggressive, but we try to keep the ‘good dog’ aspect in all of our breeds,” she adds.

The finished product’s cost is reasonable, which isn’t bad for a friend for life who doesn’t give a bow wow about SL drama. As mentioned, other animals are available, too, including lions and tigers and bears, oh my— also, dragons. But enough talk. It’s time for show and tell. The Rezz Room does not disappoint.

From large and bold to furry diminutive, a Shih Tzu trots out. “He is a funny dog, so the animations are lighter and happy,” notes Elise. Likewise with the Yorkshire terrier – “Playful and mischievous.” Each Rezz Room creation derives from a digital dog skeleton, using 3D software and various logical systems. “We play with instincts,” notes Elise. “During creation, particular attention is payed to particles, colors, and other factors.”

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The new pet must be just right before SL dogs meet SL avatars driven by RL humans. Each dog is lifelike and either follows its owner or scampers about freely. They can’t be trained – yet. It’s only a matter of time and technology. Rezz Roomers are working on new personalities and behaviors as the programming becomes available in SL. Future cyber dogs will play more, jump on you, and develop interactive personalities. In the meantime, virtual pooches are perfect for dog lovers, of course. They also make great cohorts for those wanting an RL life dog but, for whatever reason, cannot have one. The Rezz Room is accessible through its SL Paris location: PARIS CITY [VERSOV] x [MAGNIFICENT] x [REZZROOM]. Click the mouse, land, and follow the paw prints.

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BREATH OF NATURE When being outdoors, we can often almost feel nature breathing its life force into the trees, the grass, the bushes, the mosses, the flowers, and of course all the animals. This is nature’s way to maintain life. Taking walks through forests, along hills or lakes infuses us too, filling us with just that energy when Inhaling a ‘Breath of Nature’. We should understand though that this relationship is a complex dependency. Sure, nature can survive without us perhaps even better. The more populated planet earth gets, the more negative impact we seem to have on the harmony of life. So, what can be done, one might ask? It can easily be argued that these kinds of changes do not come from the ‘top down’ - at least not in our society that is. It starts with changing the mindset. One mindset at the time. How you ask? Perhaps by simply slowing down a little and paying attention to the natural flow and harmony around us. When coming to Serena Falls, the serenity is almost overpowering. The said harmony is omnipresent. Granted, you still inhale the air in your room, and you might neither profit from a high oxygen level nor much vitamin D. Yet, let the enthralling peacefulness pour over you and allow it to captivate your senses. Lovely little nooks, benches, blankets, and other beautiful spots invite to sit down and just inhale this breath-giving tranquility for a little while. While it can be a rejuvenating experience when enjoyed alone, it certainly can be intriguingly romantic when shared with a loved one. And yes, it goes without saying that there are intan balls to provide dances. So, photographers, make sure you are aware of those balls - they tend to kind of mess with the perfectly idyllic shot. Many objects contain photo poses, so look out for those to get your perfect reminder of a shared moment.

Article & Photography by: Sammie Audion A lovely, grand gazebo with a fireplace and chairs invites sitting with some friends and talk about the daily happenings. The peaceful and quite mood might give us the capability to really listen to each other. This might help keeping meaningful relations after a daily rat race. It is true that, SL is still a text-based service. Given some time and thought, we can express ourselves nicely and effectively in typonese - some say even better than using voice. Leaving the gazebo behind us, the trail leads to a couple of squirrels joyfully playing on a trunk. As we silently pass them making sure not to disturb the happy bunch, we come along some birch trees and arrive at a wood wagon. Someone seems to be living here. Further down, a little tent is the center of attention. An acoustic guitar placed on the side sets the stage for a perfect campfire romantic. Down at the water, someone has arrived in a rowboat - the luggage got forgotten though. What might have happened here? An old Volkswagen Beetle is left there and because the place is so idyllic, there is no visible corrosion. On the contrary, it became a display for lovely flower arrangements. Inside, a cute little dog is waiting for the return of his or her master. The visitor can relax in hammocks and in a swing observing horses, lamas, cats, and other animals. Even an old airplane is flying over the lovely landscape and giving the scene a somewhat nostalgic touch. These are just some examples that hopefully caught your attention and convinced you to dial down the stress of a hard workday. Let us put a focus on just breathing, indulging into the beauty of the small things in life.

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When turning on the TV, it should become embarrassingly obvious for each one that sadly, the luxury of breathing is brutally taken from some of us. Moreover, that the shear ability to breath is taken from some by ‘unofficial decree’, understood by many as ‘good practice’. Perhaps, spending a little quite time at Serenity Falls will help some of us to bring back some peace and harmony to troubled minds and souls. After all, we are all in this together. This peaceful state of mind is also much healthier for oneself, the people around us and hopefully, also nature - as we take part of the shared “Breath of Nature’. So, in that sense: Please, be kind to yourself - and each other. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Serena%20 Falls/23/81/22

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EDEN MURFIN-STYLIST EXTRODINAIRE Since beginning her Second Life in 2009, extraordinary model/blogger Eden Murfin has been going places: Scandinavia for style influenc; Stockholm with her friend Ava; London, Milan, and Paris for fashion weeks; and countless shopping trips all over the grid for the blog she started in 2010. “I remember checking Flickr all the time, and I would see people posting their looks that really inspired me.” A friend and fellow blogger gave her a few pointers, and that lead to her blogging for Vive9. Her client list has grown since then and now includes the “Seul, Pseudo, Betrayal, Merch, Velour, LuxRebel, Lowen, David Heather, Doux, Foxy, Paré, Aurealis, [and] Rebel Gal.” Eden has a list of criteria to follow when deciding who to work for. She finds “quality and concept” of the brand important, and she also likes to blog new creators to help them get established. However, she avoids over-committing so that she does not become “just a big billboard.” When deciding what to blog, she finds it important to be unique by finding her own way of styling an item. “I like statement pieces, or unique details. I love to mix different pieces from different designers. I try to keep the look relevant by blogging new items, but I also use previous released items or even vintage ones.” Like the Scandinavian bloggers she admires, Eden has no fear of mixing things up when it comes to prints and colors. She says, “I used to wear very monochrome tones in the past, now I enjoy playing with colors a lot.”

Article By: Yshiara Cerise |Photography: Eden Murfin The looks she blogs are eclectic. “I can be wearing a very glamorous dress one day and the next one be in jeans and a t-shirt. I don’t like to stick to one style.” When asked what she considers a ‘perfect’ look, Eden answers anything that makes the wearer feel “comfy, sexy and confident,” with her own signature look being “a good pair of leather pants, a white t-shirt, and some heels.” When asked what the perfect look would be for a summer getaway weekend, she listed “a white linen dress, a cool pair of glasses, flat shoes for the beach, and heels if you go to dinner after… also, a very nice bikini.” While styling a great look is important, the final image is what captures the attention, as well as the moment. “I love watching those fashion photographers’ Instagrams that capture people in and out during Fashion Weeks.” Eden excels at capturing such moments for her avatar with nearly kinetic images where the viewer can almost hear the click of the cameras, see the flashes going off, and feel the energy of the setting. Her vivacious posts portray the glamour that many people associate with being a celebrity model in both Second Life and real life. Eden finds that real life does have an affect on Second Life in other ways— though, of course, there are some differences. Here, blogging is important because “designers can’t have ads showing up everywhere, so using bloggers is a good way to promote your items.” In fact, she finds the prospect of strengthening the bonds between bloggers and creators exciting. But she does acknowledge that a disconnect exists between the blogger and the audience they hope to reach.

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Her suggestion for bridging the gap is for Linden Labs to encourage events where the public and bloggers can meet up in-world. The concept is not new: it takes a cue from real-life companies (such as Microsoft and IBM) who in the past used Second Life as a platform when trying to recruit new talent. Having a location in-world where bloggers can display their work for those interested might be an incredible way for bloggers to gain both followers and clients. The idea makes some sense considering the shift in focus from live in-store models to bloggers for brand promotion. Eden also thinks that creators using their bloggers’ work in their stores is an “amazing idea,” such as when one of her images was selected to be displayed in the Paré main store. “It was a total surprise, I really felt valued.” Overall, being considered by designers gives her a “very good feeling,” and she is immensely proud of where she is today as a blogger. For a person of her talents, she has every right to be.

SUMMER IN GREECE I was sitting on my balcony, drenched in sweat on a hot summer day. My eyes were craving a beach view ending up at the blue horizon, and my whole body for vitamin-sea. I closed my eyes and recalled a summer memory in a Greek island… I was enjoying the sun with a friend on an unspoiled sandy beach under the cicadas’ symphony, watching a flock of seagulls flying over the crystal blue waters. When we got hungry, we went up to the alley and bought a thick slice of watermelon from the greengrocer and a handmade mastic ice-cream from the “kafenio” on the main street; fresh and sweet as the pictures of that day in my mind. At the afternoon, we wandered the cobblestone streets of that little parcel of paradise. I was wearing my sandals and an airy white dress, and I had decorated my arms with the handmade bracelets I had bought from an outdoor seller. We climbed the steps of a small church to reach its top and watch the sunset from there. A sought-after spectacle of blue and white under the sweet purple hue of the sunlight. The scent of the fresh-roasted octopus from the tavern “Galini” on the corner made us long for a dinner with seafood by the sea. Our green wooden table was filled with “mezedes” prepared in a tiny kitchen tucked into the back: tzatziki like Greek grandmothers make, fava, spinach and cheese pies that was accompanying our octopus and sardine dishes. And local raki shots, handed out one after another, till we started loving everyone around. One hilarious moment was when, a little bit tipsy, I opened a discussion with the pelican that was hanging out at the square of the little town. And oh, that square… so different at night, with the lights and the sounds of music from the local bars and the peoples’ laughs around.

Article & Photography: Asi Amorosi You may wonder, where is this place in Second Life which inspired that daydream memory. Well, you can visit that Greek island with this link on your map: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magnetic%20Island/197/56/16. Its name is “Psolegandros” (by ARTanonymous), inspired by the real-life name of the Greek island “Folegandros”— with a dose of kinky humor. Owner Nitsukos is an artist in both lives with an eccentric taste and lifestyle. As a skilled and experienced cinematographer, he has created a unique place with photogenic surroundings, exceptional textures, and decorations that give visitors the feeling of truly being on a Greek island. The region is split into two sides. The first is the traditional area of the island, with its white picturesque buildings and an inspired decoration that blends perfectly; the second is more urban, a rather modern aspect with stylish buildings and decoration pieced together in harmony with the traditional section. A special detail for those who notice are the wall slogans that express the broadminded mentality of the owner. The island welcomes everyone who wants to discover the unique taste of a Greek island. That hospitable, dreamy place could have no other moto than “we want friends; not clients.” I hope you enjoy your wandering as I did; maybe you will get a taste and start thinking about planning your next trip to one of the beautiful islands of that blessed country.

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SISI BIEDERMANN: Artist and Dreamweaver Pablo Picasso told us, “Everything you can imagine is real.” This is especially true for the artists of Second Life, particularly one of the best and brightest: Sisi Biederman. I came to love her pieces in BOSL’s Main Gallery; the way she makes paint flow, the captured variations, the blend of colors, the layers— but my favorite part of her technique lies in how she expresses light. Whether illustrating a sunny day or a shining evening, every detail is precise and distinguishable. The look is particularly unique for SL. To see one of Sisi’s shows is to ride a magic carpet, flowing from one ocean of beauty to another. Her energetic yet peaceful settings make for a wonderous locale one could visit daily. Her elaborate paintings consist of layers upon layers, yet she blends them together seemingly to the point you can barely notice unless you step closer. I was blessed to meet with Sisi for coffee and a chat. Me: Hey Sisi, welcome to BOSL; hope you’re paying for the coffee— I am skint. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey in SL so far? Sisi: *laughs* My introduction to SL was all because of my son, who had seen me playing SIM for some years. One day he told me about this game called Second Life where real people were the avatars. I started in SL about 13 years ago with the intention to get my own gallery and show my RL art here. I got a small free spot to start and built my first tine gallery.

Article By: Matt (mth63)|Photography: Jamee Sandalwood Since these first steps in the world of SL-art, I have developed my skills and my gallery. I now own three galleries and a few studios, and also I have exhibitions all over SL. I must say I have fulfilled my dreams. My adventure is a happy one. Me: And where do you get inspired to do your art? Sisi: My inspiration for my art comes from nature around me— animals, plants, and trees. That is both from SL and RL. Me: What do you hope people take from your artwork? Sisi: I very much hope [viewers feel] happy and dreamy watching my motives. I normally use happy nature colours and strong contrasts. Me: Does your opinion about the artwork change the longer you look at it? Sisi: Not all my pictures, but some of them can make me see things differently than my first intention. Suddenly I see things I did not notice first. That’s why it is so good to have viewers’ opinions on it. That helps me see the things the viewer sees. Me: How would you describe your artwork to someone who has never seen it? Sisi: I would describe my artwork as photographic manipulated art with a theme from nature and things that surrounds me.

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Me: If this artwork was a brand, what would be its slogan? Sisi: Magic Art, because it is magic to me. Finally, I had to ask: How do you personally relate to your art? Sisi smiled, then said: I relate to my art as if it was a part of myself. My dreams, my feelings, my moods. That’s the spirit they are made from. The mood throughout our conversation was light; Sisi was warm and accommodating, one of SL’s best artists and nicest souls— but she still owes me a coffee!

LOVING SUMMER Summer has arrived in SL and in the northern parts of the planet. For some, it may mean getting out and enjoying the sun, surf, and sand, but for many it means the continuation of isolation or lockdown in RL. Not ideal conditions for hitting the beach. This is, however, the joy of SL. We can come in here and find ourselves a wee slice of summer paradise to enjoy. We can swim, surf, chat with friends, and then curl up by a beach fire and roast some marshmallows and enjoy a cocktail while the sun slips slowly into the sea. Bliss. Today, you get to view my wee getaway spot. While my country is no longer in lockdown, we are in winter, and, since our borders remain firmly closed, there is no chance of escaping the snow and cold for tropical shores and warm breezes this year. So, I have made a vacation oasis of my own. Somewhere to get away in my imagination and enjoy friends, cocktails, warm sunshine, and summer delicacies. I decided that this year I would create a little beach nook just for my friends and family to enjoy. That means it has most of my favourite things in it and does not involve tenting or cold showers. In fact, my visitors can enjoy a wee hut or a mini trailer. Both have a comfortable bed and space for retreating from the group. That is camping. A bar and cafĂŠ right behind the nook where we can go for all of our dining and coffee needs. No cooking! We are on holiday.

Photos and Article by Arya Braveheart You can wander from your accommodation over to the bar in the morning for an orange or pineapple juice, whip up to the cafe for some pancakes, go for a swim or take a ride on a scooter, and be back in time for pre-dinner cocktailsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; followed by a seafood dinner then sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores on the beach. I think I want to move here. I hope you make plenty of time this SL summer to enjoy the stunning beach sims or create your own beachside paradise wherever you live. Remember this is SL. If you own a platform in the sky (like this scene is sitting on), an apartment, or a piece of land, then let your imagination go wild and create a summer refuge from the real world. Somewhere you can escape the craziness and find some peace. Stay safe. Credits: 22769 - 22769 - Beach Bar: Tiki Bar Stools Green and Red, Beer Keg, Alcohol Bottles, Barkeeper Bottles, Beach Bar A-Frame; Flip Flops, Beach Bags Red and Green, Beach Bag Pink Blossoms, Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri Cocktail, Beachclutter, Beach Lounger - Green and Red, Beach Cool Box, Bowl with Citrus Fruits Apple Fall - Lemonade Bucket, Book & Nectarines Tray Artisan Fantasy - Picnic 4 - Lemonade Barrel

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Bee Designs - Summer Days Gacha Drinks 1 and 2 Botanical - Beach Boardwalk, Rope Fence Straight CHEZ Moi - Hippie Mini Trailer (Adult), Smores Firepit, Lemon Decor, Lemon Bowl, Lemonade Jar [CIRCA] - “Flower Power” Floor Pillow - Grass and Skye [Consignment.] - Open Road Collection - Lawn Chairs - Yellow and Purple Decor Junction/Shutter Field - Patio Chairs - Green and Floral, Adirondack Seat - driftwood, Fiesta Set - Grey, Beach Fence V1 - Driftwood, Whale Towel Holder - white DISORDERLY. / Spring Fresh / Lemon Cutting Board Dreamscapes Decor - *Beach* Surfboard Rack Dutchie - life buoy on pole, life buoy on hook EVHAH - evh Nui Rock Duo, Waterfall, solo rock, Curve swinger Kalopsia - Juliette’s Jar of juice KraftWork - Surf Sign Little Branch - Royal Palm Trees, Snakeweed :: NEWCHURCH :: - Jar of Lemons .peaches. - Beachin’ Bag Clutter - Dotted, Bae’s Journal - Summer *paper moon* - Potted Snake Plants - Crackle Sage/Fresh Sari-Sari - Beach Vacation - Fish Net 1, Beach Vacation - Torch Serenity Style - La Habana Beach Towels Rack, Grazie Beach Cabin 1, Sunny Fisherman Bucket, Adan Outdoor Shower, Adan Bath Stool, Farm Planters, Summer Bag, El Saler - Rock Formation, Groups 1 and 2

The Looking Glass - Jiwa Tenang Beach Pots - Plant Bamboo, Dieffenbachia, Hibiscus, Palm ..::THOR::.. - Outdoor Shower, Smoothie Trail, Folding Sidetable Trompe Loeil - Zhena Beach Bar PG {what next} - Catalina Lounger (w/pillow), Catalina Parasol, Vacanza Scooter, Summertime Radio Decor, Lazy Summer Floatie mint and melon, Lazy Summer Drinks Floatie (pink) {Your Dreams} - Little piece of summer - Strawberry ice cream

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AVERIL

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Asteria”Cheri”[Maitreya] Bra - Fuchsia Asteria”Cheri”[Maitreya] Top - Yellow Scandalize.Sheyha.SHORT. MAITREYA Sintiklia - Kali hair [Gos] Tina Bandage Pumps - Beetroot Purple [maitreya] (L)_Earring [MANDALA]Cheerful Earring FAT (R)_Earring [MANDALA]Cheerful Earring FAT .: ryvolter :. Sidnie Mini Bag (chain/hold) - Pink Gos] Tina Bandage Pumps - Beetroot Purple [maitreya] Neon Lights Makeup by Studio Exposure

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Asteria”Cheri”[Maitreya] Bra - Fuchsia Asteria”Cheri”[Maitreya] Top - Yellow Scandalize.Sheyha.SHORT. MAITREYA Sintiklia - Kali hair [Gos] Tina Bandage Pumps - Beetroot Purple [maitreya] (L)_Earring [MANDALA]Cheerful Earring FAT (R)_Earring [MANDALA]Cheerful Earring FAT .: ryvolter :. Sidnie Mini Bag (chain/hold) - Pink [Gos] Tina Bandage Pumps - Beetroot Purple [maitreya] Neon Lights Makeup by Studio Exposure Toenails - Luna - Nautical Nails

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ELEANOR JEAN

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DRESDEN

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Top: NOCHE. Nick Mesh Crop. Essentials in white Bottom: RIOT / Syrio Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leggings in fern Shoes: [ VEROV ] KURTOV_LOW_ in yellow Jewelry: EQUAL Oliver Rings in silver Accessories: BONDI . The Smiley Headphones . Classic in pink and [ VERSOV ] FANNYOV BAG_ANIMESH_ STANDARD_PACK2_PINK&PURPLE

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MCP - Margo Dress Gradient - Lime I.M.C. - Lizzo Shrug - Fuschia Floral S/D - Cropped Halter Tank - Orange Solid Garbaggio - Zola Sandals - Lime MEVA - Bento Rings - Gold Izzies - Lip Gloss DOUX - Yuka Hairstyle - Black

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JAN BACON

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Hair-DOUX Naomi Hairstyle Earrings - LaGyo - Mya Earrings Top - *COCO* UltraCroppedHoodie_Yellow Tube top - Stories & CO. Signature Tube Top - Summer Skirt - /fake society/rae skirt/green Shoes - [Gos] Sabrina Platform Make-up Eyes: S.E. Catrwa West & Lips Collection Lips - S.E. Catwa Frida Kahlo Colection

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Jacket: Ascend - Rick Studded Blazer Tank: Toxic Dolls - Tough Fishnet Tank Pants: Ascend - Yen Sports Suit Trousers Shoes: Semller - Two Plat Sneakers Shades: Sorgo - Futur Peacock Sunglasses Necklace: Remezzo - Male March Gift Watch: Mandala - Kotowari Rings: RealEvil Industries - Janus

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