THE BEST OF SL MAGAZINE-SEPTEMBER 2020 ISSUE 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 Arya Braveheart Sita Writer Yhishara Cerise Magissa Denver Matt Thomson COVER PHOTO: Magissa Denver COVER MODEL: Yhishara Cerise

BOSL Magazine September 2020 Edition

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CONTENT

24 42

BOSLARTS

LAKE GARDA 42 MMORGAN WHITFIELD 58 DELIGHTFUL DECOR

FASHION TREND-HIP HOP A NEW WAY

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BOSLArts Article by: CompE|Photography: Cara Paine|Jamee Sandalwood Imagine a one stop shop for art – paintings, exhibits, and galleries – lining brick paved sidewalks in a courtyard-like setting. Now imagine all of the above is real, because it is – real in Second life, that is. Welcome to BOSLArts, where creativity meets the cyber world’s colored canvas. On first landing at the sim of artistic endeavors, one might think they have reached an upscale shopping mall. Galleries, kiosks, and bicycles, even a few stationary vehicles – probably parked avatars waiting to be first in line when the galleries open – line the streets. BOSLArts caters to pedestrian patrons. Visitors walk from one art center to another, viewing displays, talking with creators, and absorbing great works. Several galleries await on the BOSL Innovation Pavilion sim. The largest is the main gallery, the BOSLArts Gallery. Nearby, Café du Art awaits with special events planned for almost each visit.

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Displays fill the main building’s winding hallways, upstairs and down, with surprises at every turn. “The idea was created about five months ago (early 2020),” says SL’s Matt Thomson, the site’s curator. Matt brings his arts background from the first life to the second one. “My main job role is ‘finder of suitable artists,’ and [I] help the main artists set up and encourage the use of the galleries. I must say so far, I have been very lucky.” So have we. In describing what awaits visitors as they walk the expansive showcases, the curator adds, “When asked what we offer, I can only answer what we have now, which is two-dimensional art of surreal landscape nature.

Café du Art is currently hosting landscapes, as well, and nature pictures.” The offerings change constantly. This is not a static cyber site of tumbleweeds blowing through artistic streets. Matt adds, “We have had many styles and will continue to do so as we encourage versatility and the unusual.” Versatility is underscored. Don’t see anything you like? Keep walking. You will. In today’s visit to the main gallery, impressive portrayals of unicorns, mermaids, and dragons in their natural habitats are displayed throughout the halls. Other areas display cityscapes – both real and imagined – along with nature scenes of animals that exist in the real world such as ducks on a pond, rural settings, and some of the best art collections by the most talented people in SL. “We don’t have a qualification to show,” says Matt. “We simply chose talented artists we find around the grid.

Most show regularly, but we also want to feature the wonderful art community of SL in all its wide and varied glory.” Art shows for charity include sponsorship of Rock Your Rack, a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness; Miss Virtual World; and other projects and fundraisers. BOSLArts is part of all. Matt’s partner, Jamee Thomson, has a gallery here also. She works closely with him in the new venture. “BOSLArts is designed to draw from the art community as well as fashion, which we already do,” she says. “We have also added music with the concert and D.J. stage.” She adds, “The idea is to include as many different areas of SL as we can in BOSL – the best of Second Life.” It works. Few SL galleries encourage interaction between artist and patron

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more than this place. “All of our artists that show here Summing up the day’s dart through art, Matt concludes, love to talk about their work,” says Matt. “They can be “We have a simple philosophy: Enjoy what your eyes see contacted at any time.” and what your heart tells you. BOSL is about the best, showing the best in the best way, opening the art side of Each gallery features opening events as new artists finish SL to anyone, and encouraging talent and creativity as well their displays. as adding a smile on peoples’ faces.” Matt adds, “The artists at the openings especially love to talk about their pieces and inspirations.” Sitting areas to relax with friends are surrounded by great works. Lemonade is already at the tables. Many venues serve as meeting places for conversations, or a wonderful hour or so escape from RL COVID-19. The BOSL’s art experience is truly one of a kind by design. “I think BOSL attempts to encourage artists to think outside their comfort zone,” ,notes Matt. We have no rules as such and are openly pro-artist. Our aim is to make the artists and their work shine in abeautiful setting and sim. “

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BOSLArts adds color to one’s pigments of imagination.

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LAKE GARDA Lake Garda is known as Lago di Garda or Benaco in Italy and is the largest lake in the country. IIdyllically situated at the edge of the Dolomites, the lake separates the Veneto and Lombardy regions. The mild Mediterranean climate allows for the cultivation of grapes, olives, and citrus trees, which makes for breathtaking scenery that is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Italy. You can almost set your watch by the catabatic or fall winds that blow down from the mountain slopes over the lake every day, making Lake Garda a desired destination for windsurfing and sailing. Moreover, the hiking is absolutely amazing-- steep trails offering breathtaking views over the lake. Not surprisingly, the area is also known for fantastic wines and amazing food. These days, the Lombardy is known for being the originating area of the Covid-19 outbreak in Italy. But fear not: Not only is the virus essentially under control in Italy, but even more importantly, Second Life (SL) is still 100% Coronavirus-free. A couple of small island communities sit on the lake itself, extremely picturesque with interesting tales to tell. Life seems to move at a much slower pace there, and I could easily imagine SL builders being inspired by this region. This was certainly the case for the amazing SL region called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Basiliqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which was built with said island communities on Lake Garda in mind. The large basilica gave the name to this particular SL region. The basilica is a remarkably skillful build and almost makes you believe the building is very old. The inside truly resembles those old catholic cathedrals and basilicas you can find all over Italy, representing the rich culture of the region. But wait-- of course, there is so much more. So get yourself a cold gelato to enjoy while walking along the alleyways and explore the little town of Basilique. Street cafes and tavernas are just waiting to be found!

Article & Photography by: Sammie Audion Some luxurious boutiques sell the latest Italian fashion - after all, Milan is not that far away. But please, finish your dessert before going inside the store! We also find an architectural office and a great photo studio if you are looking for studio shots. However, the regions offer many beautiful scenes and views to create some unforgettable shots yourself. Basilique recreates many Italian treasures, including a restaurant that you have to look for to find. The building does not give away much, but inside is a remarkably accurate depiction of what these hidden gems look like in RL. Don’t miss it! Just like the cafe which is staffed with an actual barista (slash barman). Or is it a wine gallery that serves coffee? Then again, should we really be forced to choose between these two little delights in life?! So, when thinking about Italy, what are we missing? We have been talking about architecture, tranquility, food and wine, fashion… Art! Basilique has a museum that displays art from both RL and SL -- some of the statues spread out can be found in museums around Europe (or at least look incredibly similar). For instance, one statue shown seems to be the ‘Winged Victory of Samothrace’ also known as ‘The Winged Nike’, Nike being the Greek goddess of Victory. The history of this statue goes all the way back to the 2nd Century BC, and in 1884, it found its home at the Louvre in Paris. It is considered by many as the greatest masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture. Summarizing, Basilique is a beautiful, well rounded, and relaxing SL destination well worth a trip simply to explore some SL beauty. Additionally, looking up paintings and sculptures to see if a RL counterpart exists is not only fun but can be educational. This activity is a nice past-time for singles, couples, and even groups of friends..

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Frankly, being active and exploring together is the best way not only to get to know someone, but also to keep the spirit of love alive in a relationship that started months or years in the past. After all, just like Clint Black sings in one of his songs: “Love isn’t somethin’ that we have - It’s somethin’ that we do”.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Basilique/113/123/24

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MMORGAN WHITFIELD-FORCE OF NATURE “If you want to fly... give up everything that weighs you down.” It takes certain fortitude and determination to become Miss Virtual World (MVW), and Morgan Whitfield Firehawk is stellar in this regard. Looking back, Morgan tells BOSL how she discovered SL: “I was an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. I took a summer course called ‘History and Origins of Virtual Worlds.’ I needed a 3-credit course, and it was either that or study economics... Hell NO was I going to take Economics over the summer! The Virtual Worlds class was conducted in a virtual skybox classroom created by my professor, and I was amazed. After the course ended, I ditched my school avatar and created Morgan. I am thankful I stayed, because I wouldn’t have understood all SL has to offer, the friends and mentors I met along the way, and the unbelievable honor it is to be MVW.” We’re also thankful you stayed, Morgan. Morgan was intrinsically and unsurprisingly drawn to the world of SL fashion. “I saw my first fashion show by Danielle and was mesmerized with the models walking so elegantly on the runway; I was inspired and wanted to be one. My first job as a professional model was being a store model at Ghee in 2015. I learned so much from Beatrice Serendipity and Warm Clarity-- everything from styling to customer service.” Ghee remains one of the top brands in SL and is a wonderful example of how creators have become mentors and inspire so many women in SL. Some people enter MVW to promote themselves and others; for example, Morgan entered to promote a cause. “I have been a domestic violence advocate and educator at the Care and Hope Center of SL since 2014. This may sound a bit selfish, but I entered MVW so that I could use my title to spread the message about domestic violence awareness and inform others about the Center...and now RAINN (Rape Abuse & Incest National Network).

Article By: Sita Writer|Photography By: Mmorgan Whitfield If people see me as MVW, hopefully they will correlate me with my Center.” We all know it takes hard work, time, and commitment to be an MVW; the title is a testament of character that all of us can respect – more so when connected to a good cause. Morgan notes that entering MVW was very different from other competitions because it was not full of conceited, selfcentered women. “Maybe that happens at other pageants, but that was not my experience as a participant in MVW. The Misses that I competed with were kind and supportive. Reign Congrejo, Jamee Sandalwood, and Issy Flatley mentored each contestant and in their own way forced us to step out of our comfort zone. That was hard for me because I am normally very conservative. Somehow they managed to peel that away and told me it was okay to take chances. The entire BOSL/MVW Staff is really the best in the industry. Their knowledge has been instilled in me and will be used in my SL modeling career forever.” A perk of being MVW is that Morgan has been able to spread the message of domestic violence on behalf of both the Care and Hope Center and RAINN. “So many more people approach me now about their real life experiences with domestic violence. With the backing of BOSL, the MVW Organization, and BLVD Fashion Show, I created the ‘I Said NO Event SL to Benefit RAINN’ . I met such wonderful Second Life vendors, creators, and artists who not only believed and supported me in this charity event, but also encouraged me to continue my mission.” In RL, Morgan met RL staff at RAINN in Washington, DC, who were excited about how SL and BOSL can help spread awareness of their mission.

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One of the most important lessons Morgan learned from being MVW: no one is perfect. “I learned that it is okay to not be afraid of failing and of not being perfect all or any of the time. I am not as shy as I used to be. I don’t have a problem now letting go of toxic people that will hinder my growth as a human being. What I want people to understand about me is that I am human. I make mistakes, and I forget things sometimes. But, I want everyone one to know that I strive to always be a kind and giving person. I am still the same Morgan!” When asked what her future plans are, there is no surprise: Morgan hopes to continue being an educator at the Care and Hope Center and going in a new direction with RAINN. “I want to continue to bring an awareness of sexual violence. I will always be an advocate for domestic violence survivors, and I will also be one of survivors of sexual violence. I also hope to improve as a designer for Heels and let more people know that my retail store will help RAINN.”

DELIGHTFUL DECOR This article continues my series on house and furniture items at events around Second Life. I have covered homes and furniture, so today is all about the decor. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll cover knick knacks, table decor, plants, and all those extra bits and pieces that turn your house into a home. Now, not all of these items will be available at the events I found them at when this edition of Best of SL Magazine comes out. I have included the store name on the photos so you can grab them at the mainstores if you need them for your home! The idea of this article is to show you all the amazing items you can buy at the variety of different events around SL. It pays to hunt around and find things that suit your home style rather than just going to one event and hoping for the best. There are so many great events and stores in SL, and I am showing you seven different designers from seven events today: Ariskea at Fameshed, Loft & Aria at Collabor88, Kraftwork at Kustom 9, KAZZA at Access, Pewpew! At Uber, Thaino Designs at SWANK, and Plaaka at Anthem. Did you know that all of these events have home & garden items? Well, now you do! Decor is a great way to add personal touches, colour, and interest to your home. Without it, your house can look a bit minimalist and unreal. Look around your RL home. What makes it yours? Yes: the photos or art on the wall, curtains on the windows, and the fun things you put around the place, whether it be flowers, plants, or clutter.

Photos and Article by Arya Braveheart When I do a room for my home or for an article, I lay out the decor last to give the room a lift. It adds colour and fills in the gaps. Add items to shelves and bookcases, coffee tables and corners of the room. Put art or photos on the walls, rugs on the floor; scatter items such as coffee cups, books, laptops or iPads on couches and the floor near your furniture. Honestly, decor is the most fun part of decorating a room. Have fun, decorators. Go to events, find fun things that grab your attention, fit your decorating style, and match your spending limits! Plenty of items can be found to suit every budget. Go crazy!

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ADDY OMENA

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DOUX - Damiana Hairstyle COCO - CroppedTrackJacket Black Pseudo- Pilay Tank White SEUL - Daria Denims Classic REIGN.- Arianna Sneakers

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DESIREME FALLEN

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Top: Ec.cloth Era Star Top Jacket: TETRA Tokyo Puffer jacket Pant: Rowne. Akway Leather Pants Shoes: REIGN. SLAY PLATS Accessory: MAJESTY Drippin Shades Accessory: Blupr/nt VVS Belt Accessory: Suspenders no longer available

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ELEANORJEAN

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AVAJEAN WESTLAND

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TOP: Nerdy Girl Cropped Hoodie PANTS: Lunar Miyu Pants & Panties SNEAKERS: Native Urban Toulouse Sneakers WATCH: Blupr/nt Serpentine Slatt Rolex Gold EARRINGS: Vexiin Alexa Hoops [24k] RING: Swallow TrustNo Ring Gold CHAIN: Vanilla Bae Babe Bellychain HAIR: Analog Dog - Breyonna

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BRENDON HERON

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Tank Top applier for belleza by Topazz Jacket : Derek By Estorm Pants: RIOT- Gareth Joggers- black Bracelet-Chop Zuey- The Rat Pack gld and black mens cuff Shoes: [VALE KOER] APEX BOOTS BELLEZA Cap:2REAL CAP Ring:Chop Zuey- Dauphine Plt Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Ban

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JAN BACON

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Hair - Doux Naomi hairstyle Earrings - [Vagrant] Camila Earrings Shades - [Vagrant] Rylee Shades Necklace - *Avaway* FOX Necklaces Set Bento Rings - *elise* Annamaria & Oeietta Bento Rings Puffer (jacket)-.:villena:. Crushed Velvet Puffer-Black Top - Erratic/top (maitreya) GroupGift 20 Sweats - .miss chelsea. Jule Sweats Blue Camo Sneakers - -NU- Revealed Sneakers - White

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KYRRINIA DESMOULINS

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Eyeshadow: Jack Spook Corazon Neon Eyeshadow Lipstick:La Malvada Mujer- Lady Ketamine Lips Hair/Hat:Truth-Jacica Earrings:+AH+ Loke Ear Piercing Top:*Just Because* Daphne Top Bottoms: ::Looser:: Mercury_Pant_Mixed Shoes: [Versov] Vitov_Sneakers_Fatpack

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QUEENBRAT BRACKEN

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Pants- :villena:. - Zip Trousers - Plaid Yellow Jacket-MIWAS / Mei Belt jacket Top- Blueberry - Ride or Die in cherry Shoes- ::MA:: Flat Studded Sneakers “Lewis” Earrings-Eclat - Pyramid Earring/Silver Rings-~~ Ysoral ~~ .:Luxe Set Rings Melina Bag- BTTB Klot bag in yellow

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ROXAANE FTANUCCI

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.:villena:. Tube top vintage Maitreya [NEUTRA] Paratiro Frame [NEUTRA] Paratiro Lens & Paratiro Lens wear low Neutra - Cine white Diram - Blouson Teddy red Maitreya No.match - No freak hair & cap ~NuNa LuNa ~ Tracksuit pants Maitreya & White sneakers

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ADONIS HANSOME

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LOB- Jovi Shirt Matova- Wylie Shorts fake society- rocco sneakers Pare- Damien Bucket Hat Veyyard- F06 sunglasses Matova-Ramses arm wraps Hipster- Roy hairbase

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IllALEJANDRAlll

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Hair: #Foxy - Milena. Accesories: -SU!- Midnight Doll Sunglasses Amber ::GB:: Neckstrap with earphone Sneakers: ::ROC:: Air Force Sneaker Outfit: *COCO* Oversized Fur Coat Addams // Zury Crochet Holes Top Legal Insanity - Cookie baggy

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AMETHYST STAROSTIN

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.:villena:. Tube top vintage Maitreya .:villena:. - Velour Jacket - Pink w/ Embroidery [Vato Loko] Sport Top . Maitreya Envious - Ripped Jeans Maitreya FLITE.- OFF-FLITEx1s TIPPY (MAITREYA-HIGH) Unorthodox Glam Hair -- Noir Unorthodox Braid Rings - Glam MAJESTY- Icey Girl Shades [rosegold] VOBE - Zodiac Coin SAGITTARIUS - necklace (Yummy) Art Deco Rings - Maitreya 2.0 ~~ Ysoral ~~ .: Luxe Nails Manon :. Chop Zuey - Nose Diamond Gld

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JONELLE DEVONSHIRE

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NO.MATCH_NO_REALITY VALE KOER] HARLEY SNEAKER HEELS [VEX] Alexa Hoops [VEX] Cuban Necklace BUENO-Neo Top-Lara- Yella Black Stripe toksik - Relay Pants (Black) Purse: VT - Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a player bag - ORANGE Magnoliac - Love Glasses Gacha (Yellow) COMMON Astralia - Scorpion ring FORMANAILS] NAILS DIAMONDS *Queen oF Ink - Scorpion Tattoo 100

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MILA BLAUVELT

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[hh] Ariyah -Hip Hop Track Suit Papagaia Evely [ZOOM] Eclipse -MANDALA Chunkeeey JellyRoll Giselle

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MMORGAN WHITFIELD

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MIWAS - Never Jacket - Black Giz Seorn - Sporty Glam Tank V2 - Gold EQUAL - Life in Plastic Pants - Yellow David Heather - Royal Chain - Gold *elise* - Lucia Bento Rings JadeDragon Designs - Gold Chain Necklace Mens Magnoliac - Chain Necklace Chop Zuey - Nose Diamond - Gold/Diamond PinkPRNT - Knob Hoopz - Gold RJ - Sexy Necklace - Gold [DDL] - IDGAF Crossbody Bag Gos - Morgane Ribbon Heels - Dark Cheddar {Luxuria} - S/S 18 Semi Sheer Ankle Socks [enigma ink] - Queen Belly Tattoo Vanity Hair - WYD - Black DeeTaleZ - lipstick applier - red

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WINTER JEFFERSON

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Hat - Fake Brand Cap by OVRSZ Hair - Travis by Beusame (Modded) Ears - Gen 4 Stretched by Aitui Jacket - Rowan Puffer by Pare Shirt - Ripper Tank by Off-Line Tattoo - Basilisk by Dappa Pants - Braxx Cargos by Betrayal Shoes - Warning by Bleich Wrist - Swati Bandana by Amias, Tagged Bracelet by Hyped X Havoc Phone - Tag Phone by Hype X Havoc

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DIAMONDGEM DESTINY

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Shirt - [ vagrant ] - Gabriella Shirt in Orange Pants - RODEX - Urbax Pants Jacket - *COCO* - Cropped Puffer Jacket in Black Shoes - Scandalize - Scandals Boots Cap - VRSION - SLS17 Cap Hair - DOUX - Diva Hair Necklace - MANDALA - Kahukuihuku Ring - MANDALA - Sinra Rings season 2 Bag - *COCO* - Belt Bag Eyeshadow - Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Etre - Autumn Eyeshadows #2

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JAMEE SANDALWOOD

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KITTY DARK RAGE

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Hair with Headwrap - NO.MATCH - NO.SUN Jacket - KL - Euphoria Jacket in Gold Top - Blokc - Bustier Cut Out Pants - PREY - Noir Shoes - <SERPH> - Jill in Leather (Tight) Sunglasses - SDesignâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - Avia Mesh Sunglasses Necklace - -RYCA- - Necklace Inspired-Lion in Gold Earrings - -RYCA- -Earring Hoop-RSM in Gold Handbag - .:SP:. - Janna Handbag in Black Bangle - [R] - Bangle-Iced-NYC in Gold Ring - Exquisite - First Promise Diamond Engagement Ring in Gold

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ROYALESUN

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Hair: Vanity- Hot in Here Top and Feather neckpiece: Poison Rouge, Marlene in silver Pants: Purple Moon - Rumple Pants Boots: [Enchante’] Aveira Boots Rings: Real Evil Industries Luxy Ring Set Bracelets: Asteria “In Flames” Belly Chain: KC Couture - Melian Waist Chain

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SELENE SNOWPAW

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TADEU GARTNER

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TANYA GREEN

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Top: Bauhaus - Kim top Skirt: Emery - Bloke Skirt Shoes: Baiastice - Oxford Shoes with Socks Hat: Bauhaus - Milano Hat Earrings: e.marie - Alexia Spiked Hoops Bangles: LaGyo - Anastas Time Bangles

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