TheBespokeLife: Couture from Shakture & Friends

HELLO????? SHAKA????

2007-12-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

Yes I am here. I know its been a month since I last blogged, but don't think I have been sitting around eating bon bons and sipping champagne. I have been busy busy busy. Most of my concentration and time was spent getting ready for my winter fashion show. With the help of Joelle Mathys, Diamondz Babii and Tami Starbrook (of SHAKTURE), Shenandoan Saintlouis (my SIS), Fiyah Golding (how shall I ever repay you) and the Avenue tag team of Annette Wilder and Rusch Raymaker our first major show was a great success. Tillie Ariantho was kind enough to not only model but also take great photos of the Winter Solstice '08.

We release several new outfits at the event...

THE HARLEM VELVET HIGH WAISTED CAPRI SET
Jackie O meets Mary J in the Harlem Ensemble.... looks are deceiving. This ten item outfit with over 200 prims is the perfect match of classy and sexy. The long sleeve mink cuff top is encircled in a lush fur that acts as a halter to frame the bow Carissa scarf and the Jackie O glasses above. The high waisted trousers are a secured in the back with 4 mother of pearl buttons and finished top and along the prim cuffs with matching hems. The winter weight wool is evident in the way the slacks both look and drape. When pair together, it is definitely star time.

THE TOKYO DRIFT SKIRT SET
Welcome to Tokyo. The Drift skirt sets begin with a semi sheer tinted bottom snapped bib that is covers in an open mesh tank. The plaid skirt is two layer and draws the eye to the garter peeking out from underneath which secures via nickel plated clips the color matched hose. The set comes in 4 colors including a camo with skulls combination.

THE SUZIE LINGER SETS

Inspired by one of our Platinum Diva level clients... the Suzie Lingerie line is every bit of sexy and unique. If its "BEEN SUCH A LONG TIME THAT YOU FORGOT THAT YOU WERE FINE" then slip into one of these sets and get ready to watch jaws drop. Each bustier is not merely a color variation but a unique couture statement. Alpine Jaguar with Checkboard, Grape Jelly floral lace, Black Zebra with matching inset, Suzie Signature Hot Pink with checked straps, and the Queen of the Jungle Leopard and Cocoa. All feature ribbed bustier with with coordinating insert that is secured in the back with 5 silk loops and buttons. the Tess cut panty is overlayed with the garter halter which suspends the four silk and elastic straps that terminate at the silver plated alligator clips. The stocking is a radiating nylon semi nude rear seamed hose with textured and matched top. In a myriad of colors and prints, each one is a unique offering that mood to be explored.

THE WALL STREET
Two releases ago we entered the business couture market with our lace top high waisted Laylah set..it became an instant success. Then we raised the bar on ladies suits with the Shen collection... now we welcome the WALL STREET to the familia. Radiating sensuality is a pink silk and cotton blouse with Windsor cut collar and prim French cuffs is accessorized with cuff links and a raw silk flexi prim tie in a playful polka dot pattern. Rubbing your tummy is a high waisted wool trouser in capri length adorned with prim legs and cuffs and a eel skin belt passing through over sized loops and secured with a color matched nickle plated buckle. Each set is uniquely patterned and matched to color coordinated slacks.

NAOMI!
We conclude today with the PLATINUM DIVA COUTURE piece... the NAOMI. Leather and lace are brought together in theis one of a kind set. The top is a lace and leather striped corset with prim lacing on the back that is woven through 5 sets of nickle grommets. the hip hugger cut slacks feature a matching belt with prim buckle. To set it off we added full length laced gloves and a fur bolero jacket that creates a huge hour glass sweep. This set is not for the timid... DIVAS ONLY PEOPLE

NEW SIM and STORE...
I decided that the store need a lil freshen up. And really had quite modest plans...maybe a color change or a new floor. Well 3 days later it turned into a complete make over of the FLAGSHIP STORE and a still in progress makeover of the sim. I had no idea, but those who know me said it was inevitable as I tend to be something of a perfectionist...I have no idea where they get that from....LOL. PS We have store space available on Kemet, contact Skylar Gregory for more info

Well let me stop my rambling :) and simply say that I wish you all a safe and love filled holiday season. One that allows you best side to be shown, your greatest dreams to be your new years resolution and your heart to grow and include another person in hopes for a better tomorrow... NOW...

Always Feel Sexy

XXX,

SS

SHAKTURE COUTURE FLAGSHIP STORE

PS...LOVE YOU ALL!

SHAKTURE TV ???

2007-11-20T08:43:00.001-08:00

MODA FASHION SHOWCASE - The MODA Modeling School grads brought Shakture Couture to the fashion runway last evening in this week's designer showcase. Streamed live on SLCN, the invitation only event allowed us to review the full range of our brand. The entire show can be seen in its entirety on the Second Life Cable Network Website. The creation of Moda CEO Jujudoll Dancer, this weekly event was expertly organized by Angela Watkins (MODA) both of whom I can not thank enough.

Tonite we will be announcing the NEW RELEASE EVENT for BLACK FRIDAY. I promise you will not want to miss it... T-MINUS 3 DAYS!

XXXXXXXXXXXXX, SS

New Member of the Sexy 7.... MUI

2007-11-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

I was sitting at the beach house watching some videos when my Sis Shenandoah Saintlouis IMs me. She says that she was showing some of her friends my pinstripe suit at her store and for me to get on over there. Well I took of my Noll shorts, suited up and headed to her shoe store. I love talking to clients about fashion and seeing them appreciate the little touches that we slave on :) They wanted only one thing....MORE of the pinstriped suits in MORE colors. So off to the studio I went and 6 days and 15 glasses of SuperFood later we present the variations...ENJOY

The SHEN Pinstripe Suit

The first is my Sis' Signature set in Teal on Chocolate, an unbelievably gorgeous color combination. The second is a Crimson on Charcoal Suit with velvet collar and six brass color matched buttons. The next is a Midnight Blue on Charcoal and features the newest member of the SuperModel Team... MUI MUKERJI. As we have become more widely known as a brand, many of our clients visit us from overseas and I want our staff and models to reflect that diversity. The fabulous Mui of China is the first in that change...WELCOME. The last is the Grey on Charcoal but is called the Skull and Bones, because the jackets buttons are pewter skulls that are sure to get you noticed.

All the sets come with coordinating slacks, color matched shorts, a narrow skirt and a 'healthy' skirt (the skull and bones skirt is imprinted with the design from the buttons) and our newest addition... SHAKSTOCKINGS. These lace topped sheer seamed beauties will make any women's legs glow with sensuality. I can not tell you how sexy they are... seeing is definitely believing. I am so excited about this weeks items that I have also created a new box for you items that reflect the high end nature and styles that is SHAKTURE COUTURE.

And with that I leave you this week... it has been a long one. Special thanks to Radar Masukami for including me on his podcast (which I love so much) and for telling me about Loki Ball and FLUID CREATIONS. Jo and I love his swing and the Marshmellow roast....what fun :) To all those I have met for the first time this week, thank you for allowing me into your world. And to those whose lives I am already a part of, I ask that you love yourself more than you did yesterday and...

Always Feel Sexy

XXX,

SS

SHAKTURE COUTURE FLAGSHIP STORE

PS...the runway is officially open...so get to it ladies ;-)

SHAKTURE's First Fashion Show

2007-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

SUZIE IS IN THE WINNER'S CIRCLE - Happy Saturday! What a week we had at Shakture Couture and what an ending. About a month ago I had the pleasure of meeting Suzie Bailey. She came into the store as most do, a little unsure of what Shakture was about...lol. Well we talked for a while and I showed her what separates us from other retailers. Still not completely sold I told her to let me make a custom racing outfit for her top fuel funny car team. I wanted to give her something that screamed sexy, so I updated the Front Laced Bustier and then her logo and sent it to her. At the same time I decide to make a skull and zipper version based on input from Lacie (Shakture Contributing Designer). Well Suzie TP'ed me to the Silver Motorsports Complex and was glowing, she loved it. This week Suzie had great news to share with me. Apparently Shakture not only makes you look good, but also makes you faster... who woulda thunk it? As Suzie made the winner's circle in her custom couture...CONGRATS!

THE SIMONE 7 & 3 PIECE ENSEMBLE - I love the fall, it is my favorite clothing season. And without a doubt my favorite items are sweaters and coats. I love layering items to create ensembles with scarves, ties, hats and other accessories. So if I am to share my love of this season, I have to give you a base of classic items.... SIMONE IS BORN. This week's two sets are overflowing with couture. So lets start naked, shall we.

As you step out of the shower and wrap yourself in a warm towel you reach into the bag and remove your Eveil Silk Bra and Panties. Cracking open the window you can sense it will be a cool but delightful day. You apply a coat of sunscreen on your cheeks, neck and chest and reach for your new argyle V-neck cashmere sweater with prim cuffs. As you slide it's soft material over you head, you eye the matching pleated two tone cheerleader skirt with raised stitching and laced four grommet closure... because your legs are so made for walking.

You are in the midst of running your errands when the phone rings, the client you have been chasing for weeks wants to meet in an hour. Well we don't want to give the wrong impression (at least not too soon) so you reach into the bag again and remove the semi-sheer long sleeve silk and linen blouse as well as the color coordinating two pocket slacks... instant business wear. As the ink dries on your new contract your blackberry vibrates with an IM.... "Join us at Encore for drinks at 8, casual chic". With no time to go home you look into the bottom of the bag to find the combed cotton, five pocket, stone washed Tribal Hip Huggers... PERFECT. The life of a PLATINUM DIVA is tough, but someone has to do it.

THE TRACY TENNIS SWEATER FAT PACK - Our last item is a fat pack in linen and silk. Based on the same cut as the Simone, TRACY is the classic tennis sweater in Crimson, Tangerine and Teal. As a jacket layer it is made to go with your favorite tank, tee, blouse or cleavage.

OUR FIRST SHOW - These sweaters were release at today's DEPO FASHION SHOW of Smart Casual/ Business Wear. After week's of preparation, SHAKTURE is no longer a fashion show virgin. Hosted by Depo's Marissa Meltzer and directed by Honor Lehane of One Source Modeling, the event was a great success. The feeling of seeing people wear and enjoy the clothing we make is both overwhelming and humbling. We do not take our customers for granted and strive to earn your continued patronage. It is truly a labor of love.

And with that I leave you for the moment. To all those I have met for the first time this week, thank you for allowing me into your world. And to those whose lives I am already a part of, I ask that you love yourself more than you did yesterday and...

Always Feel Sexy

XXX,

SS

SHAKTURE COUTURE FLAGSHIP STORE

PS...the runway is officially open...so get to it ladies ;-)

Toni 2: Back in Stripes

2007-10-20T16:07:00.001-07:00

As a lover of all things beautiful, I am a big fan of many designers and builders in SL. They constantly cause me to re-evaluate my work and raise my bar to achieve higher levels of work. I was in the midst of sharing my disappoinment at the opening of an RL designers new sim when I began thinking...hmmm my own could use a refresh too. So rather than moving everything to a skybox in the interim, I ask that you please pardon the dust as we makeover Kemet Island.

So I was in the midst of renovating and several clients were telling me how much they loved the Toni from last week. They had but one suggestion.... MORE! I humbly thanked them but stated that I try not to reuse patterns. I do short runs of items in only a few colors as a way of making me constantly do new and (hopefully) better clothing. Well 35 IMs later...lol... I gave in and offer these variations.

With that done, I returned to my boot project (and project it is.... I will not release it till it is perfect, much to the chagrin of those who have seen the betas... and you are wrong, it is not ready). I was right about to add a strap when I received a TP from Honor. After an hour of invaluable discussion she tried on the Laylah and said it was lovely but can she have the the white one. Ummmmm, there is no white one. SILENCE. I present to you also the Laylah in white lace (Honor does not like to be disappointed).

With that done (again), I returned to the store to place my White Ribbon Campaign signs. I have long been steadfast in my belief that there is no situation that justifies a man striking a woman. It is therefore with great hope that I take part in promoting this belief: to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. I pray it is as successful as the great work that has been done by Jade Lily, Marymac Dougall and countless others to remind us we are our Brothers and Sisters Keepers.

Well that is all for the moment. To all those I have met for the first time this week...TY for sharing your world with me. For all of you...Love yourself more than you did yesterday and...

Always Feel Sexy

XXX,

SS

SHAKTURE COUTURE FLAGSHIP STORE

PS...the runway is officially open...so get to it ladies ;-)

THE MARLA ENSEMBLE IS BORN

2007-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Greetings Lovers of Couture,

So I was sitting in my store on the checkout counter... and the day was a bit slow. As the sun began to reach high noon I reached for some eyewear and found none really appropriate for that days attire. So I began rezzing some prims and a few hours later the Marsalis Tortoise Shell Color Changing frame was born.

As I began to admire them the muse visited and whispered into my ear... combed cotton top with striped prim neck and cuffs. Faint lettering in 10 languages saying SEXY and DESIRED. Piping along the shoulders to secure the striped arms. A skirt in mesh with butterflies.... the same ones that are faintly on the top. and the skirt must be bordered in croc with piping and stitching along the edge. It must have fullness, so a satin underskirt with spun silk for shimmer must be underneath with 32 panels and earrrings must adorn in pearl and platinum and diamonds. With a necklace that is knotted and has multi colored pearls that shimmer...

and a week later I combined them all to create the MARLA ENSEMBLE....

The runway is officially OPEN... GET TO STRUTTIN LADIES.

XOXOXOXXOXOXOX,

SS

SHAKTURE COUTURE http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kemet/104/127/23

LAYLAH'S REQUEST...

2007-10-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

What a busy week...LOL... where to begin. Well the store has been upgraded yet again. I have found the greatest mannequins from the Scultped Mannequin Shop. FINALLY! Now I can display the texture and cut that makes Shakutre so special. Next, you have my promise that I will offer a Halloween outfit. Do I have to tell you it will be hella sexy? Because it will be the hawtest in all of SL..stay tuned. Which brings us to this week's muses and musings...

My freind Tesla Miles is truly a star and has been an invaluable inspiration (TY so much). Her new shoes and Joelle's insistence (to state it lightly) inspired the Sharon Suit line. Double breasted peak lapel jacket has six mother of pearl buttons. The lapel's hand stitching is color toned and extends to the collar. All the suits come with coordinating silk blouse in open neckline to allow your gurls to shine ;) as well as matching trousers with optional prim flare leg.

The Lace High Waist pantsets were born for Laylah (of INKd) fame. She loved the suits and asked for more sexy biz wear, how could I say no. Based on the previously released Sea Foam set, this one features a new blouse in a handmaid silk lace that allows the Eveil brassiere to peak out and then get support from the high waistline of the 5 button lambs wool cuffed trousers.

Lastly , this week (or today... I have some more I may sneak out this weekend) the hip huggers. I was at my fav SL club...SANDS (so lush, so brill and the live dj'ing... OMG), watching the beautiful people when I decided to change clothes. (Ask anyone who knows me and they will say this is not news, I do so often...LOL). Well I had this great hat and tank top but no pants to really set it off. For I didnt want to wear a pair of jeans that were RL photographs scanned into our world (DONT even get me started on that topic...grrrr). So I found a corner of the club and sat down to rectify the situation. It had to be designer denim. It had to make your assets look yummy. It of course had to be richly textured... hug the hips... flare at the legs... hand stitching... custom tribal embroidery... light stone washing to soften and we had it.... THE Tribal Hip Huggers.

Well that is all for the moment. To all those I have met for the first time this week...TY for sharing your world with me. For all of you...Love yourself more than you did yesterday and...

Always Feel Sexy

XXX,

SS

PS...the runway is officially open...so get to it ladies ;-)

The Seasons are Beginning to Change...

2007-09-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to the beginning of our story. After gentle (?) nudging from my sis and those close to me saying I should do more to promote my clothing... I decided, heck who needs sleep let me wear another hat - web author (?)...LOL

I will try to describe the clothing and assorted items that myself and like minded designers make for your pleasure. The descriptions below are not embellished. The fabrics and details describe here are clearly visible in the items. Whether it is a pair of shorts that involved over 35 layers or a pair of boots that took a month to get all 150 prims correct, all are truly works of art and labors of love... THANK YOU for sharing my passion.

Friends from around the world are telling me how the days are getting cooler and the nights longer. As I began to think nostalgically about early autumns past the muse visited me and whispered dresses and sweaters and coats.

Cut from a lilac or rose dyed piece of richly swirled linen this baby doll dress comes with a deep plunged front and charcoal satin tie. The 36 panel pleated satin edged skirt has embroidered silk stars and a matching 36 panel silk mesh underskirt.

Shoes: Tesla's Gwyneth Pumps

This fluffy soft handwoven cashmere roll neck sweater in short sleeves is irresistible. It features hand attached plaid diamonds against a cream background with a stretch resistant ribbed bottom.

The color coordinated Carissa skirt is plaid on linen with raised heather gray heather stitching. The box pleating is supported by a mesh underskirt. While the waist is bound with matching laces though four nickel grommets.

A pair of silk stockings are included.

Last but not least, the waistcoat. A ten oyster button, virgin New Zealand wool pink and shale waist coast is paired to a matching Carissa skirt and stockings. I love this one... it just screams sophistication and is perfect for those shopping jaunts along fifth avenue or rodeo.

Talk to you soon.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX,

SS