Mémoires d'une pin-up

Mystery in the City

2008-04-19T19:04:00.008+02:00

With this post, I'm starting some REAL memoirs of mine, telling the story from day 1 - when I left family home and went to live alone in the Big City.

Would also like to announce I didn't have to give up on anything, since I found new job with The Bali Club - a really nice place, nothing like Mandarin Theater, but yours truly keeps the spirit of good old times entertainment up!

And here is what life was like for Mystery not so long ago...

I arrived in this big city with all my possessions packed In one old suitcase and a couple of dollars In my pocket. Stepping off the train, I still wasn’t realizing how different a world I was about to enter. Station still seemed pretty familiar, though with every step that was brining me closer to the exit, I was feeling more and more uneasy. The little city I came from – and that I naively assumed to be big – could never prepare me for anything like this. I was a frightened little girl, awfully shy, dressing very modestly and generally nothing too interesting.

But there I was – with my old suitcase and worn-out coat, in the middle of a strange busy city… not knowing what to do next. Of course, I needed some job, place to stay for the night – but I was all alone without any friend or at least a kind spirit to guide me through this jungle of brick, steel and concrete. It’s not the first time I was in such situation but this time it was different. I was determined to start living my own life away from the overprotective wings of my family, determined to make it big – somehow, someday.

Soon I realized how different from the Big City Ladies I were. And have to admit, often one would expect different behavior from a ritzy lady - in what appeared to be a very expensive stole – who’d make insane row in department store about some tiny unimportant thing.
I was trying to take example of those around me, who were making heads turn with their mysterious charm and elegant appeal. And – of course – the stars of the silver screen with their carefully arranged attires.

In the meantime, reality looked very different for me. Months gone by and I still couldn’t find a job. Nobody wanted a young lassie with no experience and big frightened eyes. I could no longer afford to pay the rent of my small moldy room I lived in so far. Crying my eyes out over the degeneration of my life – which I dreamt to become so bright and light in the Big City – I regretfully moved to the shelter for the homeless.

Oh, what a horror it had been! Living in one room with 11 other women who I’d rather never meet in my whole life, sleeping in bed all jumping with herds of fleas infesting it… But I wouldn’t complain – I had roof above my head and walls to protect me from the cold and dangers of the street life plus one warm meal a day. I was more than miserable, spending the very last penny on flea powder to ensure myself some rest – at least for the body – and saving the hair I was so proud of from getting shaved to the skin.

In the day, I was constantly walking the streets looking for job, queuing at the employment office only to hear that since I can’t type fifty words a minute I have little chance of finding any job whatsoever.

There were times I was really close to throwing in the towel and going home. But I was too proud – and too poor to afford the ticket…

By November, my only pair of stockings got too broken to mend it any further. I ended up drawing seams at the back of my legs, hoping nobody discovers the deception and the rain doesn’t wash it away. I was freezing to the bone in December, my toes getting blue and knees so frozen it hurt to walk. My state was truly pitiful, I cried more than ever – swollen eyes and clothes hanging miserably off me weren’t encouraging anyone to offer me any post. I looked as if I were about to faint – and that was indeed close to truth.

One day, I stopped by a display window of one of the big department stores, gazing greedily at the silk stockings adoring celluloid leg of the mannequin looking indifferently down at me. Suddenly, I realized someone was staring at me – saw his silhouette reflected in the window, standing a couple of paces behind me, wearing a warm coat with his collar put up, hands tucked in the pockets, stomping his feet from time to time. I peaked over the shoulder – it appeared as if he was waiting for me to do something, cause he approached me and stopped by the window next to me.

‘Cold day, isn’t it?’, he asked casually.

I thought back to the holes in the soles of my shoes, my bare legs and summer gloves…

‘Oh yes, very.’, I replied.

‘I couldn’t help not noticing you standing there by this window. And the moment I saw you I knew you were just the person I was looking for. Please, don’t be afraid’, he said quickly seeing me turning to walk away ‘I’m an artist – well, I take photos – and I would like to ask you to model for me. My study’s not far from here, it’s cozy and warm and I’m sure you won’t mind a cup of tea…’, he smiled. ‘Of course, I will pay you.’

I pondered for a minute… should I be walking away with a strange man who talks to me about the coziness of his place? But the prospect of a cup of decent hot tea and earning something made my heart beat faster. He looked quite ‘neutral’ – plain ordinary Joe.

I nodded and took his arm he offered me. Indeed, it wasn’t a long walk and I was glad to warm my feet against the radiator when he left to put the kettle on. Then, I looked around. His place – or at least the room I was in, except two chairs and simple table in the corner by the window, looked like a lady’s boudoir… there was a chaise-long upholstered with light-rose calico, elegant oriental dressing screen and a vanity table with huge phials of perfumes. The whole truly theatrical set seemed to be able to disappear behind a curtain of thick luscious cream velvet, leaving the remaining part of the room suddenly strangely cold and empty.

He came back carrying a tray of steaming hot tea set. We sat, having a little chit-chat – his eyes kept wandering all over me, making me feel somewhat uneasy.

'I’d like you to wear stockings for me.’, he said, and I nearly choked at the tea, realizing I was wearing the girdle with garter pins dangling loosely since there was nothing to clamp them on. ’I’ve got a pair I’d like you to wear along with a garter belt…’, he went on. I was so relieved! ‘You may use the screen to change. Everything you need is there on the chair.’

A strange smile appeared on his face, when I finished my cup and got up to walk over to change. Indeed, there was a pair of beautiful, brand new nylons and a very decorative garter belt. I only wondered why he wanted me to wear it, since I could simply clamp the stockings to my own girdle. I looked down at myself – and who on earth would like to see a photo of a girl in such poor clothes. Looked around for something he perhaps left for me to wear, but there was nothing but the stockings and belt. I finished changing, having cleared the false seams off my legs, and slowly stepped out.

He was standing by the camera, fiddling with the lens, he looked up at me.

‘Oh, very nice,’ he said slowly, smirking lightly ‘but wasn’t it stockings and the garter belt that I wanted you to wear?’

I looked down at the black nylons, raising my eyebrows. ‘But I am!’

‘Just.’, he shook his head. ‘Go back there and change properly, please.’

I froze. No way! No, I will never do that! My god, what a pervert I came by! Returning behind that screen I was only thinking of how to get myself out of that terrible situation. It would have to be a very long skid across the room to get to the door… and what if he caught me? I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard him walk out of the room. Tore the filthy clothes off me, grabbed my girdle and coat and stormed out of the room as if hounds of Hell were chasing me. I ran all the way to the shelter, fell breathless into my bed of flea, covered myself up to the top of the head and cried all through the night. I still had no job…

Here today - gone tomorrow

2008-03-02T01:07:00.008+01:00

Was looking forward to see Mandarin Theater reactivating - for those of you who didn't know it, Mandarin Theater and the entire Doll City sim was undergoing major changes over the last month or so. The club reopened last night and - as I was told - it was absolutely fabulous. Well, I wish them all the best but this is where we have to part ways. Not because the style of the club has changed, no. But because of simple mundane life matters - my time zone.
You won't be seeing me as the Mandarin Doll anymore - this chapter of my life is closed.
Chances are you won't be seeing me at all.
No job means no home.
Means no shopsie of mine.

I'm crying...

Queen of Hearts

2008-02-27T17:22:00.005+01:00

Have you heard of Stiletto Moody? Tesla? Storm Schmooz? They are all princes of top-fashion footwear - but there is a queen. Have you heard of Saki Galiazzo?

There are situations in life, where one woman can become a queen for another one's heart. They are our female idols, goddesses in their art. Today, I have had the opportunity to meet Miss Galiazzo in person. She is an SL creator who captured and holds my heart ever since I first laid my eyes upon her products. Miss Galiazzo is a master shoemaker - a real maestra in the difficult craft of sculpted shoes. Her shops offer a wide variety of designs, colors and textures, some of them also including the oh so sexy walking sound and animation [and you can access the scripts to modify them to your desire] for utlimate life-like walking experience. As Miss Galiazzo admits, she's trying 'too hard' to make her masterpieces as real-looking as possible - clearly a perfectionist, Saki Galiazzo has murder style with an eye for the retro style. I can't praise her enough - I think every fashion maniac should go and see for herself and I'm sure she'll be leaving the boutique with more than one shopping bag in her hand.

My personal favorites from Miss Galiazzo are the SL finest 'Thick Sole Slides', 'Lucille - Sage' ankle strap sandals and a recent heartthrob - the sooo pin-up Platform Pumps - a real must for any Bettie Page fanatic. [Miss Galiazzo has made my day with a present of the Platform Pumps - those darlings make me feel ten feet tall!]

Looking for an all-time classic? Get 'Zoe' pumps in their 'Stacked' version and you will no doubt fall in love with their gently rounded nose and wooden sole. And 'Amanda - Sky Blue Pumps' will go perfect with Armidi Breeze Francia Woven Coat, don't you think?

For Saki Galiazzo footwear, visit the Main Shop in Aloha Business Park or in Gyala.

The [un]lucky 14'th

2008-02-15T17:31:00.008+01:00

I'm a strange person sometimes – for example, an unlucky day of the month for me is not the 13'th – it's the 14'th. And as I could have expected, something unpleasant did happen to me yesterday – SL lost a Valentine card I sent… Bad, bad Linden Labs – no Valentines for you!

But there were also some bright moments on that day. Since I had a lot of time for myself, I decided to have a look around my favorite shopping destinations and consult On Your Toes about latest shoe fashion. Eureka! That was the choice to make! I found kicks that would go just perfect with my summer collection choices and - while visiting Storm Schmooz to lay my very own eyes on the newest Mimmi sandals [read Anessa Stine's review in On Your Toes] - I discovered the whole Viva La Glam sim together with most recommendable G.L.A.M. boutique, presenting all retro lovers with 'Buttoned Trousers' and bit more contemporary, yet still very chic 'Millitary Wool Coat' in a nice selection of colors. You can also find some real flashy highlights in G.L.A.M.'s Luxe line of coture – my personal favorites are the 'Vinyl jacket and dress' set as well as the 'Stressed Trenchcoat'. Those of you who like to have a wide selection of 'Little Black Numbers' will surely love the 'Sequined Cocktail Dress' – it's simple, it's classy, it's sexy – so G.L.A.M.!
But an item that made my eyes shine was the 'Loose Neck Tunic' – with puffy sleeves that looked very much like Lauren Bacall's blouse in 'How to marry a millionaire'. This lovely piece is an absolute must for me personally. And Marilyn sure wouldn't mind being seen in one of the 'Bustier Pencil Dresses'.

There are much more eye catching designs to see at Viva La Glam so make sure you pop in for a visit!

Little Isaac

2008-01-26T19:53:00.000+01:00

The Mandarin crew are some real awesome people! I'm very lucky and proud to be an acquaintance of Lady Babyhoney Bailey, Lady Waverly Kline and Mr Bongo Oldbull. They are doing some great work developing the Doll City but what I have been prizing them most for recently, is the charity fundraising they have launched to help a little boy - Isaac - and his mother. Isaac is only six months old and already has to struggle to fight for his life.

Lady Babyhoney and Mr Bongo who have recently had their very happy moment in life tying the knot, have asked all the guests to donate whatever they wanted to spend on their wedding gifts, to little Isaac's fund. They really have big warm hearts!

The Doll City is holding a series of little events aimed at raising as much as possible for the baby boy - there are auctions, Mandarin shows with Mr Bongo djing live and Mandarin Dolls warming the audience and many more. All the tips are automatically donated to the cause. Come and support us! You and enjoy yourself with top class dj and entertaining dancers in the good old burlesque style and make little Isaac's that bit better. Bring all your friends - the more the merrier! Help turning Second Life from selfish to selfless!

Here is what Lady Bailey says about Isaac:

‘Baby Isaac contracted a virus during his infancy that doctors concluded gave him less than a 2% chance of survival. Encephalitis is a very rare and dangerous disease for infants and very few manage to survive.

Our boy's a fighter though and has kept on truckin' to reach the six month mark.

In the time it took him to get here, though, he has developed Cerebral Palsey, seizures, an umbrella patuitary issue (preventing him from producing steroids or thyroid development,) as well as diabetes insipidus.

He does not cry unless he is in extreme pain. He is also on a feeding tube (though his mother is slowly teaching him how to take a bottle on his own). He spends the majority of his day sleeping, and so his mother says that seeing his eyes are a real treat. :)

Isaac has an entire team of doctors working with him as well as several therapists. He has severe problems with his immune system so every little bug going around effects him tremendously and leaves him hospitalized.

Because of this, he has spent over half of his little life in the hospital.

What we are trying to accomplish by this donation drive - is to give his family the peace of mind and ability to spend as much time with Isaac as possible.

If you can find it in your heart to give, please feel free to do so. Every single Linden helps - donations are being made to either me or Bongo Oldbull and are being collected for Isaac's mother who is also a SL resident.

Should you have any questions regarding this little guy's condition, please don't hesitate to ask - if donating is not something you're in to we're also asking that you please keep Isaac in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks as positive thoughts spend just as well as any dollar amount ever could.

We will be actively asking for donations on the Doll City Sim from 1.23-1.30 - if you'd like to put a kiosk in your store or on your land, please contact Babyhoney Bailey or Bongo Oldbull and we can get them to you directly.

Special thanks to those who have already donated, you are proof that people can come together and really make a difference.

If any of you happen to have a myspace page, feel free to visit Isaac's page and perhaps be his friend :: http://www.myspace.com/isaac0713‘

Mandarin nights

2008-01-08T19:46:00.000+01:00

First of all, I would like to say a couple of unpleasant words to the management of the Blogger, Blogspot or whatever you are now. You folks must have clearly been employed at Microsoft before and I can bet on anything you want you we rubbing elbows with high management! Rarely do I meet such service-hindering Internet portal, attempting to pass on as development. You'd do much better job taking care to fix the already given functions - like pasting images into text body where the USER wants them to go, not where the pictures care to paste themselves in - is the ability to choose their placement there only to show off?! And why is the font of post's title the same font the body of post is, despite the fact it appears to be otherwise in your God have mercy 'preview'?! If I hadn't changed all that by hand, your 'brilliant' software wouldn't have done that! So development my ...!!!

      So sorry, but after I wasted yet another 15 minutes trying to access MY account after THEY 'revolutionized' the service AGAIN, I thought it was worth mentioning...

      Every night at Mandarin Theater brings new things - new faces, new experience but always the same warm and heartily support from the audience, who very often falls under the quite irresistible charm of the atmosphere the team ladies Waverly and Babyhoney and Mr Oldbull conjured up for all the classy and chic people out there. There is nothing more rewarding but to hear somebody loves the place and a promise to visit again. Yes, The Mandarin is quite a special place.

      The Theater has already gained devoted and regular visitors like Mr Pce Graves or Mr Sansabelt Jantzen - to mention only a couple. They are both most delightful gentlemen and we are looking forward to seeing them every night. Those cats sure know how to treat respectful ladies like The Mandarin Dolls and we on our side are honored to entertain them.

      The sound of camera shutters is not a rare thing at Mandarin's and is most definitely one of the finest compliments. Here are some 'compliments' Mr Jantzen has been tickling my vanity with a couple of nights before. Isn't he a talented photographer?

All aboard!

2008-01-05T00:43:00.000+01:00

     Looking for high quality at a reasonable price? Don’t shake your heads – I know it’s a dream which doesn’t come true often enough. Haven’t yet heard of Tete a Pied? This is where you absolutely MUST direct your feet to. Their skins are most wonderful top quality and in almost any theme you can think of – from Hollywood divas through top models and girls next door, to gothic vixens or baroque queens – Tete a Pied has it all, for any season of the year. Gentlemen will also find something for themselves.

      The shop has recently moved to a new location, changing the overall design of the surrounding. If you liked the previous look you will surely fall in love with what they’ve brought to you now – I have! Even if you’re not planing to shop for anything [and Tete a Pied is not only about skins] I still recommend visiting this sim [take your friends skating perhaps?]

      Tete a Pied is very customer-friendly – I can tell first hand that no matter how ‘troublesome’ customer you are, they will always help you out. Also they have wonderful free skins for the newbies.

Mystery takes to the stage

2007-12-27T15:21:00.000+01:00

   A new era in my pin-up career is dawning. The era is taking the majestic form of Mandarin’s Theatre – an old Hollywood styling exclusive nightclub where the Second Life’s most dishy toots perform for classy dames and generous gentlemen.

    Yours truly has been fortunate enough to join the ranks of Mandarin’s Dolls. Right now I’m but a humble trainee, nevertheless I’m wearing the name of Mandarin’s Doll proudly, hoping to have my stage performance match up to my [and other dames’] looks.

    The gorgeous and talented Miss Babyhoney – co-owner of the Mandarin’s – is also starting a modeling agency [Dolls Inc.] aiming at bringing some real Hollywood era glamour into the world of Second Life fashion. As far as I know, both the Theatre and the agency are still hiring new faces, so if you’ve ever dreamt of being just like M. M. and think you can live up to it, try your luck in the Doll City. Or simply come to the Mandarin’s show and follow the doings of the agency.

    Hoping to see you there soon – you don’t want to miss any of it!

Winter is here!… an unpleasant discovery?

2007-11-26T21:31:00.005+01:00

Well, that white flaky thing falling from the sky today is truly snow. The season of white madness and Christmass is here! Sowait no longer, dust off those shiny skate blades and take your sweetheart skating – it’s always nicer to have a strong arm to save you from unpleasant hard landing, n’est pa? However, if you think your pair of skates has long since had it’s days of glory or is simply passé, consider directing your feet to Chapeau tres Mignon. They have a most lovely design of skates for ladies and gents in more than one colour… and a couple of eye-catching accessories that are sure worth splashing some Lindens on - like the Faux Fur Fox Stole which is available in a couple of colour options. If you don’t like frost nipping at your ears you will surely love Bunny Ear Muffs. No lady’s outfit if complete without a hat to match the occasion – kindly have a look at Dior hats which will turn any winter [but let us not set our imagination at limits, shall we?] couture into a star shining bright on cold December nights. How about a jazzy headband? Chanel inspired ‘Lagerfeld’

head decoration is sure to conquer hearts of the young and the young at heart alike.
      If you really loved the skates, you may be interested in a very similar in design Fur Booties [there is only the black and gold version available at the moment though].
      Chapeau tres Mignon is one of those precious pearls of SL couture design specializing in most fancy and cutting-edge quality accessories. A real MUST for any real lady – at least to visit
and soak up the atmosphere, for the interior design of this cozy shop is truly astonishing.
      I have also been told there is going to be a special party on Dec 1 – join Chapeau tres Mignon group for more information… then put those skates on and have most wonderful winter time!

      The unpleasant discovery however… well it may sound as thought I'm casting unjust accusation… A little adventure of mine and maybe a warning to the kindhearts [like myself] out there in SL. As a young Sler and an absolute addict to Blade Runner, I created a hairdo styled after the character of Rachel [her masterfully updone hair]. I was wearing it proudly when I met a certain person at Pompadour City who loved it so much I decided to give her the whole colourset of the design I came up with. How deep was my amazement when I discovered a strangely similar hairdo called the same name - at Ingenue [which also happens to be a label I value high]. Is that a coincidence or a very very ‘profound inspiration’? It is somewhat different from my original work [which, I must admit, was rather crude] but the name and clearly visible likeness keeps me wondering… Of course, one can hardly speak of... ugh... plagiarism here since we're all free to come up with better or modified version of the same 'design'. Though I appreciate of being informed on things like this - because should my 'Rachel' be the prototype of the Ingenue's one, my vanity would be greatly flattered.