"This is to tell the man in the red plane that he has a fan.
I've been watching you from the ground. Well, from my farm pastures and yard actually. More often than you know. I am in awe of your skill and the performance you give is wonderful and joyous.
Who are you? Are you a man or a woman? A professional stunt pilot or a pleasure flyer of that pretty red plane? Do you perform for others besides me, or is what I'm seeing just an expression of your own preferences? . . ."
1. Speak in a low voice. Not creepy low, just attractive low. Practice some vocal exercises for a few weeks and it will become habit. Listen to Scarlett Johanssen speak for an example of this kind of voice.
2. Wear dark, sexy, retro clothes. Not too gothic-looking, though. Think Eva Green, Angelina Jolie in the mid-90's. Subtle, well-cut clothing that draws attention to you, but in a tasteful way. Stick to colors like black, maroon, and emerald green. Look for silk cocktail dresses, dark-wash, high-waisted jeans, expensive-looking, dramatic jewelery, and fishnet tights or better still seam and heel. A seductive fur is essential wardrobe.
3. Hang out in mysterious places. Not sketchy or scary. Just unusual. Remember that when in interesting places, one meets interesting people. Try out an obscure, artsy coffee shop, clandestine night club, or unique antique shop.
4. Be "one of the guys". This means holding your own with the guys in their poker/pool/video games and occasionally winning. You'll earn respect and allure as a result. But don't lose your feminine side trying to hang out with men.
5. Be mysterious. Don't let everybody know what you are feeling or what's going on. The very mystery proves to be the allure of the femme fatale.
6. Find something unique to your femme fatale and work it. Some unusual interest, skill, accessory: anything!. Individuality contributes to that mystical allure.
7. Wear a signature scent. But not wimpy little fruit-foodie sprays- something oriental or woody. It will set you apart; every time somebody smells it they will remember you and your aura. Better yet, go to the Body Shop and make your own blend. Sandalwood is a good start. Add something feminine, though, to balance it out. The last thing a femme fatale wants is to smell like a man.
8. Wear your hair in an extreme side part with Veronica Lake-esque waves. Wearing it in a dramatically short style is also a good choice. Stick to true, bold hair colors, like bright auburn, dark brown, or platinum blonde.
9. Wear pale foundation, 'cat's eye' eyeliner, and red or maroon lipstick. Avoid glitter and 'teenager' makeup at all costs.
10. Watch old movies. Mildred Pierce is a great starter. As far as music goes, Fiona Apple in "Criminal" is a good example. Let them inspire you. But don't let them take over--a femme fatale is individual.
11. Make guys wonder.
12. Be smart and have good manners. Being well-educated is something that will set you apart from the flock. Being beautiful with brains adds sex appeal.
In this post I feature another Pop Culture icon. The first major Virtual Girl with Guns Lara Croft, with bonus views of Angelina Jolie as Lara....
Lara may be a very attractive action heroine, but her most important quality to me is her personality. Here's a quote from Wikipedia on Lara Croft:
"....Lara is consistently depicted as a highly confident, independent, and headstrong person. She is also very brave, rarely showing any sign of fear in very dangerous or lethal situations...."
Her virtual action heroine lineage may be traced back to Honor Blackman and Diana Rigg from The Avengers.
Below is an interesting documentary from the Discovery Channel via Google Video about the origins, game design, obsessions, and world wide media phenomenon of Lara Croft. I noted many parallels between Lara Croft Game obsession and obsessive behavior over Second Life.
Question for Second Life residents: Is your time and energy in SL replacing what you could and should be doing in RL?
Disclaimer: Although I've enjoyed the Lara Croft movies I've never played nor do I have an interest in a Lara Croft game. Before Second Life, the most gaming I ever did involved The Sims and various versions of Monopoly and Poker. Although I continue to indulge in the virtual world of Second Life and have added a new habit with flight simulators, Lara Croft Games are not on my radar. But there's no denying the Lara influence on some of my thinking. For me, she is the modern-day Emma Peel.
What are your influences and how do they manifest in the virtual world of Second Life?
Look for more "State Your Influence" posts on Monday June 22nd.
In previous posts I've mentioned fictional influences for the character of Zoe Connolly in Part 1 and Part 2, but I'll also touch on more general Pop Culture. Here is a BBC documentary about The Avengers found on YouTube. Unfortunately the audio track is rarely in sync with the video.
The Avengers is one of many Pop Culture Influences on Zoe Connolly. What are your influences and how do they manifest in the virtual world of Second Life?
Raquel Welch and Sophia Loren are two more women with influence on my avatars appearance as Zoe Connolly. What are your influences and how do they manifest in the virtual world of Second Life?
Zoe Connolly is primarily an "immersive" character within Second Life with several Real Life and Fictional influences. Here are two fictional examples as portrayed by English actress Diana Rigg....
Diana Rigg as Miss Sonya Winter in The Assassination Bureau (1969). A movie full of zeppelins, bombs, bordellos, and burials.
These are just a few characters who have influenced the look and actions of Zoe Connolly. What are your influences and how do they manifest in the virtual world of Second Life?
