Second Style Magazine

Update [CT]: I wanted to add a couple snapshots of the outfit, in case it’s difficult to see the details in my video. So here they are. Sorry I haven’t really had a chance to shoot any more videos, since SL has been having so many problems over the last couple days.

Lellita Lacey sent me a ton of silks to review. They are gorgeous, very slinky sexy creations, but the best part about the set was this fantastic bellydance themed snake charmer AO that she created. I just had to show it off in my first machinima. I hope you like it. I’m not sure why I have that blue border around my film! It’s because I’m a newbie at this, probably. But I’ll be getting better. I used iMovie to edit the raw footage, add the titles, music and fades. iMovie is a very easy to use piece of software!

The original file can be seen on Google Video.

I’m not sure if these silks are for sale yet, but they should be available in Port Seraphine soon! And I have more silks to come, still — and one more machinima at least!

Seen in world: Yes
Review copies: Yes
Friends list: No

It’s been almost two weeks since Ginny Talamasca of Dazzle released her last batch of Limited Edition items. Today she’s back with a brand new collection of four new gowns and one group exclusive! They go on sale at 2pm SLT (that’s about 30 minutes from now!) They are all chock full of the absolute fabulousness which we have come to expect from Dazzle.

Let’s talk about my two favorite gowns from this collection. Shown in stunning white to your far left is Noelle. Noelle is a long formal gown, finished off with a feather boa. The bodice is covered in bright sequins. One common thing all of these gowns have is just absolutely divine prim work on the skirts. I don’t know what secret voodoo Ginny uses to make her prims so amazingly beautiful and lifelike with their satin luster and sheen, but whatever she has done — it looks absolutely traffic stopping. The same beautiful prim work can be seen on my absolutely favorite selection from this release. Named Minuit, this black gown is quite simply one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever dressed my avatar in. Ginny told me she thinks she’s exceeded the first batch of limited editions with this release — I’m not 100% convinced about that myself (as I told her the “Sought” LE gown is a big mountain to climb) — but this certainly appeals to me on so many levels. The prim work is stunning — again another boa adds a whimsical flurry to this design and the star/snowflake embellishments on the hem and at the bodice add so much polish and poise to this design. Minuit also features a simply gorgeous prim brooch which anchors a set of ethereally translucent flexi-scarves at the front of this design. If I were to pick only one gown from this release this would be the one.

Next come a pair of cheerful holiday dresses. On the left is “Holly” which is available in a rich saturated red, or a supple verdant green (shown). Holly is so named because Ginny’s trimmed the hem with long branches of this classic wintertime decoration. Holly comes with a playfully fun white feather prim collar and a color-coordinated flexi-prim sash/tie. On the right is the last dress in this limited release gown, named “Holiday.” Holiday, like its kissing cousin Holly is available in the same colors red (shown) and green. Holiday has some beautifully meticulous lace trim detail areas, including a fabulously inventive lace and satin crossover bodice and all of the work at the hem of the skirt. One other small detail which I absolutely adore is the “true” shoulder length gloves that Ginny’s included in two of the gowns (Noelle and Holiday) Since the actual glove layer stops short of the length Ginny wanted to achieve she decided to paint a bit of an extension on the undershirt layer which really just looks fantastic when paired together. It’s a small thing, but something which seemed custom made to trigger a smile in my detail loving psyche.

Last but not at least comes this final offering today. It’s only for sale if you’re a member of the “Dazzle Girls Update” group. Named Rendezvous, it’s available in six different colors including (sage shown — although the brown one is especially gorgeous.) Something you can’t see from the angle of this picture here is the lace cutout work on the back of this design. Ginny took a layer of her perfect Dazzle satin and overlaid it with some just superb lace cut outs. Tracing those cut outs with your eyes is a fun mesmerizing hobby (especially since we spend so much time in SL looking at our avatar’s tushy.) Rendezvous even includes a set of feather topped knee length stretchy boots! So this is a lovely way to start off your holiday season on the right foot — a thank you from Ginny to all of her loyal update group members!

Seen in world: Yes
Review copies: Yes
Friends list: Yes

Hamlet Au approached me about a month ago looking for a New World Notes contributor to write semi-regular essays about fashion in Second Life. I wanted to focus on the ways that real life and Second Life fashion intersect with each other (or don’t.) Another topic that I plan to cover is the economic and business side of fashion in Second Life, a topic that I’ve touched on before right here.

Thinking about the first column, my inspiration for the essay was “Why are fashions in Second Life so geared toward the fantastic?” In RL, I don’t know a single person daring enough to consistently wear the kinds of clothes one regularly sees on the grid. Sure, some of that is cultural — I do live in a cold climate, middle American city — when it’s 10 above freezing, you’re not usually thinking, “I want everyone to see that I do 4,000 crunches a night.” But that can’t explain the “sexy equals sales” meme that’s cropped up from time to time, or the general disregard for more modesty in RL fashion since the bubblegum sexpot teen idol craze faded away a couple years ago.

So I offer up “Navel Gazing” as my first column on New World Notes. I hope you enjoy it!

Update [CT]: Thank you so much for all of your interest! I have several fantastic candidates — and I’ve already chosen one new blogger. I will probably pick one or two more.

And for those who are curious, Choice Sliter had to take a break from SL and blogging — she is in good health but unable to spend a lot of time at the computer right now. She plans to be back as soon as it’s feasible!

I need some help!

My RL has again taken a busy turn which (as you can see) means way less blogging than usual. I’m looking for someone to help me keep up with the fashion universe in Second Life, which is sort of like trying to take a long cool sip from a firehose. It’s still a lot of fun, though.

My ideal blogger partner can write well, is totally addicted to fashion and loves following the latest new new thing from the SL classifieds to designers’ blogs. It would be super helpful to find someone who’s in a European timezone (GMT, GMT+1, GMT+2) because your evening hours are U.S. work hours which would mesh really beautifully with the blog’s primary readership. But that’s not at all a strict requirement.

If you’re interested, send me an email outlining your interest to celebrity -dot- trollop -at- gmail -dot- com. Proper spelling, grammar and evocative words in your email will be a big plus.

Thank you.

Wow! Draconic Lioncourt released Carnelion a couple days ago, and this is one smoking hot dress. First, clingy black latex. Second, red hot flame details. Third, flexiprim sassy short skirt. All of that equals one dynamite design.

Looking for something a little less sassy? Draconic has been releasing several “fetish basics” over the past two weeks, which include things like latex stockings, latex mini dresses, stripe dresses and more. All of the basics line come in multiple colors, so there’s sure to be one that matches your fetish fabric color of choice.

If you’re looking for latex, then you ought to be shopping at Draconic’s Sadistic Kiss.

Seen in world: No
Review copy: No
Friends list: No

Through some kind of karmic coincidence, I’ve been getting a lot of silks in world lately — at this point, it’s probably fair to say I am wholly reconstructed on my views about silks. But since I’ve been putting them on more and more frequently (I hope to feature several of the new designs I’ve gotten soon!) I’ve been looking for the finishing touches for that bellydancer style of dress. This new coin collar by Calico Ingmann of Calico Creations definitely fits the bill. The collar comes in three finishes: bright gold, muted gold and silver. (These last two are shown to the left.)

I sincerely hope that Calico makes a whole line around this coin design. I’d love to see a coin hip chain, anklets, bracelets and even earrings with the same material. It’d just be the perfect finishing touch for virtually any silk design.

Seen in world: No
Review copy: No
Friends list: No

Check out this tasty gothique school uniform by LilMiss Ludovico of 7 Deadly Sins. It’s called “School of Goth” and although it was released a couple days ago, it’s a really nicely constructed garment set, which includes a sailor suit style top emblazoned with a crest featuring a creepy winged bird on a red cross. I also love the complimentary prim necktie and the socks, both additions which really sell the naughty school girl vibe. This is something I am looking forward to adding to my collection of naughty school girl outfits.

Seen in world: No
Review copy: No
Friends list: No

It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S., so blogging will definitely be light.

This is my favorite holiday of the year. I get to care for the people I care about most in a very real physical way — making dinner, sharing good wine and spending time together. Even if you’re not in the U.S., I am thankful that you read this blog and I am definitely humbled that so many seem to enjoy Second Style magazine and this blog.

Thank you so much for your support!

Just wanted to remind my readers that if you’ve been saving your ETD gift cards for a rainy day — the rain is falling!! Get them in before November 30th, because they won’t be honored after that.

A lot of great looking formals have been released lately. Here are my top picks. This fantastic design by Simone Stern is named Carmen, and it’s bright cheery hue seems appropriate both for fall and for the holidays. I love the embellishments at the V of the neckline and the asymmetrical off the shoulder strap. As usual, the prim work on this dress looks superb with a light ethereal sheen. Carmen is available in several different bright colors on Simone sim. (S: Yes, R: No, F: No)

Next up is Tayzia by Rebel Hope Designs. Tayzia is named for one of Rebel’s favorite customers and it sure must be flattering to have a dress this beautiful named for your avatar! Shown here in a delicious cranberry red shade, it’s available in four other colors. I love the lace up back and the detailing on the off-the-shoulder yoke of the dress. And the skirt prims are masterfully crafted. Gorgeous dress perfect for a holiday time party. (S: No, R: No, F: No)

Miriel Enfield released this beautiful gown named Flora. Flora features a finely detailed sequined bodice and a simply amazing iridescent splash of color — which ever hue you choose. Unfortunately, this ad doesn’t fully do the visible sparkle on the bodice justice, so you’ll have to take my word that it looks so great when you get your camera zoomed in really close. Flora is also unique in that it comes with several different skirt prims to choose from. You can go with a high waisted empire look, or a cocktail length system mesh skirt, a more traditional fishtail-look skirt option. I wanted to spend a moment talking about how cool Miriel’s vendor system is too. Because she offers her items as no copy or no transfer, when you pay the vendor it initiates a dialog box allowing you choose permissions, colors and more. You can even cancel the transaction and get an automatic refund. That was really one of the coolest parts about shopping Miriel’s beautiful new store build in Nouveau. (S: No, R: Yes, F: No)

I felt a little overwhelmed by this brand new release from Blaze Columbia! Rhapsody is a fantastic concept — mix and match your own formal dress colors! — but if you get the FATPACK version with all 25, whoa! That’s so many prims to sort through. It would’ve been really useful if the FATPACK had been organized into folders with discrete neutral, warm and cool colors. But, that minor criticism aside, this is also a stunning design with top notch construction throughout every piece. I loved pairing the pink dress with some of the chocolate colored accent pieces like the sash and the flexi ribbon tie on the back of the dress. But that’s just the start of the combinations you can create. Blaze even offers a “demo” version of the dress at his store in Triumph. And, as usual, every dress color comes with a color matching tux vest for your boy. (S: Yes, R: Yes, F: No)

Sol Columbia has been on fire with creativity since she put down her scripts and picked up a WACOM tablet! Check out Ravenna, one of my favorite new outfits. (Actually, it’s almost scary the number of Sol’s clothes I have in my ***Favorites inventory folder.) Ravenna is a collection separates, one skirt done in a beautifully constructed flexi prim skirt which features a really gorgeous fall color themed brocade print. The tops are simple ribbed sleeveless tops in cream, tomato and rich brown which complement the primary colors in the brocade print. For a change of pace I’ve also paired this skirt up with the tops from Blaze Columbia’s (no relation) recent Allegro set. Luminosity’s HQ is on Eventide South next to Skins by Max (and Kin Keiko hair). (S: Yes, R: Yes, F: Yes)

Also in my tireless web browsing, I came across Delicious by Tracy Blabbermouth. It’s an outfit wholly inspired by the Fergalicious One in her latest video. Tracy wrestled with the plaid (because lining up plaid textured prims in a skirt is hard work!! I think this is something you can’t appreciate until you try to do it for yourself!) but finally got everything the way she wanted. (S: No, R: No, F: No)

What would Isaac Watts say? Janie Marlowe does not have idle hands, but she sure is into some mischief! Another dozen or so releases, unleashed on to us. Today was a sizzling lingerie festival (that black and pink combo is so hot), and the past few days have seen everything from a really cute dress (that little black and white number) to some knee length prim skirts and matching tops (the purple one to the far left.) And there’s even more to see on Illusion. I always feel like I’m behind on Janie’s newest releases, but it’s in a delightful way because then I have something to show off when I’m hopping around the grid. Well, maybe I wouldn’t grid hop in lingerie, but I guess given some of the silks I’ve worn, I don’t know why it should matter!

Seen in world: No
Review copies: No
Friends list: No