Second Style Magazine

Just a tiny little fashion bon mot for your weekend shopping pleasure. Rosemary Galbraith slipped me a copy of this delightfully adorable dress named Frontrunner this week and I was really charmed. It’s available in black, blue, cream (shown), dusty maroon, green and purple. The lacy prim overskirt comes with two attach points, spine and pec. The “pec” attach point does really put the prims at the proper empire waist height, and it seems to be substantially less affected by AOs than the spine attach point, which often lead to broken prims when my AO pose shifted.

Rosemary’s store is OH! What a Neat Boutique, Seonggye 82, 92, 601.

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

Callie Cline and Kiana Dulce invite you to stop by their brand new sims, opening this Sunday, June 3rd at 1:00 pm SLT. There will be great music, giveaways, new outfit releases and lots and lots of prize packs including some really fantastic shopping sprees. The coordinates for the sims are: Dulce Dal Mare 28, 185, 22 and caLLiefornia 226, 184, 22 — they are adjacent to each other. If you teleport to one, you can stroll to the other one.

Shai Delacroix and Shop-a-holics for a Cause are hosting a Relay for Life fundraiser this Sunday at 1:00 pm SLT too. The theme is “fortune tellers” and you’re encouraged to come dressed up like a gypsy. There will be tarot readings, contests and magic booths. Sounds like fun. The event coordinates are Relay Charity 165, 158, 23.

Finally, tomorrow, June 1st from 1-3 pm SLT there will be a Masquerade Ball and contest held at the silentsparrow sim, as part of the Simone! Super Model competition. Over L$6,000 in prizes and contest awards will be given away — so this is a perfect chance to revamp your wardrobe if you’re on a budget. The top three thematic costumes using elements from the event sponsors, silentsparrow, Simone and Calico will win some nice gift vouchers. The event coordinates are Silentsparrow 65, 190, 45.

This weekend Shai dropped these Ascot worthy new sun dresses on me with the promise that they were very soon to be released. Usually when I receive something that is not yet in the shop, I don’t blog it until it is, but in this case….. Sorry, but I just have to share them with you and I can’t wait. They are so lovely. However keep an eye on Shai’s blog, because they should be out soon.

 They come in 4 versions, the white, black trimmed Dolce Vita, the antique pink and purple Jacaranda, the powdery Bijou and the ice blue, chintz like Epoche. I really can’t tell which one I like best as I think they are all just lovely. They all come with a set of white and black gloves and the cutest hats. Dolce Vita had a black one, which might be retextured before Shai releases it, but it sure looks classy this way and the veils… they are sculpted and look totally natural. Funny detail, if you look good, you can see that the veil on the hat of the Bijou dress in this version came as a traditional prim. I thought it was good to show it nevertheless so that the huge difference can be seen.

I wear ETD’s Monique hair in smoke burnt, some of the latest make ups in Adam & Eve’s Grazia skin and the totally retro yummy Tuxedo Pumps from Shiny Things by Fallingwater Cellardoor.

Seen in world: yes  ~ Review Copies: yes  ~ Friends list: yes 

I was browsing our back issues of Second Style Magazine, and when I was thumbing through Second Style #5, I saw our Style Girl that issue is the visually arresting Violet Xianjiang.

Normally, if you catch Violet prowling around the grid, you’ll find she’s deeply into the denim and cute top fashion tsunami of Second Life. So it’s always fun to kidnap Violet and dress her up. Enter two beautiful saris by Oryx Tempel of the International House of Style, one fabulously gorgeous model and two lovely snapshots. The intersection of these three things compose this blog post.

These saris are just the appetizer of yummy fashions Oryx has brought into Second Life from all corners of the globe — Africa, Oceania, South Asia and the Mediterranean. She uses realistic fabric textures and styles of dress, all of it fun to experiment with.

Find these saris and more at the store in Son (134, 175, 28)

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

Last week saw another huge release from Last Call designer extraordinaire Ginny Talamasca. I wanted to take a moment to show case two of my absolute favorite new outfits from that collection.

On the left in canary is the dazzling Anamarie. This is truly one of the most amazing sequin textures I’ve ever seen in Second Life. (The only other one I’ve seen approach the same level of amazingness was Alaska Metropolitan’s La Burlesque collection.) I knew as soon as I had the canary on, that it would be one of those outfits that belongs in my special “*****Favorite” folder (so named so it will bubble to the very top of my inventory.) I couldn’t resist adding some playful splashes of makeup color by using the Tete a Pied Fevrier skins (which, as far as I’m concerned are still the best redhead eyebrows/skin tone in Second Life.)

On the right is a Francesca — an outfit right from sunny South Beach. To me, this outfit screamed “hotel heiress.” All I’m missing are the apropos accessories: a tiny-dog-in-a-purse, a Blackberry, and a DUI conviction. I have been consistently amazed by Ginny’s skill with metallics, even from the first time I ever shopped at Dazzle. Francesca certainly showcases mastery of making virtual metallics look glamorously, luxuriously real.

But that’s not all. Just today, Ginny sent this note to her update group:

Starley and I have a slew of new products for you – but we have nowhere to put them :/ I’ve expanded the shop 8 times now (did anyone ever notice?) but to prevent texture lag, I’m going to begin rotating out older inventory. Over 70 outfits have been pulled from the store and will be for sale for 100L. The first round of Deviant Nation skins will be marked down to 500L! The sale will run for a week – after which the items will be pulled (no ifs, ands, or buts).

If you’ve been wanting to get one of Starley’s fabulous Vogue skins — it looks like this will be a fantastic opportunity to do so at a nice discount.

Shop Last Call in the Dazzle sim. Dazzle is one of the four sims in “The Quad”, which also includes Celestial City, ETD Isle and Canimal.

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

When Trina Noland of Aspire invited me to come see the new line by Arielle Cere of Chic Boutique, I didn’t know what I was in for. It was an absolutely huge show — so much new and in so many different colors, looks and styles that I could hardly keep up with my show notes.

It was almost like trying to sip from a firehose. A lot of volume, a lot of it worthy of an ooh or aah. I had to pick and choose my absolute show favorites to photograph or it would’ve taken a marathon session in front of GIMP to crop, scale and convert all of these outfits into blog-ready photos.

The show started with Chic Boutique’s new line of gowns. The gowns (mostly) had a mythological flavor — and although I liked most of these — the Aphrodite gown (shown — also available as stunning swimwear!) was my clear favorite. It wins my “Best in Show” ribbon hands down. There’s a lot of like in the lines of this dress — but I think the thing which really grabbed me was the warm bright tangerine color. The color mated with the high waisted gold satin ribbon and bodice accent was a total runway knock out.

Another dress design that I really liked was the super fitted “Dita” dress. This dress actually builds on top of the corset lingerie set that Arielle released around Valentine’s Day. I’m not quite sure how she did it, but look at the vertical contrast detailing — there’s almost no distortion of the pattern in the skirt at all. The overall effect of the mesh skirt paired up with that corset bodice is smashing — this was easily another of my show highlights.

When I first took note of Chic Boutique, it was plain that Arielle had a seriously good eye for capturing intricate and eye catching lingerie designs. The sheen and metallic flare of this design on both the wide shoulder straps and on the much more ornate corset body (especially underbust) really show case Arielle’s attention to detail in garment construction. It’s airy, feminine, and sexy. I don’t know what else you could ask for from your virtual lingerie. It will make you feel as good as it looks.

It wasn’t all just about fancy dressed and every fancier underthings. Arielle also created a big line of casual outfits — most of which mix-n-match very well, although they are not sold as separates. Shown here is a racy deep v-necked cowled top with a pair of light, summery belted white shorts. This top also comes in several different colors, but this brown one was a total winner with its antique lace styling and the fantastic shading work in all of those fabric wrinkles. I like these shorts paired up with the top — as Arielle designed this outfit, but even more she made a pair of khaki gauchos which are some of the finest summery bottoms to be found in Second Life.

I wanted to finish with a quick look at one of the new swimwear designs that were also unveiled at the show on Saturday. Some of the new swimwear was tied into the dress designs (like Aphrodite), but most of it was sartorially independent like this beautifully colored bikini. The mixture of sand brown, gold, and robin blue made for an especially appealing melange of color and cut.

You can read about and see most outfits from the show here.

The easiest way to locate a Chic Boutique location is to find a store landmark in Arielle Ceres’ profile picks or classifieds.

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

Shenlei Flashheart of Prim and Proper started up a new line called Departure — and the first release from Departure is a set of “De-newbie day spa” kits which contain skin, shapes, clothing, animations, shoes and all of the other goodies a brand new resident is likely to want to purchase.

But she’s also started a monthly design contest which will award a L$1000 prize to the best design matching the month’s theme. Here are the themes for the next 12 months:

June: Pretty in Pink
July: Water
August: Sunshine & shadow
September: Acorn
October: Autumn Leaves
November: Leather & Lace
December: The Holly & the Ivy
January: Icicles
February: Hearts & Flowers
March: Electricity
April: Rain
May: Roses

More information about how to enter and a complete list of rules can be obtained by visiting one of Shenlei’s Departure shops. (See her picks for a LM to the notecard dispenser.)

A couple weeks ago I wrote about the Grand Opening of the Nymphetamine sim. paeoti Pomeray is now conducting a model search to use in ads for new Nymphetamine merchandise:

I have decided to use models whom I think would best suit NYMPHETAMINE in how I would like my clothing to be presented in SECONDLIFE.

I am looking for 5 to 7 FEMALES of all types but I am gearing my search towards a more petite stature since that is more towards what my clothing is best suited for.

A decision will be made no later than JUNE 6th, 2007 and will be posted at NYMPHETAMINE BOUTIQUE.

The models who are chosen will receive a photo shoot by the esteemed Carl Crabe of CRABE PHOTOGRAPHY. You will be given free of charge the photo that we ultimately choose to use for the ad. Any other photos or arrangements will be strictly between you and Mr Crabe. You will also receive the outfit that you are given to wear for the photo shoot.

For more information, please visit one of the notecard dispensers in the Nymphetamine sim. It contains full details about how to enter and the official rules.

Well…. our virtual world… and if not better…. how about more beautiful? 

Ever since the sculpties were brought to SL last week, a number of designers have been releasing awesome new things. And this is only the beginning. More people will dedicate themselves to this awesome new technique of prim creating, and when people will develop and sophisticate their skills, my guess is things can only get better over time. In fashion, sculpties will take prim attachments to a whole new, and probably more realistic level.

Lost Thereian, at Influence Hair has released the sculpted Nicole hair that looks absolutely delicious. It is flexi too and has nevertheless only 26 prims. I doubt whether he has ever made hair with that few prims before. Nephilaine Protagonist at Pixeldolls had a sweater with sculpted elements out already, and has now added a redingote like jacket to her men’s linePixelmen. It has a sculpted collar, sculpted flexi coat tails as well as sculpted cuffs. It comes in a nice selection of demure colors. I have picked Ocean. Launa Fauna at LF Designs added sculptie cuffs to her totally sexy leather Isabeaux pants which are a perfect match with the jacket. Years ago I saw Bryan Ferry perform in a similar outfit and redingote and leather pants have always remained in the back of my mind as one of the sexiest things to wear. 

The skin is Tête à Pied’s Janvier skin (no longer available), the necklace it the Chained Heart from Yummy, and the boots are Enkything’s Pinson in black.

Seen in world: yes  ~ Review copies: Pixeldolls yes, with blogger store card  ~ Friends list: no 

RFL CARNIVAL Sponsored by Team McDonnough! May 27th, 1pm – 9 pm SLT, on Isla Del Amor (home of Rebel Hope Designs.) DJ’s Naydee McGettigan, Tempest Jewel, and Jellybean Madison will be providing live music all day.

Auction Items — bidding will start on Friday 12:00pm slt:

PIRATE SHIP by Baron Grayson
THREE PLATINUM BEDS by Stroker Serpentine
SORROW by Androclese Antonelli
HDCC_Relay For Life_Lil Pink By HD Pomeray
NYMPHETAMINE_Rideable Relay for Life Swan by Paeoti Pomeray
Sky Designs Furniture Set By Sky Everett

Here are just a few of the many raffle prizes being given away
MULTI GADGETS by Timeless Prototype
JEWELRY by RH Engel
FURNITURE by Woodshed
OUTFITS/GOWNS by Rebel Hope
5k GIFT CARDS by Rebel Hope
JEWELRY by Random Calliope
JEWELRY by Chantal Fielding
5k GIFT CARDS by Blaze Columbia
Boa Collection by Callie Cline
LIMITED EDITION DRESS by DE Designs (Doc Eldritch)

This is a very short list of other content creators that are also contributing prizes…..Feri Beckenbauger, Flea Bussy, Natalie Basiat, Nyte Vargas, Raven Pennyfeather, Myztree Gorky, Ariel Black, Paeoti Pomeray, Moriash Moreau, Rachel Darling, Koy Figaro, Eolande Elvehjem, Jade Whiplash and many more!

A few of the kissing booth attendants will be: Timeless Prototype, Sky Everett, Wiccan Sojurner, RH Engel, Rebel Hope, Random Calliope, Tayzia Abattoir, Raven Penneyfeather, Chantal Fielding, Daphne Molinari, Fly Michelson,Doc Eldritch, Nevar Lobo, Pips Fetid, Kimberly Dale and many more!

Come enjoy the day, bring all your friends and help us raise money for the American Cancer Society! You dont want to miss this event!

[Update GH] A couple of days ago I blogged the fabulous new clothes and shoes at Tête à Pied. Well, Monday is Memorial day and CJ and Roslin have decided to run a 50% off sale on the clothes, shoes and shapes at Tête à Pied!!!!! Starting in little over an hour and it will run till Monday evening 11 pm slt. 

ZOMG do I have news for you… Tête à Pied has a new line!!!! Yeah well.. it was about time you’ll say, hahaha, not that much new skins lately besides the cute monthly specials. Wait.. but this is not about skins oh no… this is almost (well.. if that’s possible) better than that. Roslin and CJ have been teaming up for a brand new line of totally awesome CLOTHES!!!!!! And if that is not news enough, there are shoes too!!!!

I have been going crazy ever since Roslin dropped their hot new things on me. Hyperventilating, nervous ticks, even some trembling hands. Tête à Pied is one of my favourite skin crack dealers, but oh my…. as of now, they are my new clothes and shoes preferred supplier of the week too (being a realist here, I know I’ll start hyperventilating all over again at a next fabulous new release from another designer)

Here are the sweet Petal Pusher capri outfit and the romantic Grisette outfit. The Petal Pusher is such a cute casual, perfect for the month of May as the days get longer and warmer, and Grisette… the top is fully handrawn. It is so detailed! I could hardly believe it was not hybrid, but I have no reason to doubt Roslin when she says it was all hand crafted. It comes also with a white top, but the colored ones are so sunny that I prefer them for this post. These are but a few of the color options as SL is being a bit wacky again tonight and something has gone wrong when Roslin sent me inventory. So for the other colors you will go over to the shop and see for yourself

Same goes for the Love All outfit, shown in white here. I am so fond of these sporty girly outfits. Time for Wimbledon! And the Modern Goddess comes in more colors as well.. they will be on display in the new shop within an hour from now. New shop? Yay… across the street from the “old” Tête à Pied they have build a new shop for the clothes, the shoes, the prim nails, the Naturelle skins and all new things that will  be released. And no… I have not been there yet… but I will be as soon as possible.

Save the best for last? Hmm.. I guess so, at least, these outfits are my faves from this first release. The Effervescent dress is a lovely babydoll dress.. although I rather call it a short empire skirt dress. The transparent upper skirt layer is delicious, it almost sparkles and the bodice is totally adorable. The absolute best though is the Desk outfit. I started drooling spontaneously when I first tried it on. The high waisted skirt is so utterly elegant and the frilly blouse is really too good to put in words. The short sleeved jacket with prim cuffs…. don’t know how to express how much I adore it. Am I exagerating? Well, frankly it has been awhile since I was so overwhelmed by new clothes in SL so forgive me if I am being a bit over enthusiast.

I have put in some detail shots of the shoes that CJ made after Roslin’s design. Tête à Pied is truly a team effort. Roslin designs, and CJ’s execution is impeccable. They are a great example of how people can create gorgeous things when working closely together, inspiring eachother and challenging eachother to achieve the best possible. The Disc sandals and the Maryjanes in the upper photo, and the Office Fling slingbacks and the Satin slingbacks in the last photo. They all come in colors that match the outfits perfectly and they are so classy and detailed.

Ok… it’s getting way too late here. Signing off for now. Ciao!

Seen in world: yes  ~ Review copies: yes  ~ Friends list: yes

With June and July still ahead of us, this year’s Relay for Life campaign is breaking record after record. Never have this many people been involved, never have there been this much events. It is May 25, 5:30 am SLT and the campaign’s total right now is an overwhelming L$ 17, 276, 970 ( USD 70,144) for research to fight cancer, to find a cure, but also to inform communities and support survivors and their loved ones in their fight against cancer. Seeing this amount of money and realizing that besides the huge donations during special events, a substantial amount of it it is raised  in the numerous donation kiosk all over the grid, people being generous, whether they donate 1L$ or 1,000 L$, makes me so proud to be part of this community.

Speaking of which… Elika Tiramisu, hair creator extraordinaire, virtually challenges her customers to donate to the two kiosks she has in her shop at ETD Isle, by stating that she will match every single L$ that goes into them. Now I think that is an offer you can’t refuse if you have a beating heart in your typist’s body. Besides that, she has some really good RFL releases in her shop of which all proceeds ofcourse go to RFL and she has recently auctioned off 1 year of ETD releases which raised another L$67,439. I hope and wish that, while RFL is proceeding, other designers will have possibilities to be as involved as Elika. If not by donating directly, then by offering RFL releases in the special scripted vendors, or by offering the Relay sponsor teams their creations for auction or other fund raising events. So many of them have already, and they really do make a difference in this campaign.

One of them being Pukk Abel, designer of First Impressions. Already a couple of weeks ago she announced that she would release a series of designs for RFL, each of them only available for one week, but I only get to blog it just now. I think it is such a sweet idea. Hurry and get this week’s release because after May 30 it will be gone forever, and this week’s is truly a fashionista must have. Inspired after Edith Head, Hollywood’s greatest costume designer, ever Pukk has made these awesome shirts. Edith has clothed all major big screen stars, won more Academy Awards than any other designer, and even has her own star on the Walk of Fame. Now we are talking real fashion influence here!

Ryan Darragh from Second Man has blogged another wonderful initiative that he is fully responsible for. He contacted several designers and they have agreed to participate in a series of auctions that will run at the Shopaholics RFL team head quarters in the Motorati sim, from now till the actual Relay on July 28th. Bid box is on for the first auction of some awesome Gear Shift designs. Drop by and place your bid, dance to the music, have a cocktail or spend some L$ on one of the other RFL special products that are for sale there.