Second Style Magazine

A couple of weeks ago I went to a goth fashion show to celebrate the opening of the Writer’s Block Cafe at Book Island. One of the featured designers was Rfyre, and I absolutely loved their new design, Uasal. I only hope the picture does justice to the rich textures and incredibly ornate attachments and brocade, adorned with gems, lace and silver filigree! Elizabethan design is brought to the digital age in this sixteen piece (yes, sixteen!) ensemble that includes hair and shoes. Uasal is L$899 and comes in Verte (shown), Crimson, Noir and Ice.

Rfyre’s Raven Pennyfeather’s work is excellent and the quality and attention to detail on all the Rfyre clothes is incredible. (And if you go, take your menfolks shopping there too as their men’s collections looked great on the catwalk). I’m currently spellbound by Uasal. If I can ever stop pretending I’m Queen Elizabeth waving to all my peasants, I’m going back for their latest release, Tessen, a 17 piece Asian themed bodysuit that looks to be incredible as well!

Seen in World Y | Review Copy Y | Friends List N

Skin is Jessica by Cake.

Adam n Eve completes the move into their new store building this weekend with a Grand Celebration! (photo is a sneak preview from the men’s section, taken from Adam ‘n Eve blog)

Friday:

4 pm  (SLT) Electric blues and Zyde-rock singer Kelvinblue Oh takes the stage

5 pm (SLT) ChelseaMarie Noel takes the chill from the air with her warm, spicy jazz sound

6 pm (SLT)
Fireworks show.

Saturday:
 
10 am (SLT) Scavenger hunt and Dance party

Eve may have picked the first apple but now it’s your turn!  Follow the clues throughout our new building for a chance to win great Adam n Eve merchandise, including a grand prize of a 5000 L Adam n Eve shopping spree! You won’t be able to eat the apples, but Caledon Dj Gabrielle Riel’s musical magic will feed your ears. The real feast is for your eyes as you taste the newest offerings of some of the highest quality merchandise you’ll find in Second Life.
Sunday:
1pm (SLT)
Adam n Eve bids farewell to the old building with special prices on retiring merchandise (or anything we haven’t moved yet!) If you love a great deal, we’ll see you Sunday!
 
Adam n Eve is known for its creative and beautiful designs in men’s and women’s fashions, both historic and contemporary, as well as gorgeous skin, hair, eyes and jewelry. 

Grace Winnfield passed me this brand new design called Glamorous Garbo, available in a “sultry” and a “sweet” edition (L$500 each, L$950 for both) last night and I was immediately enchanted with its charms. Seeing as how flouncy feathered looks are so in right now, this design struck me as very timely as well as beautiful.

I couldn’t resist playing with the two ideas of sultry and sweet, mixing them up and seeing where it took me. I took the ecru satin gown from the sweet set and paired it up with the salt-n-pepper sultry fringe. Much of this design was hand painted by Grace and I think it definitely shows in the final product here. The alpha blending on this design is outstanding and the physics of the flexi-prim skirts are really quite amazing. This is definitely a gown you’d want to be out dancing in.

You can choose your answer to the “Sultry or Sweet” question by visiting Grace’s store on Alhena 96, 177, 23. Hair by ETD, jewelry by Paper Couture, skin by Tete a Pied.

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

I don’t know if this is how the official history of fashion in Second Life will read, but there have been some distinct “waves” in new talent over the past four years of Second Life’s existence. There have been so many brand new content creators with astounding talent that I’m not sure we have “waves” of new designers any more; to me it seems more like a sustained campaign, each day uncovering something or someone with a fresh look that’s worthy of some attention.

So it happened to me a few days ago when week-old Milla Darkstone sent me four outfits for my consideration. To be fair, I did not care for three of the four items she passed me, but the fourth outfit — this fresh and very stylish “erande” jacket and pant set was quite a revelation. Just in time for the fall/winter RL tweed craze to descend on every retail store in North America and Europe, I thought erande was perfect for the changing of the seasons now upon us.

The outfit has a very somber grey, but is livened considerably by the aqua pinstripes on the jacket and pants. I also loved the brown/tan plaid collar. It’s just enough of a frivolous — and stylish — accent to keep the outfit from looking too business-y serious. It came with a pair of prim pant cuffs which had the flexible feature enabled — but frankly I liked the outfit just fine tucked into a pair of the fabulous Dune boots by Maitreya. I’m also wearing Chocolat hair by Rei Gully of 0 Style, and some just gorgeous tiger’s eye jewelry by Siyu Suen (now available at her stall in the jewelry expo.)

I haven’t visited Milla’s shop yet — called Phasma — but I will be checking back from time-to-time to see what other surprises this newcomer has prepared for us. You can visit Phasma on Gartogg (110, 188, 61).

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

I am so very excited and pleased to announce that Second Style Stylecast #1 was released late yesterday night and is now available for your listening pleasure. Stylecast is a short (under 10 minute run time) weekly podcast hosted by Daphne Abernathy and Tamara Kirshner of Going Broke with Daphne and Tamara. Each episode covers one specific fashion topic — and episode #1 is about some fabulous new hair textures from Diversity, Calla and ETD.

You don’t need an iPod or any special software to listen to the show. Just click here to visit the show’s homepage and click on the player button — or, if you like, click here and subscribe to the show in iTunes.

The next episode will be out in a week.

Join the Metaverse Messenger Fashion Angels and Second Style Magazine this Sunday, September 23 at 2 pm SLT for the Fashion Fights Back: Survivors on the Runway show to help celebrate the grand opening of American Cancer Society island. Cancer survivors and Fashion Angels will be modeling RFL designs featuring some of the grid’s best known content creators including Nicky Ree, Bossa Nova, Calla, Rebel Hope, Digital Dragon, Analog Dog, ETD, Last Call and more. There will be a gala following the show at 2:30 pm. American Cancer Society (128, 4, 22)

In association with Metro Models, Second Style is co-sponsoring the New Shoots fashion show on September 28 and 29 at 6pm and 11am respectively. New Shoots is a show featuring brand new up and coming design talent in Second Life. I am excited that Myllie Writer of PERSONA and Annah Whitfield of Annah Couture will be participating in the show. Both of these ladies have been designing in world for under 4 months and the design quality is quite good. I hope you’ll be able to come see our models show off their clothing. Narcissus Island (203, 170, 21)

After the Friday show at 8pm SLT I’ll be hosting a Rock-n-Fashion party featuring the fabulous Shane Hornet as DJ playing Early Punk and CBGB alum at caffeine au go-go caLLiefornia (211, 162, 22). So get your mesh shirts, mohawks and safety pin earrings ready to rock out to the Ramones (and much much more!)

Miabella Foxley and the Imagen Divine Agency presents Divine Intervention — a fashion extravaganza featuring designs by Tuli Asturias, Lux Yao, Betty Barracuda, Betty Doyle, Shai Delacroix, Kara Eagle, and Haedon Quine. It’s quite a line up of design skill — and clothing styles, everything from retro, to street punk, to glamorous ball gowns. I can’t wait to see how it comes together. The show’s on October 5 from 5-8 pm SLT. Live Elements (217, 237, 461)

As always, you can also check out upcoming style events on our Second Style Style Calendar on the right navbar of this blog. (Or search for Second Style on Google Calendar.)

That was the working title of this extremely detailed sculptie cross necklace that Damen Gorilla of Adam ‘n Eve has made. These are by far the tiniest sculpties I have ever seen. When some time ago  I had a talk with another jeweler about sculpies for intricate jewelry, I was told that they could not be made small enough to be used for the fine primwork that was required. I guess we have passed to a next stage, because honestly, these are so delicate, that some video cards may have actually issues to display them properly. Damen told me that more is in the making, but I just had to share this with you.  For now it is available in this antique gold that I am wearing, sterling silver and black for the more gothic touch. Try a demo to see it for yourself, photos do this necklace no justice.

In this photo: hair is ETD’s Vivian in smoke burnt, the skin is Nora Entice Almond. The top is from a new gown by Innovations Enchantment. More of that to follow.

Seen in world: yes  ~ Review Copy: yes  ~ Friends list: no

Congratulations to our four diversity showcase challenge winners: top vote winner Cherry Tokyo (modeling one of her own kimonos!), Georgette Whitfield, Noelle Eilde, and Violet Xingjian. Thanks to all of our participants in this challenge. I’ll have a new fun challenge running soon (think lolneko . Meanwhile, our winners will get a cash prize and featured in an upcoming story about diversity in Second Life.

Cherry Tokyo

Georgette Whitfield

Noelle Eilde

Violet Xingjian

[poll=12]

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Noooo… I don’t mean I have cutie neko roots, although Dutch Touch clothes made me want to dig my ears up, because it looks so darn cute.  But I mean that taking a closer look at Dutch designers is just something I should do more. One of the advantages of taking blogging a bit slower than before, is that shopping has become more fun again, and that I take a bit more time to find things I really like, instead of trying to keep up with the blogging Joneses and trying to be on top of everything.

Dutch Touch has been around for a while, but I only just discovered this brand. And guess what, it really looks good without the ears too. It’s urban and edgy, with a fair amount of layer options.  I have the feeling that Iki Ikarus is hybrid in more ways than the neko thing. I think that she uses photo source for her textures, at least for some, but she works them in a way that they really, really look good.  Her shop also offers some nice stuff for the guys, that I bet look quite good on us too. Besides various outfits, Dutch Touch also has a nice range of basic separates that leaves you plenty options to combine with other clothes. Definitely not the last time I have been shopping here. Oh, before I forget, from left to right on the piccie:  Alley Cat (cute kakis, comfy hoodie and perfect fitting prim belt) , Geri (torn stockings, some of which tintable, nice primwork on the skirt) and Myrthe (unpreps the preppy argyles)

Hair: Mike from 0 Style in Black (modified the colour), skin: Sanguine in Sunkissed by Gala Phoenix, tattoo: Dod by Truth. Ears & tails: Hybrid

 Seen in world: yes  ~ Review Copies: no  ~ Friends list: no

Moire Georgette of bossa nova has been on “semi-involuntary” absence from Second Life for the past few months, but she is kicking off an extravaganza Sunday, September 16th at midnight SLT including a gorgeous limited edition gown (shown in the ad texture to the left) named insensatez which features a truly intricate 160 prim choker in silver, white, black and gunmetal. Only 50 copies of this design will be sold, and then it’s gone forever. But there’s more — Moire also has two really cute dresses Norma and Francoise to celebrate her brand new, bigger beach front store. Amour (184, 59, 27)

Did you get your L$1 drop necklaces from Caliah Lyon’s jewelry collection? No? Don’t miss out. There’s still time to get your own copy from her location in Linji (143, 151, 49). Also – don’t miss her brooch at Jewelry Expo. It’s one of the most elegant, exquisite things I’ve seen in Second Life.

Talyn Barrett of Analise announced that the store is having a huge 50% off blow out clearance sale on many many items across of the design lines Analise sells including dresses, skirts, silks and more. Check it out on Talana (127, 130, 25).

Raven Lament is having a big sale at her store. She writes:

From hair to clothing to shoes etc etc Ravenwear will be retiring alot of goodies! The store has grown way too big so you reap the rewards! I have placed atleast 70 more items in the 50l and less area of the store for those of you that do not know tp in walk to back wall turn right! You have a few days to pop in and pick up the items you want after that 50% of the 50l area will be retired for EVER never to be sold at Ravenwear again!!!! Items now listed from 1l to 50l! and a few freebies thrown in!

Visit Ravenwear at Ravens Requiem (84, 104,27).

Laynie Link writes on her blog about a new release she’s offering for L$75 instead of L$275. Get the full details from this post here . Her store’s located at One World (155, 90, 30).

As usual, if you’re having a sale or know about a sale I didn’t mention, leave a comment! Thanks.

Just a friendly reminder that if you’ve been meaning to purchase ad space in the magazine or send us a new ad to run in your pre-paid placement for issue #12, the deadline is coming up in about a week.

Our rate card is online here. We’re still offering our “buy 3 placements, get 1 free” discount too. I’ve assembled a readership demographics report especially for advertisers based on our recent reader survey. If you’d like a copy of it, send me an IM or email (celebrity -dot- trollop -at- gmail -dot- com) and I’ll be happy to send it to you.

Que Books just published Second Life: A Guide to Your Virtual World by Ansel Gasparini (Brian A. White in RL) and tomorrow (the world famous! ) Iris Ophelia is hosting a book launch party featuring some top shelf exclusive freebies: a very cool 512 square meter pre-fab store by Colleen Desmoulins of the Loft, a tee shirt by Dragontat Zagato of DMC and a really amazing dress by Ginny Talamasca. Yep, that’s right, a free Last Call dress just for swinging by the party.

As if that weren’t enough goodness for one party, my very favorite Second Life DJ, Doubledown Tandino will be spinning tracks live, followed by a performance by Juel Resistance plus an appearance by the author. Everything kicks off tomorrow September 15th at 11am SLT and 7pm SLT on Menorca (56, 203, 26).