The Unofficial Second Life® Fashion and Shopping Blog

The redhead is back! Long live the redhead! As you all can see, Madame Doolittle is now accounted for and the revels may begin. Those of you who prefer her entries to mine, rejoice! I am certainly in your camp.

Upon my return to SL, I adopted a new alter-ego ID and reconstructed Salome so that I could sneak and shop. As it turns out that might have been a bit counter productive, but I spent a lot of time making Salome just the way I wanted her and the idea of spending time on a new paper doll was just — not happening.

My first “spoil myself” shop stop was to visit Simone! which any reader of this blog knows is my virtual clothing drug of choice. What was I to discover, but that in my absence, Simmy created a drool-worthy gown which she named “the Salome.” Squee! And double squee! (To hell with you, my ego is allowed to squee when it’s petted).

This is a luscious satin dream, and I was all over the Pink Champagne, although like most Simone! creations it comes in a variety of shades including a sophisticated ivory wedding gown for those who enjoy taking the virtual plunge in outstanding style. The full skirt has a gentle rustling movement (read: no FDD) but, being the fuddy-duddy I am, I’m thrilled that it looks just as lovely and fully of swink with its included system skirt.

Included with the Salome (and several other Simone! ensembles) is the Esperanza jewelry set by Zarah Dawn of Adorned. The fan shape is not only distinct and flattering, but also ever-so-slightly flex prim to give it a subtle realistic movement that is hard not to love.

Okay. I know that my choice of pink makes this gown look a tiny bit 80’s junior prom, but my tacky love of bubble gum pink aside, this gown, titled “Fallingwater” has two skirt options that are both nummy. The textured detail on the bodice is incredibly realistic, the prim bow is darling, and both skirt versions move in a manner that, frankly, I wish more flex-prim designers would figure out. And yes, I know, I’m barefoot in formal wear. Consider that the “after prom, walking beside the hotel pool” shot.

While I was away, Ms. Simone Stern also got in touch with her inner slut and discovered that she could do some high-class slutwear and lingerie. The little seventies nightclub -slash- silk is called the Deborah and it makes me want to wiggle and disco at Studio 54. Bah. Where did I put that time machine? The whisper of a top also looks hot with jeans.

For drop-dead-sexy, though, the Shannon in red is impossible to pass up. The bra, bustier, panties, stockings and sarong are incredibly detailed and delightfully naughty. It’s also so damn pretty that you’ll have a hard time not just strutting around in it in public.

Speaking of slutwear that makes you want to strut, this is “Licorice and Lace” and includes what is - in my opinion - the most droolishly MUST HAVE pair of thigh-high boots in all SL creation. Granted, leather and lace is not really my style (I never was that big a Stevie Nicks fan) but I’m keeping the boots. They are made for walkin’ and…assorted other activities that are too delicate to mention here.

My favorite of Simone’s new wicked side, however, is China Doll. The overall design is tres chic and I love the vintage flair. The fabric texture is positively perfect and the set includes what may be one of the best pairs of shoes EVER.

I know. I know. These are shoes that are INCLUDED with an outfit. These Gold and Black Pumps also come a la carte and in a variety of colors. Did I mention - Squee!

As if the lingerie selections weren’t enough, Simone! knocked me out several times when I stumbled all unsuspecting into the “casual wear” wing.

Let me repeat that: Simone! Casual! Wear! Wing!

Okay, I know. I’ve been away and I’m the only one this is news to, but ungh! The hand-done perfectly textured jeans and sassy little belted shorts are almost too much, but the tops! Ohhh the tops!

The utterly frightening thing about this entry is that all of this stuff was old news when I found it. It’s all from her Fall line and there is an entire WINTER collection I’m still sorting through. So forgive me for playing catch up if you’ve already got these treats in your inventory. They were new to me and I had to gush.
(Read More | Where to Buy)

In my absence, skin maker Tete a Pied has been engaged in a devious plot to steal my whoring heart away from my go-to Gala skins. Recently they have come out with a line of skins made exclusively for redheads, and you know that little item floated right to the top of my inventory pile upon my return.

What You Get: There are currently eight absolutely gorgeous makeups designed exclusively for the redhead range - you won’t find these faces in any of TaP’s other lines. The skin colour itself is also a redhead exclusive - not too pale and not to pink, but a warm, healthy fair tone that really flatters a redhead.

The Face: I am a sucker for each and every one of these redhead makeups. This Trendy Teal is my absolute favourite; I love the green eye shadow and the lip colour on this one. There is a great range in these eight faces, from casual everyday to hot and smouldering evening looks. As always with the TaP skins, the makeup is flawless and perfectly coordinated, with the particularly excellent lip highlighting that is a TaP trademark.

As you can see, this face also has a smattering of freckles; in the redhead range of eight, four have freckles and four are barefaced. You can take your pick, but I like freckles and these are very nicely done - heavier on the cheeks, barely there on the nose, and perfectly blended. There’s a nice natural blush under there, too.

The Body: The body work on the TaP skins is subtle and minimal. However, it seems more detailed than in the previous TaP skin I reviewed; it’s a lot less soft-focus and much cripser, which I prefer. There are nice details, like the finger folds and back of the knee folds, which are items I appreciate. The abdomen is softly defined, with a belly button I really like (I have belly button issues. The gaping black hole belly buttons freak me out.)

As per usual on the TaPs, this is one lovely arse as well - the dimples are adorable, and the bottom shading makes for a nicely rounded bum. One detail is the crease mark at the top of the legs; close up, it looks a little like you just took off last year’s knickers, but from a reasonable distance, it does help to define the pelvis and avoid that “pubic hair in space” look. Which brings us to…

The Bits: I am a fan of this almost-heart-shaped pubic patch; it’s a great colour, well matched to the eyebrows, and of actual human density. The kitty on this skin is also superb - there are defined outer lips, and an actual clit, and a shaded interior that gives an overall excellent effect.

The breasts, on the other hand, I am less of a fan of. The face is so crisp and well defined that the nipples, by contrast, seem badly balanced on a nude avatar in their fuzziness. I like the cleavage-enhancing white lighting and the bottom shading; it’s a good, realistic effect, but I would really prefer it if the nipples were better defined with identifiable areola landmarks. On the other hand, we can assume that unlike me, most people will see you with your clothes on and not off, so the actual nipples are less of an issue for your average consumer.

Overall, I think these skins deliver excellent value for money for the discerning redhead. The skin tone and the specifically-selected makeups really shine through for the scarlet-tressed among us, and at $1,000L each, they’re right on the money. All of the faces are appealing, and when you can get a four-pack for $2,500, you don’t even have to choose!

Where to Buy:

Tete a Pied
Trendy Teal: $1000L
Nouveau (204, 160, 22)

Back. More later. Skin review coming as soon as the grid is back up. Hair review to follow!

I’m going to be shy with details of my extended absence, but for now, let me just say:

1/ I was dealing with some family issues, was physically away from a computer that would run SL, and it couldn’t be avoided.

2/ I missed so many people in SL, the game, and the blog.

3/ I will be dealing with advertisers who bought ad space with nobody here to take their money this week.

4/ I am back, for real, and with a job that will allow me to be here at least 3 days a week with at least 5 blog posts a week.

xoxox

We are still getting our bearings back after our big break, but there is a charity event going on right now that needs mentioning for those of you loyal LL readers who may still be checking back in with us.

Simone Stern in all her marvelousness is hosting a huge blow-out rummage sale in order to aid in the medical expenses of dear friend and fellow designer Ayeshe Millions (a sweetheart of a gal if ever there way one).

In addition to the opportunity to get your hot little hands on some Simone! fashions at a fraction of the cost, there are also donated items from the inventories of some of SL’s most notorious pack-rats. This is NOT your average yard sale and the cause is sincerely needed.

Land for the sale has been graciously donated by Cyberland (Shaun Altman) and you should set your SL map coordinates to: Calzadi Island - 117, 146, 22.

I wouldn’t wait. There are going to be some choice items going fast. This is a wonderful opportunity to sneak away with some crafty bargains and the happy feeling you only get from helping others.

Note: In a continuing effort to lend a hand toward further medical expenses, Simone has established the “Angels for Ayeshe” network. Any designers interested in becoming an “Angel For Ayeshe” are asked to contact Simone Stern via IM in-game.