The Unofficial Second Life® Fashion and Shopping Blog

If you don’t find something that suits you in the crop of new releases this week, then I guess I’ll have to eat my words. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. Check these out:

Canimal Zephyr did 5 new funky dresses, and the black one with the skeleton design on the front made my words stick on my throat. Tracy Scofield, Encore, used a play on words as she described her new skullie baby doll dress as cute. Ginny Talamasca, Last Call, kept her word and reopened with a huge new release, Noir et blanc. Nothing black and white about it, folks! Ravenlynn Templar, Liquid Velvet Studios, has some very cute costumes if you’re looking ahead to Halloween: Rainbow Brite, Snow White, Cinderella, are among them. Here is Strawberry Shortcake. She looks good enough to eat.

Elika Tiramisu, ETD, released 5 new hairstyles for her own brand, and 3 ladies’ and 1 guy’s for the Aveda line. Six Kennedy, Gurl6, added the word she’s got 4 new, 2 of which went directly to clearance. Roslin Petion, Tete a Pied released Celeste, a makeup with face tattoo by CJ Carnot. In a word, Tuli Asturias added 3 new makeups to her Series 2 skinline. Stephen Lightworker, RealSKIN, has loads of freckles for you in her new version of OMG:Freckles skins.

Gothwise, Raven Pennyfeather, Rfyre, did not mince words in describing her new release, Tessen as deadly elegance! The set’s textured fans alone are great!

I almost have no words to describe just how delicate is the 166 sculpted prims cross necklace made by Damen Gorilla of Adam n Eve. Appropriately named Delicate, it’s the only cross I’ve considered wearing in sl so far. I even went so far as to put a word in Damen’s ear that a pair of earrings as dainty would be just the thing to have! It also comes sized for men. The new store is open and fabulous. Lucas Lameth, Earthtones Boutique, finally lived up to his word with a new release. Lumina is a lovely set, and it lives up to it’s name.

Neferia Abel, Ivalde, did the last word in Stepford Wives outfits. Kassandra is the quintessential shirtdress, and comes with it’s own apron and gloves. I’ve wanted a nice shirtdress, and the texturing on this one is superb! Also look for others of Neferia’s new releases in the store. Maria Gherardi, MG Fashions, spread the word of the first outfit in her new Silk Collection, Silver Lake at Midnight. Shimmery loveliness!

Camilla Yosuke, Insolence, spread the word of her new lingerie release, Scarlett. If you’ve never seen her work, I’d like to put in a good word for her: S -E -X -Y! Betty Doyle, Ingenue, didn’t breathe a word she was planning a new line of Vintage Basics. That is, until she released her slinky Pencil Skirt. Janie Marlowe, Mischief, did Davis, and wear it to work if you want your boss at a loss for words. Darling plaid skirt or flapped pocket shorts worn with tights, a man’s shirt and quilted vest. Too cute for words!

Gentlemen, Antonia Marat of Artilleri released 10 classic Retro Shirts, with prim attachments, including the choice of a pack of smokes in one sleeve cuff. She also did her new ladies’ Kat’s coat in 4 more colors, but mark my words, I know I saw at least 1 male wearing one last week. Shai Delacroix, Casa del Shai got my attention from the word go with her Basic Boxer Briefs. Guys, they come with package attachment, and I don’t think it’s stuffed with a sock, either! Fallingwater Cellardoor, Shiny Things, made men’s sculpted shoes, called Tritones.

Nyte Caligari, Nyte’n'Day, just finished her 1L$ Newbie Tool Kit for females. Packed with good stuff, it should be on your list to spread the word to newbies looking for a boost. Male version coming soon.

Words fail me, so,

signing out for now, I’m…

Hello to those of you still checking in. The Summer is over and that means that I’ll be slinking back into the fold of SL fashion soon. With a little luck, I might be able to trot the redhead out to shop with me. While I wait for our RL issues to settle, however, I wanted to blog about something not so much fashion or shopping related, but something that does encapsulate the imaginative spirit of what Second Life has to offer. So much of our blog focuses on the business end of SL, but a great deal of what we all enjoy about our virtual sandbox is the creativity. It’s no fun to make Barbie pretty and cruise around in the dreamcar, unless there are things to go and wonders to behold.

Musimmersion is the brainchild of one of my dearest friends - Grace McDunnough. Those of you who frequent my Freudian Slip venue are more than familiar with my favorite songstress, but few of those who encounter her in concert alone could understand the scope of her talent. Simply put - she is a Renaissance woman of our brave new world. And yes, I am biased, thank you very much. In the past she’s been far more inclined to tinker behind the scenes and let others take credit for her labors, but Musimmersion is Grace’s creation from concept to execution and it’s a new step for SL entertainment and artistic expression that takes our community a step forward (albeit some of us, kicking and screaming from our dressing rooms).

So what is it? Well, like so many audio-visual experiences, it’s tricky to explain. Grace herself has asked that bloggers not give too much away to those who haven’t yet experienced the concept. But for those of you who are so inclined to take part in the limited run of this project, here is a bare-bones outline of what to expect.

For non-invitational sets, you’ll want to arrive early, as they are a first-come, first-serve basis. At 20 audience members, the SIM is closed to new arrivals. Late arrivals are not admitted. During the pre-performance meet and greet, audience members are asked to alter some of their graphic settings so that they can best enjoy the show as it was intended to be experienced. After that, audience members are seated (I suggest not wearing a skirt - the seating is *not* skirt friendly) and the tour through Grace’s music begins. From that point all, all you do is sit back and marvel at the artistry on display.

You are moved through a series of sets - each the visual representation of how a particular song translates to Grace. The songs are performed live by the lady herself as she sings, plays guitar, and directs the action. It’s an insane undertaking, but the effect, for those able to allow their minds to be transported, can be profound. The journey is an embodiment that presents the potential that Second Life can offer to those of artistic spirit. For the rest of us who are not quite so talented, it’s brain candy entertainment of the first water.

I do hope those of you who enjoy Grace’s soulful style will find the time to experience this labor of love. I believe all public performances will be listed in events, but because of the challenges presented by such a performance, the word to me is that our Ms. McDunnough might only continue through to the end of this month before moving on to new pastures.

However, I also believe she’s weak for whiskey and chocolates - so bribery may be possible. I’ll keep you posted.

Try as I might, I simply could not harden my heart against all the great things I’ve found in sl this past week. Instead, I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve, so to speak, or, anyway, wearing some great sleeves!

Need something to warm the cockles of your heart? Antonia Marat, Artilleri, brought out her Kats Coat in 6 versions. Great for the chilly weather that’s a comin’. Inspired by Antie’s coat, Roslin Petion, Tete a Pied, did a skin to complement it’s sex-kitten look, Chaton. Looking for a Halloween costume? Katy Angel, Lavish Style made some cute tees with pumpkins and ghosts, while her Spider Web and Bat girl outfits are not for the chicken-hearted.

After touring Jewelry Expo, I simply was stunned by the gorgeous offerings Siyu Suen of Illusions put her heart and soul into. There’s a marvelous freebie, her signature mask necklace, but I simply can’t decide between Gothica and Cherished. Just marvelous primwork!

The girls of Calla Hair Boutique are pumping out retextures still for all of their styles, but bless her heart, Haedon Quine took time out to release a Knotted Pearl Necklace that I like a lot. Caroline Apollo, Lo Lo, released the next in her series of Faberge eggs, and some nice rings to compliment your right hands. Fallingwater Cellardoor, Shiny Things, did Clara, a heavy, retro sculpted pump, in 11 colors of crushed velvet. Next spring, I’m going to her, heart in hand and begging for leather, in white, especially!

If absence makes the heart grow fonder, Ambyance2 Anubis, Naughty, released 3 more makeup sets for her Zoe Light skins for you Naughty skins lovers. Stephen Lightworker, Real SKIN, sent me her Darkness Blood Elf skin, shape, eyes, etc. This elf kind of tugs at your heartstrings. Caliah Lyon, Muse, also had from the heart releases at the Expo. Her Chatelaine set is amazing. Here is a back detail. I loved her Dauphine, too.

DoC Eldritch, DE Designs made an outfit with a decidedly western look for ladies. The long skirt is great, but it also comes with pants. Raven Lament, Ravenwear, has also introduced the Smart Skirt Script System in her designs. Don’t let your heart rule your head,I’m going to deal with these new scripted skirts in posts this week, so look for them before you buy. Ciera Bergman, Vitamin-Ci did Emma, a cute high-belted sweater/slacks outfit.

Guys, I know you complain there’s never enough out there for you. Well, I lost my heart to sachi Vixen of Adam n Eve when I saw her new Frock Coat Suit. It’s part of her new Men’s Collection, and in it, you will put Rhett butler to shame! It’s a must have. Also check out the natty Nehru suit and tees. Shai Delacroix, Casa del Shai, also took your needs to heart with her Slick Rick Trench Coat. Oh my! And if you want to worm your way into someone’s heart, buy Bryce Tully’s Kermit the Frog Avatar. He’s simply green, and soooo cute I had to show him!

Rowan Carroll blogged a find I wanted to share with you. Fabulous, and CHEAP Victorian and retro dresses.The designer is Raudf Fox , and her store is DiamonX Studios. I have set my heart on having a bunch of them. Tesla Miles has made my heart skip a beat with her Gwyneth Shoes. I think they’d go great with the above Victorian dresses, or on any dainty feet.

Jewelry Expo continues until Sept. 22. Miriel Enfield, with a heart of gold, is organizer.

Worn out from

pouring my heart out for now, I’m…

Wow! It’s pretty evident our designers have not been taking it easy. There’re loads of great stuff out there this week on which you can spend your easy money.

The long-awaited reopening of ETD has finally come for you habitual hair buyers. I’ll bet it was easier said than done for Elika Tiramisu. New store, new hair textures, 21 new hair releases, new freebies, all worth checking out. Aleri Darkes, Diversity Hair, offered 3 new ladies styles, as easy as one-two-three. There’s also one for the guys.

Now this was easier said than done, but Nyte Caligari, of Nyte’n'Day has done it!!!!! She’s introduced the sensidress, a scripted skirt that stays put when you sit and when you walk!!!!! Oh my!!!!! Just look…

Solange Cerveau, Solange! Fashions, made me cry “easy does it” when I saw her new releases. Pants, gowns, dresses, skirts and panty sets are all part of her Mademoiselle collection. You can easily pick up her free lovely cameo choker, too by joining her update group. I’m easy meat for Neferia Abel’s, Ivalde, new striped Victorian gown! It’s wonderful, along with a whole bunch of others she put out you need to go see.

Roslin Petion and CJ Carnot, Tete a Pied, added yet another makeup collection to the Vivant skins, Modele. And, as easy as abc, there’s a whole load of socks, stockings and gloves for your adornment.

I went over as easy as falling off a log when I saw Jackal Ennui’s, of Lassitude & Ennui blog! She’s back, and did a nice sculpted pair of ballet flats. They’re my favs, as they’re easy to walk in. Other shoe releases this week were announced by Tesla Miles, and Rowan Carroll of She’s So Unusual Shoes also has quilted boots.

Rebel Hope will make you look free and easy in her new Sinful Collection. Black for now, but more colors coming, and complete with stunning shoes.

Caliah Lyon, Muse, is giving us an easy ride with her smooth Celine Pearl collection of jewelry. Eolande Elvehjem, Accessories by Eolande, easy as pie improved her Celtic blossom hair pin, and made new peacock hair combs.

DoC Eldritch, DE Designs effortlessly gives us Somatic, what he refers to as returning to his “grass roots.” Black leather, for both sexes, with all the accompanying hardware will be sure to please those who like that style. Tuli Asturias offers 2 sides of the coin this week, an edgy punk/rock outfit, and a cute capri panted suit. Lux Yao, Amaretto, put out a limited edition gown that’s going to go very easy on your eyes. There’s also a sneak peek at the free gown she’s giving away at Jewelry Expo next week.

Well, guys, you can now take it easy and still look great! Simone Stern, Simone! Design, has finally gone and done it!!! She’s just introduced a Menswear Collection that will truly knock your socks off. Now you can see what all the flap that your lady friends make over her is about. There are a full range of styles, from business suits to club and beachwear, from goth to leather. This one is called Tony the Knife! Sharp looking, huh?

Some designers have been easy touches this week. Sales galore! Antonia Marat’s, Artilleri, 50% off sale runs until Sept. 13 in a little skybox whose tp can be reached in her picks. Eos Ultsch, Appearance Mode, blogged Nessinger Loveless’, of Tart, sale, along with several others. Easy does it, ladies.

Taking it easy, and

Signing out for now, I’m…