Newbie Fashion Tip: Joining Update Groups April 29, 2007

While many of you more experienced fashionistas are likely members to buckets of fashion update groups, the benefits of such groups aren’t always apparent to your average Second Life newbie…. including myself, until about a month ago .

Almost every designer worth his/her salt has an update group. Designers can send out updates of new products to these groups (obviously), which is benefit enough for the lazy fashion-obssessed, but often designers also send out special group only offers, ask for feedback, or even dole out group-only swag at our favorite price: free!

These freebies are not your out-of-the box gear either – they’re done by top-notch designers and are a way of thanking their loyal customers. So you can end up looking like this:

for free! All the items (minus my eyes) shown in this photo are gifts from various fashion update groups I am a member of: I am wearing a fabulous prototype skin from the yet-to-be opened TULI (the make-up is just sublime); part of a free jewelry set from EARTHTONES; a group-only hairstyle from Celestial Studios; and a group-only shade of the perfect Avril dress from Tete-a-Pied.

You should really only join the update groups if you are dedicated customers of the fashion line you are subscribing to – you often receive reminders and notices and if you don’t really care about the fashion line, you’re going to be pretty annoyed with the extra messages. But if you’re new on the block and are looking to tap into SL’s fashion scene, update groups are one of the best ways to see what’s cooking in the best fashion kitchens – and earn a free (and sometimes exclusive!) taste from time to time.

Sorry for the short, not particularly interesting post. It’s been a long weekend.

 OOH! And as an aside, please please PLEASE stop by DE at Clothing Fair (which seems to be lagging quite a bit less). They’ve got so much sugar fantastic-ness going on that I’ve got a headache just thinking about it. If you don’t want to brave Clothing Fair, visit their store. Here’s a little sample of what they’ve got:

This is Venu in Black and it cost $250L (please ignore my half-closed eyes in that photo… like I said, it’s been a long weekend and I was too busy to go back inworld and retake the photo). The skirt looks every bit as luxurious in-world as it does here, and the outfit comes in several different themes.

Clothing Fair Freebie Guide April 28, 2007

Phew… so most of my frustration has burned off, but I did have to take yesterday off from posting… RL called. But finally, here is the long awaited guide to freebies/gift boxes to be had at the fair!

Before I begin, I should let you all know that it is very probable that I missed some great deals or hidden freebies on my first run through the Fair (see last post).

I should also add that I realize these are freebies (or highly discounted items) and are not necessarily representative of the body of work of a particular designer. I do keep that in mind when I review freebies – I don’t always hold them to the same standards as clothing I pay full price for. However I do expect SOME quality, versatility or uniqueness in the freebies I end up adding to my inventory.

So while I do appreciate that some designers offer freebies and gift boxes (and in my opinion, far too few did it a Clothing Fair, compared to Hair Fair), to me there’s no reason to keeping something that I will never wear just because it was free or cheap. I just end up buying it, unpacking it, trying it on and then promptly deleting it. So if I say that your freebie is not worth picking up, I’m not trying to diss your entire store and I’m not saying that you should no longer offer freebies (I think freebies are a good service every designer provides to newbies, not to mention a nice marketing tool). I’m just saying that in my opinion, the payoff in this case may not be worth the buying, unpacking and trying on.

So with all those disclaimers… let’s begin. I’m going through these beginning at the Heall Entrance and working my way all around the sim. I’m not going to include a picture of everysingle thing in every single box, but I’ll try to get something that is representative of what’s in there.

Look under the tag for the guide.

Quick Clothing Fair Note (Rant) April 26, 2007

So I just spent 2 and 1/2 hours at Clothing Fair, and I didn’t even really get to shop. I picked up every freebie/gift box so I could do a comprehensive freebie guide in this blog (it is after all Second Life Low Pimpin’) and planned to do a little extra shopping on the way, but the lag was so terrible that it took me that long just to navigate around the sims and grab at anything that might be a freebie.

 Now, going into Clothing Fair, I knew there was going to be lag. It’s the first day. 2 sims chock full of designers, shoppers, decorations, animations, and obviously, the items up for grab. Knowing this, I chose a low prim hairstyle; low prim shoes; and wore a shirt and pants layer without attachments (not to mention nixing jewelery and accessories). Even though I’m fairly new to SL, I kind of understood that this was a common courtesey extended to your fellow residents when attending high-occupancy events such as this.

Warning: I may offend you.

 So I was pretty annoyed to see most avs at Clothing Fair decked out to the prim-nines. I saw thigh-high prim boots with straps, buckles, jewels, etc. paired with a freaking evening gown, two sets of bangles, a bling-tastic necklace and hair which must have been stolen from Dolly Parton circa 1987 on one av, who shall remain nameless. While this av was extreme, someone wearing no jewelery or not wearing a dress was a rare sight indeed. I saw 23 evening gowns alone (fully accessorized, natch) and for one awful moment I was stuck in a stall with five such offenders.

In another stall was a slave master (I won’t even get into  the whole slave thing here) who had two of her slaves on leashes (if you really NEED those leashes to go shopping, then don’t go to Clothing Fair on its opening day. Even slave masters should be considerate of others). I saw avs with purses (and one av with more than one!).

I totally believe in av personalization and freedom of expression, etc., etc. I also don’t expect you to walk around clothing fair all Ruthed out (I myself wore prim hair and shoes). But I DO expect my fellow residents to take the lag into account while dressing. I know that this is a fashion centered event and the temptation to dress fabulously is there. But if everyone overloads the sims with all those prims, no one will see your fabulousness because everyone will be gray while the system loads Little Miss Sunshine’s humongous confection of a wedding gown. Consider dressing low prim to be your own personal fashion challenge when it comes to these events. I, at least, will thank you.

I don’t know how other people feel about this (am I alone here??). But even if I am the only one who feels this way (and I’m pretty sure I’m not), I doubt there could be any argument that would convince me to change my mind. PLEASE for my sanity, and likely the sanity of everyone else, go LOW-PRIM to clothing fair.

I’ll have actual clothing fair posts tomorrow. I’m just too frustrated to even begin to sort through the freebies, model, crop photos and blog.

Steals at Chic Boutique, ETD (+1 splurge) April 25, 2007

Heads up: ETD is having a half-off sale on her Couture collection hair… she hasn’t set a definite date for the end of the sale, but I’d go over there quick if you want to pick up a couple of styles before the line goes belly up (the hairstyles will remain, but will be retextured). I’m wearing two of those on sale hairstyles in these pics (each style comes in a pack of 2 colors for a price of $100L).

Chic Boutique is also having a modest sale with 4 decadent lingerie sets 50% off. These sets are definitely worth picking up, like Rose Brocade below:

The detailing is over the top for the price of $97L. My favorite part about this set is the ultra-low back, which would totally not have a bat’s-chance in hell of working as a support system in RL, but is uber-sexy in Second Life. I don’t really have much use for lingerie in Second Life other than to drool over it, so one of the things I look for is its ability to stand alone as a top. Rose Brocade? Completely passes the test.

Jeweled Moonlight is also all aces and is on sale for $62L. Take a look again at that satiny, detailed top, and delicious hipster panties and say that price to yourself again: $62L. No more needs to be said.

(Except how hot is this hairstyle (The Long II in Smoky) for ETD?!?! Again, only $100L for 2 colors. I’ll wait while you buy.)

Finally, I couldn’t help myself and had to splurge a little on this new set from Chic Boutique. Even at $250L for a set of bra and panties I think it was worth every Linden:

How perfectly amazing is this shiny gold set? I think it looks even hotter with just the tip of the panty embellishment sticking out of the top of some ultra-low black pants. Every single thing about this set is so exquisite and elaborate and exciting (and apparently alliterative) that I think I might have an eye-gasm if I look at it any longer. Use this one sparingly, ladies – or often, if you’re dangerous like that.

I have to say that this set looks fan-fucking-tastic on Starley’s Vogue skins – the extra ab detailing provides a nice frame for the embellishments.

Rose Brocade Credits

• Lingerie: Rose Brocade at Chic Boutique (on sale for $97L)
• Skin: Vogue in Bronze Smoky Peach by Celestial Studios
• Hair: The Asymmetrical in Citrus by ETD Couture Collection (on sale in color 2packs for $100L)
• Necklace: Heavenly Cross in Midnight by Dawne – freebie!

Jeweled Moonlight Credits

• Lingerie: Jeweled Moonlight at Chic Boutique (on sale for $62L)
• Skin: Vogue in Bronze Smoky Peach by Celestial Studios
• Hair: The Long II in Smoky by ETD Couture Collection (on sale in color 2packs for $100L)
• Tattoo: Dragon Back Tattoo by Popfuzz (got for free on a lucky chair!)

Gold Jeweled Credits

• Lingerie: Gold Jeweled by Chic Boutique
• Pants: Boardroom Barracuda by Last Call
• Skin: Vogue in Bronze Smoky Peach by Celestial Studios
• Hair: The Asymmetrical in Rust by ETD Couture Collection (on sale in color 2packs for $100L

Super Cheap Earrings April 24, 2007

Get ready for lots of similar up close headshots of my av, because I am too lazy/frustrated with Second Life to attempt to mess around too much with poses tonight.

Lots of great earrings at super low prices today.

First up, these cuties from Julex:

The 3 in 1 pack includes this set, plus a pair of angel wings, and a pair of fleur de lis – currently on sale for $50L! But get your virtual booty over there pronto, because the girls are closing up shop for good. In the meantime, there are many great deals to be had as they clear out their inventory.

These earrings are delightfully detailed (as you probably can’t see in the picture) and include a star, shell piece and dangling beads. They girls at Julex constructed this out of one prim using transparencies, so if you’re a prim-purist, stay away! I don’t care that much, because the price is right and it’s always good to have a couple of low prim items in your inventory for those lag-heavy events.

I will say that the bling on the above Julex earrings is a little… zealous.

This is a brand spanking new release from Last Call, offered up as a freebie to their update group. Called Daphne, it includes a gold and silver set with matching necklaces, and Lyra says it’s a preview of an upcoming larger release. I must say, the texturing on the circle surface is amazing – it’s kind of a dewy metallic glow. Brava, Last Call.

Finally, a super-versatile release from Miriel for $20L or $50L for all three metals (black, silver, gold)! This Bubbles set is cute enough on its own, but Miriel’s gone and made the beads color change as well. I can see these quickly becoming my go-to earring set.

In case you didn’t get it before, it’s essentially a pack of 13 earrings for $20L!!! Go. Buy. Now. There’s no excuse.

Credits:

• Hair: Gwen in Black Gloss by Gurl 6 – Hair Fair 07 freebie!
• Skin: Vogue in Bronze Smoky Peach by Celestial Studios 
• Earrings, from top to bottom: 3 in 1 pack by Julex, Daphne in Silver by Last Call (update group freebie) and Color Change Bubbles in Gold by Miriel

Two Fabulous Dresses April 23, 2007

First up, the springy Emma in Green from TART:

Nothing I could possibly say would top the subtle perfection of this dress. But, I love it so much, I can’t shut up about it. Check out the 1/2 sleeves with the sexy detailing! These sleeves could not be at a better length, IMHO. Plus, they feature cutouts and scallopped edges. The fabric is a masterfully done rumpled linen that crinkles when you just look at it (errr… rez it?).

My avatar is LIVING (errr… pixelating?) in this dress until further notice. You’ve all been duly warned, so don’t try to stop me when I head out to ice skate (in my brand new freebie ice skates, picked up at Sarah’s Freebie Warehouse, I might add) in the BEST LINEN MINIDRESS ever created.

No less fun is this recent release from Ivalde:

This dress is a sexy, different take on the spring togs that are currently flooding the Second Life fashion circuit. For one, obviously, there is not a pastel color in sight. But that doesn’t stop the Berthe dress (shown here in red) from emitting that very-in spring feel, with its flower motif and sarong skirt. If most spring ensembles are flirty and fun, Berthe cuts straight to the chase – she’s sexy and classy (a one-two punch in my book, for those of you keeping score. The dangling prim sarong tie is a particularly nice touch.

Here I went with a “classy” spring theme with Berthe, but you know she would be rocking in some diva-tastic boots and stockings.

Have I mentioned how much I adore spring yet?

Emma Dress Credits:

• Dress: Emma in Green by TART
• Hair: Angel IV in Black Pearl by Naughty Designs
• Necklace: Wish in Starry Gold by EARTHTONES
• Shoes: Wrapped Stiletto Boots in Brown by Shiny Things
• Skin: Vogue in Bronze Smoky Peach by Celestial Studios

Berthe Dress Credits:

• Dress: Berthe in Red by Ivalde
• Hair: Angel IV in Black Pearl by Naught Designs
• Necklace: Cameo and Sautoir by boing fromage
• Hair Flower: Lovely Lily by /artilleri/
• Shoes: Noir et Bronze Heels by French Gallery
• Skin: Vogue in Bronze Smoky Peach by Celestial Studios

Crab Pajamas April 22, 2007

Brand new at Jolie’s Boutique are loads of cute PJs, like these crab ones shown. Some seam problems on the side, but that’s typical of RL pajamas so it makes me love them EVEN MORE!

I’ve been feeling like I don’t want to get dressed, so these were perfect for a lazy Sunday. These crabs are just adorable, but I love the color scheme here too…

My favorite part is the top with the seamed waistband – so delightfully detailed! Four sets in different colors/themes.

Credits

• PJs: By Jolie’s Boutique
• Skin: Chai in Vanilla by Lovey’s Boutique
• Hair: The Bombshell in Nutshell II by Armidi

Spring Blooms at Shiny Things April 21, 2007

I’m super tired, so I’ll do today’s post real quick and dirty.

Add a little sugar to your spice with these dainty offerings from Shiny Things. I’m wearing the necklace and earrings here (obviously), but there are also adorable anklets and a fabulous arm cuff available. They come in four colors, priced around 100L-200L.

These would obviously be an asset to any spring/fairy/earth goddess attire, but I like to slap them on with decidedly sexy, tough outfits, like the Boardroom Barracuda suit from Last Call here. Think flower child meets Jessica Rabbit. The leaf necklace looks particularly delectable when it dangles right between the on-display girls. It’s so freaking sexy that I want to engage in a marathon tree-hugging session. The PERFECT release for Earth Day.

Credits

• Necklace, Earrings: Spring Leaf by Shiny Things
• Outfit: Boardroom Barracuda, sans blouse by Last Call
• Hair: Julia in Natural Blonde by Hairapy
• Skin: Chai in Blueberry, Lovey’s

Spring at Sassafras April 19, 2007

Sassafras has delightful hand-drawn clothing for spring – delicious and inexpensive, like a bag of Skittles. Unless you buy them at a movie theater. The Skittles, not the clothes.

Anyway, take a look at this darling sorbet of an outfit, named North Star:

I know it’s much more covered up than most of us like to be in Second Life, but it’s layered and you can mix in the requisite-exhibitionist pieces at will. The colors here are just too creamy perfect to pass up, and the cropped pants here are perfection, in my opinion. I love the big lightened cuffs, I love the front and back pockets, I love love LOVE the star belt. The entire outfit was $150L. Seriously.

Sassafras just released Canvas Kickers, a longer length short that I am in love with for spring:

The shorts come in a two pack for $100L, one with blue belt and one with pink belt. These shorts are long enough that you avoid the weird crotch thing that goes on with most pairs of shorts, but certainly aren’t long enough that they’re going to appear attached to a fanny-pack and behind a stroller in Disneyland.

Credits:

• Outfit: North Star by Sassafras
• Shorts: Canvas Kickers in Blue by Sassafras
• Top: Wifebeater by ETD – Freebie!
• Necklace: BabyBlue Moonstone by Alienbear Designs – Freebie!
• Shoes: Sneakies in Mint Green (color change!) by Tickled Pink
• Hair: Airy in Black by ETD – Freebie!
• Skin: Chai in Blueberry, Lovey’s

Hats on to Relika April 18, 2007

I found this small collection of adorable hats at a teensy-eensy shop called Relika. At $50L a piece, or $200L for the whole set of six, you don’t have an excuse to not buy one to at least try — even if your loyalties lie firmly in the anti-hat party.

Each hat has surprisingly plush textures with excellent little details, such as the cute pink flower on this hat in tweed. Unfortunately, each hat is default set at supersize – I am not an insane character in a children’s book by Lewis Carroll, so I prefer to size my hat down to a size better suited for an avatar’s head.

Relika also has a limited line of clothing available, including the (free!) shirt above (which comes in a pack of 3 different colors with matching scarves) and the super-fab tank, bolero and pant set below.

Polka dots in teal and brown! So excellent. These brown pants also have the cutest little back pockets with buttons that match the buttons on the bolero. My gripe here is that the bolero and tank both are on one combined layer – no mixing and matching here, which is a shame, because I adore that polka dot tank.

If you buy, the three hats pictured are the ones to snag – the others are not shrinkable due to super-tiny prim adornments (very cute flowers and ribbons) and I for one am not willing to place Godzilla’s discarded headwear anywhere near my oh so beautiful head. If you’ve got a monster fetish, then by all means go ahead and grab the whole pack.

Credits

• Hats: Bakerboy Hats in Tweed, Grey Knit and Plaid by Relika
• Top: Disco Blitz in Blue by Relika – Freebie! (comes in pack of three with scarves)
• Shorts: Heart Shorts in grey by Canimal
• Outfit: Couture PolkaDot in Blue & Brown by Relika
• Top: Flamenco in Creme by Relika
• Shoes: ColorChanging Wooden Wedges by Mischief
• Hair: Sweet Kisses in Cinnamon Blonde by Goldie Locks
• Hair: Natalie in Burnt Honey by ETD
• Skin: Vogue in Bronze (Smoky Peach) by Celestial Studios
• Necklace: Feather pendant in Silver by *MM*

Phew. That’s a lot.