SL - 10 Things I Love About You. Blogger Challenge!!

I had this idea for a post to pictorialize 10 things I really love in Second Life that makes my experience so much richer. I had lots of fun putting it together and would love to see my blogging colleagues share pictures of what floats their boat about SL.

To ensure due credit, I have listed the creators of items used in each picture.

In no particular order, here are 10 things I love about you SL:

Number 1 Chantkare
If I could choose one SL designer to dress me in RL, it would be Applonia Criss from Chantkare. This is her Jada dress from the recent Platinum Hunt and encapsulates all that is brilliant about her designs. Bold, vivid and always stylish, SL just wouldn't be as beautiful if there were no Applonia.

hair: elikatira; skin: glam affair; eyes:  izzies; dress: chantkare; shoes: maitraya gold; nails: pixel mode; bracelet: paris metro; earring: junk; bag: teefy (teefy gone).

Number 2 Maitreya
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Well right there I've shown 8 ways before I even clicked my heels. From the moment I landed on Maitreya Isle nearly 4 years ago, I've been a serious fan girl of Onyx Leshelle. When I popped on my first Aimee hair, I was mightily impressed by the realism and understated sleek model look that I hadn't yet found in SL back then. Maitreya Gold heels are the Jimmy Choo's of SL imo.

Number 3 Juicy Bomb
I know nearly everyone will agree with me on this. Gogo from Juicy Bomb, This Is Juicy, iheartsl and the divine Juicy sim has made and continues to make a massive contribution to SL fashion and lifestyle. Her Juicy Bomb blog is a must read for thousands of SL residents who take their SL style seriously. What I particularly love and appreciate is her desire to share what she knows through tutorials and an honest, transparent critique of items she blogs about. Not wanting to use any copyrighted material to pay tribute to Gogo, I created my own interpretation of what the juicylicious Gogo means to me.  Everything pretty, feminine and sweet which quite frankly, we need a lot more of.

Number 4 Glam Affair's Jadis V2 Skin
I have so enjoyed watching Aida Ewing's wonderful label Glam Affair go from strength to strength. She has provided us with a stunning build and ambiance to enjoy our shopping experience which adds to the pleasure of our life style in-world. I've always loved Glam Affair skins but the new release Jadis V2 skin is as pure and perfect as they come. Skins are one of our biggest investments both financially and in terms of our identity so unless you have Lindens to burn, the choice is usually well considered. If you can only purchase one fat pack, the Jadis V2 in your favorite skin tone would be my recommendation for quality and versatility. From morning to night, from club to catwalk, this is my pick.

skin: glam affair; shoes: lelutka; rings: glow studio, hair: elikatira; earrings: je suis; padded room backdrop: adorkable poses; nails: pixel mode.

Number 5 New Boutiques...New Labels.
Like I've said before, nothing is more fun in SL than discovering a relatively new designer or someone not yet on the tips of everyone's lips. Like when I found Equus not so long back, I loved the joie de vive of this dress called 'Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls'. Whilst I've chosen Equus to represent my joy of burgeoning new designers, there are so many of you out there just waiting for discovery and I wish you well.

hair: elikatira; skin: glam affair; eyes: issie's; dress: Equus; nails: pixel mode; shoes: pixel mode; lashes; the niven collection; eye shadow: chelle; bracelet: paris metro; earrings: glow studio; runway: bent.

Number 6 Strawberry Singh
Another blogger, stylist, writer, photographer, and the list goes on, who raises the bar so high that most of us are swinging off it by our finger nails, is Strawberry Singh. How amazing is this girl who shares so much with us through her tutorials and tips? She illuminates the feeds and in-world publications so brightly I have retina damage. She needs no introduction but to me as a reader and an appreciator of her art, she makes me want to do better. See I even learned how to do reflections in PS in a bid to improve my skills. If you stand still too long, I'll reflect you. Like with Gogo, I didn't want to use any of Strawberry's pics without due permission so created my own fruity tribute.

hair: plume; skin: glam affair; eye shadow: synt; dress: magoa; shoes: lelutka; nails: pixel mode; earrings: je suis.

Number 7 My Pre Fabulous Home
I am an unabashed house whore in SL. Not any house though. Oh no, they have to have impeccable style and second to none texturing and lighting. They don't have to be big, in fact, my preference these days is for compact. When I came across the Lani Beach House straight from the architectural drawing board of Fornicola Butuzova at Pre Fabulous Homes, I signed up on the spot. Pre Fabulous? Post Fabulous? It's just bloody Fabulous. This is how Fornicola markets the Lanai: "Ever watch a movie where there this gorgeous cocktail party, where people are enjoying a martini back-lit by a the glow of an elegant pool. Well now you can host that party!" It doesn't have a kitchen but that's ok, I only ever use caterers.

Number 8 Fashion Feeds
I know many of you will join me here to say that the multitude of fashion feeds in existence for SL are an integral part of our daily SLives. God I know I've left some off...sorry if I have. When I don't feel the inclination to drop in-world, I feel connected and informed by browsing the feeds much like I do with my RL fash mags. I seriously appreciate the work my fellow bloggers devote to presenting SL so fashionably. AND if I'm not on your feed....add me...add me. /me chortles.

hair: ploom; skin: glam affair; eyes: izzie's; top/pants: ison; shoes: redpoly shop; chaise: the loft.

Number 9 Flickr
Ok I know, it's not specifically a SL application but so many of us use it. I love to see everyone's artistic interpretation of their Second Life with a few residents out there having a lot of sex...lucky buggers. How do I know? Cause they keep showing their pics. Good for them. Anyway I love to flick through flickr and thought it only fitting that it made my top 10.

hair: ploom; skin: plastik; eyes: izzie's; eyeliner: boom; top: acid & mala; pants: plastik; shoes: dela; earrings: chantkare; hat: indyra originals; arm bands: dela; neck tie: mailing couture; belt: maitreya; bracelet: paris metro; nails: pixel mode; reflections: Chalice don't ya know.

Number 10 Shopping
Last but absolutely never least is shopping. In both lives, its what I do very well. It's almost orgasmic to walk down the street with bags upon bags of glorious buys then get home to unpack. I personally would rather wait and save up for quality items than to have a wardrobe full of cheap stuff. My dad taught me that and its how I've always been PLUS when I go to my favorite boutiques, they wrap and bag it really, really well. No nasty plastic bags in sight.

hair: elikatira; skin: glam affair; eyes: izzie's; dress: ibizarre; lashes: miamai; hat: bliss couture; earrings/necklace: loulou&co; shoes: maitraya gold; nails: pixel mode; bags and boxes: from every-bloody-where.

Anyway darlings...hope you enjoyed my top 10 SL people, places and things. Hope to see yours soon even if you do just one.

I was remiss not to add the Linden's on here because without them, we don't have a SL.

BoHo HoBo Jean-ius.

I've had a blast doing the Platinum Hunt, reacquainting myself with all the glorious designers who blow me away with their talent. So much fun in fact that I've neglected my blog and delayed posting some of the great things that have been sent to me. Sorry lovies but sometimes I need to drop the business and just be a resident without a cause.

Trill Zapatero from BoHo HoBo sent me these Popsicle Jeans in Cherry and I was dying to post them. I love good jeans and have a soft spot for bell bottoms. They come with a brilliant belt and the texture and seams are quality all the way.

I'm not a big wing wearer but when I stumbled across this store called Equus a little while back, I was mesmerized by this set called Pegasi Embryo Wings. I'll be bringing some more Equus magic in the form of slick couture pieces that I fell in love with very soon. That's Chalice's very soon not the rest of the worlds very soon.

Another purchase I am excited about was these Polly Suede Shoes from Ducknipple. Me adores them and I'm even more thrilled that one pair affords you color change choices and I'm really impressed with the foot.

During my hunting, I found the haughty Deco Necklace in the form of a clothing layer at Grixdale for 50% off...boo hoo. Grixdale don't go:-( I didn't have the energy to rifle through my wardrobe for a top so wore this to cover the boobies. Likewise, I found these great Smexy Black and Bowie Lace Gloves from Epic and thought, what the hell. Throw them on too Chal.

Only 25 stores left to go but really I don't want the hunt to end. The Platinum Hunt is a gooden. Now I must spend copious hours unpacking and trying it all on.

Meh Clothes:
Hair: Knotted Hair in Marilyn tone by LeLutka.
Skin: Elena Pale Glow Skin by LAQ.
Eye Shadow Tattoo: Two Days To Go Fuchsia Shadow by synt.
Necklace: Deco Layer necklace by Grixdale.
Jeans and Belt: Popsicle Jeans in Cherry by BoHo HoBo.
Wings: Pegasi Embryo Wings by Equus.
Shoes: Polly by Ducknipple.
Bangle: Gilded Goddess bracelet by Paris Metro.
Gloves: Smexy Black and Bowie Lace Gloves by Epic.
Poses: From Juxtapose.
Shot at Zaara.

Smart Cabinet from Behold Designs

The minute I saw this cabinet designed by EnCore Mayne from Behold Designs I fell in love with it.

The detail is wonderful and the scripted smoked glass doors are something else. EnCore generously sent me the cabinet and I couldn't unpack it quickly enough. If you are looking for a quality yet functional piece of furniture for your home, look no further. You can purchase it from EnCore's Marketplace store here. For the incredibly low price of $211L which equates to around $1.20 US, it's a phenomenal price when one considers the skill and time involved in producing this.

Thanks darling. Looking forward to your next masterpiece.

Blogger Bashing.

I'm a glass half full kinda gal and as I've gotten older, have come to realize that things are never quite what they seem. I have learned to stand back and take a look at different perspectives before I make up my mind. I used to be entirely the opposite and would make snap judgments as quick as look at you. When I say this shift has opened up a whole new world, I'm not joking. I can listen to one side of an argument walking away with a certain mind set then hear the other side and I've reanalyzed my position yet again. Some say this is sitting on the fence. Not true I say. Sitting on the fence in my opinion is when someone makes their mind up and won't be swayed even when evidence is presented to the contrary. People with strong and rigid opinions often have the ability to attract others to their cause a bit like the Pied Piper but that doesn't mean they are right just because they have a large following.

I felt compelled to comment on the current distension in the blogging world between The Rumor and certain people who have taken umbrage about some comments left by Rumor writer's that were, let's be honest, in bad taste. The thing about taste however is everyone's is different. Two camps appear to have emerged from this and you only have to read the comments from both to see how opinions widely diverge.

There have been a number of blogs over the years that have built their reputation by being opinionated, sarky and blunt yet I can't recall such a public backlash as I've seen with The Rumor. The comment that had racist connotations and the one questioning if someone was still alive were uncalled for because in my opinion they had nothing to do with promoting the products and they were just plain nasty. They were understandably called on this and Pennelope Thiessam attempted to clear up the controversy. Whether one agrees with the genuineness or sincerity of her statement, she did take the time to address the issue in a public forum. Primarily I'm really concerned in respect to a persons freedom of expression being shut down because some influential people don't like the essence of the blog.

I find The Rumor a really handy tool to suss out who is selling what at discounted prices and while I think they've got some nerve bagging products they haven't even purchased or tried on, it is their right to do it, say it, express it. Everyone who puts anything into the public domain must be prepared for criticism as well as praise. Pennelope and the others are dealing with this right now as it's par for the course when you make controversial comments. The same goes for those who make things in SL for money. You put it out there then you had better be prepared for some form of critique whether it's a snarky one liner under a picture or a well constructed review of your creation.

There are no right or wrong blogs. There are situational unacceptable comments that cross the line in terms of inappropriateness that breaches laws or the Charter of Human Rights. When that occurs, the author(s) must be taken to task, as they have, but not liking a blog because it ruffles the wrong feathers, well that's when you should keep scrolling past.

I guess what I'm saying is by all means be angry at those comments just don't use that one situation as an excuse to destroy a person.

BREAKING NEWS: Chalice Found Squatting In New Dutchie Bed.

Before I even start with this post, here is the LM to Dutchie Furniture where you can buy Froukje Hoorenbeek's new release Adult Bed.

HERE

OK where to start? Froukje Hoorenbeek is just amazing. She has literally mastered SL building and creating, showing us that RL designs can certainly translate into our second lives to provide us with comfort, beauty and practicality. Froukje has improved on this bed so remarkably that I simply don't think SL would be worth living without it.

It is your one 'drop' shop for anything you would need to do in bed and then some. Whether you're solo like me, have lots of mates around for pajama parties or are a sex fueled couple, this bed will serve it up to you and then make itself after-wards. Oh Froukje, how did you do it?

For example, click on the bed to invoke the menu. In that menu you can opt for SOLO, FRIENDS, CUDDLES, KISSES, FOEEPLAY, SEX, MORE SEX, A BIT MORE and AFTERWARDS. Each option has a choice of 9 poses some complete with accessories. That is 81 different ways to enjoy the bed guys...freaking 81.

Chalice readily admits she is a SL virgin with an electric toothbrush so she only drove it in SOLO but you wait until you test drive it. You'll be busy for days. Available in Green, Black and Salmon, this bed is the Rolls Royce. NO, a custom make Rolls Royce no less and will give you hours of fun.

Come visit Chalice in bed...

Damn...it even has tissues and chocolates for when you dump his sorry ass to the kerb.  Froukje you're a genius.

SPOTLIGHT ON...LionSkins and introducing the soon to be released Zora.

Here is my interview with the irrepressible Lion Jonesford, skin maker extraordinaire of LionSkins.

(CC) When did you open LionSkins?

(LJ) LionSkins first opened its doors 3 years ago now.

(CC) Why skins particularly?

(LJ) I was already doing airbrush art in my first life for films, effects, and adverts etc and it inspired me to try adding these types of art to skins for people to wear.

(CC) When you opened your first shop, how many different skin lines did you have for sale?

(LJ) When LionSkins first opened, we only had one skin line called ZEE and it came in five skin tones. I started with only one skin line to see what the response would be to something so different from what was already available in world.

(CC) Were there any particular skin designers who inspired your early work?

(LJ) Yeah, after seeing all the noob style skins in the market, I was really inspired to make better quality skins available for all, especially after seeing a very glamorous lady, I knew it was possible to do.

(CC) What kind of woman wears LionSkins? Who do you market to?

(LJ) LionSkins aims for free spirits, someone who isn't afraid to be different and stand out from the crowd. There are no rules on how to wear or when to wear, with pixel makeup you can’t mess it up when you go to sleep lol.

(CC) Which skin line are you most proud of?

(LJ) My favorite skin line from the past would have to be CANA. It had a fantastic response from customers in world. Of my more current skin lines I love SUKAI. I learnt new skills and experiences in creating this. All of these new skills I have learnt are really making the work I do today much faster and of a much higher quality and so I’m really loving the newer skin lines more.

(CC) You work so hard on your skins and marketing your business. Where does your inspiration come from?

(LJ) The main reason is because I find it’s my way to have fun and express myself. I get inspired a lot from my real life experiences and surroundings and my wild lifestyle. People have described me as a kind of female Indiana Jones on a world journey. My other inspiration comes from the pressure and unfair things that have happened to me both in world and in the real world. The more people try to bring me down the more I come out fighting and I work harder.

(CC) Apart from your fabulous main store, you have a satellite store in a great location on LeeZu Baxter's 'To The Nines' sim. Given no other outside designer's share space with LeeZu, how did that come about?

(LJ) Well LeeZu was one of the first people I met in Second Life and she encouraged me when I was starting out. LeeZu was one of my very first customers, she loved my free style and after having done a few projects together we are now used to working closely. I also have had the pleasure working with other designers too for example, last year I worked with Nardya Rousselot of Nardcotix (NOIR skins) and it was really nice and uncomplicated. Also last year I made a special edition DOLLHOUSE collection for HOUSE OF BENINGBOROUGH and they did an amazing show using my skins. In fact it’s my favorite show to date. It was a perfect project between two designers. I really wish more designers could share their own experiences and work together on projects to help make SL a nicer and more fun place for all.

(CC) You have joined creative forces with Tabata Jewell's Vanity Hair label. Can you tell us more about that?

(LJ) I approached Tabata and asked would she be interested in doing a project together and being the open minded person that she is, she happily agreed. Through working together on these last projects we have become very good friends.

(CC) For people who know nothing about skin creation, what is the hardest part of the body to perfect?

(LJ) Basically a skin is made up of lots of layering of templates and consists of three parts, the head, upper part and lower part. To try and get the three parts together with all shading and effects etc without seeing the lines that join them is something that drives many people crazy. It’s extremely complicated. Another difficult part of skin making is to do the effects from the side of body. Hands and feet can be complicated as the template is so very small to get into details especially when the template only gives one hand and one foot to work on.

(CC) Which skin tone is the hardest to work with, light or dark?

(LJ) I personally find that very light skins can be the hardest to work with. It’s harder to add shading or 3D effects on very pale skins when everything looks so white and flat.

(CC) Have you got any exciting plans for LionSkins in the near future?

(LJ) We have yes. We have a contest going on at the moment which is due to end on 15th September. We are taking part in the Modeling Convention by Premiere Modeling Agency and we also have a Fashion Rocks serious of mini events and main event coming up. We also have many more fun and exciting things coming up soon but we are keeping them a surprise for now. :-)

(CC) What makes you happy in SL?

(LJ) I like meeting fair, warm, honest, hardworking people. I really enjoy collaborating with other designers too and it’s great to see what can come from it.

(CC) Is there anything you've dreamed of doing with your skins that you haven't done yet?

(LJ) There are many things I have dreamt of doing and hopefully will get to do as I grow and learn as a designer. I won't share the details now, but watch this space. :-)

(CC) Any new releases coming out soon?

(LJ) Perfect question. We have ZORA which will be released very soon, I actually stopped working on it to come and answer your questions :-) but we also have many other projects in the works but I prefer not to talk about them and just rezz them in the store.


And believe me, ZORA is the classiest skin that just pops out at you. Perfect for models who are looking for a refined skin with that extra va va voom, ZORA will have you selling your grandma for a fat pack. COMING OUT SOON....get ready. Here is just a little teaser....

ZORA Pale

ZORA Sunkiss

ZORA Sun

Amazing Blog - "Avatars In Motion"

No pics just sharing.  If you haven't seen the blog 'Avatars In Motion' make sure you do.  It showcases stunning places in SL so if you're always on the hunt for new, fresh locations to visit or take pictures, this is pure inspiration.  I'm not sure who runs this blog but THANK YOU. 

I'm Such A Poser.

I want to share a little secret with you that was actually shared with me by the adorable Barbarella Fuosing one day.  Thank you hun.  I wanted a really easy pose hud that I could wear and be able to fill with hundreds of my model poses to use anywhere in SL.  She told me about Kru Flan's Anim Preview Hud available at Kru's Boutique for only 1L.  This hud is so simple and convenient, I just can't get by without it now.  The hud holds no more than 100 poses but because it's copy, you can make a load of them depending on how many poses you have.  You drop the hud to the ground and just drop them in (no more than 100 though).  Wear it and a little box comes up on the screen that actually names each pose.  You just press play and then click forward or back arrows.

I have 6 separate huds that I alternate between. I also have more for sitting poses, moving poses, laying poses and silly poses. What I love is the fact that the hud window is so small and doesn't interfere with the screen. I'm sure you all have your own system of shooting around SL for your blogs but I have found this to be the easiest thing ever and it just doesn't matter what location I'm in, it always works. My 1L outlay has paid for itself a gazillion times over in terms of being organized.

So if you've been looking for a system to take the headache out of photographing yourself, this is it. Go visit Kru's Boutique. When you land there, look for her shop that specifically says POSES and click this sign shown below.

If you don't come back to my blog saying 'omg Chalice may I lick your feet and feed you a grape' I'll send you a set of steak knives.

Kru Flan get's my SL Resident Of The Week Award. It would also be remiss of me not to mention her wonderful poses, clothes and a plethora of other items for sale in her shops.

Impossible Cross Earrings from BEHOLD Designs. EnCore Made Them Possible.

One of my 12 special women I chose to send the '12 Women' note card to that is currently doing the rounds, EnCore Mayne has been designing things in SL for quite some time. From pogo sticks to jewelery and everything in between, I am constantly amazed at her knowledge and love her uniqueness. She displays her creations at BEHOLD Designs in Choerom or purchase from Xstreetsl.

EnCore sent me these unreal earrings called Impossible Cross. I was thrilled and the second I put them on and cammed in, I knew these were something very, very special. Delicate, simple and restrained, I could see immediately how technically skilled the design of these earrings is. I have a feeling, like in many of her pieces, some blood, sweat and tears may have been spilled in bringing them to fruition. I'm waiting for the right outfit to showcase one of her costume jewelery pieces that I know must have been a mare to make.

Look. Just look at that. One cross magically suspended in front of the other. I just love them EnCore and these will become my everyday earrings that Cha wears knowing that they were created with such care and attention.

In my hurry to share these, I'm not sure if EnCore has them up yet but do have a visit to BEHOLD Designs. She does awesome poses too. I'm not sure how busy EnCore is but she would be the one to go to if you wanted to commission some special, bespoke poses. Thank you sweetie for these and for being one of my 12 important women in SL.