A Balancing Act:

The Beachwear and Lingerie Expo is in full swing at Vanity Universe. I stopped in this morning to have a look around and was fairly impressed with the selection of high quality fashions available…and I picked up a couple of gifts while I was there, also.

In the end, though, I looked at my overloaded inventory and realized that I had more swimwear than I need, so I decided to beef up my lingerie collection in an attempt to even things out.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love love love a long, flowing bedroom jacket over my lingerie. (I offer my need to wear Digit Darkes’ Determined Coat almost daily as Exhibit A) So, when I walked into the Nicky Ree shop at the expo, there was no question as to whether or not to purchase the Vicky Lingerie Set. The textures are beautifully detailed from the embroidered lace on the edge of the jacket to the little ribbon tie on the brassiere. The set also comes with a lovely, satiny chemise for when you want a little more coverage, but still look sexy and chic.
It seems that each time I wear a babydoll anything, I’m greeted with the inevitable “Preggers?” question from Guy. I doubt he’d find anything remotely maternal about this stunning little bit of nothing from Casa Del Shai, though. The hand-drawn design is captivating and the modestly cut panties are demurely enticing. The sheer teddy skirt on the Malena Lingerie Set can also be removed exposing just the tiniest ruffle underneath the breasts.

For shoes, I made a mad dash to Stiletto Moody and picked up the Mary Jane Sandals in Johns Silver and the Gladiator Sandals in Tan-Brown. Though, I could kick myself now for not splurging on the color change option. Oh, well, the Shoe Expo is going on, so I’m sure I will find something worthy of my hard earned Lindens there…but that is another post for another day.
Some other details…I toned down my usual raspberry-hued lips and opted for a glossy, pale pink, but kept my signature cat-like eyeliner (I could kiss Roslin and CJ for this Vivant Feline skin from Fleur, it is indeed my very favorite and I’m rarely seen in any other). My nail color is Super Nova from Nevermore Studios. And for hair, the blonde wig I’m wearing is Lindsay by Dernier Cri, and the brunette is Eva II in Caramel by Maitreya.

That’s all for now. Be sure to visit the Swimwear and Lingerie Expo, it’s going on until July 26, 2008. As for me, I’m off to count my pennies and head back over to the SL Footwear Expo. Four sims of treats for my toes, all to benefit the ASPCA. Stay tuned for more info!

Oh My MichaMi!

I’m currently working on an SLNN article about blogger-turned-designer, Milla Michinaga. Her wildly popular blog, MichaMi, is probably responsible for my addiction to SL Fashion, and it was through her blog that I discovered many of my favorite designers (yes, Milla is to blame for my Digit Darkes addiction). So when I heard that she had begun selling her own designs, under the same name, of course, I had to rush right over and buy her entire debut release!

Today, though, when I logged in, I found that she had sent me a review copy of her her latest release, and I was on cloud nine! On top of that, I finally found Creamshop and these giant earrings I have been lusting over for ages! Don’t ask me why, but on the few other occasions I’ve tried to find this store, I’ve found myself in some really crazy shopping sim and not able to actually find the store and too rushed to spend enough time looking…yes, it appears I only have half a brain on occasion).
The texturing on the bustier is gorgeous, notice the delicate boning and seaming. Each article of clothing is available on all possible layers for easy layering. Milla also packs a photo of the outfit and includes a notecard listing her styling suggestions. I love this as one of the things I’ve always loved about Milla’s blog is her careful selection of accessories, so even though she is no longer blogging, she’s still giving us her fashion tips!
I love the giant Glam Earrings from Creamshop and couldn’t pass up the Cock? Swan? Necklace. It’s just too fantastic. I also found the Lily Bangle and thought it would work to add a little splash of color to the outfit. Add J’s Gladiator Sandals and I’m ready for a summer night out on the grid!

Be sure to visit Milla’s store, MichaMi, on Rue d’Antibes. You won’t be disappointed in her classic style and beautifully designed wardrobe staples. And check back often, as I know she is working on even more products as I write. Ciao!

Style Sheet:

Outfit: MichaMi Bustier and Shorts Suit in Coffee
Earrings: Creamshop Glam Earrings in Wood
Necklace: Creamshop Cock? Swan? Necklace
Bracelet: Creamshop Lily Bangle in Orange
Shoes: J’s Gladiator Sandals in Dark Brown
Eyes: Dramavatar Eyes Dark 12
Skin: Fleur Vivant Buff Feline/Rebelle (Custom)
Hair: ETD Lynne II in Blonde Burnt
Mani/Pedi: Nyterave Dark Sangria

I’m Loco for Loco Pocos

My friends Damien Fate and Washu Zebrastripe are incredibly talented. I’ve always known that. But, even with that knowledge I was not prepared for the wonder and awe I discovered while visiting their latest endeavor, Loco Pocos Island. Here are a few pictures I took while exploring the sim with Damien Fate, Washu Zebrastripe, Sasy Scarborough, Gwyneth Llewellen and Ana Lutetia.

Please follow the jump for the full press release and be sure to watch Sasy’s amazing You Tube video filmed on Loco Pocos Island.


“LOCO POCOS ISLAND – Damien Fate has gone out on limb, literally, to bring to the Second Life grid an interactive destination unlike any other.

On July 9, 2008, Second Life ™ residents will be able to experience, first hand, the magic that is Loco Pocos Island. The island is built with a story in mind, and visitors are invited to search the island for pages from the unfortunate Captain B. Bonnik’s journal. Each journal entry will piece together the history of Loco Pocos Island and will lead the visitor to secret locations where special tasks and rewards await. The centerpiece of the island is the mythical tree, Rokeden. With it’s rich texturing, imaginative design and Fate’s characteristic attention to detail, visitors to the sim will instantly become immersed in, and a part of, the fantasy that is the story of Loco Pocos Island.

Fate felt inspired to create Loco Pocos Island hoping to bring a unique experience to Second Life residents. “My dream was to create something new in SL, not with just a product, but a whole island experience. Something that is intuitive, bringing things to a whole new level and above all, bring everyone in SL together by removing all language barriers possible.” Fate continued. “Sims can be so much more than just a store, avatars can be so much more than just prims.”

Loco Pocos, which, loosely translated, means “crazy tinies”, are the inhabitants of this magical island. Each sculpted avatar, equipped with a user-friendly HUD, is meticulously detailed and textured. The Loco Pocos are infinitely customizable via the HUD for maximum personalization. Each avatar is able to emote and gesture via the HUD and wearing any of the multiple Loco Pocos accessories automatically updates the HUD with the appropriate customization options for that item.

The HUD itself is designed to offer maximum ease-of-use. The graphic icons are easily recognizable and a users manual, translated into seven languages, has been provided for those who prefer text based instruction. Overall, though, each avatar and it’s HUD was designed so that the end-user could visit the Island Store, purchase an avatar and begin exploring all of the island’s adventures within minutes.

Prior to beginning the Loco Pocos project, Fate worked with the Electric Sheep Company, playing a major role in the development of such notable projects as Ben and Jerry’s island, IBM Sentinel 2.0, and CSI:NY (tv shows and inworld game/machinima), independently developed a popular line of Final Fantasy avatars, and the mirada.smartHUD, an emotion HUD which, to date, has sold over 5,000 units.

Fate was joined in this endeavor by his partner and wife, Washu Zebrastripe. Zebrastripe is a beta lifetime member of Second Life and is the original creator of prim hair. Fate and Zebrastripe are also co-owners of the Hairspray Sim.

To kick off the Grand Opening of Loco Pocos Island, a massive scavenger hunt event will begin at Noon SLT on July 9, 2008. Visitors to the sim on this date will have the opportunity to win a unique avatar which will only be available during events at Loco Pocos Island.

For more information about Loco Pocos Island, please contact Damien Fate or Washu Zebrastripe or visit the Loco Pocos website.

Photos are available from Damien Fate’s Flickr Photostream and from the Loco Pocos Flickr Group page.”


See you at the Opening!

Rouge Has Arrived!

That’s right. Today is the Grand Opening party for CodeBastard Redgrave’s new sim, Rouge. The theme of the night is, of course, red, and I chose my gown accordingly. I actually thought of changing it once, but this is the dress Codie liked and since this is her day, I decided to stick.

Several people are keeping their party attire a secret but, since I have another, bigger, secret to keep, something had to give. So, I’m giving the metaverse a sneak peak at my homage to Rouge.

The gown, handbag and boa are from Rebel Hope, the earrings are Paper Couture, and the shoes are, of course, Stiletto Moody. Apart that, you’ll find another tried and true ETD wig on my head and my makeup is by Fleur.

And, just in case you missed it (and I don’t know how you could really, it’s been all over the blogosphere since yesterday afternoon), here is the official Rouge Press Release and pictures of the sim. See you at the party!

“ROUGE – Saturday, July 5, 2008, marks the highly-anticipated unveiling of CodeBastard Redgrave’s new sim, simply named, Rouge. Redgrave is the creator of the infamous Boudoir Rouge portrait series, developer of the MachinimaCam and Dramavatar fashion line, and owner of the Code Red Lounge and Gallery.

The aesthetic design of Rouge was conceptualized by Redgrave and legendary builder, Eshi Otawara. From that point, Otawara used her skills as a builder, designer and artist to create a multi-purpose destination that will serve as the new home of the Boudoir Rouge Gallery Walk, Code Red lounge and Rouge Boutique.

Just over 2500 prims were used to create the basic structure, artwork and furnishings. Otawara’s judicious use of mega-prims and unique textures has created a locale never before seen in Second Life. The land is formed in the shape of a female silhouette outfitted with artistic touches signature to Rouge’s proprietress. Visitors to the sim will instantly recognize Redgrave’s signature color, and the sim’s namesake, as well as her ever-present red stilettos. A black and red feather boa serves as the roof of the Gallery Walk and a shock of wavy hair provides cover for the Code Red Lounge.

The Rouge Boutique is housed inside a dance pole shackled at the feet of the silhouette. The boutique will offer selections of Redgrave’s own creations, as well as, offerings from some of the grid’s most notable designers. All items available for purchase in the Rouge Boutique will feature the color red in keeping with the sim’s theme. Designers who have already signed on to have their designs featured in the Rouge Boutique include, among others: Casa del Shai (Shai Delacroix), Juicy, Tesla, and Bluebell Productions.

Additionally, Rouge will be available for use by individuals and organizations wishing to host parties, fashion shows and other events in a unique and beautiful setting.

Rouge will open, officially, with a Grand Opening party that will begin at 2:00 pm SLT on Saturday, July 5, 2008. Events are planned throughout the day and night so that the festivities can be attended by friends from around the globe. Hostesses for the evening will be the luminous duo of Queen Coronet and LadyArwen Demina. The DJ line up includes some of Second Life’s most sought after mix masters:

• 2PM-3PM – DJ Azufr3
• 3PM-5PM – Digital Francis
• 5PM-7PM – Nexeus Fatale
• 7PM-9PM – Amanda Shinji
• 9PM-11PM – Init Hubble
• 11PM-1AM – Eris Alexander
• 1AM-3AM – To be determined
• 3AM-5AM – To be determined
• 5AM-7AM – Nephie Eerie – Stella Errans

Several of Second Life’s most prominent designers have signed on as sponsors of the epic Grand Opening event and will offer special gifts to invitees. The sponsors list includes:

• Tesla
• Casa del Shai
• Juicy
• Bluebell Productions
• Simply Silks
• Callie Cline
• Alexx Markova

Due to the expected high demand, access MAY be limited to Code Red group members. IM CodeBastard Redgrave for a group invitation and come join the fun. “

*Rouge sim photos by Stephan Venkman

A Red Letter Day

On Saturday, July 5, 2008, Second Life residents will finally be able to experience, first hand, the highly-anticipated unveiling of CodeBastard Redgrave’s new sim, simply named, Rouge.

Codie, as she is affectionately known, is the creator of the infamous Boudoir Rouge portrait series, developer of the MachinimaCam and Dramavatar fashion line, and owner of the Code Red Lounge and Gallery. Apart that, she is also a very close friend of mine.

Having had the opportunity to watch the transformation of this sim from barren desert to work of art at the hands of legendary builder, Eshi Otawara, I can honestly tell you that Rouge is, indeed, one of, if not THE, most unique and beautiful builds I have seen in Second Life to date. And it is quintessentially representative of it’s proprietress.

From the official CodeBastard Redgrave website:

“ROUGE — CodeBastard “Codie” Redgrave, photography artist and content designer, has the immense pride and pleasure to announce that her brand new sim, Rouge, will open it’s doors to the public with a smashing huge party happening Saturday the 5th of July, starting at 2PM SLT. It will end up several hours later to accommodate friends from both the American and European timezones.

A press conference will be held Friday the 4th at 6PM SLT for all bloggers and journalists interested to know more about Rouge and the opening event. I will also offer a guided tour preview of the sim after the press conference. Those interested can ask for a press pass directly to CodeBastard Redgrave.

The party will include an impressive lineup of DJs to entertain you, including Nexeus Fatale and Amanda Shinji, among others awaiting confirmation. There will be gifts distributed all night. Boudoir Rouge artwork will be on display for you to enjoy, or to acquire those exclusive pieces to support the sim activities. Many surprises awaits on this unique and magical night to come. The dress code is anything red, or lingerie, or naked (you read well).

The Rouge sim is a unique and amazing piece of work created by building and design luminary Eshi Otawara. The whole sim is a concept never done before in SecondLife both in the aestethical and spatial organization sense. It’s purpose is to host the new version of the legendary Code Red Lounge, the new Rouge gallery walk and a new store, just called Rouge, that will sustain financially the sim’s cultural and artistic activities. The Rouge store will include products from multiple content designers, of course most of it themed with the red color.

The new sim will be hosting various events, from art events to fashion shows, and will be available for rent to any organization needing it for holding special events. It is also an awesome leisure resort where Secondlifers can come anytime they want for a good time in good company, in a very spectacular setting. It is a VIP club but will be open to the public as soon as the sim is officially launched.”

The official schedule for this event has also been announced via the website and includes a who’s who of Second Life DJs each cranking out their signature shows to keep the crowd energized. They include:

• 2PM-3PM – DJ Azufr3
• 3PM-5PM – Digital Francis
• 5PM-7PM – Nexeus Fatale
• 7PM-9PM – Amanda Shinji
• 9PM-11PM – Init Hubble
• 11PM-1AM – Eris Alexander
• 1AM-3AM – To be determined
• 3AM-5AM – To be determined
• 5AM-7AM – Nephie Eerie – Stella Errans

Several of Second Life’s most prominent designers have signed on as sponsors of this epic event and will offer special gifts to invitees. (Note: I’ve had an opportunity to preview a couple of these gifts, and you won’t want to miss out!) The sponsors list includes:

• Tesla
• Casa del Shai
• Juicy
• Bluebell Productions
• Mairead Fitzgerald
• Callie Cline
• Alexx Markova

Due to the expected high demand, access will be limited to Code Red group members. IM CodeBastard Redgrave for a group invitation and come join the fun. I’ll be there…and who doesn’t want to party with me? See you at Rouge!

Moonlight Serenade

In case you couldn’t tell by my last post regarding Chambre du Chocolat, I am quite the fan of Eshi Otawara’s designs. Having had the opportunity to spend some time with her lately, watching her transform a barren sim into a work of art (check back for my upcoming post on the opening of said sim, Rouge), I’ve become even more of a fangirl.

Her latest release, Moonlight is a vision in slinky sexiness. Beautifully textured with a to-the-knee plunging neckline, mermaid skirt and a sculpted hood draped down the back, the dress is perfect for an evening of dancing with that special someone. Eshi has also included a necklace and earrings that perfectly complete the ensemble. The dress is also available in red and teal.

Words alone cannot describe the refined elegance of this gown, so I will let the pictures speak for themselves and cut right to the style sheet.

Oh, but I will leave you with one, final thought…get thee to Chambre du Chocolat tout de suite and buy out the store! There is not a single uninteresting or less-than-stunning design to be found. You won’t be disappointed.

Style Sheet:
Dress, Gloves and Jewelry: Moonlight by Chambre du Chocolat in blue and in white
Shoes: Elegant Slingbacks by Stiletto Moody in Silver Twinkle
Skin: Fleur Vivant Bronze 3 Feline
Hair: Davina II in Black Faded by ETD
Lip Piercing: Monroe by Fuel
Ring: Black Sapphire by Redgrave
Poses by Torrid

My Sweetly Dark Side

One of the things I love most about SL is being able to change my look any old time I want to. And lately, it seems I’ve been more interested in “darker” styles. That would explain why I didn’t hesitate to pick up this Ghost Princess outfit from !* REBEL-X-*! (though, honestly, given my love of accessories, it was probably the umbrella and the crown, not pictured, that did it for me). My only complaint? The skirt is too big and does not mod down any smaller. Hula hoop, anyone?

While trying on this outfit, a friend passed me a landmark to a store called Katat0nik. Always up for exploring a new store, I teleported over there to find some really cute stuff. The black boots are an in-store freebie, as is the adorable pink skirt.

The too-cute hoodie has a really great little fish (wearing a crown, no less!) on the front. The texture is a little blurry around the waistband, but all in all, it is well-done. And very reasonably priced. The pink boots were a little pricier, but have a beautiful texture around the leg prim and are a lot of fun to stomp around in. And can I just say that I looooove when designers include multiple sizes for their boots. I’m always nervous when I have to resize something like that.

Thinking that maybe my regular, blonde, ETD hair wasn’t edgy enough for these outfits, I wandered over to Maitreya to see if I could find something more suitable. What luck! I found the Aimee style in a free fat pack. Free hair is always a good thing…well, usually.

For the skins, I just did a search for Goth and came up with one from ‘<3 cupcakes that I wore with the Ghost Princess outfit and I chose the RFL exclusive, Lust, from La Sylphide to wear with the Katat0nik outfit.

I’m thinking about exploring the whole Goth Lolita look a bit more, so stay tuned!

Style Sheets:

Outfit 1:
!* Rebel -X- *! Ghost Princess P. Outfit (included crown and cape not shown)
Boots: Axis Mundi Sculpted Boots by *katat0nik*
Skin: Random – Gothy by ‘<3 Cupcakes
Hair: Aimee by Maitreya in Jet
Lip Piercing: Monroe by /Fuel/

Outfit 2:
Jacket: Little Swallow Queen Hoodie in blue by *katat0nik*
Skirt: Plaid Butterfly Skirt in pink by *katat0nik*
Socks: !* Rebel -X- *! Ghost Princess (part of outfit)
Boots: Ghostfire Boots [Stomp Lightly] in pink/black by *katat0nik*
Skin: Ingrid Light – Lust by La Sylphide
Hair: Aimee by Maitreya in White
Lip Piercing: Monroe by /Fuel/

I Love The Nightlife…

The last couple of weeks have seemed like a tangle of parties and events. I’m exhausted! But looking back on the pictures, I am remembering all of the fun that was had. It is always great when friends, old and new, come together for dancing, conversation and, of course, mischief-making. So, I thought I’d share a few of them with you…just for kicks.

Plurk/Twitter Meet Up – L to R, Front to Back: Osiris Pfalz, Washu Zebrastripe, Jun Kuroda,
Dakota Blackmountain, Tenebrous Pau, and Timothy Lilliehook

I mentioned in a previous post that Guy and I hosted a party at our home, The Retreat at Balboa Beach. It was a fabulous time, but I was so busy playing hostess that I totally forgot to take any pictures! Bad, Gabby, Bad!

Not to worry, though, last week Damien Fate, Codie and I snuck around with Guy and Nexeus Fatale to throw a surprise 5 1/2 year Rezday party for Washu Zebrastripe. You read that correctly. Washu is older then Second Life. She is an original Beta Lifetime Member, but has sadly NEVER celebrated her Rezday (It falls on the day after Christmas…so mark your calendars). Damien made confetti launchers that went off whenever anyone said “Washu,” Nexeus played all of her favorite tunes (and a few not-so-favorites…mm bop, anyone?), and lots of friends made their way over to dance and celebrate with her. It took some sneaking around, but we managed to keep the secret. Codie even had to find a way to eject Washu from her group so that she could send the invite without raising suspicion. It worked and a grand time was had by all. That is, until the powers-that-be decided to do a sim move in the middle of it! But, such is life in Linden Land, right?
Then came yesterday’s Plurk/Twitter Meet Up organized by Osiris Pfalz and held at the Code Red Lounge. Tenebrous‘ sploder weakness was brought to light, the dancing poles were filled and 60’s/70’s/Disco fashions were the style du jour. These meet ups give us an opportunity to meet, in avatar, those with whom we share insight, witticisms and random minutiae when we are not in world…and sometimes even when we are. There was an excellent turn out and everyone had a great time!

After all of that, there was a fashion show and yet another party hosted by Mony Markova and her friend Sigmund Leominster at their new home. I’ve had a great couple of weeks, but have had very little time to work on some of my pet projects, this blog being one of them. So, I hope that the next few weeks are a little slower as I have some great posts planned (hint: I’ve been exploring my darker side lately). Stay tuned.

Style Flip: Cyber Punk

Sofia Gray mentioned, on her blog, a new store called .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::. . This futuristic build carries a very limited selection, at present, of well-made clothing.

Their design aesthetic is decidedly CyberGoth/CyberPunk, and is a complete departure from my usual style. But, lately, I’ve been itching to mix it up a little bit, and the outfits I picked up at .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::. provide that opportunity.

There are three outfits currently available for sale: Invader, De/konstrukt, and Monokrom. Items are hand-drawn and are provided on multiple layers for easy mixing and matching (check out how Sofia used the top from the De/konstrukt outfit with a tutu and created a completely different look).

The hair that I am wearing in these photos is fantastic and is also sold at .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::.. Be advised, though, it is sold separately AND is included in the Invader outfit (I didn’t realize this and now have two of each color). But, the texturing on this wig is phenomenal. I think I could wear this everyday, but it doesn’t really fit with my “everyday” wardrobe. So, don’t be surprised if you see me wandering the grid in cyberpunk fashions more often just so that I will have the opportunity to wear this hair!

Some may find the prices to be a little out of their budget, but considering how exceptionally well-made the pieces are and the accessories included, I didn’t even bat an eye. Individual pieces are available and are reasonably priced.

Be sure to visit .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::. soon and while you are there, take a minute to look around the unique build and fly down to [Schema Oxymoron], a furniture store that features sleek, contemporary designs. I wonder if it might be time to do some redecorating?

Style Sheet:
All clothing by .:: MekaNoiZe Labs ::.
White Outfit – Monokrom
Black Outfit – De/konstruckt
Hair – Invader Cyberlox with Goggles in Silver and in Black
Boots – J’s Belt Boots
Skin – Fleur Vivant Bronze Feline 3
Piercing – Monroe Piercing by /Fuel/

Hair Fair 2008 – A Call To Designers

Coming soon to a sim near you…Hair Fair 2008. Preparations are underway for the colossal event that will fill four full sims! The Hair Fair committee is on the hunt for vendor applications for the third annual event that will benefit Locks of Love that will fill four full sims August 22-September 7, 2008

Designers, visit the Hair Fair Blog today and get your applications in by July 1, 2008. Residents mark your calendars for this out-of-this-world event.