Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts

Monday, August 31, 2015

The Arena Men's Event


By Bloodykitty


 There's a lovely gacha event going on in a sim called, Acerbus Silva. Now this particular event is titled, "The Fantasy Gacha / The Arena Men's Event". Now as you can probably tell it's of course a fantasy gacha aimed towards men with clothing, makeup, accessories, and so forth. Of course though there are some things for women too! Whether it be clothing, makeup, eyes, or even accessories. While this type of theme interests me to a certain degree, I can't be the judge of how good it is, you'd have to see it for yourselfs. Unfortunately they didn't list a start and end date, if it was one, and their website listed in the landmark info does not work either for me.

While this place is really simple in beauty and appearance, it has a lot of vendors  around the sim if your willing to try and remember every one. If it comes to me? Well, I have a habit of forgetting if I was saw something or if I didn't see it yet, but there are a good amount for someone whos wanting to explore or just find cheap things to purchase. In general I find all kinds of gachas to be interesting in their own ways, and while I haven't been to a lot yet, I've seen enough. The one that stuck out to me was one for cute items for your avatars or land, especially themed to sweets, but thats for a different article. 

I really recommend to check the gacha out if your into fantasy or just willing to explore new sims. While the place may not have very much beauty in my eyes, it may in yours. All together I think the beautiful factor has nothing to do with the items there or whatever you may buy, I think just discovering something new is interesting in itself. Like I said earlier, I don't know if there's a start or end date to this event, or if their website on the landmark info will work for you all, because it didn't for me. Have fun exploring and getting nifty items!
Bloodykitty

Monday, August 3, 2015

The AniMagical Gacha Fair


By Bloodykitty

A wonderful event is going on from August 1st to the 30th, and it is called, "AniMAGICAL Gacha Fair!" in Bounty Reef. The sim is group owned as well, the group being named, AniOFFICIAL. This event basically as it's assumed, which is to buy items from gachas for a very good price. Though small, this beats finding some expensive eye colors, clothes, or even objects on the marketplace or in a regular store. While I am not into the whole magical vibe, the place seems to have more of a Harry Potter tone to it then just anime in general really. This kind of place would be more for Harry Potter fans then just anime style ones, but they do have a selection of kemono mods and skins too. In this particular gacha, you'll find magical themed items like witch costumes, furry type avatars or skins, staffs, and so forth. For someone who isn't into that sort of thing, this is a cute place with cute items. 
 
 Going onto the detail of the sim, I'd have to say it's decent for just being strictly in a building and not having land around it. I was tricked a little bit because in the search bar I just searched, 'AniMAGICAL' and had been teleported in an ocean rather then the store, and on the land there was a sandbox to unpack, which may be linked in a way with this event. To not put it down in any fashion, the buildings pretty decent with it's magic and Harry Potter vibe going on, it just doesn't suit my taste very much, but I can look past it rather then not. If your not an expert in finding things, locating the building just by typing in what I did won't help, you'll have to either go on SL's website or even tumblr, which is where I got the tp link. 

This event seems cute for the most part, not a lot of items, yet, if the amount now is not all they'll have. I didn't buy any items myself from it despite the good prices for gacha's usually, but that doesn't mean I don't recommend going there. If your a nerd for Harry Potter, magic, or anime style items, this is the event and place for you! I hope you have fun because it'll be around for quite awhile, so get there while you can!
 
Bounty Reef (30/40/2501)
 
BloodyKitty

Friday, December 5, 2014

The 2014 Christmas Expo and Breedables Fair - Relay for Life


By DrFran Babcock

My boss, Bixyl, suggested I apply to be a blogger for this Relay for Life event, so I applied. I was not surprised to be accepted, because I know that the organizers want as much coverage as possible, and rightfully so! In my opinion, Relay for Life is the best, most selfless thing that goes on in Second Life™.

What is the Expo and Breedables Fair?

This year, the Holiday Expo and Breedables Fair spans six sims, filled with clothing items, things for the house, and breedables. Each year, this off-season Relay for Life event allows some of the best content  creators in SL to sell their wares as long as they offer at least two items for sale in Relay for Life Vendors. Last year I complained that most of the items in the vendors were not worth buying. It seems that the organizers of the event: Dawnbeam Dreamscape, Jessii2009 Warrhol, and Johannes1977 Resident were listening. There are a lot of things to buy that are just lovely. Also, last year, the build was one of the most scrumptious I have ever seen, but it so overwhelmed the merchant’s goods that I wandered around instead of going into the shops.


My Review Rules

I do not accept gifts or freebies to review. I know that I have received some from the creators, and I thank them for their generosity. However, I went to the Expo and looked around, and selected the items I wanted to review. The items that I am showing here follow these basic rules:
1.       I have paid for the items that I review.
2.       I have purchased only items that were in official Relay for Life vendors.
3.       I have chosen the creators and stores that I like.
4.       I don’t review breedables for a number of reasons not suitable for this article.
That said, I again want to praise the organizers of this event with all my heart and soul. I found this year’s arrangement of sims and stores to be much more navigable than last year.

My Three Favorite Things

After going around the sims twice, taking notes, I went back and made three purchases. The purple Emma gown in the photo was purchased from a vendor in Purple Moon. What I love about it is the graceful line and sweep of the gown. The creator smartly added flexi prims to the bottom of the mesh so that there’s lots of movement. I can picture myself wearing this gown to the Nutcracker Ball, which is the annual closing event for Relay for Life.

It was just a coincidence that the next item I bought was the elegant Lazuri jewelry set, complete with earrings, choker, bracelets, and and rings for each hand. Even better, the metal, pearls and gems can all be changed into almost infinite combinations just by touching them, and choosing from a menu. I love color-change items, because then I can wear them with almost anything. The quality of this Lazuri set justifies the price (1100L), because it’s so versatile.

The last item to share is my new friend, the silver dapple unicorn from Demons and Angels. It’s a wearable, so you can “rez” it anywhere. In addition, the flowers and vines in the mane are color change, so I just made the flowers purple to match my gown and jewelry. The unicorn comes in bareback and saddle styles, and it can pose as well as be ridden. It has more features than I could list, and is extremely handsome—or beautiful, because you can even change its gender with the supplied HUD. I had lots of fun riding it around the sims.

While doing so, I found a friend and co-worker wandering around. Gemma Cleanslate looked adorable in her Feyline Santa’s helper costume. Although she had purchased it last year, they were available at the Expo this year. I love Feyline for making the majority of the items in there shop for sale in Relay vendors. I love Feyline for making the majority of the items in their shop for sale in Relay vendors. They have Santa’s Helpers outfits, kilts, and pajamas all in pretty red and green fabrics, and the prices are moderate. I will be buying one of these as soon as I submit this article to the SL Newser.

I recommend the Expo highly this year. Come on down, and if you see me riding by on my as yet unnamed unicorn, say hello. You can access the sims by searching: Xmas Expo in your map. Happy Holidays to all the readers of the SL Newser, and look for more posts from the Expo.

Dates:
December 4, 2014 - The Expo & Winter Breedables Fair will open to the SL public
December 15, 2014 - Last day of the Expo & Breedables Fair
2014 SL CHRISTMAS EXPO & WINTER BREEDABLES FAIR SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITES

Friday, January 10, 2014

The "Oh What The Future Holds" Hunt


By DrFran Babcock

The past year was a trying one for DrFran…unlucky in love, strapped with some financial woes, and destined to be another year older. The only break is the chance to go out and do a short little hunt or two to break the monotony of work, sleep, work, sleep. Of course, being too tired to hunt is a reality that means Desirée is going to be sent out for the task.

The Oh, What the Future Holds Hunt (OWTFH) is small enough to be completed in a short time, and the prizes are free. You are looking for a flat prim with a clock face on it, representing the passage of time and the future. The title of the hunt did not always match up with the prizes, but that’s of little consequence, because it’s really about the prizes. There was a nice mix of objects and clothes in this little hunt, and some stores that were different from the usual suspects.

Desirée not only hunted for the prizes, but set up her pictures at a few of the more interesting places in Second Life™. Here is what Desirée found: (SLurls will be provided this time, as they were available on the website.

Picture One – Taken at F R O S T (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Metropolis/135/221/24 )
Outfit: LC Designs (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Animus%20Dream/31/120/999  ) Gemini Suit – comes with jacket, skirt, and nice mesh boots.
Ear Jewelry: Tres Belle (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/JayJays%20Fantasy%20Land/31/178/3496 ) – What the future holds ear jewelry. These elaborate attachments come with a color change HUD to modify the beads on the ear.

Picture Two – Taken at Rebecca Bashly’s Metales (http://metalesperformance.blogspot.com/)







Picture Three – Taken at Amhas Cairn Gor (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Amhas%20Cairn/147/137/233 )

Dress: Rozymyndi’s (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rouse/111/229/37  ) OWTFH Dress – this is a very old school type dress without any mesh, but it has a nice ethereal look to it. Desirée did not venture into the Gor Role Play area, but the grounds around it were very pretty.



Picture Four: an assortment of objects from the hunt.
1.     Fireplace (no poses) eXplicite Desgins (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gigli%20Virtuosos/99/84/22 )
2.     Mini 3D Tardis and saying for your wall – Dahlywood (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dementor%20Isle/236/43/23 )
3.     Freeview TV (streams content into SL) : Rainbow Gallery (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Boreal/15/210/118 )
4.     Think Positive Animated Pictures – SANNA Science and Art (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/HalluciNation/111/127/3000 ) If you have never been to this store, I won’t spoil the surprise…just go.
Picture Five:
This is a really useful prize. This Stitches Creations (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bramptom%20Island/38/221/24 ) Texture Change Snowy scene is very versatile. You can adjust both the picture in the frame and the type of wood from which the frame is made. Desirée chose the Tompkins Square Park scene, because she’s a New Yorker.

Picture Six:
The last item in the hunt is a gigantic fun ride created by Kerhop Seattle of KerhopsInnovations (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tustin/28/135/21). Kerhop is an old acquaintance of DrFran’s and their paths have crossed many times, most recently at Blender Classes at Ditko University (more about that another time). This prize is an awesome demonstration of the things that cam be accomplished in Second Life™. Perhaps it is best to let Kerhop describe the ride, in his own words, from the notecard packaged with the prize:
This single lap roller coaster features perfectly vertical climbs with swooping tilting where the visitor is flipped both upside-down and back right-side-up all with appropriate rolling-wheel and lift-hill sound effects. Inspired by first life "Screaming Squirrel" attractions featured around the world riders will smoothly move along the side-mounted track via non-Physics low impact scripts created with Vehicle Movement System V2 Low land impact vehicle created with both mesh and prims It has very minimal script impact, both when in use and not in use Images.
So, that’s the Oh, What the Future Holds Hunt—short, manageable, and with a nice assortment of prizes. The hunt runs until the 31st of January.  For more information, and hints for the prizes: http://inkantationhunts.blogspot.com/p/owtfh-hint-and-slurl-list.html

See you on the hunt trail!

DrFran Babcock 

Monday, September 2, 2013

DrFran’s Alt Goes Shopping and Exploring


By DrFran Babcock

DrFran won’t admit that she loves hunting for freebies, but I have no such problem. That’s why I have taken over once more to show you a few of the goodies that are around the grid for grabbing and wearing. Starting in September the Arcade Gacha will dominate the fashion and home markets, but in the calm before that storm, I will show you what I love. By the way, what I love is also some sims and places. Although the outfits I show you don’t match their surroundings much, they are the places to which I like go when I want to marvel in the wonder that is Second Life™.

 The Candy Girl Hunt

This free grid-wide hunt runs until September 15th, and has some of the cutest, sweetest (of course), and worth-keeping items I have seen in a while. My absolute favorite hunt gift was the complete, sugary pink Neko outfit from Beautiful Dirty Rich. The tail that comes with the outfit is a knockout, shiny and animated nicely, and has the touch and chat option. The corset dress is mesh and ruffled, and comes in many sizes to fit most avatars. The airs are pink and animated, too, and the boots, although I don’t favor that big foot look, really go well with the entire ensemble. In addition, there are fishnet stockings and panties. I would easily spend Lindens to get many of the parts of this outfit, but the whole thing is yours free just for finding the mesh lollipop hidden in the store.

ROCHE Sim

The picture for this outfit was taken on the sim of ROCHE, one of my favorites. It has always been a place to go to when I need to relax. It has the best of eastern design qualities in that on the surface it looks very scrubby and simple, but the more you explore, the more you come to appreciate the work and attention to detail that went into building the place. You used to be able to get a free bicycle to cruise the island, but walking is just as much fun. The sim changes from time to time, but the basic message is one of stark and steely water and dilapidated buildings situated on softly rolling hills. Come for a walk and you will return, I am sure.

Plausible Body 1 – Latex

Do you know about Plausible Body? This shop has been in existence for several years, and features open pricing. Most of the items in the shop are free to buy, and the owners suggest that you make a donation at vendors that are located throughout the parcel. I suppose you can just take what you want and then leave, but I generally give a generous donation, as the quality of the merchandise warrants payment. What I like most are the basic pumps, because they are good-looking and come in a vast array of solid colors.

I picked up two outfits while at Plausible Body. The first is a classic latex catsuit, that comes in many colors, with really sophisticated shading. Latex is not that easy to recreate in Second Life™, and Roslynd Turbo has done a great job with the textures.

The other outfit is a must have for anyone who wants to travel light in inventory, but have many looks available. The Citadines outfit comes complete with a top, mini skirt, and pumps. What makes this mesh outfit such a standout is that it comes with four HUDS that allow you to change the top, the mini skirt, the shoe color, and the color of the shoe heels. With all of these options you could pack for a full week and hop all over the grid with a new look all the time. Since DrFran was busy elsewhere, I decided to take pictures in two of my other favorite sims: Kowloon and Lula.

Kowloon

Kowloon is based on the Hong Kong neighborhood of the same name. I have adored this sim since it was built because it is truly like a maze of streets and tunnels. You could spend hours immersed in its depths and not find your way out. More than once I have had to teleport home to find my way. The sim is a delight to explore, and things change from time to time, so it’s nice to revisit frequently. Of course, it’s a great place for photography opportunities as well.

Lula

Lula is a commercial sim that houses the shops Tres Blah and Lamb. The first time I landed there I was sure I had been transported to a small village in the south of France, and it has remained one of the best textured places in SL, in my opinion. There have been changes over the years, but the high quality of building never disappoint.

Conclusion

You can look good for only a few Lindens in Second Life™. If there is anything that you would like to see DrFran’s alt cover, just give a holler. Happy shopping and hunting.

Credits:

The Candy Girl Hunt: http://katnipzevents.blogspot.com/p/hints-and-slurls.html
ROCHE: http://slurl.com/secondlife/ROCHE/165/217/88
Plausible Body: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Manaslu/169/231/289
Plausible Body Blog: http://plausiblebody.blogspot.com
Kowloon: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/kowloon/148/81/24
Lula: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lula/104/93/34

DrFran Babcock

Friday, August 30, 2013

Brandi Streusel’s Custom Painting and Underwear Shops


By Grease Coakes

Brandi Streusel, the partner of Nydia Tungsten, owns two shops at Angels Haven (4/169/23). The first shop I looked around at was her custom skin shop for bikes and cars. Brandi told me that custom texturing and building was something she enjoyed, "I started out playing with logos and that was my first one, but I’ve moved on from there."

I took a look at her bike designs and she had a small showroom with many different bike colors and textures. If you don’t see what you like you can always contact her and ask for a custom job. In fact one of her bike designs was given out for RFL.

Brandi Streusel: "Nydia had me create the texture for the RFL motorcycle."

I told Brandi that probably raised a lot of money for RFL. She didn’t know how much but it was probably a lot of money.

Icebear a friend of Brandi’s stopped by to hang out. I asked him was he getting a custom job from Brandi and he said he was thinking on it. I asked Brandi if I wanted a custom job how much would that cost? She had this to say, "Well, that depends. Cost start out at L$500 for the first 5 textures and L$100 per texture after that. That even includes updates as required till the design is accepted. "

She said one of her customers was so happy with the results, that he paid 2,000L on top of the 500L that was already paid for the custom job.

Grease Coakes: "Oh I see they paid 2,000L on top of the 500L. He must of been very happy with your custom job."

Brandi Streusel: "(giggle) That is what they tell me."


Brandi showed me some pictures of custom jobs in her bike shop. She had this to say about one of her custom works, "But if you look at the photo of Legend Leeeroy - S10. Notice the front end? that was all flat but I textured it to look like the lights and grill were real."

After Brandi showed me the bike shop. She showed me her panties store. She mentioned her shop is part of SL wide treasure hunts which feature over 100 stores. She said it’s a good way for people to build up their inventory. There was also a lucky chair and midnight maddess at her panties shop. So you may get lucky if you happen to visit. Don’t worry she doesn’t leave guys hanging as she makes custom underwear for men too. She gave me some free briefs for men. We both agreed that it’s good business to make giveaways to promote yourself.

She showed me her private workshop. When I asked could I take a picture of her desk Brandi told me no. So her private workshop shall stay a secret to the public eye. If you want to view her work go to her shop on the SL marketplace at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brandis-Shop-in-Second-Life/113420045338613 .

Also Brandi is on Facebook with https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brandis-Shop-in-Second-Life/113420045338613 .

Whether you’re looking for something to make your bike or car look extra special. Or maybe you want some custom underwear for men and women. Brandi’s shops are right for you. Don’t be shy when I was talking with Brandi she was easy to get along with as I was interviewing her. So if you are looking for one of her  custom jobs just ask. And she can work her custom magic for you.

Grease Coakes

Monday, August 19, 2013

DrFran’s Alt Goes Shopping


By DrFran Babcock

Yes, I know that Second Life’s™ history is my obsession, but this grid is filled with so many things to do, and ways to be, that I can’t stand focusing on just one thing. With Bix as an editor, the writers are usually free to explore their passions, and that’s a great thing.

One of the things I had done for a while was to have a freebie blog, and it was relatively popular, but a lot of work to maintain. I have stopped that blogging, but I still felt the need to write about the better buys that are out there in this fabulous virtual world. If Hamlet can feature fashion (), so can this revered publication.

However, DrFran doesn’t have the time to go looking for freebies, so she sent out her secret alt, Livre, to hunt for her.  From time to time she will go out looking for items. The rules are that they have to be free, or no more than five Lindens.

The Fall enMeshed Hunt

Sadly, this hunt wasn’t completely set up by the time my alt went looking, but the first gift was worth showing you. It is a burlesque outfit that comes complete with everything including the skirted corset, panties, booties, and even black pigtails. The only problem with the outfit was the booties, in that the texture did not seem to render no matter what I did. However, at 0 Lindens, I am sure you could make use of the hair and outfit for Halloween, or for dancing at your favorite burlesque hall.

This picture was taken at the Moulin Rouge, a fitting location for a corseted lady. Credits:

enMeshed into Fall Hunt #1 Burlesque Outfit includes all you see, including the black pigtail hair (booties, too, but the texture wouldn't rez, so I didn't show it. Wasteland Clothing http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Green%20Goblin/26/115/38

enmeshed into Fall Hunt: http://enmeshedhunts.wordpress.com/enmeshed-into-fall-2013-hunt-hints/

Taste the Rainbow Hunt

This hunt has a lot of really nice freebies, including hair, and some wild glittery lipstick. Today, Livre is showing you the Blacklace Beauty rainbow eyeshadow and lipstick. I think with the right outfits that this makeup can really add a nice finishing touch that is a little bit funky, and a lot chic.

Taste the Rainbow Hunt information: http://chanimations.deviousmind.net/2013/08/09/taste-the-rainbow-hunt-2013/


Blacklace Beauty: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blacklace/146/148/31

Group Gift Goodies

These were Livre’s favorite finds of her mission for freebies. The exquisitely detailed turquoise blouse was a group gift from Ruby’s Closet, and the group is free to join! The detailing of the buttons pulling over the chest is one of those things that makes me cry with joy. My only criticism of the shirt is the Nehru-like collar. I would have preferred a lower neckline. This did not detract Livre from wearing it all day, along with her group gift hair from Eater’s Coma.

The hair is a very nice gift from another group that is free to join. Your gift hair is actually a HUD that gives you every single color that the hair comes in. The mesh rigging is superb, and the braid moves along with your body. Livre chose the platinum, and it looked just right with the aqua top.

Credits:

Ruby's Closet Aqua Layer Top Group Free to Join http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blacklace/146/148/31

Hair: Eaters Coma Group Gift This amazing hair comes as a HUD and will give you every color made just with a touch. This is the light Platinum. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SIXTY%20NINE/126/126/501

Me’LanGe Store Hunt

Livre’s last treat is a store-wide hunt for gemstones that contain all kinds of outfits and gift cards. I will show you two of them. One is a ballerina costume in lavender, and the other is a she-devil costume. Each of them comes complete with all the stuff you need, including boots or shoes, and cost only one Linden. The hunt is going on until August 30th, so you will have to hurry!

Me’LanGe: http://huntsl.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/melanges-treasure-hunt/

So, that’s it for this installment of DrFran’s alt goes shopping. If you like this, let Bix know, and maybe he’ll put Livre on the payroll. Just kidding, of course.

DrFran Babcock