Hunting For Valentine’s Day Happy At Ricielli

Hunting For Valentine’s Day Happy At Ricielli

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Gotta love FabFree. Any fashion loving avatar who knows their onions from their cashew nuts should check it out AT LEAST once a day to find out the latest freebies and deals that are hitting the grid.

Of course with Valentines Day peeking around the corner there’s already loads of appropriately themed goodies to pick from, and seeing as the day itself isn’t until Thursday there’s sure to be a shit-load of wonderfulness dropped onto the grid in the very near future.  (So ensure that you add Fabfree  to your favourites and keep checking in, lest you miss the awesome!)

Here’s an example, had I not checked Fabfree I would’ve missed out on Ricielli’s Valentine’s Hunt, as blogged by the beautiful Love Trill. And I would have missed out big time. ( I missed the Christmas one..bah humbug!) I checked my inventory to see how many items I had from Ricielli and it confirmed that I didn’t have many. Well, that has now been rectified, because not only have I got some fantastic hunt goodies I’ve also promised myself a return visit come pay day when I’ll be going back with gusto, and some space in my inventory to fill. It would be rude not to really!

There are 20 heart-shaped boxes in this hunt, each can be bought for L$15. Some people don’t mind paying for hunt items, others do. I don’t mind if I know the retailer offers quality items and if I have an inkling of what is in store. Well fortunately for us Ricielli has gone the extra mile by supplying a poster displaying ALL the hunt items, so you can select which items you want to get..

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This is so considerate! L$15 may not sound like much, but of course every Linden counts, and spending it on a hunt item that you may not wear is a tad wasteful. By sharing a picture detailing the goodies on offer, you can pick from the list and hunt down only the items that you want from the store.  The hunting part is so ridiculously easy that it’s not so much a hunt, just a stroll around the store looking at the lovelies, but that’s not a hardship. It’s a feast for the virtual eyeballs.

Note that EVERY item in this hunt is blooming stupendous.  Some items are more fabulous than others and are therefore more appropriate to my tastes, but I’m pretty confident that there is something here for everyone.  I blew my last few Lindens on my favourites, and I’m going to show them to you now.

I especially like the jackets , coats and dresses in the hunt.  These are wardrobe staples really, and they all look dazzling. To start, the photograph at the top of this post shows me wearing hunt item number 4. This jacket, in rose, is boxy and would look fantastic dressed down with jeans or dressed up with formal trousers.  I adore the colour of this jacket and the slight sheen on the fabric. (Note that item number 2 in the hunt is the same jacket, but in black)

Speaking of black jackets, up next is hunt item number 5, a bang up to date leather biker jacket. Not only that, you also get a brown version of the same in the pack. It’s a terrific jacket and evokes rock chick chic wonderfully! (For just fifteen Lindens. The mind boggles!) For the sake of saving you the embarrassment of looking at my nethers in this shot I slipped on an old pair of knickers on in an apt shade of red, rather than go naked (Note to self: Buy new undies) You wouldn’t want to see the jungle that’s hidden down there. However, there’s a bit of Valentine’s nipple visible in this shot. WAHEY!

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My next selection from the twenty is a coat, which is hunt item number 15 on the list. It’s a lovely green classically styled mac, with belt knotted at the waist. You could wear with boots, heels or wellies and all will look equally resplendent. It’s a marvellous mesh creation, with superb detailing and I love that the belt is tied into a knot rather than formally buckled; details like this make for a happy Kitty.  I also really dig the buttons and the scalloped edging upon the pockets and belt. Wonderful isn’t it?

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My other choices from Ricielli’s Valentine’s Hunt are dresses, and the first frock I selected is a rather refined example of the quintessential black dress. You can never have too many little black dresses in your inventory in my opinion. This one is number 12  and it’s is deceptively simple. It’s short and sleeveless with a subtly stylised band over the bust.   This kind of dress looks fabulous with short hair and statement jewellery.  I didn’t have a necklace in my inventory that I felt would do it justice, so I left my flesh bare, but I really think something large and expensive should be worn around your neck to truly compliment this mesh marvel.

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Hunt item number 17 will surely make your Valentine’s heart beat just a little faster when he(or she) sees you in this stunning short dress with puffy sleeves and spectacular glittery texture. The dress also leaves ample room for cleavage gazing <chuckle>. Not only that, this prize is a double pack because you also receive the same dress in black.  This dress is so utterly beautiful that it leaves me absolutely speechless, not only at the styling but also at the generosity of the creator and the unbelievable bargain price.  This classic piece with a modern twist creates great presence; so I chose to dress it up with a pair of classic pumps from my inventory, and wore my hair in the ageless bob. It’s a true fashionista look.

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But it’s not over yet.  When you’re doing the hunt be sure to pick up the little box behind heart number 11. It costs L$10 and is an item I presume from another hunt, but again it contains a lovely short dress festooned in magenta sequins. This would also be a winner for a Valentines date, as you can see below!

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So there you have my selection of choices from Ricielli’s Valentine hunt. The best bit is that all these fabulous items in total cost me just L$75. Can you believe it?! Even more impressive is if you buy all twenty items (shoes, jackets, dresses, separates, eyeliner and a skin as well, phew!) it would still only cost L$300. It’s practically an entire wardrobe’s worth.  Madness. You couldn’t buy a single mesh dress for that price at some stores, seriously!

I really must insist that you get yourself over to Ricielli and indulge yourself on this hunt.  Miss this one and you’ll be kicking yourself until next Valentine’s Day! (To help you make your selections, if you need a better look at any of the photos here just click on them to make them larger)

Note: This post features me wearing the Ava skin by Belleza which is STILL on offer  in-store at L$400. To add some extra pizzazz I invested in a pack of lip colours specifically designed to complement this skin for L$400 and they contain every colour I could possibly require in matte, semi-gloss and high gloss finishes. In total that means I’ve spent L$800 on one skin but when you consider I have all these alternate lip colours to play with too it actually feels like I have a fat pack of skins.

I’m also wearing a multitude of styles from Elikatira, which are still on sale at 70% off until the 23rd of February.

Incidentally, the canvas in the last photograph is from Pilot and was their Fifty Linden Friday offering this week. The Rage Face Dolls  were featured on the blog just yesterday and they’re from Common.   The wines in my kitchen are all from Amuse. All photos were taken in my humble abode, the glorious Arizona House from Bazar that I blogged a week ago. You can read my blog post about it further down the page, or by clicking here if you’re super lazy!)

I want to live like Common(er) people..

I want to live like Common(er) people..

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I’ve been meaning to blog ‘Common’ for a while. It’s one of those quirky stores that I’m always harping on about, but I’m totally justified in doing so. It’s brilliant.

It’s also attached to a rather lovely build; a coffee house. I’m always on the look-out for new places to go with friends and hang out, and I like the vibe you get from a coffee house. (Even though in RL I think paying anything above £1 for a brew is scandalous, so sod you Starbucks!) I also noticed the microphone in the corner, which leads me to think that there’s more to this coffee house than meets the eye.

But back to the goodies, of which there are plentyJ

First up, it has three Gacha in store that I insist you try. For one they’re only L$25 a punt. For two, they’re fabulous. Two of the machines are particularly good; the  Origami Deer Heads look fab ( I won a pink and purple one, kept the purple but gifted the pink) and I really am itching to complete my Monogram Marquee lights. I’m missing so many letters. (If anyone wants to do a swap please ping me in-world? I have E and P for swapsies.  I need K, I, T and another T. I have a Y.  I want my name in lights!)

OK – onto the good stuff. And it is indeed good stuff. First up, I MUST tell you about today’s Fifty Linden Friday option, because it’s inspired. It’s simple yet very effective, poignant even. A lot of people  in Second Life are partnered to, or in relationships with Avatars that are some distance away from each other. Often this is in RL, not just Second, so this map with love heart push-pins will really resonate. There are two options: USA or The World. I love it. Fortunately for me, or unfortunately depending upon the mood that I am in, I share the same abode with both my RL and SL partner so I don’t really have need for this item. But I think both are absolutely gorgeous, and would make an especially brilliant Valentine’s gift (more on those later). Of course, each map is L$50.

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So apart from FLF goodness, what else will you find? Well, I have a new house, so I need home ware right? And nothing, NOTHING is more appropriate for me than this collection of ‘Vice Jars’, featuring an array of vices that Judy Garland would be proud of. I love the twisted aspect of these, and they really look the part (Why not gift these as a house-warming present to someone you love, hate, or just want to annoy? They cost L$150). Also prides of place in my home are the Rage Face Nesting Dolls. I unashamedly adore internet memes so these were a must have for me.  (They cost L$150).  If you’re a smoker then you may find the cigarette-styled scarf appealing. It is very original and looks really funky, so I might buy it for my Dad to wear seeing as he likes filling his lungs full of crud. (Non-smoker here, can’t you tell?) The scarf is $175.

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Incidentally, ‘Commoner’ has joined the Valentine’s lunacy that’s descended upon the grid with a very elegant bouquet of Roses and a lovely box of virtual choccies to share with your loved one. A steal at L$150 each and of course they’re transfer. ( Note: Fatpack version of both available on Marketplace at L$250 which will save you L$50, which is two Gacha punts. Ahem.)

I’m not going to tell you about everything for sale here because I want you to go visit yourself please.  There’s a real array of idiosyncratic items, all built to an extremely high-standard (as is evident from the coffee house build) and all are textured beautifully. This is a really great store to add to your list of must-visit places, and it’s clear that Emery Milneaux has a fabulous imagination. Click HERE to visit in-world, or HERE for the marketplace (where you can of course buy items as gifts for people, whoop!)

Gatito Zinnias AMA! (Kitty LOVES Zinnias!)

Gatito Zinnias AMA! (Kitty LOVES Zinnias!)

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I really don’t blog Zinnias enough and I really should. I have blogged it a few times before, but it concerns me to think that people are missing out on the awesome that is this store. Reader it’s wonderful. It evokes all things Mexicana, with mouth-watering textures, bold, tasty colours and cracking build quality and design. I’ve been a fan for a long time, and it pleases me no end that it’s still going strong and that Zinnia Karu is still churning out exceptional home ware in her inimitable style.

As I commented before, I LOVE MY HOUSE. But one of my only (very minor) quibbles was that the neutral tones needed spicing up with colour a tad. But of course, a blank canvas allows you to decorate it in any way you please, and but adding just the right amount of accessories you can brighten up any abode.  And that’s precisely what I’ve done; raiding my inventory for bright, bold pieces that reflect not only my personality but perfectly encapsulate my style. Zinnia’s is essential in that mix.

As you can see, I’m in the kitchen (stop laughing at the back!) preparing a Valentine’s feast for Jez.  (You know, my partner Jez, in RL and SL, the one you never see. Yes, he exists. Honest.) But I’m not the focus in this picture; what I’ve done is illuminate and enhance the environment with a few choice Zinnias Pieces.

First of all is the utterly gorgeous ‘Mexican Nicho’. That’s the wooden framed box you can see behind the chair. It features an iconic image of the Virgin Mary, and a wee candle glows in the corner. Now, I’m not Catholic, but I do love me some Catholic imagery, plus this is a lovely piece that really fills a corner. It’s also a talking point. Not only that, it’s L$75. This is a brilliant price if you ask me.

You can also see one of a pair of ‘Acapulco Retro Glam Velvet Drapes’. You don’t have to use curtains to hide windows; they hide corners (and junk) beautifully and soften entrance ways. This is a cracking set and fortunately it’s modify, so if you want to make them bigger/smaller/wider then of course you can.  You can also remove the shadow too; lessens the prim count and shading’s not always necessary.  Utterly kitsch gorgeousness and at L$75 a pair you’d be completely insane if you didn’t invest.

The ‘Papal Picado’ pennant hanging over the kitchen blind is also from Zinnias.  I have to be honest and say I don’t know if these are available to buy in store or not; I could see them but I couldn’t see a price. Either way, again they have the effect of softening a space and really jazzing it up.   Perfect for parties no?

The final item from Zinnias in the picture is her latest release; ‘Woodland Flowers Mirror’. This is so pretty, it’s beautifully textured featuring rustic twigs and adorned with fresh oriental lilies and delicate baby’s breath. What I really like about it though is the texture on the glass, you see a reflection of woodland (naturally) and it just looks super-pretty.  It’s L$145 and worth every penny.

There are also a couple of outstanding hunt prizes to find in store. There’s the ‘Cold Winter’s Nights’ Hunt prize still available for L$10, and guys it’s a crystal sodding cave that has to be seen to be believed.

There’s also the FTLO..Hunt (For the love of apparently) and this week you’ll find a rather whimsical Cat & Bird Coat Tree.  I’m a bit out of touch with hunts so didn’t know this was running.  You can pick up last week’s item for L$10 outside the store and it’s well worth buying; it’s a Cozy Couples Hammock Seat.

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It comes equipped with poses for both singles (that’ll be me most of the smegging time then) and couples, as well as props. Cuddle perfection and ideal for Valentine’s Day. Oh, and speaking of Valentine’s Day, make sure you check out the beautiful ‘Boho Baby Valentine’s Daybed’ which I’m demonstrating in the picture below. It’s really pretty and mixes up Mexican and Bohemian styling to a ‘T’. Of course there are solo and couple poses in it, and it’s a tempting purchase at L$199.

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Last but not least, make sure you check out the amazing freebies to be found in store as well as the fabulous offer on the ‘Le Gatineu’ bedroom pieces.  I own this set and it is truly outstanding, and I highly recommend it!

The bed is usually  L$250L but this weekend it’s only L$99L. The washstand and bedside table are similarly reduced to L$75 each. Not to be missed.

I really enjoyed my return visit to Zinnias, and must visit more often. I implore you to join the Mexican wave (hahahaha, shit puns ahoy!) and go and visit the store.  I Kitty promise that you won’t be disappointed.

KITTY QUICKY: Even MORE ‘Follow Us’ Fabness!

KITTY QUICKY: Even MORE ‘Follow Us’ Fabness!

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This is rather smashing, don’t ya think? Even more fabness is on the way from the ‘Follow us!’ stable that I mentioned in my previous post.  I’m loving this couch. Trust me, it’s extremely cosy, even though it’s constructed from pallets, hence the name, ‘Couch Pallet’.

This is a perfect snuggle spot for you and your beloved, especially with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, and will fill that empty corner in your home a treat.  It would even look funky outside, and it’s brought bang up to date with the pile of books, a fan and the ipad at the foot of the couch, so when you’re not smooching you have other stuff and things to do.  Well done to the creator, Laurent83 Waco!

I think what I like most about this is that the couch is quite simple really in presentation, but that’s probably why it works so well. I’d even dare suggest that this isn’t just shabby chic, but will appeal to the grunge and even Neko aficionados. There’s just something about it that means it will appeal to most genres and styles of home. What are even better are the poses. There are five singles poses and ten, yes TEN couples poses to be enjoyed, simply by clicking the cushion.  (Note I’m demonstrating the singles poses..forever alone Kitty)

The ‘Couch Pallet’ is really neat and well worth the bargain price of L$99 which it will be set to for a week. (That said, when it goes back up to full price it will still be under L$200, so it’s hardly a mahossive bank buster)

Oh, and can you see the frames and coat rack, with brolly and coat and a camera in the background? (look really closely and you can see the love hearts and twine décor on the middle frame: )

Because these items are soon-to-be-released you had really better keep a close and on ‘Follow Us’ on the Marketplace hadn’t you?

In fact, you’d better follow them! (Oh dear, I’ll get me coat!)

(And yes I know I still have my glass in my hand from earlier, what can I say except I’m a total lush..<hic!>)