..it would appear LOTS of stores are bestowing Xmas gifts upon us lucky punters! As the picture shows, Artilleri is holding a daily gift event. So is KA skins and fashions (they’re holding a gift hunt) and many many more…For a complete listing click to visit FabFree….and don’t forget the *major* hunt starts tomorrow! Feeling Christmassy yet?
Category: second life fashion
Random Monday Kittywitterings…..
I don’t really have much to post for your perusal at the moment, so I’ve thrown together some random thoughts and jottings. Feel free to post comments should you feel so inclined:) I haven’t blogged much over the past few days;apologies for that, but you may well be aware that Christmas is fast approaching, and if you’re one of the excited multitude of SL patrons who love all things Christmassy (like me then:) you’ll be busily decorating your sims and making everything as glittery and gorgeous as possible for the Winterval season:) I’ve been up-rooting my beautiful autumn trees and replacing them with snowy pines, holly bushes and as much festive foliage as my prim count will allow. I dunno about you though, but whenever I set aside time for a task like this it always happens that the grid throws a wobbly or some other interruption comes along to distract me, and being a picky Virgo type I really hate it when things don’t go according to plan.
I’m not satisfied with it by a long shot, but it’s not quite finished yet. The sim where I live, Jasper Islands, is naturally a green ground texture, so I’ve petitioned Dreamland to ask for that to be changed to snow. Of course I’ve sent notecards to all my neighbours asking if they’re OK with it too and I really hope that they are because it will look wonderful.. It was something that we did last year and it really looked the part, but a few of my neighbours have moved on since then. During my communications with Dreamland it became apparent that I actually have five neighbours on Jasper, which was a huge surprise because I thought that I only had three, so just like real life it would seem that we all keep ourselves to ourselves and don’t integrate at all. I actually think that’s a bit of a shame, so I’m wondering if we ought to throw a sim-wide Christmas bash in the very near future…if any of my neighbours are reading this, would you be up for that?
Last year was my first Christmas in Second Life and it was a wonderful freebielicious event. So many stores had advent calendar events, where you would pop along every day and get a pressie. My wardrobe was bursting at the seams by the time the tinsel started to wilt, and for a newbie it must’ve been an absolute treat! It’s interesting to see that there aren’t nearly as many of these events taking place in Second Life this year, and my guess is that the credit crunch is hitting home, as well as a general apathy towards freebies that seems to be creeping in at the moment. I never take freebies for granted, and I certainly don’t indulge if it’s something I neither want nor need. I do think there’s a mentality that pervades the grid which is that because an item is free you simply *must* have it , even if the item is utterly useless to your Second Life, or is so foul that you wouldn’t be seen dead wearing it. I’m as guilty as the next person for indulging, so I think my Second Life New Year’s Resolution will be to try and reign my addiction in a little…It’s a gift when a designer grants freebies to their audience, and it should be viewed as such, not as an absolute right. I’d be interested to know how much business donating freebies brings in. I don’t imagine for a moment that it’s shedloads of trade, but I do know that If I receive a freebie from a designer that I really enjoy I always remember that designer, and I also strive to buy something from them too.
One point to remember is although it’s a freebie, it needs to be a quality gift to be of any benefit to your business and the customer alike. If you give away items that aren’t up to scratch then don’t be surprised if they don’t reap the rewards you were expecting. Offering objects gratis is a tried and trusted business technique, but the successful entrepreneur realises that he or she will have to invest some serious time and money into that free gift to make the whole exercise worthwhile long-term. This is of course a lot easier for designers who have already established their in-world brands, but it’s an successful marketing ploy that no newbie designer should neglect. I don’t mind paying a Linden dollar for a freebie (dollarbie, obviously) so that’s one way to get some Lindens back, but it’s not going to amass you a fortune unless you’re flogging something ridiculously wonderful and usually downright expensive. I think with the current financial climate being what it is, it may be wise for designers to discount items and hold sales to keep the punters happy whilst managing to make some income from sales.
It’s always been my opinion that blogs that feature freebies and freebie reviews are performing a very valuable service to creator and consumer alike and I often read them myself, but I’m always aware that people like me who do have some meagre funds to spare should be conscious of the importance of spending in-world and ensuring that we try our best to keep the Second Life economy stable through such real-life trying times. It’s almost a social responsibility…seriously! Content creators have used their skills and talents to create this amazing environment, so it’s only fair that we should reward them for their efforts. Of course, you will hear people say that nobody asked them to make things for the metaverse, so why should we have to pay, but I like to think that the majority of the virtual public are above such pettiness and are happy to show their appreciation, even if only in a small way.
There is a point to some of this ramble by the way, because I want to make you aware that there’s a hunt starting tomorrow ( December 2nd) that includes over 300 vendors…300! This is the grid-wide ‘Peace on Earth’ hunt that runs through December and incorporates all sorts of gifts from some seriously wonderful designers. I’m impressed by the concept and the idea that a widespread hunt, encompassing such a vast area can be arranged is a real credit to all those involved. I’m sure it’s going to be *huge*, and following on from the Halloween Ghost Hunt, which was infuriating fun, I’m sure that this one is going to be a massive success. If you visit the blog you’ll note that the organisers have stressed the importance of providing quality freebies to patrons in the hope that it will stimulate customers to buy. I hope this is a move that pays off, and I’ve already decided that however many items I find on the hunt ( I hope it’s all of them, obviously!) I’ll donate the equivalent Lindens to an in-world charity vendor., and like last time I’m going to take my time to enjoy each of the stores involved and purchase items from as many as I possibly can..I beseech you to do the same, this is the season of goodwill after all….a final note, here’s the concept behind the ‘Peace on Earth’ hunt, taken from their blog:
“The theme PEACE ON EARTH was chosen to draw upon the universal sense of unity that we feel during the holiday season. It is meant to be a festive hunt that all peoples can embrace. It will be an opportunity for a grid wide celebration of the diversity that is Second Life. We wish to foster understanding , tolerance, and respect throughout this global community…”
We live in such trying times, brought home to us everyday by events all over the world. From conflicts in Africa and Afghanistan to tensions in the west bank and the recent events in Mumbai it often feels like world-peace is an unreachable dream. But anytime a community comes together we’re one step closer to that glittering prize..and even though it’s a virtual world our actions and interactions inside it are reflections of our real life selves, and for that reason just as valuable. Let’s be inspired by the wonderful ideals and motives behind this event and above all, enjoy it!
I’m taking over the airwaves again, he he!
..but fortunately only on local radio, so if you’re not in the Radio Sheffield area then you’ll miss out on hearing me on the morning show tomorrow at about 0920…but don’t worry, you can listen again! http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/mainframe.shtml?http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/sheffield.shtml Look for ‘The Gareth Evans Show’, I was on about 15 minutes after is started:) As you can hear the interview went swimmingly and the presenter, Gareth was really nice and somewhat tottylicious to boot! He asked me some great questions and seemed genuinely interested in my in-world exploits, so that made the interview a lot of fun. If you were listening I hope you enjoyed it, and I thought it was especially funny when he called me ‘bonkers’ on air..I didn’t realise it was *that* obvious!!!
The latest Redgrave Skin release….
…is bloody monumental.
Last night I spent absolutely AGES writing a spiffing review for you all to enjoy, and in a moment of what can only be described as utter stupidity on my part, I switched my PC off without saving it. GAH! Then bugger me, I’ve just taken the time to rewrite the piece for your perusal, and I blinking well pressed the wrong button and lost the chuffer all over again. Talk about a bad day! As you can imagine, the air has been an interesting shade of blue for the past twenty minutes but upon reflection, I figured that it was probably for the best. You see there are glowing reviews, and there are reviews that are so sickly sweet as to be vomit inducing, and in all honesty, I’d created the latter. Twice. So here we go, third time lucky, BUT, this being the old Kitty you all know and love in all probabliity I’m going to write the same sycophantic review all over again. I cares not one jot mind, because sometimes, just sometimes, a product comes along that is entirely deserving of such praise. So, settle down with your favourite sick bag to hand as I make you go all hyperactive with my prose and cause you to endure one helluva humungous virtual sugar-rush….
On to the good stuff then, and boy oh boy is this good!! ‘Redgrave‘ have got a new skin out, and dear readers it is a bobby dazzler of such gargantuan proportions that you really do need to beg, steal or borrow the Lindens required to own such a piece of virtual happy-pie. I know I’m going to have to, as I really cannot afford this wonder myself at the moment, and horror upon horror I’ve had to make do with the demo skin for my photos. It would have been ridiculous though to not share this one with you, so no matter that I’m photographing myself in the buff in a demo skin…anything for my faithful readers! In fact, this skin looks so good DESPITE being a demo that if anything these pictures just prove how utterly fantastic it really is!
It’s called ‘Vivian’ and comes in pale and tan versions. As you’ve probably noticed before I don’t usually bother with tan skins, although there have been notable exceptions to that rule (Calla and Artilleri) This time I had a feeling that this would work on me in a tan shade and I was right- it’s just divine. I’ve got prior Redgrave skin experience and that was similarly enjoyable, but this latest release has just got me goosebumpy all over. So, where to begin?
The facial shading, in particular the eyeshadow application, is just beautiful. If you zoom in really close, and if you have your graphics settings uber-high you can see speckles of colour across the eyelid that can only be described as sublime. For example, the gold variant features glitter particles that are scattered loosely over the eyelids and onto the cheekbones and it is genuinely astonishing! The combination of eyeshadows in each of the make-up palettes are all really flattering, well-conceived and executed. Framing the eyes are the lashes obviously, and here’s an interesting thing- they look as though you’ve used a tad too much mascara upon your wand when applying, but the overall definition they provide is excellent.They almost feel clumpy but manage to pull the look off surprisingly well and this is a huge benefit to me seeing as I’m beyond useless at applying prim lashes, despite owning oodles of pairs…it makes no odds though because this skin is just fine without those particular enhancements. Moving down onto the cheeks and there’s a subtle rosy glow on each palette offering lovely face shaping without any of that embarrassing Apache indian style blush that you find on lesser skins. It results in a beautiful healthy glow for your avatar, which looks even better if you use a facelight, and fortunately you can get a freebie one from Redgrave.
One of the most important features of a skin are the lips and teeth. In my experience they often get over-looked, with the eyes being viewed as the sole facial focus, but nothing could be farther from the truth. You need a substantial gob to balance out a skin, and upon first glance you may think that the lips on Vivienn are a tad on the large and juicy ‘Team Angelina’ side of lipness, rather than the moist girl-next-door ‘Team Aniston’;but take a minute and rethink because they’re perfect here. Obviously this depends upon your underlying shape, but the effect is subtle voluptuousness regardless of whatever lip-colour choice you select. For me the lips really set off the whole face on this skin and certainly raise it above the majority of skins out there. If you employ a smiling device you’ll be pleased to see your pearly whites are toned very well against the rest of your colouring;no garish ‘glow-in-the-dark’ gnashers here, and the teeth themselves aren’t humungous tomb-stone shaped toofypegs either. I think the combination actually provides one of the best smiles around in Second Life, so congratulations to Redgrave for taking the time to complete an oft-overlooked and under-worked area:) The mouth is finished off perfectly with superb lip-lining and gloss and a luscious texture that again requires you to zoom in to really reap the whole benefit. I have to confess that even though in real life and second I’m a red lipstick kind of girl I have to be honest and say that I love all the lip-colour options equally,with the choices here being so excellent that they practically drag you kicking and screaming and make you more adventurous with your make-up selections!
So the eyeshadows and the lip colours are winners guys, and the combos alone make this skin worthy of your investment. I wasn’t let down by any of them, and usually when you purchase a complete set of skin make-ups there’s always one or two that you know you’ll never use. That’s defo not the case here. I wasn’t let down by any of them, and usually when you purchase a complete set of skin make-ups there’s always one or two that you know you’ll never use. That’s defo not the case here. Facially the skin doesn’t disappoint at all, but wait, before you go rushing off to mug your virtual granny for dollars because we haven’t even discussed the body yet!
The texture deployed for the body is *stunning*. See through the tan colouration (which isn’t bold and brassy, nor even remotely orange) and you’ll be rewarded with freckles and blemishes that make this skin scarily authentic. Areas where highlights and definition are most required such as the collarbone, shoulder blades, breasts and buttocks are perfectly accentuated with tone and shading that is amongst some of the best you’ll see on the grid. The details don’t stop there either, there’s a cute belly button, nicely shaded ankles and knees and great hands. Alas, my only quibble is the hands, for I’d have loved to have seen some different manicure colours included with the make-ups rather than the plain french that is provided, but no matter..that’s a nice to have and what we are supplied with is absolutely fine. The feet aren’t as bad as some other Second Life feet either, which is a wonder, but there’s no ground breaking tootsie definition here. I don’t think that’s a biggy though because I’m sure your virtual toes will be crushed into some wonderful footwear as you stride confidently across the grid so you’ll rarely get to see them anyways. The lady-garden area ( fnarr fnarr) is very well ‘detailed’ and very tidily kept, and will look fine in ‘artistic’ shots, should that be your in-world hobby of choice. To be perfectly honest I don’t really pay that much attention to such areas, because cybering has never been on my list of priorities in world, but I know that it’s likely to be important to some readers here and I can assure you that if it is then you won’t be disappointed 😉
So as skins go we’re talking an absolute winner here folks, a fact that is proved beyond all doubt when you venture into the Redgrave store in-world. The skins are surrounded by scores of appreciative punters trying demos and buying. Redgrave certainly seem to have got the skin recipe just right, and I suggest that if you’re in the market for a new one that you head on over and give this one a whirl because it really is amongst the best I’ve ever seen. Besides, it’s Thanksgiving for my US readers and I can think of no better way for you to celebrate than to go and treat yourself to something extra special:)
A final note; I’ve photographed a variety of Vivian demos with a selection of Dutch Touch hair, notably the Phyllie design ( L$150 each) Again, I’ve used a demo but I shall be purchasing the whole lot when I get paid ( in RL) because it goes well with this Redgrave skin and the style is absolutely vital! I personally think that this is the best I’ve seen Kitty look for ages, and let’s face it, with teh skin costing L$2990 to look this good and turn virtual heads ain’t that much of a hardship really, is it? ( That’s all 15 make-ups!! BLOODY HELL!)
So empty your virtual sick-bag dear reader, wipe down your chin and remove the carrots, make yourself look presentable and bugger off over to Redgrave and indulge…your virtual-self *will* thank you for it!
Kittywitchin' 