Lynaja Bade – Kittywitchin'

CONCRETE FLOWERS is absolutely one of my absolute favourite places to visit in all of Second Life. I‘ve unashamedly raved about it before but I care not a jot and I‘m going to do it again because it‘s such an amazing wee gem of a place. It’s such a warm, earthy welcoming store; eccentric, eclectic and with a touch of the esoteric thrown in for good measure it’s not so much a store, as an experience (Ooh check out Kitty with the big words!) so much so that I just have to keep going back there to see what’s new.

How best to describe? Well, If Concrete Flowers was an item of clothing it would be your favourite sweater. You know the one I mean, the warmest winter woolly you own and have worn to death for years. It’s starting to fall apart at the seams a bit, but you don’t care because you just love it and wearing it changes the way you feel. You could be bunged up with the world’s worst cold and snot dribbling down your chin but you know that if you were wearing your special jumper you’d feel all the better for it; you get my drift? Well Concrete Flowers is that kind of store, for me anyway. And I really hope that it will be for youJ

So why does Concrete Flowers make me feel this way? Because it sells some of the loveliest, well made items on the grid, as well as some of the rudest. It’s a store of contradiction and all the stronger for it, and has a uniqueness that you won’t see repeated often across the grid.

Let’s say you have friends moving into a new virtual home. This is a great place to find a gift; you can find some corking homewares on sale here (although items are no transfer, so you’ll have to contact Lynaja Bade to arrange delivery)
So what about the pressies?. Well, you can’t go wrong with plants, and there are some beauties on sale here. I really love the imaginative ‘Succulents Selection Hanger’ which features tiny buckets suspended by string from an old coat hanger; each bucket holding a different succulent plant. It’s uber-cute and just L$99.

Look around and you’ll also discover Snowdrops and Aloe Vera in old tattered teacups which would look splendid on a kitchen window ledge. There are also a number of large planters, my particular favourite being the Dandelion Love Vase which would look great on your virtual doorstep; it’s very pretty and whimsical. Something a little more quirky is the ‘Pet Snails’ set; this is a large brandy glass acting as a home environment for, well you guessed it, a variety of snails. A great decorative item that I totally adore and it’s just L$99.

If you’re looking for textiles and sturdier items then you’ll discover a worthy selection of rugs, beds and furniture here; including a must have for any Witchy home, the ‘Broom Candle Swing’. There’s also one of the most beautiful kitchens that I have ever seen in Second Life; ‘The Country Kitchen’ which is breathtaking in detail and presentation, and would look resplendent in any home ( real life or second) Oh, and if you’re looking for a place to put your kitchen, Concrete Flowers also sell some sublime skyboxes too.

The store also sells a fantastic selection of clothing items; everything in this store is so well made and so adorable that it’s hard not to want to buy the store up in its entirety in one trip. The majority of the clothing, with the exception of some deck shoes and tees, is aimed towards the Autumn/Winter seasons, There are also really quirky clothing items on sale here too; many of them aimed at the Autum/Winter seasons, but not that it matters seeing as this is Second Life and it can be any bloody season you wish. I challenge you to find a better selection of leggings on the grid, and if you’re a fella I’ve never seen such corking boxer shorts in-world! I’m glad to see that they still sell an old favourite of mine too; the ‘Bean’ cardigan which is quintessential Autumn wearing with it’s cosy chunky feel a tasselled fringe. It works perfectly with the Flidais flats which look cosy and sport a fetching leafy motif, and with a fatpack of five pairs costing just L$125 you’d be daft not to add these to your wardrobe. I was delighted to find a selection of toe socks on sale as well; and I must say that they’re ruddy fabulous with great detail and pattern choices.

During my visit I also spotted some lovely jewellery just right for Summer: The Shelly bracelet and necklace would look fabulous worn with your bikini and not much else on the virtual sands. I love the fact that they come in male and female versions too.

Moving onto the more comedic items and props. Well, what can I say except they have to be seen to be believed? I never thought I’d find a need to have an ass flute, and check out Granny’s Sippy Cup. You’ll never look at Granny in the same way again!

Like everything else on sale in Concrete Flowers, just because these are ‘fun’ items don’t think they’re any less well-made. There’s just as much love and attention gone into making them as anything else in the rest of the store, and I defy you to walk away from the wall without a purchase to amuse yourself and your friends.

A final note, Concrete Flowers will be taking part in the ‘Depraved Summer Love’ hunt from June 15th-July 15th but if you can’t wait that long for a pressie and it’s your Rez Day, then pop into the store and click the sign by the entrance for a wee giftie.

Concrete Flowers…what’s not to love?

(Oh, btw it’s on a sim called Pickle as well..there’s another reason that it rawks!)

Kitty’s Essential Purchases: