Sheep Door – Kittywitchin'

The problem with September is a VERY skint Kitty. Why? Well this is because there are way too many wonderful events going on in world at the moment. It’s driving me mad, but in a GOOD way.

The Arcade is still busy and bustling, but there’s also the fantastic latest Collabor88 collection and a new kid on the block, The Seasons Story.

The Seasons Story was incredibly busy upon the first few days of opening so that I couldn’t actually get in, but when I did I realised why it had been so popular. This is a real quality event, the theme being Autumn (of course)and each stall is arranged around a beautifully decorated sim featuring trees, fruits and flowers of the, erm, season. It’s delicious to look at and walk around. You can practically smell pumpkin soup and warmed cider as you meander down the pathways investigating each vendor.

There’s a vast array of fashion, hair, skins and furnishings on show for the fall-addicted avatar. I confess that I was like a kid in a sweet-shop once I managed to get in, because there’s some truly wonderful shopping to be had here.

In the photograph I am sporting the fabulous flannel shirt from SHEEP DOOR, and I really like it, although I do wish the demo had included examples of the textures rather than it being a demo for fit. Still, as you can see it looks perfectly snug and wears really well. Ripe for layering in this cool September sun.

I also really fell in love with this glorious hair and beret combo from INK. It’s a great unisex style, available in a limited selection of colours but an absolute bargain at L$150 a pop. Not only that, each style comes replete with hud for beret colour-change happy, and includes a couple of hairbases, one of which is specifically aimed at the male avvie and includes a beard. I love thoughtful touches like that!

I combined my choices from The Seasons Story with some quality purchases from Collabor 88. I cannot get enough of this Belleza ‘Leila’ skin which is the perfect choice for the season. I’m wearing combo 3 ,which features a winged eyeliner against a palette of golden hues and a lovely warm red lip. The colours are just breathtaking, and I’ve realised now that Belleza probably draw my favourite brow in SL; it’s *perfect* and frames the face beautifully. I can’t get enough of it.

I’m also sporting this delicious jumper from TEE*FY in ‘Pumpkin’ shade. I’m really loving this brand at the moment. This is a brilliant example of a wardrobe staple being perfectly re-created in Second Life. It features a generous roll-neck collar and comes with both a no-sleeves (for wearing under jackets) and long sleeved versions plus alphas layers to suit. Another example of a designer actually giving thought to how something will be worn, and again it’s a touch that’s truly appreciated.

What do you think to my foxy tail? This beautiful brush is available at Collabor88 from AUXILIARY, and even better no beautiful foxes were harmed in the making of it! You can purchase it pre-attached to a denim skirt, or you can buy separately to add to your own items. It’s available in a variety of shades and is a really unusual enhancement to your wardrobe. I really love it!

The Seasons Story is a perfect environment for taking photos. The backdrop above is actually comprised of the Gacha items that virtual design Goddess Sienia Trevellion (the name behind the LARK label) has at The Arcade this round. The books have been enlarged to create a really effective display, and they demonstrate the awesome imagination and skill that Sienia possesses. She is one of those people in-world who is a constant source of wonder to me and I cannot praise her work enough. In fact, all the designers I’ve featured here today are an absolute joy, and one of the reasons why I love my Second Life so much.

And finally let me tell you about the pose. This is from a pose maker that I discovered at The Seasons Story called MODEL POSESand I am really impressed! There are two packs available of five poses for L$60 each, and they’re excellent quality with a natural grace and finish to each movement. I’ll certainly be keeping an eye for this brand in future! (The pose in the photo is number four from the ‘Martina’ collection)

Have I wet your shopping appetite? Good, I am pleased to hear it! CLICK HERE to visit The Seasons Story, and HERE to visit Collabor88. Enjoy!

The Mens Dept is as good an opportunity as any to get Jez to go shopping. Getting laddo to update his look is always a challenge, which is why events like The Mens Dept. make it a whole lot easier, and tons of fun for both of us too.

It’s a funky mix of fresh fashion, skin, hair and adornments as well as decorative pieces and homewares, with all items costing between L$75-L$150. It’s a great way to get your hands on some quality pieces and acquaint yourself with designers old and new.

The fashion is really substantial. All the items have been carefully selected and are beautifully presented in this tidy, well-lit location, and there are contributions from an eclectic mix of creators, from established brands like CHEERNO to lesser well known contributors, such as SHEEP DOOR (who Jez fell in love with an TP’d straight to their store after the event!)

Jez was especially enamoured by the BLEAK ‘Wisdom’ Shirts, as you can see by the picture above. These are mesh and can be purchased in a number of options, but Jez wanted something bright so opted for the Aztec design. It fits like a dream and looks great, so was well worth L$135. The glasses from KUMAKI, with their fantastic range of textures, were also a must have at just L$150.

Another favourite in the collection is the Assymetric Shirt from 22769. This is also a mesh creation, and the style is obviously inspired by Japanese costume. Jez loves all things Japanese, so this was a must have and it fits extremely well. It’s a simple design enhanced by coloured trim on the edging, and looks perfect when worn with jeans and casual loafers. The outfit is enhanced even further by the leather bracelets, also from 22769. These are nice and chunky and are available in a variety of leather choices with different metal adornments. I really like bracelets and cuffs in Second Life, especially when taking pictures, because they hide those nasty lumps and bumps on an avatar’s hands nicely. The shirt costs an extremely reasonable L$90, and the bracelets are just L$80 per pair. You’ll also spy a fabulous suit, great Cargo pants and a very cheeky lounge-wear set from HAVOK.

As well as quality fashion you’ll also find stylish home items from a number of designers including MUDHONEY . Rayvn Hynes has created the fabulous ‘Ryan’ Club Chair for the event. It looks really comfy and features 8 sitting poses. You’ll also receive a magazine rack and a fantastic candle set for your L$150. If you don’t think candles are especially masculine then you need to check these out, they’re billiard balls and look brilliant!

When cruising the homewares make sure you check out the beautiful Animal prints from VESPERTINE and the glorious ‘It’s a mens world’dresser from KUSSHON which features a number of manly items like mini-TV, beer and a girly mag. There are also tattoos from VESTIGIUM, beautiful eyes from INSUFFERABLE DASTARD and a selection of fantastic piercings from PEKKA. Even if you’re not a chap this event is well worth a peek.

Jez’s favourite item from the event is of course the ‘Playing Games’ console from CHEEKY PEA. The boy is a total geek so was delighted to find this prop item. It looks very much like a console from his teenage years, so was a must purchase for our home and looks great next to our Ernst TV, also from Cheeky Pea. It’s a tad pricey at L$125, but it’s a beautifully created piece and really adds to our living space.

Check out all the items at The Mens Dept by clicking here to see the fantastic post by Braydon Thirdborn on Seraphim SL covering all the goodies, and click here to visit the event.