[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdhNyY93gq8&w=560&h=315]

I decided to do a fun little movie on my shopping prowess at Shoetopia…

When you have early access to an event, often as is the case, you run over grab all the things you can carry, and depart. Then realise that you did need at least 2 more fatpacks, and some guy shoes just in case you have to be a man for some reason or another. Then you decide to go back and forth another two times, and think you have it all sorted. Then hours before opening you realise you should have filmed it, and so you run back and you do…then realising later it’s not how you wanted to film it, because you have this awesome (to you) idea on how it should play out.

So then you go back use CTRL ALT SHIFT 4 removing all the avatars and yourself, and then film again. My apologies to those I stepped on, walked over and so on…there was this one time I ended up flying up and out a window, so I think I used someone as a ramp (sorry about that whoever you are).

I purchased as much as I could, had there been all options in many I would have most likely bought most of the event…but alas no, I was also lucky enough to be sent some items for blogging so incorporated both. What I did get, I was very impressed with, especially the different options in some styles, that just enhanced the footwear so much. I especially enjoyed the use of materials used by those that have that all sussed out. You can usually tell when rezzing the fabric of a shoe and you see the maps before you see the colours. Amazing for footwear, or any leather goods really, but seeing proper snakeskin or alligator, proper leather and the like, very nice indeed. Big thumbs up for the shoe creators at this event.

The location is easy to navigate, and the use of wardrobe props to give it a Carries closet like vibe, very smart on the organisers part. The event is a good way to get your footwear addiction taken care of, not all stores are represented, as often dates and time factors in there, but those that are present and accounted for did a great job, and some stores are newer to footwear creation but well known stores, so we hope this event urges them to keep on keeping on.

Teleport to Shoetopia

This top by Maddict at Collabor88 is meant to be worn with the matching panties…with a healthy dose of side boob, it is very alluring. However, the tunic style to it, had me wanting to piece together more of a day out and about look. Layering it over the top of an appliers knit sweater by Sn@tch and some recently updated to include appliers, frayed shorts by League – her texture work is marvelous, so I hope more of her older items end up updated to appliers.

With the addition of the booties by Mutresse, being able to change the colours combination with their fancy hud greatness, urged me to incorporate more colour into the look. I had originally opted for a grey combination, but I found this old clutch I had from many years ago – so old it is sculpts, but still looks great – so the colours just kept popping.

Grey and Yellow are also a great combination, and I could not resist the sunny options of this little cabinet, and the oh so cute ceramic friends decor. I resized them all, as I am prone to do if you give me the option, so I made a little Succulents family.

I am still enamored by my Cate head by LeLutka that is at Skin Fair at the moment, the skin I am wearing is the Cate skin by Glam Affair also at Skin Fair, with some of the beautiful make up that comes with. I love this smokey soft grey eyeshadow, will be keeping that on for a bit.

Mina of Mina Hair just added some new textures to her packs, giving more realism to some of her tones. So if you had not previously found one you loved, have another look, this june style is at Kustom9 this round.

Skin Fair Sim 1: Teleport 
Skin Fair Sim 2: Teleport

Equipment Used:

VR Studio 4.2 and HUD and Library for location shoots–

VR Foundry Mainstore (adult)

VR Studio @ Winx & Flair (general)

VR Foundry Marketplace

Props, Furniture, Build –

Sunday Morning Cabinet – Sunny, Ceramic Friends – MishMish @ Collabor88

Industrial Wall Light – Meva

Mainstream Mirror – Cheeky Pea

Silence Chair – Beuno @ The Arcade

Maple Rug – Winx & Flair

Location –

Poses by –

Marukin@ Collabor88

Eyes:

COMING SOON

Skin & Body Parts Worn:

Cate Head – LeLutka @ Skin Fair 2017

Cate Skin appliers – Glam Affair @ Skin Fair 2017

Dynamic Mesh Hands (Bento Enabled) , Deluxe Feet & Hourglass Physique Body – Slink

Avatar Enhanced Skin Appliers : Glam Affair

Avatar Enhanced Nail Appliers : set 28- Flair

Hair:

June Hair – Mina @ Kustom9

Clothes:

Mishi Top – Maddict @ Collabor88

Full Knit Bodysuit (Appliers) – Sn@tch

Frayed Denim Shorts (Appliers) – League

Shoes :

Jessie Boots – Mutresse @ Collabor88

Accessories :

Rio Carry All Clutch – Osakki (no longer open)

Hair Fair Designer Applications are now OPEN to all that create and sell hair….see you at the Fair

One of my favourite looks is so ‘American’, to us down here anyway. It is Nautical inspired, and it is the red, white and blue, but this time without the red. The clean living, summer time fun of ‘America’ that we see in Movies and TV, and it always makes me happy…when I was in the U.S I really did squeal the first time I went into a furniture store, and saw that you did sell looks like that, little anchors and ship paraphernalia strewn around the room.

Now while this look does go together that way for me, I could not help feeling like I had geeked out so much, that I was suddenly in some kind of kitchenette of The Tardis. Having been a Dr Who fan in its original time on our planet, I was all good with that.

Dynamic hands just hit Slink, and if you like me have their original mesh rigged/avenhance versions, then you get a free update. The people that had single hands get the hands and one pose position that is based on the look of the original single, if you had the five pack or fatpack, then you get the hands, idle animations included and the poses of the previous positions. Idle animations make your hands and fingers move randomly as you are just standing around, and what I love the most is that if you have many AO’s like me, then they give them a huge new life, because now those same ao’s have moving hands and fingers, so much cool.

If you had multiple single hands, they made it possible to merge the poses into one hud. So you just rez the hud and drag the poses to it from the other options. Or you can buy the static poses or idle animations separately. They are using the Bento skeleton we all have now, so if you have other Bento poses or animations, you can also use those. Take note though, depending on hand size and what the creator of the poses and animations was using to test, there may be some different outcomes. I am also wearing the Ballerina Nail add ons you can get at Skin Fair.

HOWEVER…I also purchased the Fate Hand Poser, which is a tool much like Animare, in that you can override the movement of each finger and wrist, and fix or change the overall look. It has a lot of features as well as some already set hand poses. I did use a pose from a posestore that had bento finger placement, but with the sleeves of the cardigan clipping slightly at the thumb, I was able to use the Hand Poser and fix that. It would also mean that all those poses you have had over the years can now also be tweaked and reimagined….SL just got a whole lot funna.

I also wanted to use the NEW attachment points SL gave us with bento, which is right and left ring fingers. This does not mean that you suddenly have bento rings, it does though mean that if you have rings you wear on those fingers, they should move with your hands instead of floating all over the place. The ring I am wearing is one ring that spans across three fingers though, so when changing hand positions with my Slink Dynamic HUD, I did notice most movement was great, but some the index finger did clip,  again the type of ring style will make a difference, but knowing that is my decision to wear it anyway.

The hair I am wearing is by Exile, it is a lovely style that caresses the shoulders and is just an effortless look, which is the look I definitely needed. The glasses are by Yummy, and they give me that knowing and doing vibe I wanted. Narcisse just released this beautiful bustier that is at this round of Mesh Body Addicts, and has great hud options if you buy the mini packs, or the full fatpack, that allow you to change the boning cage colour and body of the bustier separately. Teamed up with these great jeans by Addams that of course with the texture change belt, did not disappoint, giving me a white belt to play off the rest of my look.

The oversized cardi is perfect, and fits so well over both pieces, and then down to my feet, which are the latest Ingenue sneakers, that are so sweet and rubbery soled goodness. The furniture is a bit of cheeky pea old and newer, and a gacha license plate I grabbed at The Arcade by Consignment, that of course I made bigger, I tend to do that, however the Owl fancy lamp by Mutresse (another of that awesome collection) I actually made smaller, because it is so cute on that shelf.

The skin I am wearing is by Lara Hurley and is at the ongoing Skin Fair 2017, it is just adorable, and there are make up options included, as well as add on lipsticks you can purchase, so you are well covered.

Skin Fair Sim 1: Teleport 
Skin Fair Sim 2: Teleport

Equipment Used:

VR Studio 4.2 and HUD and Library for location shoots–

VR Foundry Mainstore (adult)

VR Studio @ Winx & Flair (general)

VR Foundry Marketplace

Fate Hand Poser 

Props, Furniture, Build –

Game Day – License plate Coffee – Consignment @ The Arcade

:CP: Poppy Cabinet Winter – Cheeky Pea @ N21

Farmhouse Mugs, Bench – Cheeky Pea

Owl Fancy Lamps – Mutresse @ The Arcade

Location –

Poses by –

La Baguette

Eyes:

COMING SOON

Skin & Body Parts Worn:

Cate Bento Mesh Head – LeLutka @ Skin Fair 2017

Rie Skin Applier (LeLutka), Rie Lipstick Appliers – Lara Hurley @ Skin Fair 2017

Dynamic Hands (Bento Enabled), Deluxe Feet & Hourglass Physique Body – Slink

Avatar Enhanced Skin Appliers : Lara Hurley

Avatar Enhanced Nail Appliers : set 21 – Flair

Slink Dynamic Ballerina Add on Nails – Slink @ Skin Fair 2017

Hair:

Not Today – Exile @ Collabor88

Clothes:

Dakota Bustier – Narcisse @ Mesh Body Addicts

Calm Cardigan – Pixicat @ Collabor88

Ginger Boyfriends Jeans – Addams

Shoes :

Ulla Sneakers – Ingenue @ Collabor88

Accessories :

Polly Ring – Mandala

Vincent Glasses – Yummy @ Collabor88

1. Over the years you have been the go to blogger for all things skin related. What was it that motivated you to focus on that particular section of the Second Life beauty industry ?

From the start of my SL I always loved skins and shapes, when I started blogging I found a serious lack of any kind of ethnic bloggers. I came across Khitten Kurka’s blog and it was the first time i’d seen a blogger wearing a dark skin, it was then I decided I wanted to have my own blog and showcase creators who did a range of skin tones. I figured I wasn’t the only one looking for darker skin tones and I could show whatever I found that I loved. Even if the skins weren’t necessarily dark, it was still fun being able to show what was available, something for everyone and my skin collection was already massive so I wanted to share.

2. In the past there were huge gaps in development in that area, skins were skins and the skin system layer was all Skin creators were able to work with. Appliers are now the norm, but before they were a thing, what for you was a huge turning point in the beauty market ?

Definitely tattoo layers. When they came out I remember buying every tattoo layer I could find. Being able to mix and match makeups and face tattoos was huge and opened up a new market for people to create and sell makeups etc.

3. Now with the implementation of appliers, mesh body parts etc…do you find it easier or more complicated to apply a skin ? is there any advice you would give to a newer user ?

I would say on the surface it seems more complicated because now we deal with HUDs but really once you get the hang of it, it’s not difficult at all. My best advice would be to seek out blogs, there are so many blogs that have great information on everything mesh heads and bodies, and a lot of bloggers are now making YouTube videos which helps so much. Even after having been in SL almost 10 years, I use these blogs daily for info and learn new things not just about SL but about Photoshop also. They’re really helpful.

4. Skin Fair is just around the corner, and is one of the biggest events of the year, what is it about events such as Skin Fair that you get excited about ?

I think a lot of creators really get their creative brains going when it comes time for big events like Skin Fair so I’m always really excited to see what’s new. Also a few brands only release at Skin Fair so excited to see those as well. I’m particularly excited about this years Skin Fair, last year was just the beginning stages of the mesh head takeover but now they are a thing and with Bento, I can’t wait to see all the shape makers as well!

5. You are also a part of the Skin Addiction Group, which helps those in need of Skin assistance find products, or offers advice as needed, are there any particular questions you see come up again and again ?

The great thing about Skin Addiction is that even though it’s a “skin” group you can pretty much ask anything and find an answer, a lot of times people will ask if anyone can identify a certain skin, or hair, lots of questions about help with mesh heads and bodies, and just generally people looking for new places to shop. It’s the only group I keep open in my chat tab, everyone is helpful and i try to help as often as I can. I’ve also found a lot of new stores from suggestions in chat.

6. For you personally, what are your favourite features of skins ?

Of course first thing I look for is skin tone but after that the nose has always been extremely important to me, it can really make or break a skin for me so i always look at the noses first. With appliers and tattoo layers for those not using mesh heads, everything else can be “fixed”. If I don’t love the lips i can wear lipstick or change the eyebrows etc. The nose though is what you see is what you get and I’ve only seen a few brands give options for different noses on the skin, or makeup brands that shade or contour the nose. So from the beginning the skin has to have a good nose for me.

7. What would be on your wishlist for skinners to focus on, or implement ?

THE NOSE! Haha, nose shading is so important and sometimes I feel like it gets overlooked a bit. Also maybe different nose options on a tattoo layer or applier would be really great. More ethnic skins would be nice as well, I’d love to see more Asian skins and Indian skins and Latin skins. Skins made specifically and not just in skin tones. Also I love the current trend of Albino and Ginger skins I’ve seen lately, would love to see more of that.

8. Do you have any particular memories of blogging skins that stand out as big moments for you as a blogger and a skin enthusiast ?

When brands I love noticed me as a blogger and creators reached out to me and I became bloggers for them are always big moments for me personally. A lot of the brands I loved in the beginning are still favorites now and watching them evolve has been amazing. Seeing them create new and beautiful faces every time they release brings me so much joy. Big moments in blogging are always events like Skin Fair though, I look forward to them for months and get crazy giddy with excitement when they’re near. I love sharing all the new skins on my blog, all my favorites every year, giving people a view of what they might want before they head out shopping. From the first Skin Fair I did to the upcoming Skin Fair those are blog memories that last all year for me. Skin Fair and Hair Fair.

I am so excited for Skin Fair, with some gorgeous NEW Skins being created for LeLutka heads and the NEW LeLutka head Cate coming to the event, yes…you read correctly, Cate is the latest addition to the LeLutka head range. I am wearing it in this post and I did wear it in my last one, but I was kind of stealth about it.

Also available at the Skin Fair LeLutka booth will be NEW Animations for your heads, so fun, and a gift set you won’t want to miss out on. I am wearing the Skin Fair release of Elena by YS&YS, a stunner of a skin, with all the great make ups that YS&YS include. I am though wearing the default brows from the LeLutka head HUD, because I tinted them to match my hair.

I did also add the moles from League, because now that I have re-routing on my LeLutka head I can choose two locations for them, still wear lipstick and it is just joy and fun. The layout to the event is great, easy as all get out to navigate, and just an abundance of creations to enjoy. Prepare yourself for Nudity though, as it is a skin fair, you will have a lot of it going on, so if that kind of thing is not possible for you at home etc, then I suggest you derender everyone on your nearby list when you land so that you can not only lag less, but see less of less too.

I am enjoying some time out on this stunner of a seat that is at this round of C88, this round is nearly over, a matter of days now, but this is when it is best to run back through and make sure you got everything. I enjoyed this decor, and the books and table with planter beside me just added to the whole ambiance of being cool and calm and collected.

Concept did a great job on the gorgeous reds and yellows in their pieces and the DRD set can be used in so many ways, so I suggest grabbing as much of both as you can. Another C88 item is this top by Emery, now it is Slink Physique Original in size, but because of the great cut of the design, I was able to wear it with Hourglass. This may not be the case for everyone’s shape, so demo demo demo.

These boots are fantastic, but are not coming out for weeks, in the upcoming Shoetopia event. I just could not take them off though, and Livalle is so good at styles like these, that I have been kathumping around in them for the past two days. So make sure you look out for those, and they come in Male and Female versions, SCORE!

Equipment Used:

VR Studio 4.2 and HUD and Library for location shoots–

VR Foundry Mainstore (adult)

VR Studio @ Winx & Flair (general)

VR Foundry Marketplace

Props, Furniture, Build –

Kizi Red Bench – Concept  @ Collabor88

Boho Princess Book Clutter, Planter, Carpet – DRD  @ Collabor88

Forgotten Corner – Apt B (Gacha Rare)

Location –

Poses by –

Eyes:

Ellis – LeLutka (no longer )

Skin & Body Parts Worn:  

Cate Mesh Head – LeLutka @ Skin Fair 10th March

Elena Skin appliers – YS&YS @ Skin Fair 10th March

Avatar Enhanced Mesh Hands, Deluxe Feet & Original Physique Body – Slink

Avatar Enhanced Skin Appliers : YS&YS

Avatar Enhanced Nail Appliers : set – Flair

Hair:

Ocean Bed (Gacha) – Lamb @ The Arcade

Clothes:

Racha Twist Front Top – Emery  @ Collabor88

Shaki Shorts – Addams

Shoes :

HAX Boots – Livalle (Shoetopia COMING SOON)

Accessories :

Runa Headband, Chained Lip – Le Morte

I would love to be dressed like this right now, it is the perfect outfit for the weather we are having, but just like in the picture, I am safely ensconced inside. Now if I could find a way to sleep for three months without need to do anything else, it would be bliss. Don’t you wish that was like a humanity thing, you got one hibernation every ten years ? instead of saving up for vacations or what not, you just saved to have your hibernation. It could even be part of employment packages, allowing for that time off not to interfere with your job, like maternity leave or something…just a big recharge for all.

The beautiful coat is an all in one deal, shirt, hoodie and coat. I am not generally a dress me kind of shopper, hate it actually, when items are only usable in one way, but I do like this combination, as achieving it with separates would not be easy to do, and you get three hoodie colours included, so for a quick and classic look it works well. I also like that it fits over most things, so its not completely lacking in the styling it ability.

It goes so well with this hat hair I picked up at Besom the other day, they were having a ginormous sale, to raise money for a sick cat. Not sure if the sale is still on, but worth a visit either way. These very cool shoes are at C88 and they have socks with lacey tops versions that you can turn on and off, they remind me so much of school shoes but in the good way. We wear uniforms down here, which I think is most excellent taking the pressure off kids fashion wise. When closed in lace up shoes got revamped into this kind of look, girls went wild.

I am spending time in this adorable cottage by Trompe Loeil available at this round of C88, cottages are fun in SL, as the one room ambiance works as a skybox would, so you can decorate it just perfectly.

I used some older and newer pieces by Cheeky Pea, the newer at this round of Uber. This sofa is so smooshy looking, I could just dive in and bliss out. The armchair is at c88 and is an option from dining set by The Loft & Aria. You can purchase the whole set, individual pieces or the chairs as singles or as a fatpack, which I did, because its a lovely chair and you get 12 fabric options.

The lamp is a hoot, seriously Mutresse filled everyones lampy needs this round of The Arcade. The lamp originally is desk top sized, but it being mod I was able to make it larger as a floor lamp, and it only ended up 5 LI which is awesome. Definitely play that machine loads, because the lamps are gorgeous, and my only thought was that the dog one should have been a floor lamp too, because the button to turn off if a foot activated one would be HILARIOUS! just a longer stand and lamp cover hint hint 😛

There are now three repeat sims for The Arcade event, and as this may be news to many, not all three are packed. The link I included is the one that was only half full earlier, so hopefully that will be easier to get into.

Equipment Used:

VR Studio 4.2 and HUD and Library for location shoots–

VR Foundry Mainstore (adult)

VR Studio @ Winx & Flair (general)

VR Foundry Marketplace

Props, Furniture, Build –

Anastasia Cottage – Trompe Loeil  @ Collabor88

Hargrave Chair – The Loft & Aria @ Collabor88

Ladder shelf  – Junk

Modern Farmhouse Winerack, Mugs Clutter, Stacked Plates, Bric a Brac, Modern Industrial Arrows  – Cheeky Pea

Kabuki Neon Sofa, Rug – Cheeky Pea @ Uber

Mr Lamp Fancy Lamps – Mutresse @ The Arcade

Location –

Poses by –

Voir

Eyes:

Ellis – LeLutka (no longer sold)

Skin & Body Parts Worn:

Cate Head – LeLutka (COMING SOON to Skin Fair)

Amaia Skin Applier – League (Coming Soon to Skin Fair)

Avatar Enhanced Mesh Hands, Deluxe Feet & Hourglass Physique Body – Slink

Avatar Enhanced Skin Appliers : League

Avatar Enhanced Nail Appliers : set 57 – Flair

Hair:

New Girl – Besom

Clothes:

Coat with Hoodie – Coco 

Cake Leggings – Blueberry

Shoes :

Dorothy Shoes – Bleich  @ Collabor88