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In the Navy
A few weeks ago, I had a bodysuit all set up for an outfit, and as I added layers, one of the planned items started clipping. I ended up changing everything and completely lost track of where I began, which was with this gorgeous bodysuit by Cynful. The colours, texture, and fit were all stunning, and while it comes with graphic options, I loved it without them. There’s also a very mini mini skirt as part of the release, but I like to mix things up to get more versatility, so to speak. These pants by Erratic fit perfectly over the bodysuit, and the navy combination is superb. It creates such a business casual look, elevated with a sexy twist. You can easily dial it back into something more professional too, which is what I love most about Second Life fashion – the story you can create in your mind about where your look takes you, what it represents, and how it can evolve from the original concept.
I wanted something that gave off the vibe that I’d taken an item off and could put it back on if I needed to rush back to work. This much older over-the-shoulder sweater by COCO Designs did the trick. It’s not fitted to my avatar, but it still works, and depending on where an item sits on the body, sometimes older pieces can still achieve the look you’re going for. I love this sweater because it has a lightweight appearance, which pairs well with the lighter fabric of the pants. It’s perfect for those cool-but-not-cold days. The bare arms needed a little something, so the armbands by Sigma worked really well, you can hide and show left or right, or wear both if you wish. I also picked this gorgeous hair by Exile for the same reason – it’s the perfect length and style, with a slightly tousled look to the upper layers, as if I’d just pulled the sweater over my head. It’s not messy, but it has that ‘end of a long day’ look, which is perfect because sometimes those flyaways are well earned.
Other attention-grabbing items include the makeup on my face today. Firstly, AlaskaMetro is part of the Spoonful of Sugar Festival, and her items there support Doctors Without Borders. I’m wearing her stunning Matte Smoke Eyeshadow in a silvery blue shade, which I’ve been loving all week. On top of that, I used the blue liner from the Toujours set, along with a lipstick from the same collection. All beautiful products for a great cause. I’m also wearing the new Layla eyebrows by Nuve, currently available at Access. They come with a fantastic range of options, including inverted ombré looks for both brows or just one, as well as solid colours. These are incredible, and since I opted for a greyscale ombré look for my hair, matching brows is so much fun. I can also see them being perfect for those who want to add a bit of age to their look. They come in various ombré shades, so be sure to check them out!
Credits:
Equipment Used
VR Studio and HUD/Library – VR Foundry Marketplace
LeLutka Axis HUD Face – LeLutka
Important: Moles featured on face or body unless otherwise stated are created by me, for me personally. If wearing moles or freckles etc layers by other creators they will always be credited. As my face moles are the same always, it will be clear to know it is mine not part of the skin.
Poses & Props by :
Body Parts
Body :
Reborn – EBody
Head:
Genus Morph (Straight – NoseMorph, Natural Pierced – Lipmorph, Round – EyeMorph, Triangle – HeadMorph, Ears Human) – Genus
Appliers:
Nail appliers – Flair – Marketplace
Sassy Lashes – Nuve @ Uber Event (Aug/Sept 2024)
Skin Worn:
Cara Skin (face), Rhea Body Skin – Nuve
Head and Body BOM Layers:
Matte Smoke Eyeshadow, Toujours Liner and Lipstick – AlaskaMetro @ Spoonful of Sugar Event
Layla Eyebrows ombre – Nuve @ Access Event
Hairbase Babyhairs V 2.- Izzies Mainstore
Hair Worn:
Lola Hair – Exile Mainstore
Wearing:
CardiganTiedAroundShoulders – COCO DESIGNS Mainstore
Casual Baddie – Bodysuit – Cynful Mainstore
Akira Trousers – Erratic Mainstore
Footwear:
Seon Slides – Velvet – Flair @ TSS Party COMING SOON
Accessories:
Metal Armcuff – Sigma Mainstore
Hoops forever earrings reboot – Dark Mouse
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Ar Ar Ar Ar
For some Second Life Residents, Physically Based Rendering (PBR) might seem new. It wasn’t on their radar, and now that it’s changed a lot of things in their virtual experience, they may feel resistant to it. Others, however, were aware that Linden Lab has been working on it for years, so it’s come as less of a surprise. Then there are the more seasoned gamers and creators who work both in and out of Second Life. To them, it may feel like Second Life has been lagging behind, and it’s only just catching up to other platforms. Wherever you fall in this spectrum, PBR is here now, and it’s not only changed the in-world experience but has also transformed how content is created.There’s more to PBR than just making shiny things look shinier. Yes, it’s true that managing the blend between PBR and older baked content can be a bit trickier now. However, many creators are working hard to bring new, exciting things to life in ways we’ve never seen before, and we need to give them space to experiment, just as we’ve done with other significant changes in the past. It’s not easy to switch from one method of creation to another, especially when it feels like it happens so quickly.
One major change is the importance of lighting – not just your own personal setup but how lighting works across different regions. Linden Lab has introduced a new Midday setting (not the legacy one), which is the best example of how lighting can be used, though it’s not always the most exciting option. Lighting now plays a much bigger role, so when you buy something, it may not look exactly like what you saw initially, as your lighting settings might be very different from the creator’s. Finding a balance between these settings is key.
When I was shooting this skirt, I loved how the lights in my studio interacted with the PBR textures, but also how the work just seems to shimmer on its own, which is not what we are used to, but is very realistic to the way this kind of skirt works. It was even more fun playing with EEP settings and watching the skirt change colours and reflections. I didn’t capture those shots, as it might have been confusing without context. What’s important to note is that DEMOS are now more crucial than ever. And if you head to a club in your best sequin mini, like this one by Fashionably Dead, you’ll have a mesmerising effect as the lights change – just like in real life. And honestly, that’s pretty cool!
This skirt also has an option to hide and show the solid mode base, and/or the wired see through option, the detail in this skirt texturing is incredible, and the ever so tiny panties also come with. I really liked the option of both types in one, so that you could go where the mood takes you. I liked it all so much that I made a little video, and a song as an homage to PBR that turned out so awesome thanks to the use of Suno ai. I just wrote the basic lyrics, requested a type of genre and edited the outcome to fit the video.
This beautiful necklace by Sigma is not PBR, but she has been releasing PBR content also, which is fantastic for metal work especially. I look forward to featuring more PBR work in future. I am also wearing the New-ish hair by Monso, that has bangs as optional, but they were just too chunky cute to not wear.
Credits:
Equipment Used
VR Studio and HUD/Library – VR Foundry Marketplace
LeLutka Axis HUD Face – LeLutka
Important: Moles featured on face or body unless otherwise stated are created by me, for me personally. If wearing moles or freckles etc layers by other creators they will always be credited. As my face moles are the same always, it will be clear to know it is mine not part of the skin.
Poses & Props by :
Body Parts
Body :
Reborn – EBody
Head:
Genus Morph (Straight – NoseMorph, Natural Pierced – Lipmorph, Round – EyeMorph, Triangle – HeadMorph, Ears Human) – Genus
Appliers:
Nail appliers – Flair – Marketplace
Sassy Lashes – Nuve @ Uber Event (Aug/Sept 2024)
Skin Worn:
Cara Skin (face), Rhea Body Skin – Nuve
Head and Body BOM Layers:
Cara Eyeshadow & Lipstick, Noah Eyebrows – Nuve
Hair Worn:
Hoyeon Hair – Monso @ Collabor88 Event
Wearing:
Sequin Mini Skirt (PBR version) – Fashionably Dead Mainstore
Tanee Tank Top – Ison Mainstore
Footwear:
Call Me – Dial Up Sandals – Fifty/Five
Accessories:
Pebble Necklace – Sigma Mainstore
Hoops forever earrings reboot – Dark Mouse
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The Banana Goes To…
Oh my goodness, I would like to thank… ok, so this post/look got funnier and funnier as I went along. Firstly, Truth – Happy Birthday, Truth – released a new collaboration style with Tres Beau, called Nicki, after the very talented Miss Minaj. Truth did the hair, and it came out very popstar fabulous. I knew instantly, once I realised that I could tint the print on the hair – there are a few options: leopard print, dollar signs, or zebra print, that you can show or hide, and tint for fun colours – that I wanted to go all in; I was going to go full Music Awards. This dress, which I picked up from Freda a year ago, had yet to have the opportunity to be worn in all its greatness. I love how vibrant it is, with that comic style I loved as a kid. Lengthwise, for me at least, it stops a little short because I am tall in RL, but that gave me a great opportunity to wear a great pair of leather-wrapped heels by Breathe, which have an extra bit of height in the straps, so that bare leg was taken care of nicely.
Wearing this great skin by Nuve, with the lipstick and eyeshadow by the same name, I added the NEW Sassy Lashes, not just because they are aptly named, but also because they too allow for tinting. I did mention in the past that with the Nuve lashes, you get to choose upper only or three different variants of lower for each option given. Once I realised that the eyeshadow had a lower lid swoop, I chose to use the upper lashes only, so that you could see that too. I tinted them hot pink to match the red of it all, then had the tealish shadow contrast.
Now, for my award… I remembered that James&Dew have released this amazing banana-themed décor set in a full PBR or Non-PBR range, and it is wild! They are so fun and gorgeously textured. I opted for the Full PBR because I got to shrink down a Disco Banana and hold it as though I was receiving some kind of acknowledgement of my awesomeness at the Banana Academy – in Australia, a popular expression for being sent to the loony bin was taking a trip on a banana boat, so take that as you will. All that aside, having the EEP setting just right, getting gold to look so stunning, and then having proper reflections of my scene on my mirror ball-like banana, it was all just fabulous. It made me laugh that the reflection I was getting was actually yellow because my Disco Banana was trying to pretend it was a regular banana, I think.
Credits:
Equipment Used
VR Studio and HUD/Library – VR Foundry Marketplace
LeLutka Axis HUD Face – LeLutka
Important: Moles featured on face or body unless otherwise stated are created by me, for me personally. If wearing moles or freckles etc layers by other creators they will always be credited. As my face moles are the same always, it will be clear to know it is mine not part of the skin.
Poses & Props by :
KPOP STAR – 4 – Run Devil Run – FOXCITY Mainstore
Appeeling Moments – James&Dew
Body Parts
Body :
Reborn – EBody
Head:
Genus Morph (Straight – NoseMorph, Natural Pierced – Lipmorph, Round – EyeMorph, Triangle – HeadMorph, Ears Human) – Genus
Appliers:
Nail appliers – Flair – Marketplace
Sassy Lashes – Nuve @ Uber Event (Aug/Sept 2024)
Skin Worn:
Cara Skin (face), Rhea Body Skin – Nuve
Head and Body BOM Layers:
Cara Eyeshadow & Lipstick – Nuve
Foil Freckles – AlaskaMetro Mainstore
Hair Worn:
Nicki Hair – TRUTH Mainstore
Wearing:
Slaine Slipdress Popart – Freda Mainstore
Footwear:
Suen Heels – Breathe @ Collabor88 Event Aug/Sept 2024
Accessories:
Hoops forever earrings reboot – Dark Mouse
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BOWdacious
I love a good hair accessory, which is not a surprise to many… This darling little set of bow snaps by Litterbug just gives and gives. It was shown to fit one of my favourite hairstyles from Truth, and since Litterbug is located at Truth, that’s no surprise. As I had been wearing that hair a lot lately, it made me even more eager to snap them up for next time. They come with colour options, and the yellow was perfection. They are available separately for the left and right sides, so you can wear one or both, and they also offer pearl and metal options. When I put on this hair by Yomi, it was an instant dive back into my inventory to get these out. The placement was just perfect, but the bows are unrigged, allowing you to move them around as needed. This hair by Yomi was one of the great releases at Hair Fair 2024. It was a collaborative style that came with the coolest neon headphones and horns, though I was feeling a little more smart-casual for my look.
This whole outfit was actually a challenge from the neck down—one of those blogging days when, despite having a solid direction, everything ends up completely sideways from the original plan. Then you feel like you’ve committed so much time to the look that you have to see it through to completion. I really love the outcome, but the only item that remained from the initial look was the jacket, which, funnily enough, was not even how I’d planned to use it when I purchased it. When I first saw the jacket, I wanted it solely because it came with the ability to turn off the flowers, but when I put it on yesterday, the flowers ended up defining the colour palette and staying on. This is actually a bonus, because now I also have the option to wear it without the flowers in future. The colours this jacket comes in are just gorgeous. The jacket is designed with the arms and hands in the pockets—they do not move. That’s not me creating the perfect pose positioning; it’s how the jacket was made, which means you are limited in what you can wear underneath. Things fit really well in most cases, though there was a bit of clipping at the chest area that had me changing originally; it was so slight that I almost missed it. Sleeves, however, won’t fit, because as mentioned, the sleeves and hands are static. You can’t move them, so if you wear anything with even a short sleeve, it will go in one direction while your fake arms go in another. Bakes on Mesh will work perfectly, of course, as you can just alpha away everything underneath. This top from Space fit really well. There’s a tiny bit of clipping under one of the jacket’s collars, but it’s so minimal that you’d have to zoom in to see it, so you’re good to go.
I really like a good pencil skirt, so this Acai collection by Miss Chelsea was an easy decision. The skirt and sneakers are part of the collection, and the sneakers are texture-changeable in so many ways that I was able to get them to work really well with the outfit. I do wish they came in yellow, though the light tan worked well enough, giving the look a bit of natural balance.
The best thing to do when looking for a top to go under something else is to try a demo. I’m so grateful that this is standard practice in Second Life—being able to try as many options as you need before choosing the right one for the moment or for the future. Demos are an asset.
Credits:
Equipment Used
VR Studio and HUD/Library – VR Foundry Marketplace
LeLutka Axis HUD Face – LeLutka
Important: Moles featured on face or body unless otherwise stated are created by me, for me personally. If wearing moles or freckles etc layers by other creators they will always be credited. As my face moles are the same always, it will be clear to know it is mine not part of the skin.
Poses & Props by :
Body Parts
Body :
Reborn – EBody
Head:
Genus Morph (Straight – NoseMorph, Natural Pierced – Lipmorph, Round – EyeMorph, Triangle – HeadMorph, Ears Human) – Genus
Appliers:
Nail appliers – Flair – Marketplace
Skin Worn:
Joan Skin (face), Rhea Body Skin – Nuve
Head and Body BOM Layers:
Autumn Mist Eyeshadow – AlaskaMetro Mainstore
Baby Hairs V2 – Izzies Mainstore
Hair Worn:
Electra Hair – Yomi Store
Wearing:
Acia Skirt – Miss Chelsea Mainstore
Bella Top – SPACE
Bloom Work Jacket – Neutral Tones Mainstore
Footwear:
Acia Sneakers – Miss Chelsea Mainstore
Accessories:
Bow Snap Clip – Litterbug @ Truth Mainstore
Hoops forever earrings reboot – Dark Mouse
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Mastering the Trench
One of the staples in any fashionista’s virtual closet is the trench coat. While it’s an uncommon release for this time of year in the northern hemisphere, Fashionably Dead has shown that it can be as versatile in summer as it is in winter. As I am still in my ‘it’s cold down here’ rebellion stage, this made me extremely pleased. The release included this fine coat, as well as a lingerie-style set designed to fit perfectly underneath-a nod to sneaking into the workplace or surprising a lover at home with not much else beneath. I decided to incorporate a bit of both.
This beautiful twist-front bikini top by Cynful not only fit perfectly under the coat but also came in a range of colours that melded together perfectly. As mentioned, the coat and the lingerie/corsetry set were made to complement each other, so the fit is tailored to that. This can mean that, as with mesh from other creators, finding pieces that work together can sometimes be a bit of a challenge.
My first thought was to pair the coat with the leggings and boots by Miss Chelsea, which I have in a range of colours-the boots come with leggings included, and you get a HUD to change their colour separately. Unfortunately, the leggings clipped slightly at the back-not much, and you could probably get away with it, but I wanted to ensure I was pointing you in the right direction. I then tried the leggings by Ison-perfect fit, and I was joyous! However, as they had a built-in foot with no heel, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go that route. I wondered if some footwear might fit over the stocking-like foot covering, and then I remembered that the boots with leggings actually had an option to turn off the leggings. Again, this could have led to clipping, as they weren’t made together, so the chances were uncertain. But to my delight, everything fit like a dream-the leggings and the feet portion snugly into the boots, with the original leggings hidden. It was one of those cheering moments in Second Life fashion and a great discovery.
Once again, the colours all lined up beautifully, with each store offering a fantastic range to choose from. With this hairstyle by Truth and some accessories by Kunglers and Dark Mouse, I was elated. This is one of the reasons bloggers are so helpful-we find combinations that work together so that you can see beyond the individual advertisements for items. It also means you might already own those leggings, those boots with leggings, and that bikini, and now you have more you can do with them. I am also wearing these Dollie Lashes and these really cute eyeliner pack options by Nuve, the dots on the side of the eye in a catlike swoop definitely works with my constant need to ellipses everything, and there are a lot of types of liner to choose from, you can even stack some of them to be more creative, as well as tint the white versions.
Credits:
Equipment Used
VR Studio and HUD/Library – VR Foundry Marketplace
LeLutka Axis HUD Face – LeLutka
Important: Moles featured on face or body unless otherwise stated are created by me, for me personally. If wearing moles or freckles etc layers by other creators they will always be credited. As my face moles are the same always, it will be clear to know it is mine not part of the skin.
Poses & Props by :
Poses – Tuty’s Mainstore
Body Parts
Body :
Reborn – EBody
Head:
Genus Morph (Straight – NoseMorph, Natural Pierced – Lipmorph, Round – EyeMorph, Triangle – HeadMorph, Ears Human) – Genus
Appliers:
Nail appliers – Flair – Marketplace
Dollie eyelashes – Nuve
Skin Worn:
Sarah Skin (face), Rhea Body Skin – Nuve
Head and Body BOM Layers:
Modular Eyeliner – Nuve
Hair Worn:
Horizon – TRUTH Mainstore
Wearing:
Noir Trench Coat – Fashionably Dead @ Collabor88 Event (August 2024)
Beach Please Bikini Top – Cynful Mainstore
Vibia Leather Leggings – Ison Mainstore
Footwear:
Dove Boots with Leggings (Leggings hidden) – Miss Chelsea Mainstore
Accessories:
Carissa Bracelets, Thania Necklace, Carly Ring – Kunglers Mainstore
Hoops forever earrings reboot – Dark Mouse
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Pastelence
I know it’s a made-up word—I made it up—but it feels like it should already exist.
Pastelence: To live one’s life in soft, delicate colours, with joyful exuberance. (Seems legitimate now.)
I’ve definitely noticed a leaning towards softer colours lately. I’m not sure if it’s due to the colour palettes available at this time of year, or if it’s because I spend most of my day in a Discord chat with Gogo and Sparkle. Even without words, those two just radiate pink. However, I do know that in this case, it had more to do with the effects produced from lighting and materials that introduced the pink into this post. I had originally settled on green. I like green a lot, and these boots, in their shiny option, are just glorious. They actually have huge studs on them that, thankfully, you can hide and show. I say thankfully because it gives you more options for wear.
The muted green started my journey, and Cynful did not disappoint with her fantastic range of colours. But once I had my light settings and sky just right, the materials in this playful romper gave a shimmery look with different highlights of colour. Then, pink just had to be introduced with the fun sleeves and the beautiful headband by Sparkle Skye called Blair, which I tinted and made shiny to match the boots.
I’ve added a quick and dirty how-to on editing and modifying your headband or any other modifiable item you want to alter—sometimes just to change how shiny something is. If you’re interested in me expanding tutorials like that, let me know. I want to do more tutorials as time passes because, while everything old is new to someone in clothing, it’s the same with knowing how to do basic things.
Today, I’m wearing a beautiful skin by Nuve called Sarah, along with its matching eyeshadows, which have lovely winged tips. I’m again wearing the body skin by Nuve. I think I’ll stay with the body created by the skin maker. I like the other options—they make things easier when changing brands—but I really like this body skin, Rhea, a lot. As mentioned previously, it carries the same softness of the skin across head and body that way.
Credits:
Equipment Used
VR Studio and HUD/Library – VR Foundry Marketplace
LeLutka Axis HUD Face – LeLutka
Important: Moles featured on face or body unless otherwise stated are created by me, for me personally. If wearing moles or freckles etc layers by other creators they will always be credited. As my face moles are the same always, it will be clear to know it is mine not part of the skin.
Poses & Props by :
Baseball Dressing Room 40’s – Ninety Mainstore
Poses – Lyrium Mainstore
Body Parts
Body :
Reborn – EBody
Head:
Genus Morph (Straight – NoseMorph, Natural Pierced – Lipmorph, Round – EyeMorph, Triangle – HeadMorph, Ears Human) – Genus
Appliers:
Nail appliers – Flair – Marketplace
Desire eyelashes – Nuve
Skin Worn:
Sarah Skin (face), Rhea Body Skin – Nuve
Head and Body BOM Layers:
Sarah Eyebrows, Sarah Eyeshadow, Cotton Bra (Tinted) – Nuve
Hair Worn:
Sunshine – Lamb Mainstore
Wearing:
Chase Me – Ripped Romper – Cynful Mainstore
RuckusBae Collection Sleeves – Rebel Pill Mainstore
Footwear:
Shirley Spiky Knee High Boots – Le Castle Mainstore
Accessories:
Blair Headband – Sparkle Skye Mainstore
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Got Blog! – Sasy Scarborough
I am participating in the Got Blog! Bloggers Challenge, you can find more information on this at Got Blog! Bloggers Challenge. I concocted this Bloggers Challenge with Gorgeous Aurelia of Juicybomb, so keep an eye out for her post as well.
I love to Blog, and a lot has been changing of late that has been really upsetting and unsettling amongst that community, with Social Media and Flickr changing rules often, that seem to impact how they go about Blogging. This is why now, and in the past I have always tried to encourage people to have an actual Blog/Website.
A Blog is yours, it is owned by and controlled by you, other than the basic TOS of the platform you choose, you have a world that you get to create and share however you want, you can be creative in your own space, and no one can tell you otherwise. Your content is your own, and it can be around for long after you may be gone, or waiting for you when you return, it can be your time well spent in Second Life, and even a timeline of content that you yourself want to refer back to, or just remember in your old age. We want to see more of you, and I hope that you will pick up this challenge and share with others why it is that you Blog, and that it may encourage others to maybe do the same.
I think I just made a new Sasy post length record…sorry not sorry.
I am tagging other Bloggers I hope will do this challenge, but we want as many Bloggers as possible to do it.
Gillian Waldman of DeuxLooks
Artifex Voxel of Artifex Silence
Sydd Sinister of Sydd Sinister
Gidge Uriza of It’s Only FashionQuestions:
- When did you start your Second Life Blog?I was collaboration blogging on “Appearance Mode” from 2006 to 2007. Then that blog was closed, and I branched out on my own. Unfortunately, when they closed that blog, I was not given the chance to retrieve my posts, so everything was lost, posts and pictures.Why did you start Blogging in Second Life?
I wanted to contribute somehow to Second Life. I couldn’t build or create anything at that time, but I could work as I was already doing, and I could be the person who brought readers/customers together with content creators/stores. I spent hours each day finding hidden places, exploring dozens of regions to find some hole-in-the-wall type store and post about it. I wanted to be able to share my discoveries with people who might be interested in the same things but who might have less time to spend searching for them.
- Do you feel the Blogging community in Second Life has changed since you started Blogging, and if so, in what ways?
The early Second Life blogging community was small and tightly knit. We collaborated on blogs, shared information, and supported each other. We became the go-to resource for fashion, tips, and news. We helped launch new brands and were instrumental in educating our readers about new concepts. While the community has grown and evolved, the core values of collaboration and support persist in many. - Do you think that Bloggers have a positive impact on Second Life culture and community, and if so, do you have any stories about that?
Definitely, in many ways. I have posted in the past that a lot of the functionality of Second Life and how things are marketed relies heavily on tools and ideas that started with bloggers and blogging. All the feeds were run solely by bloggers, and IheartSL is still the oldest running feed. We have been promoters, beta testers, idea people, event coordinators, and many other facets of the Second Life community, we have also often become Store Managers and Blogger Managers based off of the relationships formed with store owners.It is bloggers who first started to use Flickr to embed their images for their blogs. It is bloggers who were also the first to create groups on Flickr, and even many of the original store groups were created by Bloggers so that they had a group to post that particular store’s content. Bloggers also marketed themselves while featuring content, and because of this, they were often the first to join social media platforms to share that content and make that the way marketing was carried further than it had previously. Originally, most stores did their advertising by putting the item in their store and sending out a notice. They didn’t have subscribers or other avenues for promotion; it was store groups and Bloggers… and Bloggers led the way to more outside promoting.
- Are you approachable as a Blogger by content creators that may have interest in you as a Blogger for their Brand/Store?
– if you have review policies etc. feel free to include them.
Yes, in the olden days, that is how it was done. A designer would IM or notecard us personally and ask to be considered as a store we might wish to blog about. I loved that, and still do love that, because it was showing that you were seen. Stores are always seen now; they don’t have that “hole in the wall, have to find them down an alley” sort of Second Life now. So if a store owner sees you as a blogger and thinks that you will be a good fit for them and what they want to project as a brand, that is a fantastic moment. - Do you have any tips or tricks that help you with the Blogging process that you would like to share?
I tend to do tutorials whenever I can for tips and tricks, but I will say that knowing your Second Life and how it functions overall is very powerful as a blogger. There are many times while doing what we do that an issue can arise or something is not quite right. Knowing the difference between a Second Life issue and a product issue is very important. Also, knowing how important it is to let a designer know if anything seems off is crucial. Thinking that someone else will let them know, or that it is not your place to tell them, is not beneficial to anyone, especially yourself.
Understanding how an item you are featuring works is also very important, because if you do not look under the hood, then you cannot show it in its best light.
As far as tools I would not be able to blog without, the VR Studio by VR Foundry is used for everything, it is the posestand/studio system that I use for everything, whether at my studio or on location as it has the ability to pose me off the stand also, and shows me clearly the pose and store I am using for crediting. If a facial change is needed for any post, to give more of a look to the picture, I use the Lelutka Axis HUD, so both of these HUDs are on my screen most of the time. - Have you yourself ever benefited from another Blogger’s post, such as learning a new skill for Blogging, or Second Life functions that you may not have known about?
– if yes, please share their Name and Blog url.
Absolutely, we have all been able to grow en masse as bloggers and even creators due to blog posts that had that little nugget of information we may not have known about. Even if you do not put those exact things into action yourself, seeing how others do things helps us provide help for others or simply adds to our repertoire of knowledge. I remember reading in 2006 about using shift-drag to make a replicate of a prim, and then passing that knowledge on to a creator who, up until that time, had been rezzing a new prim each time he needed another piece for his work. It changed his whole Second Life. I remember Anya Ohmai breaking the grid when she posted about how she sorted her inventory; that post still comes up in conversations even now. Unfortunately, her blog from then is gone, which is something horrible – please never delete your blogs, because they have longevity. - What kind of Blogs appeal to you as a reader, and what would you like to see more of in the Second Life Blogging world?
I read a fair few blogs. I like the blogs by bloggers who cover information about Second Life itself, like Daniel Voyager and Inara Pey. I like to know what is going on in our world. I read through the IheartSL feed so that I can see many blog posts in one location, and if I see a particular image that I like on Flickr and they link to a blog, then off I go, excited about the prospect of their writing.
I like posts that include the experience and not only credits of items worn. I want to know why people pair up items, or experience through them the world we are all part of. I love blogs that make me feel not only connected with the items, locations, and information shared but also with the person sharing it. I like to feel that in that moment they are sharing those things with me.
I also want to see more languages. I do not want my ability to read only English to be a reason not to experience those things. Blogs have an awesome ability for translation, and I have had conversations with many bloggers over the years who were hesitant to write in their non-native language. I have told them this: “If someone else out there only understands your language, don’t you want them to have you showing them the way through Second Life?” A past blogger, Ana Lutetia, used to blog in her own language and in English. She had a huge following because of that; people even joined Second Life because there was suddenly content out there in their language that made it inviting. I think the same about all languages: that if you write in your own, then you could be making a connection that someone needs in that moment. Someone who feels a little safer here because you are out there guiding them. Another example of great coverage in your own language is Novata, who vlogs Second Life on YouTube.
- Do you Blog content that you yourself would wear/use always, or do you blog content that is expected of you to blog due to commitments to stores/events?
I have shopped a lot in the many years here; my inventory is over 470K, and I have deleted a lot more. I only blog items that I would wear, but that can actually factor in ‘if I was male or a furry, or a doll or a hamster’ because at some point I have been many of those things. I do not blog items that I do not feel actual passion for, but that can also mean that I blog things that I feel are important to see by others. I am odd, but my blog has always been, as stated, a way of connecting reader/customer with store/creators. So if I see something that is not already everywhere and known, and I have the opportunity to feature it, I have done so. I am not going to go out of my way or waste my time blogging content that I have zero interest in, and I am not into being forced into posting multiple items in one post, because then I am not styling me, they are, and I do not need to blog anything that much that I would change who I am for something that I can buy for a dollar. - Do you feel that imposed time limits, and a set amount of content featured changes the way you blog content, and does it feel less authentically you?
I think that a lot of that is a bad marketing decision. I have worked, as mentioned, since day two of being here, for many Brands, and I have managed Bloggers, directly and indirectly. I work in stealth mode in most cases. I have no issue with an expectation that an item is Blogged if taken in a realistic amount of time. If the item is provided in a way that means you are taking it and that is recorded, but that time is, and should be, factored by when taken, not when presented and to a schedule based on an event.
I have always said, and have been quoted as saying by others, ‘Everything old is new to someone’. I fully believe that. If an event has Bloggers, and then the store itself has Bloggers, all that is happening is a whole lot of everyone wearing the same item to the same party… NO ONE WANTS THAT. It not only makes blogs, feeds, social media, Flickr and the like boring as hell, it removes any belief in the integrity of the Bloggers. A Blogger taking an item to post on 5 months after its release is still giving it attention, and probably more so.
Customers are definitely not stupid; since stores started posting Blogger Searches publicly and not doing so in private, everyone was exposed to the rules and guidelines put forth by the stores. This means that customers are seeing the strict rules that also say blog this item by this date. Readers/customers would look to Bloggers for guidance on their purchases, look to them for their style and choices they make, to see what they put together and in some cases why. Bloggers built those relationships with their followers, whether silent or spoken, that trust was there, but the rules that say Bloggers are only wearing it to get it, and must toe the line or else, destroys all of that. Even if a Blogger not in a store group was to blog the item because they purchased it and loved it, it doesn’t matter now, because customers will just think they were made to do so; it takes us all down.
I am lucky to be in a few groups that have no limitations on me like that; I have built those relationships over many years. I am not interested in taking to not blog, so that trust is there for me not to run off with everything for nothing. I even visit the stores and demo everything before I take, so that I am sure it will be something I can use. I wear items that are years old with items that are hours old, and it is awesome. I am not interested in applying for stores that impose the big rules; that does not mean I would not still Blog their items if I buy them, it just means you are not the boss of me or my Blog. So yes, if I was to start doing that, I would have to pack it in. I have applied for a few that have rules, but those rules worked for me, because in most cases I was doing that many posts on their content anyway. I do so love the search function on Blogs, because when someone says ‘show me a past post with our items’, I can post a URL that shows I have often many, many pages featuring them.
- Do you use Social Media, and/or other platforms outside of your Blog/Website to promote the content you have shared?– please list your links so that others can perhaps follow you in other locations.
Always, as stated before Bloggers have always gone the extra mile, because promoting our content promotes us as well as the brands we blog. I share the blog link in all those platforms every post.
Blog
Flickr
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter/X
Plurk
Tumblr
BlueSky
Primfeed - Do you pay for any aspect of your blogging other than the clothing or items in your images, such as Website Hosting, Photoshop etc?
– please list the things that you spend money on so that you can function as a Blogger.
– Photoshop Creative Cloud – Annually since 2007
– Flickr Pro – Annually since 2007
– Webhosting – Annually
– Domain Registration – Annually
– Blue Yeti Microphone system – one time payment
– Logitech Macro G13 board – one time payment
– Camtasia system – One time payment
– Premium SL Account Tier for Land – Usually you need land for studio space – Lifetime Premium Plus now but Annually since 2006
– Wacom Tablet – Not needed, but one gets excited and one shops.
– High end computer and two very large Monitors – it is very hard to do as much as is needed without good machines, those that manage that I give big snaps to.
– Red Bull should also get some sort of credit for my ability to function. - Do you think that Stores/Content Creators should have a Website/Blog for their Brand?
– please expand on your answer if you have reasons why.
Yes, I do. There is much more that can be gained by stores having their own websites; again, back to the limitations that platforms like Flickr put on them, their own hosted blog has the ability to upload their content without any restrictions other than its own terms of service. If an item needs a notecard, that information can be provided much better on a blog; it can be enlarged, highlighted, and even translated. If there is a tutorial available, it has more longevity being searchable on a blog than a one-time post on social media that is gone almost as fast as it appeared. They can post WIP images, they can post information about the functionality of a product, they can notify people of updates, link to all social media, and provide a clickable SLurl to their locations in-world and on the marketplace. It should be the foundation of all their marketing, and then that information shared through other platforms but bringing them back to you. It can be something customers share across conversations, group chats, or public forums, because someone asking about an item may need to be directed to more information. It is something that can also be delegated; if you have a Blogger Manager or a Store Manager, that is someone who can keep the store’s blog up to date. - Do you have any suggestions for Content Creators/Stores to consider, when it comes to their Bloggers, and Bloggers that they may want to have Blog for them?
When it comes to blogger searches and applications, educate yourselves about what is happening in that world, and ensure your blogger manager does the same. Numbers and statistics are often misleading.
Firstly, if a Blogger has a blog, you lack data on their reach. You do not know how many daily views they receive, nor how many subscribers they have unless it is publicly displayed. You have no information about how many platforms they distribute their content to, meaning potentially thousands of views might not be registered on their site but on external feeds. Then consider Flickr’s issues: account losses, and so on. While many of these losses result from terms of service violations, it is crucial to recognise that Flickr’s backend changes have significantly impacted view and favourite counts compared to the past. This is essential to remember when setting targeted view or favourite requirements for blogger selection; it is a lazy approach.
A Blogger might have 5,000 views and 485 favourites per image, but if the favourites are from non-shoppers or the views are from irrelevant groups, does it benefit you? Requiring Bloggers to join a specific number of groups is also absurd. Flickr users create groups, not the platform itself. Demanding 100 group adds allows Bloggers to easily circumvent the rule by creating their own groups – I have nothing to say this happens, but it could, there are only that many groups in existence because people kept making groups that were already available.
Additionally, if a Blogger shares content across multiple platforms, view counts multiply. Unless viewers explicitly like or favourite the content, you cannot track this data. Yet, this widely shared Blogger could be responsible for half your daily sales. Understand this: analyse the Blogger’s engagement; who comments and favourites their content? Are interactions genuine or merely reciprocal favours?
Crucially, if you have hired someone to manage this, ensure they prioritise your store’s interests. If they work with multiple brands, confirm they handle yours independently. Personal biases should never influence decisions. Passing on a potentially beneficial Blogger due to personal reasons is unacceptable. Similarly, adding unqualified Bloggers based on personal connections is detrimental. As the brand owner, maintain oversight. You do not need to do all the work, but be prepared to intervene if necessary.
- Do you have any advice that you can give other Bloggers that may be new to the experience, or even advice/wisdom that you want to share with the Blogging community as a whole, new or old?
To blog for yourself first and foremost, to have no expectation of content to come your way – if you are even imagining yourself as a content blogger, you might decide to blog rocks in pretty places all over Second Life (now I want to do that). Your blog is for you first, and others second; it is your timeline and existence in this virtual world. It will support you through many challenges; it will inspire you and possibly bring you way down at times – hugs – it will motivate you and educate you. I started blogging using Paint, and now I can use most editing software and create content; all of that grew from blogging. Do not take rejection harder than it needs to be… if you apply for anything, do so with the understanding that no one owes you anything, you are one amongst many, and you cannot control the outcome in any way other than just being the best you you can be. If they do not see you now, they may see you in the future, but they may also just be blinded by how fantastic you are… make connections with people, readers, creators, residents of all kinds; do not look back at your time in Second Life and realise that you spent way too much time on a posestand alone, no fatpack is worth that. Occasionally step back and away from it all and remind yourself why you do it in the first place, and then if you still want to do it, go forth and rule the world. I have no doubt you can ♥ - Do you have suggestions for which Blogging Platform to use, and why you chose it over others?
– WordPress, Blogspot, Wix, Tumblr, etc.
I use WordPress, it has been good to me for a long time – until today when I lost the original of this whole post and had to redo it, seriously such a huge mishap on a post about blogging is hilarious. - What do you enjoy and are most passionate about when it comes to Blogging?
Everything! was that not already clear? I love and enjoy knowing that nearly everything around us, on us and ahead of us started with a cube. I love watching stores start out and grow, not only with their content but just overall as Creators. I love sharing them with people that enjoy my Blog, and adore connecting the two sides through Blogging. I get as much of a thrill hearing one person say they liked something I said or posted about in a Blog, than if a hundred said so – but a hundred is awesome too. I love when I get to ramble on and no one can stop me – Gogo has tried a dozen or so times so far this post, because I talk too much and she thinks I need to keep it brief, as I told her…NOPE! I am so honored to have been able to be part of this community for 18+ years, and I am so blessed to have met some incredible people that often I get to call Friends.
- When did you start your Second Life Blog?I was collaboration blogging on “Appearance Mode” from 2006 to 2007. Then that blog was closed, and I branched out on my own. Unfortunately, when they closed that blog, I was not given the chance to retrieve my posts, so everything was lost, posts and pictures.Why did you start Blogging in Second Life?
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Got Blog! – Bloggers Challenge
Second Life Bloggers often do more than take a pretty picture and credit, we write, we share, we enhance ideas and creations made by others, we shop like crazy and we often get so wrapped up in the items we are promoting that they become incredibly important to us. Since its early days, Second Life has had a vibrant and active Blogging Community. Bloggers have provided a valuable service that has been crucial to marketing Second Life content. That is why we wanted to put this “Got Blog! Bloggers Challenge” out there and hope that you will join us in sharing a bit about yourself and your experience on blogging.Photolog style posting, also known as posting images with credits only, has become popular in the last few years, using platforms like Flickr or Social Media to provide exposure to content. For myself, and many others, it is a Blog/Website that engages with the public, both within Second Life, and outside of it in a more tangible way. With the number of changes occurring on Social Media and places like Flickr, we are seeing a return to the idea of Blogger having Blogs… and we are here for it. We encourage it, we applaud it, and we are excited about it… so we wanted to get those that have been Blogging that way all along to engage with their community and show us, what, where and why.
The Questions for this challenge vary, and you can feel free to answer all, or just a select few that you feel best show yourself to your readers. I refer to we in this introduction, the other part of that we is Gorgeous Aurelia, she has successfully run her own Blog Juicybomb since 2007, and is the owner and sole operator of the IheartSL Feed, which if you are not a part of, you definitely should be.
If you want to join us on this challenge please do the following:
- Title your post – Got Blog! (Your Name/Blog Name)
- Insert the Banner image somewhere in your post (you can save from flickr, or the post with right click copy)
- Copy paste an introduction to this challenge.
“I am participating in the Got Blog! Bloggers Challenge, you can find more information on this at https://sasyscarborough.com/2024/08/09/got-blog-bloggers-challenge/.” - – Comment in this original post with the link to your post, so others can find you.
- Copy paste the questions into your post, all or some – how many you wish to answer is up to you.
- Tag other Bloggers who you want to join in – include links to their Blogs – this gives us the chance to get to know them as Bloggers too. (notify them that you have). While this post was done with Fashion and Decor Blogging commentary in mind, as that is what we are, this is open to all Second Life Bloggers, we want to hear your experiences also.
My own answers are HERE and Gogo’s to be found HERE
Questions: (answer as many as you feel comfortable with)
- When did you start your Second Life Blog?
- Why did you start Blogging in Second Life?
- Do you feel the Blogging community in Second Life has changed since you started Blogging, and if so, in what ways?
- Do you think that Bloggers have a positive impact on Second Life culture and community, and if so, do you have any stories about that?
- Are you approachable as a Blogger by content creators that may have interest in you as a Blogger for their Brand/Store?
– if you have review policies etc. feel free to include them. - Do you have any tips or tricks that help you with the Blogging process that you would like to share?
- Have you yourself ever benefited from another Blogger’s post, such as learning a new skill for Blogging, or Second Life functions that you may not have known about?
– if yes, please share their Name and Blog url. - What kind of Blogs appeal to you as a reader, and what would you like to see more of in the Second Life Blogging world?
- Do you Blog content that you yourself would wear/use always, or do you blog content that is expected of you to blog due to commitments to stores/events?
- Do you feel that imposed time limits, and a set amount of content featured changes the way you blog content, and does it feel less authentically you?
- Do you use Social Media, and/or other platforms outside of your Blog/Website to promote the content you have shared?
– please list your links so that others can perhaps follow you in other locations. - Do you pay for any aspect of your blogging other than the clothing or items in your images, such as Website Hosting, Photoshop etc?
– please list the things that you spend money on so that you can function as a Blogger. - Do you think that Stores/Content Creators should have a Website/Blog for their Brand?
– please expand on your answer if you have reasons why. - Do you have any suggestions for Content Creators/Stores to consider, when it comes to their Bloggers, and Bloggers that they may want to have Blog for them?
- Do you have any advice that you can give other Bloggers that may be new to the experience, or even advice/wisdom that you want to share with the Blogging community as a whole, new or old?
- Do you have suggestions for which Blogging Platform to use, and why you chose it over others?
– WordPress, Blogspot, Wix, Tumblr, etc. - What do you enjoy and are most passionate about when it comes to Blogging?
Thanks for joining this challenge! We’re excited to see what you come up with.
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Sunkissed Lemon
In the past year or so, I have been wearing skins with a base body by other creators, much like most people, but when the opportunity presents itself to wear the body skin of the creator of the face portion, I jump at it. When it is also just a stunner of a body skin, it becomes the new norm. While a neck can match, and a tone can be the same, there is a softness to a skin that has to translate head to toes and that is not always the case with buying your finished product from two different creators…do not misunderstand, no one is doing anything wrong, it is just that that overall coverage from one creator can lead to a different kind of feel for your skin. For many of us, skins were on a skin layer only, that was it, then appliers came along and then going to two stores for the final product became a thing and we lost a lot of that, while it makes things a lot easier in many cases, it is just nice when you can feature an all in one vision.
Today head to toes I am Nuve, the body is the Rhea body skin, it is so lovely, and the tones are fabulous. I went with Sunkissed, but I also enjoy many of the other tone options, pay special attention to the ankles and feet when trying on the body skins, because these are almost flawless (anything not perfect is an SL thing not a Nuve thing), and that is saying a lot, because that area on the SLUV is a horror, and they look incredible. I am also wearing the New Mandy skin/tattoo and eyebrows. This skin/tattoo was released over the weekend and she is a stunner, I am wearing it on the Genus Morph head, and I love the nose and also how thick and fabulous the brows are. I am also a huge fan of Nuve underwear (Bakes on Mesh) layers, and have mentioned that more than once…this is a micro bikini set in (Bakes on Mesh) that is just too fabulous to not add to my favourite wearables for whenever in the need. I really enjoy the colour palettes available and they are also mod, so you can tint as much as you like, so fun.
Wanting to show off the skin I went with this jawline length hairstyle by Monso, it is just all sorts of dried in the sun gorgeousness. I love the roots versions of Monso’s hair, because the built in hairbase goes not only to the upper roots, but along the hairline itself, giving a very realistic look. There is a fabulous falling tendril (bangs) option for this hair, but it blocked the face a bit too much when showing of a skin/tattoo for the first time.
Also keeping to the beachy/ocean spirit of the look, this necklace is a stunner by Sigma. You can turn off the seahorse and because the jewellery is mod, you can tint (as I did) the coral to match whatever you need. The necklace has rigged versions as well as unrigged if your body is not catered to, but so many are. Sigma calls the unrigged versions unskinned, which is correct, but makes me giggle every time.
Credits:
Equipment Used
VR Studio and HUD/Library – VR Foundry Marketplace
LeLutka Axis HUD Face – LeLutka
Important: Moles featured on face or body unless otherwise stated are created by me, for me personally. If wearing moles or freckles etc layers by other creators they will always be credited. As my face moles are the same always, it will be clear to know it is mine not part of the skin.
Poses & Props by :
Lemon Dreams Backdrop PBR – The Bearded Guy Mainstore
Poses – Lyrium Mainstore
Body Parts
Body :
Reborn – EBody
Head:
Genus Morph (Straight – NoseMorph, Natural Pierced – Lipmorph, Round – EyeMorph, Triangle – HeadMorph, Ears Human) – Genus
Eyes – Insol Mainstore
Appliers:
Nail appliers – Flair – Marketplace
Desire eyelashes – Nuve
Skin Worn:
Mandy Skin (face), Rhea Body Skin – Nuve
Head and Body BOM Layers:
Mandy Eyebrows, Micro Bikini – Nuve
Hair Worn:
Misaki – Monso Mainstore
Accessories:
Coral Bib Necklace – Sigma Mainstore
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The WasWas
I instantly fell in love with this top, the Peggy top by Miwas. I fatpacked it, and yet have not gotten past this pink and black combination yet, but I do plan in wearing it more, and taking advantage of the features. Not only does it come in fantastic colours, but the piping/trim is separate, so you can either same same, or contrast until your hearts content, which means that if you fatpack it is about a billionty variations of awesome. Then take into account that you can sheer it up, I KNOW RIGHT! You have the option of a little sheer 20% makes things under it just visible, which is cool if wanting to show off a nice bustier etc, or stuff. Or you can go 30, 50 or 70% which is just wild, it looks fabulous in any variation. I love the turtleneck, the long sleeves past the wrist, I love the piping oh so much, especially down the middle, it just gives and gives.
So much is my love for it, and this colour combo, that I truly believe now that I was wearing it when I was making the colours for the Hartford Tumbler I am holding, because that pink is definitely a match lol. I needed something that complimented the look of the top, that was as elegantly classic with an edge, but not so much as to take away the attention and I think these pants by Coco Designs definitely did that. The gathered look around the high waist was perfect, and the pants stopping just at the perfect height to show off these new shoes by Breathe.
Another fantastic lot of options, the footwear has different options for the base of the shoes and the laced ribbon fronts. I love when you can all the same, or change it up and colour combo your look throughout, and again the pink was spot on. They are wedges so they are the perfect footwear for this look.
I mentioned the other day that I was really feeling red-headedness, it was actually because of the top, and the pink, because I love seeing redheads wear pink, especially because they were often told that they can’t, shouldn’t, mustn’t and that is all just bah phooey, because a true redhead can make pink pop like it is an otherworldly experience. I am wearing a recentish release skin by Nuve, the Emma skin, with the Emma brows and Emma Lipstick. I love the Nuve brows as mentioned before, because you get some great base colours as well as white versions, they are all mod, so you can even play around as needed. But these Ginger ones worked perfectly with one of the red options of the Exile hair I am wearing. The Emma skin is also so soft and pretty, and the combination of parts are really lovely together, or other brows entirely, because I do not stray too far from my favourite Noah ones.
This hair as mentioned from Exile is adorable, it has two bangs options, and two type of fluff buns options, the with or without the spiral curl parts, but how cute are they, just had to go there. I love how it all came together so easily and I hope to see more redheads in pink.
Credits:
Equipment Used
VR Studio and HUD/Library – VR Foundry Marketplace
LeLutka Axis HUD Face – LeLutka
Poses & Props by :
Body Parts
Body :
Reborn – EBody
Head:
NoseMorph Aqualine, LipmorphNatural Pierced, RoundEyes, TriangleHead, Genus Morph – Genus
Eyes – Insol Mainstore
Appliers:
Nail appliers – Flair – Marketplace
Desire eyelashes – Nuve
Skin Worn:
Emma Skin – Nuve
Sienna Tone – Velour
Head and Body BOM Layers:
Emma Eyebrows, Emma Lipstick – Nuve
Wearing:
Peggy Top – Miwas Mainstore
Wide Leg Cargo Pants – COCO DESIGNS Mainstore
Shoes:
Syu Wedges – Breathe @ Kinky Event
Hair Worn:
Daelyn – Exile Mainstore
Accessories:
Legends Never Die Earrings – Mandala Mainstore
Hartford Tumbler – Flair – Marketplace