An Obsession with Solange
Solange Cerveau is an expert seamstress, crafting silks, dresses and lingerie with exquisite attention to detail. A recent release is her ‘Obsession’ ensemble, which is technically lingerie, but I still reckon I could pass this off as a dress when the weather gets a little warmer. Oh how I’ll try.
Obsession comes with several pieces so you can create your own style. The strapless bra comes in both a modest silk and sheer lace version: the cups are precisely trimmed with lace to soften the plunging line, and have an optional ribbon tie to the centre, composed from a floppy bow festooned with lace.
The button-back corset is panelled, sections of ribbed cloth sandwiched by those bearing swirling patterns, the lower edge trimmed with lace. Another version of the corset is included which is a darker, solid colour throughout; both can be worn without the bra top if you care to bare a little more.
Arm ruffles come with both sets for something a little extra; the lace is cut ragged and bunched up for more weight, tied to the top with contrasting ribbon. These are ever so pretty and can also be matched with other sets you might already own.
I should point out here the texturing on the lacework. You can’t help 
but appreciate and indeed admire the work here, evident all over, but most prominently on the belted mini skirt. Swollen bands hold this across the hips, dipping centrally to the front and back in Solange’s signature style. The lacework is meticulous and the skirt panels set for a smooth, swirling motion on movement.
If you can bear to strip down, you won’t be disappointed with the thong either. Again you’ll find both sheer lace and opaque silk in the pack, with lines to match the skirt. The side straps are thick enough for the lace to be seen, scalloped edges providing a rounded finish.
As if this wasn’t enough to get you over to the store, it’s also worth noting that Solange is currently running a hunt for freebies on the sim, which have so far included two cami sets, some silks, earrings, a bracelet and an oversized chequered shirt – the kind you steal from your boyfriend to wrap up in. They’re only available for a short period of time, so make sure you run along to Solange and get your Christmas goodies.
Obsession (shown in Champagne and in Black) $350L per colour
Casa del Shai - Chastity
The latest creation from Shai Delacroix made me coo with delight. If the name raised your eyebrows, I suggest you take a closer look, and it might become a little clearer.
With an iron key bound to the neck with leather thongs, the theme of the piece is dangled before your audience from the outset. The corset top is strapless, cups rising high from the plunging neckline and low back, fixed with a double-threaded gore above a key hole cut out. The lightly boned bodice is overlaid with lace, the texturing ‘reach out and grab it’ good; around the waist there is more strapping, a crisscross weave that supports the work of the triple hook fastening to the back.
The panties are thick around the waist, the lace rising in curves above the binding that mirrors the rest of the outfit, stringing suspenders to the front and back. The sturdy clasps grip the stockings, tugging the material to the tops. The pantyhose is semi-sheer all over, serving its purpose but taking nothing away from the crux of this design.
Because of the lay of the bonds around the body, you may find slight alignment issues on your shape, although you’d need the eyes of a critic to notice. I doubt they’ll cause you any bother. As a point of interest, do note that the arm bands and necklace are part of the top, so you do have to wear the whole lot together (well it is the whole point of the set!). The ornamentation can be matched with various outfits, or if all else fails, hide it beneath a trusty polo neck until you’re ready to reveal all.
Chastity is available in chocolate, black and pink, all of which look gorgeous on. Each colour retails at $400L and is available from the boudoir section of Casa del Shai.
What I find when out and about…
It seems like forever since Jaime announced that I would be writing on the blog. You ever have a whirlwind day/week/month? Well needless to say I’ve had some pictures of some outfits growing moss on my hard drive and I’m so excited to be sharing them now.
On a random shopping trip with a few of my friends, we stopped at Bare Rose. This is a place full of sexy and fun outfits and ensembles. I picked up the Kirie outfit and was very pleased. Full of buckles and straps and enough holes in the fabric to give the mind’s eye quite a view! With an Asian influence this outfit is an eye turner indeed.
SLURL: BareRose by June Dion
Other Items: Skin by MM Model Skins, Hair by Calico Creations, and boots from Vamp/Last Call
My next outfit I bought specifically for a photo shoot, and fell in love with it immediately. The Silver White Catsuit Set by Nicky Ree is one of those outfits that just oozes sexy. I love the shiny silver color and the snug fit on the body leaves little to the imagination. Nicky Ree has several cat suits and I recommend taking a look.
SLURL: Nicky Ree’s Boutique by Nicky Ree
Other Items: Skin by TaP, Hair by Hayate’s Hair lab, and boots by Vamp/Last Call
I can’t wait to share more of my finds with you and even some goodies I’ve been saving in my inventory. You’ll notice that I’m a blogger that loves the use of the pics and less focus on a long intense write up. I’d be glad to go more in-depth if that is what the readers desire. Just leave me a comment and let me know what you think? Is less more? I know that does wonders when I’m picking out lingerie
SINTIMACY Revisited – Confidence and a Catsuit
Istephanija Munro of SINTIMACY contacted me the other day with regards her new Asian Catsuit Reloaded, which is a remake of her original design. RL has been hectic and I already had a few things queued for review, so I kept the box sealed until I was good and ready to write about it. Just as well, as the second I tried this on I was itching to share.
I always feel sexy in a catsuit, but this one really wowed me. The mandarin collar supports the sleeveless bodice, the latex covered in an oriental floral print, edged in black for neat lines. Almost the entire front of the suit is cut open, a dome above the breasts slatted with dark bands, a central line running down beneath the cups and splitting diagonally to either side in an attention-grabbing frame. The cut continues completely open, joining just shy of the crotch; purple blends to black around the hips, the pattern steadfast on the long gloves.
The back of the suit is similarly cut and covered, although the overlaid lattice runs further down before peeling open. The latex shimmers across the buttocks – those highlights are just divine – and you’ll notice shaded florals to the backs of the legs that start to blossom into colour as you move your eyes around to the front once more. Through the lances of light on the thighs, the pattern becomes visible from the shade, decorating much of the leg before fading to black around the hems. The ankle-breaking high stilettos are included with this set, and do feature skin tight legs with matching Asian theme.
I should note that Istephaija mentioned a possible seaming issue between the upper and lower layer on some shapes, although I have to say that on the few I tested, the seams were flawless here for me: the only issues I noticed were on the sides, and this was due to the pattern matching rather than any alignment issues.
I was also sent a fun set called ‘Confidence’ that comes with more options than I can get into this review, although I’ve taken a few shots to give you some ideas. The set comes with various skirt, pants, shirt and jacket layers for you to go mix and match crazy with. If what you get isn’t enough, you can doubtless find dozens of things to put with it anyway as it’s an unfussy design.
The bra comes on the shirt layer, a simple and strapless design that dips to the centre and curves back, sitting above the lower line of the chest to reveal a little extra underneath. The overlayers come as either a cropped vest or full length jacket to complete the outfit as a dress, a high round neckline falling to straps at the back, with a open front that exposes the underlayers or indeed the majority of your cleavage. Edges are clean with distinct borders, the right side of the jacket emblazoned with white glyphs to add interest. A button fastens a few inches above the belly, with glimmering detail on the torso beneath the latex.
The glitch pants are stitched with a small seam centrally to the front and back, rimmed in white in continuation of the style. A spandex thong peeps above the back line; one set of the glitch pants comes complete with this detail, but you can opt for the second glitch set instead which allows you to choose your own undies – to flash or not to flash becomes the question. The glossy skirt moves freely, hemmed appropriately for a seamless finish.
I am also wearing the Body Lotion underlayers which worked with most of my skins (see up close for a better idea), although you will find it doesn’t suit every type. The Confidence set includes an optional layer meant to be worn as an extra to go with the lotion pack: a bikini bottom tanline which really is rather fun, and worked even on my relatively pale skin.
Boots are again supplied with this set – we’re so spoilt – and are of the same dangerously high design, platform soles arcing to tipped and capped metal heel, with latex uppers that sit just beneath the knee, the cuffs edged in white for a sharp contrast with narrow lozenge cut outs to the back.
Confidence retails at $345L, and the Asian Catsuit Reloaded at $320L. Body Lotion can be bought on various layers for $150L.
SINTIMACY boasts a new location since my last review: so make sure you pay a visit.
Hi Standards in Underthings
It’s hard not to feel sexy when you’re wearing really nice lingerie. While it’s an essential real life purchase, you don’t really need to stock your virtual dresser with bras and panties… but you know that you want to. And that’s what matters.
Hi Standard is a shop specialising in underthings, and while you’ll currently find just a small selection, you can pick up some nice sets. La Sylphide is one to try, the pretty bra and panties detailed with dark scalloped edges. Spaghetti straps support the shaped cups, decorated with a contrasting print, with sewn central seams and underwiring. The side mesh tapers to a thin back with fastening detail. The knickers are slung low, a crisp triangle with a mid-line of stitching at the front with a wide, contoured back that cuts across the buttocks for a reasonably modest style. The back is printed and split veined for further detailing.
I will happily report that the alignment is a couple of pixels away from perfect, unnoticeable except to eagle eyes. There are areas that could be better: the cups blur a little to the back, and I felt the straps are quite thin: but then it does make it easier to hide these beneath your outerwear, and as such this was probably a conscious design decision. I do like the look, and that it’s a bit original.
My favourite from the collection is definitely Giselle. The bra is set with lace overlay, little ruffles lapping the skin at intervals. The full cups are joined by a deep gore, accented with a ribbon bow, the lace tapering to the back, thin straps joined and centrally fastened. The panties are made from sheer lace, low waisted and high legged with a wide seat that shows off the floral art. A pink bow is sewn to the front to finish. You can opt to wear the slender suspender belt, which forms a denser banding to the top, with long straps that feature a lengthening slide detail to the front and back. The stockings are also included with the set, lace tops banded with black satin and further ribbon attachments, bordering seamless, opaque legs.
If you like specialist boutiques or want some lingerie that is a little different, I can recommend you take a look at the Hi Standard store in Keonji.
La Sylphide (Bleu), $250L ; Giselle (Noir), $250L
Special Sneak Preview-Shakture Couture
In anticipation of the Shakture Couture fashion show tomorrow, Shaka Saintlouis sent over one of Shakture’s new lingerie sets, Suzie. Seen in the picture to the left, Suzie is a very simple but elegant design featuring the careful detail that Shakture is known for. This set, and the clothes from tomorrow’s show, are part of the Winter Solstice ‘08 collection, which “features everything from sexy lingerie to show stopping multi-piece prim accented ensembles” according to Shaka.
I found Suzie to be a perfectly nice piece of work from all angles. Clean lines and nice shading and textures make this a fine addition to your lingerie collection in terms of workmanship. I like the modestly cut panties most of all because you don’t often see them in Second Life.
Shakture Couture will have its show tomorrow, Saturday December 15, at Heaven’s Avenue at 11am SLT. If you would like to attend, please send a notecard to RSVP to Annette Wilder.
Boots on Fyre
Rfyre sent me a new release called Wanderer. Billed as a free spirit, who finds her ways on the moors and mountains, this is a simply incredible 13-piece outfit that guarantees being a free spirit is all about absolute abandon and sheer devil may care attitude. I have to say this totally rethought my image of Rfyre from gothy to texture goddess and dead sexy designer. Being I have been a blonde in sl for a very long time and not gothy in the least, I really have fallen madly in lust with the direction Rfyre is going in now.
The flex boots are simply to die for and the coat comes with both upper and lower prim attachments for both narrow and large avies. The boots are black and have an exciting detailing of a silver rose. The pants come in both boot and longer length sizes and the shirt layer has a rounded neckline and sliver accents. If that’s not enough to wet your whistle, if you are a Rfyre group member for a limited time you can get a bonus jacket and pant set that has crimson red accents. I mean this is one outfit to ooze over…sold for L$ 800 you too can be the ultimate wild woman
Corsets from Popfuzz
Popfuzz Bamboo sent me a simply divine corset fatpack, comprised of corset under layers as well as complete corsets in Blue, Olive, Orange, Pink, Purple, Teal, Yellow and Red. The corsets are gorgeous and are done all in lace. The under layers were bra layers and underpants in each color. The complete corsets all have an additional thong, prim bows, jacket layer lace skirt, and one with no lace. There is also a prim corset skirt. Possibly the best part is that even with all that stuff, each corset set is only L$ 200.
Coupled with that, Popfuzz also gave me two of her skirt attachments that turn the corsets into gowns. She has a total of 12 in different colors for your mix and match playing. The lace adds a sexy and sophisticated touch to the overall design and helps anyone feel romantic yet a bit naughty.
The corset Fat Pack sells for L$ 1500, and each add on gown and corset separate for L$ 200. Leave it to Popfuzz to make looking good this much fun.
NanoGunk
I’d visited NanoGunk a while back and had intended to go back and pick up some pieces to blog, but the choice at the store was overwhelming. Having gone away to think about it… well, I lost my landmark and couldn’t recall the brand name (which is really rather memorable). Shame, shame and shame on me again.
Still, I eventually found my way back only to find even MORE great outfits, so I threw myself at the mercy of the ‘new’ wall and finally picked out a sassy jacket and matching chaps to share with you.
I don’t honestly think the pictures do this jacket justice: you actually get seven versions with your purchase, four on the jacket layer (belted styles not shown) and three short styles on the shirt layer. While the closed top is fabulous, my personal favourite was unfettered: buttoned lapels fold back and up in the style of the stiff collar, shoulder straps capping the fitted style that clings to the body wherever it touches. Zipper pockets lie at angles on either side, with large threaded disc details at the top of the hips and sectioned piping to the back. The cuffs are wide with single studs to fasten, finishing a piece that can be used to mix and match with a great deal of other items you’ll already have kicking around your wardrobe.
The chaps are belted to the top with buckle suspenders back and front to catch the legs at the sides. They’re presented with or without these electric blue jeans – black denims are also available – and the detailing here is tremendous. You’ll find they sit just above the belted waist line, washed out creasing to the crotch with a covered fly with swirly patterned pockets to decorate your derriere. The chaps themselves feature a closed chunky zip up the outer leg, with kick flare bottoms that work well with boots. They’re subtly textured with faded knees, and come lined to the edges for a chic finish. The panties are not part of the set, but I’m sure you can provide your own: these are great fun to wear with your favourite knickers and go perfectly with the jacket as shown.
Casual sexy is definitely not the only look covered in this store: they have some wonderful catsuits and unusual mini dresses among other super sexy buys: snatch up your purse and run along over for a good look.
Gals Zipper Jacket Black, $650L ; Gals Zipper Chaps Black & Blue, $270
Skin Within - Anika
Ayesha Bisiani owns a store named Skin Within that I am rather fond of, and she has just released another skin to add to her exotic collection. What you’ll find here is unique ethnic lines: if you’re looking for a flawless skin that will give your avatar the pixel perfect appeal, then you probably won’t be interested in Anika. However, if you want something different that has interesting detail and a little more about it than the typical glamour model fare, you’d do as well to keep reading.
Anika is designed in a Scandinavian style and probably works best with blonde hair, although the eyebrows are (joy of joys) set in a light red. This means you can go brunette or auburn too and it will all gel well. The skin is fully modifiable, so you can change everything from your brow shape to the skin tone.
A blend of photosourcing and hand drawing lends Anika strong detail and bows toward a realistic style. The fair skin is dappled with barely-there freckles; these are done to perfection on the face, a smattering across nose and cheeks, blended to look completely natural. I was especially taken with the darker spot on the left cheek, which seems to be a rogue freckle; consider it a blemish if you will, but I love unique features as they set this apart from the standard of total symmetry.
If you slide your eyes a little further down, you’ll notice the prominent neck tendons and collar bone, the first signs of the careful detailing that features all over the skin. The cleavage is lightly drawn, emphasised more by the light catching the breasts than from any distinct lines: the nipples themselves are defined, and the kitty is there too – it does sit rather one-sided, but it’s not the sort of thing I spend hours marvelling over, so you’ll have to form your own opinion with the demos. Two carpeting options come with each makeup to suit your personal preferences.
The back is detailed with neatly capped shoulders and a defined line for the spine. Further freckling specs the skin, running all the way down to the perfect curvage of the buttocks. Around the front, the sternum splits the torso, running a line to the dimpled belly button. Texturing across the stomach is rich and even, meaning you’ll be spending December in some ridiculously skimpy clothes in spite of the cold, just to ensure everyone else can share the goodness of this skin.
There’s very little neglected, with suitably detailed extremities. I love that the underside of the feet are also defined, with skin creasing and a neat row of toes. The uppers aren’t bad either considering the restrictions of the mesh frame (the familiar long and crooked toes that haunt me every day), with neatly polished and manicured nails.
Ever the critic, I did have a few reservations: the highlights on various parts are bright from a distance. Close up they merge well, but the skin can look a little oily in the wrong light. While overall I liked the freckled look, some of the sun spots on the legs aren’t completely to my taste. I felt they looked a little blotchy when viewed too close, but then most people aren’t going to be pressing their face that close to your thighs. I hope.
Still, Anika suited me well, and I was pleased enough with the basic style. The greatest beauty in this skin though is the makeup. You can choose from day styles, evening and glitter looks, but Ayesha always does her skins with a ‘fantasy’ line, and Anika enjoys a floral theme that I absolutely can’t get enough of. ‘Delight’ is probably the most subtle of these, the eyelids smudged with purple tones, merging to a china pink that compliments the shade on the lips. From the outer corner of the eye stems a wild flower that threads into the brow and weaves to the side of the head on either side, tiny blossoms painted in a unique facial tattoo. I love wearing this and have found it goes well with a variety of outfits, the gentle tones making it suitable for most occasions.
The most dramatic and probably my favourite though is ‘Floret’, a 
bold look that will draw more attention than your communication window can handle. Rose red lips with a subtle shimmer set the ground for this, the cheeks lightly flushed to the sides. The eyelids are swept with a glittering gold-green, kohl lines and smudging around the inner eye for added drama. A flowering branch begins to the corner of the left brow, working up into a spray of jewel-bright leaves. Two crimson flower heads edged in gold sit just off centre of the forehead, with more laden branches pushing from behind. One falls down across the eye, emerald foliage providing a beautiful surround, the shoot ending in budded twigs that sit over the right cheek. If you want to make a lasting impression at a party this Christmas, then Anika with Floret is the skin to do it in.
As a side: if you aren’t over attached to your own shape, I would highly recommend the one that comes as part of the skin package. It flatters beautifully and is well proportioned. As always, do try the demos on before you make a purchase: what works well on one avie may not suit another quite as well.
Anika, $1200L for individual skins
$3600L for sets of six (Day, Evening, Fantasy, Glitter sets available) Skin Within
