Crimson Shadow
Crimson Shadow is a store that’s been on the grid for several months now, and I am quite ashamed to say that I’ve only just found it. Slap on the wrists for me: now to make up for lost time.
There are several designers contributing here, all with their own ideas and specialisations, so you will almost certainly find something that shouts out to you when you visit. Latex always works for me, and this seriously sexy costume piece was the first thing I honed in on in store.
To neglect to blog this would have been criminal indeed, but knowing quite where to start poses a small problem. Objectively, my eyes are drawn to the blood red bodice that peeps through, although clearly it’s the overcoat that steals the show. A tight fitting jacket sucks around the torso, trimmed with a thick fur collar and wrinkled back and front to the body’s bend. Puffed sleeves emphasise the second skin effect around the waist, with full length gloves to complete the effect.
To the back the coat seems all concealing, sheets of latex primed and pulled to create a two-tiered skirt effect. A buffed belt encircles the small of the back for some extra depth and detail. At the front, everything lies open with a bunched band concealing the midriff, simple black panties prominently on display. Tightly webbed thigh highs trimmed with jagged lace elastic decorate the legs with high heeled boots to complete the look.
If that wasn’t enough for you, a cast iron sceptre with glowing set stone is provided for your accessorising pleasure. My personal favourite though is this stylish topper: as with any hat, you’ll probably have to rework your ‘do slightly to get it to fit but golly gosh it is worth it. It’s not boxy at all, in fact the sides carry a subtle outward slope to ensure a perfect shape, with layered hat band and a tilted rim: it’s not fussy but a very simple design, definitely ripe for pairing with some of your other outfits.
I also fell head over heels for this little number, which comes with the option of the dinky mini (as shown) or the long ball skirt. The longer skirt doesn’t allow me to flaunt my hose-endowed legs for you, so I’ve only pictured the shorter one here.
The dress features a deeply plunging neckline edged with scalloped lace that is very delicate, providing a soft line for the eye to follow. The bodice is laced centrally with black cord, drawing tight the lightly meshed fabric. The capped sleeves are trimmed with light leaves in a fine mesh, a stylistic feature that also completes the collar and lengthy cuffs. It gives this outfit a fairytale appeal, elegant in the extreme, especially when paired with the gown skirt.
For my skins, I’m adoring the wide-pleated mini. It might be the way the twisted belt sits just above it, or the pretty ribbon bows that are tacked to either side. I think though that it’s the considered web overlay, sewn to points on the outer edges, with the frazzled lace of the petticoat buoying up beneath. It bounces like a tutu, and when I’m wearing it I really do feel like skipping rather than walking. It’s girlie goodness with a darker slant, and I’m lapping that up.
The stockings don’t leave any space for leg flesh, which is actually just what the doctor ordered here. The diagonal mesh is broken down with smaller net panels, interspersed with sewn boxes at intervals – very nicely done, although there is the foreseeable seamage. Shoes are also provided with the set, strappy stilettos with pointy toes. They’re not sculptie but I really don’t think you’d be ashamed to wear them out.
My final choice was a pants set which comes with everything you see here. While I liked the criss cross belt, banded boots and skin tight trousers, the attention is quite rightly on the brilliant batty corset. A wide neck exposes plenty of skin, with fine arches threaded on either side of the shoulders. The bat wing neckline is drawn in painstaking detail, but you may need to focus a little harder on the chest to realise that it’s not just the wings that have been incorporated into this piece. The screeching beastie is pinned by his head beneath the twined cord, strung through double set eyelets to the centre of the chest and flanked with silk ribbon panels. The material pulls tight around the waist, similar details picked to the back and bottoms.
There is so much on offer at Crimson Shadow, you really need to port over there and check it out for yourself.
Black Latex n Top Hat Set: $1000L ; Lace and Web Dress: $1000L ; Womens Bat Corset Set $700L
Dazzled by Fireflies
Fireflies is a new to me store that I wanted to share for two main reasons:
- Everything is definitely sexy.
- Everything is priced at either $1L, $5L or $100L
If that’s got you interested, have a little lookie at a few of the options. My first pick was ‘Isobel’ for $100L, a black lace mini with two skirt options, and a sheer and less sheer styling. The dress comes complete with a matching shrug which caps the shoulders and covers the back, but it can be worn with your own overlayer or indeed none at all. The strapless dress has a scalloped bandeau bust, the stretch lace clinging to the body all the way down to the thighs. The choice of skirt is either a puffed overlayer or a skin-tight mini: team with simple stilettos or knee high boots and you’re good to go.
Even in its sheer form, Isobel is perfectly modest, although you may find people spend a little too much time trying to see just how much they can see. If you prefer, Isobel is also available in white and in red.
My biggest bargain was ‘Eden’, a short black party dress that is as seamless as it is strapless. Amazingly, this dress is priced at just $1L, and there is no reason whatsoever for not going and buying this, even if your inventory is more full than a greyhound that’s been locked overnight in a sausage factory. If you don’t already own a little black dress, this could easily be it: simply gathered down a central seam at the bust, with lace trim along the neckline, there are further crumples in the material over the belly and bottom for fabulous detail. The cheeky skirt is rather transparent and finished with lace for a girly feel: you want to own this dress because it’s gorgeous, and it won’t break the bank to do it.
Another great find was ‘Lyra’. This cross halterneck cuts low to the front, making the most of your assets. A diamante buckle sits between the breasts to decorate the central strap, thin cords creating a large X at the back. The same detail feature to the open front, catching at the back of the skirt and supporting its weight; the short and ruffled design has a mesh feel, and shorts are provided for modesty. You receive both the black and red versions for a mere $1L.
Finally from my selection is ‘Sexy Glam’ at $100L. This mini is perfect for clubbing, with halterneck crossing into under-studded strips that cover the chest, leading down to the open torso. The dress closes again beneath the belly button, falling into a ruffled mini skirt that has more super creased detail 
across the buttocks at the back. Like Isobel, this can also be worn as a tight dress, with flappy panel sitting between the legs to finish the skirt. I personally prefer the bigger skirt as there was a bit of inner leg smear when I pulled some of my usual poses, but you won’t have any problems if you’re slightly more ladylike.
I could have posted numerous other outfits, but I think this ought to be enough to prompt you to take a look for yourselves. Scoot down to Fireflies and have a browse through: I’m sure you’ll find some blinding bargains too.
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.
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), $250L
Corsets from Popfuzz
Popfuzz Bamboo sent me a simply divine corset fatpack, comprised of corset under layers as well as complete corsets in Blue, Olive, Orange, Pink, Purple, Teal, Yellow and Red. The corsets are gorgeous and are done all in lace. The under layers were bra layers and underpants in each color. The complete corsets all have an additional thong, prim bows, jacket layer lace skirt, and one with no lace. There is also a prim corset skirt. Possibly the best part is that even with all that stuff, each corset set is only L$ 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.
Would you Adam n Eve it?
I went on a skin hunt this weekend: I’m still trying to find something I feel at peace in, as at present I have several I switch between. When a friend told me I looked ‘adorable’ on Friday, I took that as a definite cue to go shopping. (I may be many things. Cute ain’t one of them).
‘Pandora’ is a skin line from Adam n Eve - if you’ve never been then you’re missing out on a treat: it’s a mega mall full to bursting with a wide range of clothing, shoes, accessories, hair and indeed skins. The version I’m modelling is in the 0 skintone with ‘White Fire’ makeup but there are dozens available in store, so most likely you’ll find something to suit your taste.
(Click the picture for full frontal nudity).
The skin is well defined, with toned muscle and bone detail all over, without being so sharp that it looks unnatural. The neck and back are sculpted with care to ensure you look your sexy best however much skin you’re revealing beneath your outfit: the cleavage is well shaded for a solid shape. I found the nipples and belly button were a little hazy, so when you’re trying the demo do take a look for yourself to check it meets your standards: for me it was absolutely not a problem. Downstairs the mechanics are front-facing, but all it was as it should be as far as I’m concerned. Each makeup option comes with fuzz or no fuzz options for your convenience.
I liked the consistency of the colour on the skin, and the highlights across the body: The elbows and knees are shaped well and the hands and feet are pretty with appropriate knuckle and tendon lines. The nails are defined and look quite pretty even without adding glove or prim manicures.
The makeup is applied well, shadow sweeping over the sockets to draw attention to the eyes. The lips were subtly lined, tinted in china pink for a frosty shimmer that will work very well with a Winter wardrobe. ‘Passionfruit’ is the darker grey which suited a lot of my casual looks, while ‘White Fire’ went beautifully with evening wear, really catching the light commanding attention across a room. There are also freckled versions available, as shown here with ‘White Fire’ – the freckles are concentrated across the cheeks and bridge of the nose and you won’t find them elsewhere on the body. They’re understated and won’t overpower.
Pandora fitted my shape very well, but do make sure you try a demo first for suitability.
It’s difficult to leave Adam n Eve without having a (very) good look around, and it wasn’t long before a gown called ‘Dare to be Different’ caught my wandering eye. Dare is a delicate design, the bodice held with spaghetti straps over the shoulders, supporting the opaque bra top which is overlaid in a flowery lace. The florals snake around the tops of the cups, following defined lines down the body over a sheer central panel, flecked and dotted all over.
This set is wonderfully versatile because it comes with several different options: it can be worn as a lingerie set, short skirted dress, narrow skirted gown, or full blown formal dress with suitably large skirt (not shown). The briefs with the set are little shorties which make quite a nice change from the usual thong backs – these come on the pants layer so are easy to wear with tattoos or layer with any existing garter belts you might own. My personal preference for this set was for the narrow long skirt, but any of the skirts are quite beautiful, featuring the same floral embroidery across the panels. The movement was free flowing, but I particularly like that the dress settles quickly when I am still, and doesn’t flap too wildly when dancing. There are eight colours available, and Sachi Vixen won’t mind hearing from you if you’d like to buy all eight: she’ll give you a discounted price.
The shoes are also from Adam n Eve, courtesy of Damen Gorilla: these are ‘Classique’ in tan. An elegant shoe composed of a very high stiletto heel on a slight platform; the uppers are well textured with a raised section to the pointed toe tip, flattening out and then pushing up again into a cushioned ridge which extends into the sides. This feature is also reflected in a puffed banding on either side towards the heel. Classique finishes this outfit very well, and is generally a versatile shoe that will look great with any number of other outfits.
One of the nicest things about Adam n Eve is that demos are available for pretty much everything in store, so you can try before you buy. If you see something you think you like but you’re not 100% sure, try it out first: take a few friends with you for some honest opinions and have fun.
Pandora: 2 Makeups for $1800L - Makeups shown from the ‘Cover Girl’ collection (6 for $4000L)
Dare to be Different (Lemon), $900L
Classique (Tan), $175 per pair, (14 pairs in the Super Fetish Pack, $1750L)
Sand Dollar: Fruits Basket
(Yes, more lingerie. But it’s so inexpensive, I just had to…)
Sand Dollar is a new lingerie label from Lavender Lamington, and the first release comes to us by way of ‘Fruits Basket’, with a total of eight design choices, each one costing a very reasonable $125L. You can also purchase a fatpack for $800L: at $100L per set, you can’t really argue that it’s good value for your Lindens.
Each hand drawn set is based on a fruit, featuring a themed print and colouration to match. ‘Blackberries’ is the black set, ‘Cherry’ is red, ‘Grapes’ is purple – and so on. The sets feature bra and panties on two layers, plus a pair of yummy thigh highs and prim bow sets to decorate.
The look here is delicate and feminine, the triangle print bra hiding most of the breasts but leaving a little uncovered on all sides. The central gore and halter neck are trimmed with white lace, the straps accented by coloured prim bows above either cup; there is another bow with long ribbon ties that hangs down to the back, which is a nice touch.
The thong is also printed with its themed fruit, bows to the front on either side. It has the same frilly trim. My favourite part of the set though is these thigh highs – as you can see they do actually come up to standard and don’t end over the knee or half way up the leg, which I see in a disappointing number of supposed ‘thigh highs’ on sale. They’re demi-opaque with spots over the leg, finished to the top with coloured ribbon, lace and more little bows to the backs.
Looks good enough to eat.
The seams are ever so slightly mismatched, the outer left on the thigh high tops and the right hand side on the panties are the two obvious ones: these were not a real issue for me, and you certainly won’t notice from a distance. You will find demos at the store, so if you’re picky you can try yourself before you buy. Pay Sand Dollar a visit, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
SLink! - New Lingerie
I reviewed SLink! on my personal blog not so long ago, and Siddean Munro IM’d me the other day to let me know she had released a new lingerie set, which I was all over before you could say “rabid reviewer”.
If you’re looking for something classic but not too fussy, these sets are just perfect. The bra straps cut quite unusually, angled at the front and then vertical but more central to the back, but the placing means you can easily wear these with sleeveless tops and not have any nasty show through. I like that; I’m forever getting up on my high horse about girls who don’t bother concealing underwear beneath their clothes (most frequently when I’m wearing skirts that pass for belts and a shirt that leaves very little to the imagination). The cups are solid and full, with a little lace detail above each cup. What I really like is the attention paid at the back on the clasp, which is actually drawn on: I mean how many clothes do we all own that have no feasible way of having gotten on our bodies? I like these little touches, although they make me greedy for more.
The panties are generous on the bottom, the high leg gathering density with more lace trimming which is well matched at the seams. They sit fairly straight on the body meaning they work well with most trouser layers, even if they are low cut. The hold ups are well made, thick lace banding and light back seams to compliment the sheer legs.
The colours are versatile enough to be matched to your favourite outfits: I put together a little collage of the colours available, although I missed white (I trust you would have a good idea what that might look like) and modelled ‘Champagne’ in a darker skin as it didn’t show up so well on my pale complexion.
If you like what you see, take a trip over to the SLink! store. You can pick up individual colours for $100L or snap up the whole lot for $400L.
Wardrobe Trunk: Warming the Winter Nights
The nights are getting colder, and it doesn’t hurt to have more than one way of keeping out the chills. I just love this feathery dressing gown from Wardrobe Trunk, which comes complete with lacy negligee.
The robe itself is bordered with great plumes of feathers which conceal enough to retain your modesty while suggesting there’s plenty of chance for further exposure. The feathers are well matched with the sheer cloak beneath, which is itself embellished with delicate velvet motifs for a lavish feel. The skirt is long and lies open to the front, but looks fantastic from all angles provided you keep your legs in lady-like positions: too much of the lunge and this does fall foul of the usual system skirt smears.
If you take off the feathers and skirting, you’re left with a beautiful wrap around jacket that displays the crochet top beneath. With spaghetti straps and a moulded neckline, the shirt is long and sits below the hip, the scalloped edge laying over the panties – also see-through. The hold ups that come with the set are very pretty, with laced and banded tops and a tabbed ridge detail running down the backs of the legs. These look fabulous with high heels and can be mixed with any number of outfits as you so desire.
The outfit is well made but there are some seams visible due to the patterning and lacework: still, I was not too concerned by any of it as the design is busy enough to draw eyes elsewhere.
Taliah Talamasca has a good sense of style and I am certainly pleased with what she has to offer; this particular outfit will set you back $500L. Get yourself down to Wardrobe Trunk and see what takes your fancy.
Onsceno at Babele Fashion
Babele Fashion is an Italian label by Pinco Janus, and I just had to share with you this particular piece from her collection. Onsceno is a cheeky frock that plays two roles: with the lace body stocking it’s interesting and almost demure, and without it’s just plain naughty - but isn’t that so much fun?
The asymmetrical halterneck barely protects your modesty, although this can be remedied with pasties and panties if you intend to go clubbing in it. You won’t find an awful lot to this, and the minimalist look is fantastic for showing off your latest skin. The system skirt is slatted over the right leg to reveal… everything actually, cutting around to the rear to show just a glimpse of your behind. While Onsceno is available in a few colour choices, I feel that this one contrasts the most sharply for the best result, whilst still 
carrying enough shading for a rounded finish.
The lace layers contrast perfectly and look great underneath the dress; the pattern doesn’t glue precisely at the seams, but you’ll barely notice. The lace itself is creative with plenty of open spaces to contrast the tight-knit flowers; although this was unfortunate planning on the left of the chest (depending on who you ask). I am fascinated by the contrast between the softness and boldness; what could have been completely wild is actually dressed down to a funky chic that I am quite besotted with.
This outfit does comes with shoes, but they were really too big for my feet so I used my own in the pictures.
Asymmetrical designs always run the risk of being unbalanced, but Onsceno holds together beautifully, providing a visual feast from any angle. At only $200L it’s affordable too, and you know it will look great however you choose to wear it.
