Lapointe & Bastchild

Lapointe & Bastchild
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Lapointe & Bastchild has a huge selection of Gothic styled fashion and apparel, so it's wonderful that upon first arrival you're greeted with a convenient teleportation board. My first visit was to the mens apparel where i was surrounded by gorgeous button ups, suits, pants, boots and more. Like the Narcisse Bodyshirt($299L), that comes with sculpted cuffs, collar and belt, or the more simple Club Classic($130L). The full outfits are just stunning like the gorgeous Narcisse Slate set($800L) that comes with sculpted tie, collar, belt, arm/leg bands and even boots! The womens selections are just as stunning with gorgeous gowns like the Couture Dress set($599L) that can be worn in various styles including a pants option. Or their outfit sets like the totally cute Latin Flower($350L) with hipster pants and flexi ankle cuffs. Also available from Lapointe & Bastchild are Shoe/Boots, Lingerie, Jewellery, and even Formal & Bridal selections... all located on the teleportation board, of course. So if you're into darker, sexy, quality items and apparel check out Lapointe & Bastchild.

Bare Rose

Bare Rose
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Bare Rose could be compared to a enormous costume shop, but perhaps that's not being fair because the selections here stretch beyond mere costumes. The thing i love most about Bare Rose is that what you see is what you get, and what you'll see are amazing quality outfits filled with detail and layers. What you'll also see are the ridiculously amazing prices. In fact, I don't believe any of the outfits here are priced over $200L, most hovering around $150L, and these are outfits that could easily be priced triple that. For instance the Mist(and one my personal favourites), is a super sexy 18th century styled jacket/skirt combination with garters that retails for a mere $130L. Or the adorable Tradurian($145L), a plaid button up jacket with open collar and short flexi skirt, also with garters. The mens selections are just as vast, like the Samurai of Darkness($140L), a complete body plated outfit with cape. There are so many outfits at Bare Rose it would be impossible to leave without buying at least one. And with all their accessories, you're sure to find that perfect item.

Gritty Kitty

Gritty Kitty
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

One word that can describe Gritty Kitty is fun. Although, that wouldn't be fair considering it's so much more than that, Gritty's product is fun, funky, trendy, cool, hip, and sometimes hilarious(Astro Space Pewm Pewm Zapper anyone?? [$200L]). There's so much to see at Gritty Kitty with a wide selection of accessories like Glasses(Browline, Velma, etc for $150), Bags (Mark up, Tote, etc $200 - 300L), Belts ($100L), Jewellery (too much to mention), and many many more. The clothing at Gritty is just as cool, Tops, Jackets, Pants for both men and women come in various patterns and prints. Another amazing part of Gritty is their hair, more specifically their Hair/Hat combinations which are not only high quality but very well priced. As the owner of several styles like the unisex Zombie(only $150L!), modelled after Rob Zombie it comes with flexi dreads and a cowboy hat, with scripted goggles and looks extremely hot on both boys and girls. Or the adorable Bou($130L) with long flexi hair, bangs, and a beanie. There's so much more and you don't have to be a Neko to appreciate the quality and styles at Gritty Kitty.

Wild & Demetra

Wild & Demetra
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

When i first met Demetra Pastorelli we actually never spoke, to be honest, it was her beautiful jacket that first caught my eye. lol. It wasn't until i tracked the jackets origin that i first spoke with the equally beautiful Demetra... and when i also found out that she had a big part in it's design. Finding Wild & Demetra was like discovering a little secret that nobody else knew about, the shop is quaint, but the product is larger than life, and my jacket that i ever so cunningly tracked down? A beautiful sleek, open breasted, trench style coat with flowing tails perfectly name Underworld for a phenomenal $100L. The amazing deals don't end there, the gorgeous Lilith skirt with lace can be worn in three different styles and also sells for $100L. And the Blood Noir latex booty shorts and buckled top for $70L almost stopped my heart. Tops, jeans, dresses, as well as great fashions for men like the I Walk Alone button up shirt($45L), or the mens version of The Underworld Coat($100L). But don't leave just yet, at least not after checking out all the freebies and lucky chairs located upstairs... at Wild & Demetra, the amazing deals are all around you. And if you happen to see Wild or Demetra in the shop stop and say hello, you couldn't meet two nicer people. In fact, I was lucky enough to sit down with Demetra and ask her a few questions...


Kayleigh Hendrassen: Hi Demetra, thank you so much for speaking with me today about your wondering product.

Demetra Pastorelli: Hi Kayleigh! It's a pleasure to be here with you .


KH: First off, can you tell me your inspiration behind the designs, who are some of your favourite designers, in RL or SL?

DP: I am Italian and here in Italy there are many great stylists, I do not have a favourite stylist, I love them all. But I can say that the brands in SL I love are Gothicatz, Lapointe, House of Rfyre, IndyraOriginas ... (I could be here to list other for hours ^ ^).
Anyway I am not inspired to any of these in particular for my clothes, I love the style dark-goth as the elegant, the casual, the neko, and I try to put them together, always trying to give everything to a simple but unique line, so that clothes can please everyone and not just an elite group.


KH: You and Wild are not only working partners, but RL and SL partners, would you say has that helped your working relationship and the overall design of your product?

DP: Definitely yes. Working together in SL has united us very well in RL and I can say that I would not have thought that we would be able to combine love and work so well. Having the advantage of living together in RL, we have the opportunity to give us advice each other more easily and thus combine our ideas to create truly unique products.


KH: The one thing that stood out for me was your price tags, is there a special reason you and Wild can offer such great product at such amazing prices?

DP: All of us, just landed on SL, we were "newbie", and all we have always had difficulty finding beautiful clothes because most of the clothes are too expensive.
For this reason, since we opened our store, we have decided to remain at very low prices because they are accessible to all.


KH: What is the best way for your customers to stay up to date on your products and new releases?

DP: We have created the ***Wild & Demetra*** Fashion Design group ( secondlife:///app/group/31dcbcc9-5cdb-22e4-a64b-0758328456a6/about ) to stay up to date on our new releases and news about us. But we plan to create a blog to be updated about our store.


KH: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me Demetra.

DP: Many thanks to you Kayleigh for giving us the opportunity to tell you about us.

Sartoria

Sartoria
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Looking to take that special girly out tonight boys? Well, if so, you should probably be dressed for the occasion and of course, i have just the place for you. Sartoria's selection of men's suits are not only traditionally designed, they are also stylized and sleek. Starting with their very traditional Sartoria Suit($600L per colour), or their Spezzato Tweed jacket suit($350L per colour), to their very handsome Ambassador Suit($700L per colour), and the must have Smoking & Roma Tuxedos($700L each). But it's not all suits and tuxes at Sartoria, they also have very sharp Polo's($180-200L per colour), cozy V-neck sweaters($200L per colour), and various pants for everyday wear from denims to slacks($150-165L). So if you boys are looking to impress, then head over to Sartoria and blow that special girl away by your terrific sense of style, after all, every girl loves a well dressed man.

Aoharu Boutique

Aoharu Boutique
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Aoharu's Sim is a big place so if you're going to check it out make sure you have some time to devote to it. Upon arrival there are two boutiques on either side, both offering fashions for men and women. Aoharu appears to specialize in outerwear, and the product seems endless. Their jackets are adorable and chic, like the Short Trench coats($320L per colour & style) or the adorable animal print Furs($280L per pattern), and with a styling pair of stockings(which Aoharu's also offers at $150-180L per pack), can practically be worn as outfits on their own. The coats for men are equally as trendy like the super slick Snake Trench($380L per colour), or if you're looking for that trendy new suit their all white Frock Coat set($700L) will definitely turn some heads... but don't worry, it also comes in the more common, yet equally as slick, black and grey colours. Also offering shirts, pants, skins, hair, etc etc, Aoharo's Sim is just too vast to cover everything, but the sleek designs and trendy fashions will keep you looking for hours.

Bettie's

Bettie's
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

If you're looking for that perfect old school look, then i suggest you take a look at what Bettie's has to offer. Specializing in fashions from the 1930's to the 1950's, Bettie's selection of clothing is not only fun and exciting, but also quite stylish. From the June Cleaver Skirt sets($450L for the set) all the way to the Miz Secretary Dress Suit($225L per colour). Or the Jazz Suit for men($250L per colour) to the handsome 1940's styles Tuxedo($350L per colour). If you're not in the market for a new outfit, then you're still in luck, Bettie's selection of accessories are the highlight of the shop. Shoes($200-300L), stockings($50L), and beautiful selection of hats($150L, $400L for the sets) are among my favourites. Plus, if you're in the right sort of mood, they also carry cool Prince Charlie, and Bagpiper kilt outfits for $1000L a piece. So if you're feeling retro and wanan dress for the occasion swing on by Bettie's, i'm sure there's something here to suit your style.

Armidi Gisaci

Armidi Gisaci
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Armidi Gisaci is what upscale fashion is all about. As soon as you enter the main store you know you're looking at quality designs, but don't let all that scare you, the prices at Armidi aren't as bad as you'd think, especially for the product. On the main floor the men's side displays beautiful button-up shirts($250L), vests($125L), shirt & vest combinations($295L) as well as full suits($525L without tie) all designs coming in various colours. Unfortunately the mens selections pretty much stops there, but the women's product is much more broad. The main floor is full of gorgeous baby doll dresses($350-375L), tops($135-200L), button-ups, jackets($325-425L), top/shorts combinations($295-350L) and more. The upstairs is more women's(yay!), with more of the same stuff, dresses, tops and jackets, but different, yet just as gorgeous, styles, there's even a few sweaters($135-165L) for those cool SL nights. If you're into up-to-the-minute fashion and you love being the center of attention come down to Armidi Gisaci and treat yourself... who else is going to?

Bringiton’s Music Hall Of Fame

Bringiton’s Music Hall Of Fame
by Nickel Borrelly

Bringiton’s Music Hall Of Fame is a gallery showcasing over 250 artists in Second Life, also artist of the Month, and the occasional live Music. Bringiton Paine has built and manages Music Hall Of fame, collecting SL artist bio and promo photos to showcase there. Besides her hard work with the Hall of Fame Bringiton runs concerts for charity and benefits, has helped organize award ceremonies for artist, and answer questions on to artist and venues. Bringiton’s Music Hall Of Fame is a great place for lovers of music and venues to learn more about singers in Second Life. Stop in and help support this wonder place, truly is made out of one person love for music.

For more Info on Bringiton’s Music Hall Of Fame
http://www.myspace.com/bringitonpaine
http://www.ballyhoosl.com/Music/

Garden of Ku

Garden of Ku
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

If you're in the market for a tattoo then I'd definitely recommend that you check out Garden of Ku. Some of the most realistic and detailed tattoos that SL has to offer can be found displayed beautifully upon the walls of the shop showcasing the unique and extreme talent that went into each of their creations. From their more simplistic designs like No More Pain($250L) and Hathor Gardon($200L), all the way to their full body artwork like Aphrodisia in Luxor($350L - and a personal fav) and Mayan Dream($250L), all available in multiple shades and clothing options(all included in your purchase). The prices are amazing and the details will hook you and keep you coming back again and again.

Detour

Detour
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Detour is a great shop that carries products enriched in quality and style. Offering both mens and women's items Detour's selection of casual and elegant footwear is extensive. From their Jaywalker Sneaker($350L per colour) to their Glamour Metallic Pumps($350L per colour), or their classy Mistress Boot($400L per colour) to the cute little Layback Flipfliops($350L per colour), there's a style of shoe here for everyone. Detour is also a shop for lovers of quality hair, hair that looks soft and natural, and hair that moves beautifully. Unfortunately, if you're not a brunette then Detour probably isn't going to be one stop shop for hair styles. Their selection of lighter tones is limited to say the least, but if you're into the darker colours then this is the place for you. Their newer styles like In Bloom, Whisper and Dahlia(among many others) will run you $450L per tone, where older styles fetch for around $350L per tone. Among Detours other products are Eyes, Skins, fashion apparel and other various accessories all quality made and beautifully designed.

Nex-Core Fashion Show

Nex-Core Fashion Show @ Vanity Universe
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

If you weren't in attendance at the NEX-Core Fashion show at Vanity Universe, don't feel too bad, you can still access all wonderful designs showcased at the event. With amazing new creations from Victoria V, Aoharu, (Nova), Clio-pret a porter, Shai and BiancaF there was something there to please everyone's tastes. Starting off the show was designer VictoriaV McMillan, along with SL, as well as RL, partner Vasgez McMillan, they've work hand-in-hand to bring their company slogan to SLife. VictoriaV has numerous shops around SLife, specializing in elegant gowns, bridal, and formal wear, their designs are flawless and beautiful. Next on the catwalk, Machang Pichot owner of Aoharu, with her latest outerwear fashions, just in time for fall of course. Japanese inspired printed furs, stylized trenches, all slick designed coats and jackets for every boy and girl. Next to hit the runway was (Nova) and their Enchanted Collection, beautifully designed gowns with soft, silky fabrics and amazing flowing movements. There are tons of colours too choose from and the prices are exceptional. Dresses for the girl who wants to feel, and look, like a princess. Following (Nova) was Clio -pret a porter- , formerly 'CCard's... designs by Clio Cardiff', Clio creates clothes for herself and for those who like her style and simple lines. Without the use of RLife photographs, Clio produces all her own designs by digital drawing. Her gowns are pretty and unique with all lace work and shadings hand drawn Clio's inspiration comes from the world around her. Casa del Shai, located in the Casa del Shai sim is owned my Shai Delacroix and with 5 buildings, you can find outfits for any occasion always with perfect texturing and amazing style. Designing both formal and casual wear for men and women, Shai showcased her beautiful evening gown collection and was received well by the crowd. Last but not least was Bianca Foulon’s latest collection. Bianca F’s design sensibility is, above all, fashion forward. Combined with the trendy, straight-off-the-catwalk look of Bianca F’s line is a liberal dose of sensuality. The fabrics run from sheer to glittery to shiny patent to sequined, in a variety of textures and colours (forget basic black, Bianca does colour in saturated, brilliant tones). In my opinion the show was a great success with SLife fashion having a very bright year ahead of itself and i think we're all in for a treat. All skins were provide by Free Speerit and their beautiful new skin line which was actually released that very night.

Sweetest Good-bye

Sweetest Good-bye
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Offering products for both male and female, Sweetest Good-bye is the perfect store for people who love very stylish, everyday fashion. Countless styles of tops ranging from simple T's to spaghetti straps, poofy sleeves, to sweaters and much more(from as little as $70L to $300L+), all beautifully designed and quality made. Their pants are just as fab with Ripped Heart denims(only $160L w/ a cool single leg option), adorable baggy Bombom's(parachute style - Capri length for $200L), and several others all at amazing prices. One of my favourite Sweetest Good-bye products is there cute as hell School-Girl/School-Boy outfit, only $350L and ranging in several classic colour combinations. Another favourite is their Japanese Kimono style dress Breeze($700L for each colour combo), a truly gorgeous outfit that's sure to turn some heads. Their Jacket/Tie combos are a must have and are amazingly priced at $250L and are offered in several styles. So if you're looking for style but hate flashy, then Sweetest Good-bye may be just for you.

Redgrave

Redgrave
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Redgraves is the place you want to go if you like really high quality product at very reasonable prices. Specializing in look-a-like skin Redgraves offers amazing quality and ultra exotic skins resembling todays hottest celebrities. It may sound tacky, but that actually couldn't be further from the truth. Minus the famous blueprints, the skins themselves stand alone as a superb product and most, if not all, come in either pale and tanned shades. For both male and female, a single make-up(or facial hair) skin will run you $990L, and the bundle is a fantastic deal at $2,990L. Unfortunately, they only carry 4 male skins, but there are countless female characters too choose from... and my god, those lips! If you're not in the market for a skin then you're still bound to find something in their extensive collection of apparel and accessories. This is where the men get treated as Redgraves selection of men's fashion product is ultra hot. Pants, jackets, tops, T's(all from $250-500L) and a gorgeous layered suit($1,200L) with endless outfit combinations. So if you're not super rich and feel like treating yourself, stop by Redgraves.

Kalnins Fashion Sunglasses

Kalnins Fashion Sunglasses
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

Located in the luxurious Life Is Beautiful shopping centre, Kalnins Fashion Sunglasses are just what you've been looking for - if you're looking for great eye wear that is. With styles too numerous to mention there is definitely something here that will suit even the most picky of shoppers(like me?). Starting at $275L and going as high as $500L per pair Kalnins' most impressive feature are the one click menu options. Adjust the reflection, the tint, set the glasses on your head, even activate the facelight or auto-smiler with a simple click of your mouse. The one area I feel Kalnins falls short on is the 3 dimensional look. Up close the glasses look very 2-D, almost flat actually and there's no depth to back up the detail. Which is a huge shame because the styles themselves are unique and beautiful. From a normal distance though they look amazing and this writer believes the styles and options alone are worth the purchase.

FNKY & Cake

FNKY & Cake
by Kayleigh Hendrassen

I can't help but be biased when writing about FNKY & Cake as it's one of my absolute favourite shops in SL. Separated, FNKY offers more men's skins($1,850L - $3,000L for pack) and various fashions like apparel, shoes, hats, watches and more, but also carries several items like women's pumps($400L - $1,200L for pack), and unisex glasses($300-400L - $1,000 + for packs), all top quality. Cake is more female oriented with skins and shapes( avg $1,250L - $3,000L for pack), numerous fashion apparel, and glasses. Cake's speciality is hair, offering both men's and womens styles it is some of the highest quality SL has to offer. Their newest styles(and favourites of mine) run for $375L per colour and $3,000 for the packs. The hair is beautiful and very natural looking and you're bound to pull in a compliment or two... I know I've referred at least a handful of people since purchasing my first style not so long ago.