We are being so utterly spoiled this Christmas, it’s almost overwhelming. The grid is teeming with advent calendars, hunts and random gifts from every kind of designer. I have absolutely no idea how the Fabfree gang keep up with it all to be honest! I strongly suggest you keep a beady eye on the feeds, because you’ll miss out on some wonderful treats otherwise. For example, had I not been reading Fashion Feed Of SL this morning I would have missed out on discovering this utterly sumptuous skin from a creator I had never encountered before, “Street Dermatology” It’s a group gift, so you’ll need to join, but *wow*, it’s totally worth it. There seems to be a load of green eyeshadow themed skins around, and I for one am very happy with that..it’s good to have some festive colour.
What I love about this skin is the eyeliner, it’s *perfect*. Can you see the inner corner of the eye? Doesn’t it look swish..ooh I do love me a bit of eyeliner on a skin, . Plus I adore the juxtaposition with the glossy, gold lip. It’s a stunning skin for a freebie, and if this is the kind of quality that Street Dermatology distribute on a regular basis, then it tells you that their full price skins are definitely worth checking out; I know that I will be in future! Incidentally, the shape worn in this picture is my Festive shape, and I think it works beautifully with this skin:)

I’m working hard to get my stores ready for Christmas..I’ve started later than some I know, but better late than never! I’m preparing some brand new shapes especially for the festive season, as well as thinking up some new offers and shedding some old stock.At the moment my store in Harlow is filled to the brim with shapes, including my recent Christmas releases as well as some perennial favorites, with each shape costing JUST L$50! Even if the poster says otherwise, each shape is fifty lindens…how funny that I’m telling you about this on a Friday eh? It’s worth paying a visit and getting your fill of my shapely bargains, and while you are there make sure that you slab the subscribo because this shape, ‘Jingle Belle’, is my Christmas gift to you all. She’s actually one of the best shapes I’ve ever created..I should sell her really but stuff it, this is the season for giving after all:)

 My store in Malt is having a bit of a redesign, and will be ready to go with some new stock hopefully by the end of the weekend, obviously I’ll keep you posted on that..IF you want to buy some shapes as a gift please contact me and we’ll work something out. I’m happy to help, oh and as a final note…the raffle should be starting next week too! Remember that? To enter you’ll need to buy a special shape that I’ll be releasing next week, and all those who do will be entered into a draw to win EVERY SINGLE SHAPE I have ever made thus far..and also free shapes from my collection for life! ( Basically each time I release some new goodies, the winner gets them for nuffink!)

If you or a friend are shape addicts then you really don’t want to miss this!!

Feast your eyes on the nomminess of this little beauty! Ain’t she wonderful? Launa Fauna has rebranded to ‘L.Fauna’, and this is her ‘Fifty Linden Friday’ offering….isn’t it just *stunning*?
I have always liked Launa’s skins, but I’ve never felt as comfortable in them as I do in Curio or Redgrave. That may be about to change, because this skin is incredibly beautiful and as a complete package offers an array of fab features: sumptuous colouring and shading across the cheeks, and eyes that are amazing; the lashes and the styling of the brow are just perfect. As you can see, body detail is exceptional too, even when viewed through the built in corset. Actually, I don’t mind that you can’t remove this at all because it’s just beautiful, and come on..for FIFTY lindens? It’s an absolute bloody gift! I’m going to have lots of fun with this skin….I suggest you get your arse in gear and go and get this wonderful addition to your skin repertoire. Incidentally, the package includes SIX shades ( I’m wearing Tan 1 here) so all tastes are catered to…as you can tell I am CHUFFED to pieces by this. Well done Launa!!
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the shape is by Kittylicious! and is called ‘Christmas’. Looks great doesn’t it? NOMMY!

WOE have just launched some utterly fabbo jimmy-jams. In RL, I’d live in my PJ’s if I could..I even popped to Tesco’s in them once ( It was the middle of the night and I was full of cold. I never thought anyone I knew would see me..well, you can guess the rest!) They come in a range of colours, and are available to fit both the fellas and the foxes:) They’re called ‘Kylei’, and in this photo I’m wearing the Maroon styling. The pants are accompanied by this very well crafted top, which is semi-transparent. The creasing on the top is excellent and very realistic indeed. If you look at the back of the top there’s a teeny tiny WOE logo hiding on there, and there are prim cuffs as well as dangly elasticated cords on the front. These are great fun to wear and I’m planning on finishing the rest of the ‘Down The Chimney Hunt’ in them! Speaking of which, I’m wearing an item from the hunt in this picture. It’s hunt gift 51, and it’s this rather smashing messy christmas hairstyle called ‘Notty & Nice’ .

Make sure you participate in the hunt, because there are some ridiculously amazing items available, and Fab Free is going to be previewing the wares over the next couple of days. Whisper has already been busy and published part 1 of a feature showcasing the clothing! Anyway, Christmas PJ’s sorted…and I think these would make a great xmas gift in world! Why not pop over to WOE and see what you think?

RunoRuno, as regular readers will know, is one of my favourite stores, and I awarded it ‘Best Newcomer’ status in my Kittywitchin Awards 2008. This was a sound judgement indeed, because although not the most prolific of fashion labels, it is certainly one of the most original-always producing beautifully textured garments oozing with funk and flair but without the extortionate price tag that often accompanies such wares. RunoRuno makes couture available to all with no pretension, just beautifully styled clothing.

Often the pieces are complicated by attachments and elements that require intervention to ensure a perfect fit, but that is a small price to pay for wearing this label.

I ALWAYS get compliments when I wear RunoRuno..always. On the grid at the moment you’ll see me wearing a wonderful top called ‘Stole’ ( It’s featured in all my previous posts and also on my Flickr bar to the right) It’s a deceptively simple item, with a small cowl neck and draped sleeves, but don’t be fooled. It’s pure architecture, and fits beautifully (and if it doesn’t you’ll find a very handy notecard with your purchase explaining how best to make it fit your shape- thoughtful touch that, don’t you think?) You can wear it with or without sleeves, it is sublime. So far today THREE avatars in different locations have asked me where it’s from!  ( See? Quality gets you noticed!) Of course I was happy to share, although somewhat begrudgingly..it feels like this store should be kept secret from everyone else.

But what I really want to show you today is this beautiful jumper, which is A GIFT on the ‘Down The Chimney Hunt’, which starts on December 6th. Now, this picture is tinted slightly so you don’t get the full benefit of the colour or texture, but suffice to say that it is one of the most appealling items on the grid this winter, and I have no doubt that every fashionista worth their salt will be rushing down to the store to get their hands on it…it’s going to look perfect with leggings and statement boots ( Try getting your hands on those R2 boots I blogged about a couple of posts ago) Do yourself a favour and make sure that you are one of the crowd hunting at the store for this, and while you’re there check out some of the other lovelies that are available. In fact, treat yourself seeing as it’s Christmas and just buy the entire bloody store. It won’t cost you that much, and you will thank me for it.

..which means I’d better crack on with my latest shape releases for the festive season! I’ve got quite a few great ideas for new shapes and they will be as festive and voluptuous as the season. I’m also working on a few treats too, but one thing I want to give you the heads up on is ‘The Grand Kittylicious Xmas Raffle 2009′.  Basically, for a fee, you’ll be able to purchase entry into a raffle which will see five lucky winners receive a ‘Kittylicious Shapes Mega Pack’ containing EVERY SINGLE SHAPE I HAVE EVER MADE THUS FAR. Not only that, there’ll be shapes included that I never released..I’m not logged in at the moment so I can’t do a quick tally, and my brain is pickled BUT I estimate that there will be around 30 shapes in the pack:) The raffle will run through until the end of December…and all ticket-holders will receive a Kittylicious! Shape on Christmas Eve as a special gift from yours truly:) I think this is a really great idea for you shap addicts out there, so tell your chums and keep your eyes glues to this site for further details. Whilst I’m on the subject of all things Kittylicious, I must tell you how pleased I am that my last release, ‘Sparkler’, has been proving so popular.  All my recent photos feature me wearing the shape teamed with  various Curio skins by Gala Phoenix, and even if I say so myself, it really looks the business.  If you’re keen to experience ‘Sparkler’ yourself then you’d better get to it, because she will be retired at the end of November. (If you win the raffle you’ll get all my retired shapes..so you’d better enter it hadn’t you?)

The word ‘Tweed’ always makes me think of a rather dodgy late 1970’s perfume that didn’t so much as smell of tweed, but actually smelled of cat-wee and old ladies…I can tell you that Sienia Trevellion’s latest ‘Lark’ release does not smell of cat wee, old-ladies, moth-balls or even damp wellies. It doesn’t smell of anything, but it looks rather posh. ‘Tweed’ comes with a belt, earrings, necklace and bracelet and it’s a very elegant affair. I had a few minor issues sizing the prim across the top of the bust line, but once accomplished I stood back, took a good look, and was pleased:) The tones of the outfit lend themselves to warm hues, so I’ve teamed ‘Tweed’ with the stunning new hair release by Truth,  ’Lucinda’, in Cherry. It looks very well, don’t you agree? ( I think that has more to do with the style, than the fact it’s called ‘Lucinda’, which is obviously a posh totty name) The more I flounce about in this dress, the more I like it…it’s a very different texture choice to the norm, and it looks really good because of it. Of course, in real life you couldn’t possibly wear a frock like this made out of tweed, because after walking a few steps it would rub your nipples red-raw, so yet again Second Life lets us accomplish our fantasies with no need for plasters…(If you have a tweed-wearing fetish of course!) Actually, this frock would look perfect with a pair of green Hunter wellies and a Barbour jacket, don’t you think? Right, that’s it..I’m off to spend the day pretending to be a sloane ranger… Nice one Sienia!

If you’ve been reading the feeds recently you cannot fail to have noticed how much the ‘Step Up’ campaign has been making the headlines, and how much controversy has surrounded ‘The Artist’s Voice’ campaign.  
There are two trains of thought; not uploading new content to the grid today, or not participating in anything related to SL; be it blogging about products, buying, selling or uploading.  
Because of the way my shifts have dropped in real life I’ve not been able to go in-world and gauge reaction from my friends, but I know from reading the various blog posts about the subject that this day of protest has generated as much copy as the actual problem of content theft. Like both campaigns, I heartily agree that something needs to be done.
OK, backtrack: Yes, I am blogging today.  But that doesn’t mean I disagree with the protest proposed by The Artist’s Voice, which I think shows the determination and militancy that this issue genuinely needs.  That said, I don’t support the idea of not buying content today, nor do I support the non-blogging gesture (obviously) but I’m not opposaed to anyone following that course of action. My own personal feeling is that it is very important that content creators don’t suffer, and they are suffering enough due to the distribution of stolen goods, so those thoughts have shaped my response to the campaign.

Like any protest, it is up to the individual to decide how to voice their concerns, either individually or through a representative organisation like the Artists Voice or Step Up Campaign.

My ideas?  I think a formal union should be created, which content creators can join en masse. The organisation should therefore be huge due to the amount of creators in world. I think a board should be established, by vote, to represent the members of the union.  I then think the union needs to hold regular meetings with Linden Labs working towards resolution of this issue, and any others that the union becomes involved in. There is no doubt that there is strength in numbers, and through campaigns like Step Up, and groups like The Artist’s Voice, we can show that we refuse to take Linden Lab’s lack of action anymore. This is Linden Lab’s opportunity to show the metaverse that they take this isuue seriously, and it’s time for them to prove to the in-world residents that after all, pay their wages.

In fact, why don’t the two campaigns merge? It’s obvious that both feature prominent individuals from our world, and this is not an exercise in ego, it’s an exercise in achieving a common goal that, like climate change in real life,  has a genuine impact upon our beautiful virtual world. The Lindens need to understand the impact upon morale that this issue is having and they need to act because failure to do so will inevitably lead to the decline of Second Life, and none of us wants that to happen.

Leave your pride at the door and let’s unite on this issue, step-up to the challenge and find our Artist’s Voices and say NO to content theft.

Well, I have faffed about all week in my usual indecisive manner but I’m finally settled upon a Halloween outfit, and I think that it’s perfect!
Meet ‘Trick or Treat Kitty’!I found this upon our good friend X Street SL, it’s an outfit by Babbette Adair featuring candy stuck in your gussett, as you do, and it costs L$250. I’ve teamed it with my fave Halloween Neko boots, ears and tail that I’ve sourced from various places, BUT I think what really makes the whole outfit rock is the rather wonderful pumpkin that I’m carrying in my hand, it’s festooned with candy and is an interactive freebie from Schadenfreude’s Elephant location.

You can also pick up a gorgeous Halloween bracelet for zilch there…I’ve finished the look off with hair from Magika, eyes by Amis and skin in 24k ( v2) by Curio. The shape is of course one of my own, ‘Rocker’.  Right, I’m off to find a party….Whatever you get up to tonight, make sure you have a fabulous Halloween!!

Don’t panic if you’ve still not got your costume sorted, there are plenty of items across the grid and on Xstreetsl…but hurry up!!
I found this cute Bat outfit earlier - all clothing items (except boots) for L$199 by a company called..wait for it..’Spell cats’.  With a name like that I’m so going to have to check them out in-world aren’t I?
The boots are also an X Street find from Dino Hallard. they’re very nice chunky lace up boots and for L$150 you can’t really say no…
If you’ve got time, make yourself a cuppa and go to the market place on Xstreet and peruse the popular items because there are some great Witchy costumes lurking in there today, as well as some fab skeleton avatars!

It’s going to be a corking Halloween!

..only cost 50L from Adorkable Poses at ‘The Deck’ and I can’t think of any reason why anyone would choose to straddle a cauldron but hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! There’s some nice bubbles in here..OOH! It’s certainly different to your normal Halloween pose faire. There are a couple of other special Halloween poses available too. The socks I picked up from Miel, and they’re special editions of her fabulous Lo socks. They’re ideal for adding a spooky touch to any outfit. The hair is new from Magika, called ‘Moon’ and the dress and bow came from Love Soul, the same place I found my fabbo Halloween nails. Finally, the ears were sourced from a Halloween Neko Set that I sourced on Xstreetsl for L$99 I plurked last week that I was starting to feel a bit halloweened out, because I genuinely am, but I don’t mind one bit; it’s a great time of year, and after all, for us Witches it’s our New Year celebration so it’s definitely worth getting dressed up for.

A few posts ago I told you about the new store, ‘Lark’ that has recently opened, and I know I eulogised about how wonderful the wares were to the point of being evangelical…..
But I hope, by looking at this photograph, you can see why I’m so passionate about it. My photo hasn’t really done this dress the justice that it deserves, but trust me completely when I say it is is just breathtaking. The reason? look at that layering dear reader, look how the dress flirts up at the edges, and look at the creasing across the waist. Isn’t it just magic? What you are witnessing here is attention to detail and craftmanship by the ton, and this is only the first batch of Lark releases….exciting times my friend, exciting times…

Time to tell you what’s been happening at Kittylicious! Shapes. I’ve had fun decorating and both my stores are all pumpkin’d out and looking suitably fierce!

 Some of my old shapes are now retired to my second store at Harlow, where the prices are all reduced..so you have one main store full of up to the minute Kittyliciousness, and a second store featuring some discounted happy! What’s not to love?
Let me tell you about the new shapes. I’ve been working on a few slimmer than my norm Kittyshapes, primarily because I’ve been approached and asked for them. My proviso was that there HAD to be curves: it’s a must for my shapes as I’m sure regular customers will know because I keep banging on about it. Anyway, the new releases feature some of the slimmest kitty-pickings yet…BUT FEAR NOT! I have a gorgeous, curvaceous stunner up my sleeve too, wee!!
First of all if you visited the Skin/Shape expo then you will have seen my Halloween collection, ‘Vamp’, ‘Wiccan’ and ‘Pumpkin’. Each retail at L$75 each, BUT until Halloween you can buy them all in a three pack for a mere L$100..which is smashing value. I must tell you that Vamp has proven to be exceptionally popular with my customers, and I’ve had a lot of feedback telling me how much she’s been admired.

All three will be retired at the end of the month though, for GOOD, so act sharpish if you want to wear them!

Now onto Halloween 2009, and I’ve created two new spooky shapes for your enjoyment.
‘Ghost’ is a slight, ethereal shape featuring the classic Kittylicious face, but she has long limbs to reach out from the darkness and grab you with. To be honest, it’s a lovely shape, and I’m very taken with it, as are some of the followers of my Flickr feed. The pictures for the ad feature me wearing a freebie spooky skin that I got from Plastik following a fab-free tip off, and I suggest you go there and get some while they’re hot.
‘Halloween Neko’ is pictured above, and she’s also slight, but a perfect size and shape for Neko aficionados. I’ve carefully worked the shape so that it balances out when worn with big furry fook-off boomers and tail. Again, this little beauty features the classic Kitty-chops, BUT with a few subtle changes; juicy lips and larger eyes for when you want to spook someone with your Kitty gaze….
Both ‘Ghost’ and ‘Halloween Neko’ will retail for L$100 each, because they’re a bit spesh and like my other Halloween shapes will be discontinued after Halloween……
Next up we have two additions to my specials wall at the back of the store ( in Malt)
‘Sparkler’ is a L$75 shape themed for November 5th, aka Bonfire Night in the UK. Again, this is a slighter (than my usual) shape for those who prefer a less weighty avatar. She’s blessed with a lovely face and will definitely make your bonfire party go with a crash-boom-bang!
Now on to my fave, ‘Winter’, which is my shape of the season, following on from Summer and Autumn, obviously. Ah Winter… The trees are forlorn and without their foliage, the landscape is bleak and the nights are long and cold…who better then to snuggle up with but this utterly gorgeous shape? She reflects wintry themes in her long willowy limbs (she has SUPER long legs for those peeps in-world who love them, but they can be easily resized should you so wish) plus a slender torso and swan-neck leading up to a new and super-pretty Kittyface. I’ve been tweaking and I’m really happy with the result; her demure pout and doe eyes make for a very beautiful avatar indeed. Even better than that, she costs just L$10!!! (All my ‘Shapes Of The Season’ cost L$10..Summer and Autumn are still available!) Last but not least is a long overdue addition to the ‘Signature’ shapes range..So named because it’s the kind of avatar shape that makes you exclaim, “Ooh, she’s lovely!” ‘De-Lovely’ is a larger than average avatar shape, with an almost muscular feel. She’s well proportioned with a small waist leading into large hips that feature an exaggerated curve. She’s also blessed with long legs, making her the kind of avatar that’s perfect for making a statement and being noticed. Oh, and did I mention that she has an absolutely exquisite face? ‘De-Lovely‘, like all my Signature range, retails for L$100 from my store in Malt, the entire ‘Signature’ selection can be found on the left side of the store.

NOW FOR THE REALLY GOOD BIT!!
Kittylicious! (Malt) now has a MIDNIGHT MANIA board, weeeeee!!!!

EVEN BETTER THAN THAT…’Halloween Neko’ is the first shape in it!! SO TELL EVERYONE to get their bums down to the store and slap the board !
The Midnight Mania Board needs just 60 hits to give the prize………and I’ll leave ‘Halloween Neko’ in there until Saturday 31st October ( Halloween obviously) after which I’ll put something equally scrumptious in there for you to win….( HINT: Whizz! Bang! Crackle! Ouch!)

Thought I’d share another Halloweeny look with you, just because:)  This one features yet another of the Fifty Linden Friday goodies that have been available today.

It’s a hairstyle from ‘Lamb’ and it’s lovely and long with a neat plait across the forehead. (I have long hair like this in real life..can’t do the ruddy plait thing although I so wish I could!) Not only is it a great style, but you get TWO versions of it for your dosh…trot over to Lamb and you’ll see what I mean, but I think this hair and the skin I blogged previously have been the best cheapies out of todays bunch, and well worth the pennies spent. (Before I go on let me point out that next week’s event is the day before Halloween, so I have a strong feeling that there will be tons of spookiness up for grabs…let’s hope I’m right eh?)
The skin  is from Rockberry, ‘Farrah, Tattooed Tan’, and it is nothing short of sublime. The tattoos are already imprinted so you don’t have to fanny about with layering of clothes items, so it prevents you from getting all mixed up and removing your tatts or even worse, your bra in a public space. (I’ve done that, I know what I’m talking about here!)
I’m wearing my new favourite eyes from Amis, and as you can just see I’m still wearing the Snatch wristwear from three posts down(I told you I wasn’t taking them off didn’t I?)  The dress is from Plastik’s Halloween collection and it’s shredded down the front and back which makes it a great choice for wearing with tattoos (which is why I chose it, obviously. Plus you can see your bum!) Finally, some more x-Street Neko happy: I’m wearing the Halloween Neko set by Bedlam which contains jeans, paws, shirt, ears, tail and armband. This time the ears and tail are black, but they’re decorated with wee pumpkins and chains, and the complete set is an utter bargain at L$99 plus the ears are re-sizable as well! Woot!  I think I look very fetchingly feline in these photos, don’t you? Mrow!

Right, you’ve had to put up with me wittering on about AGENT ORANGE for long enough I’m sure, but TOUGH because you’re going to have to indulge me again, as Sienia has only gone and established her own sim!   It’s called Annamaria Bushido,  and features Agent Orange, plus two new stores, Industrious and Lark.
Industrious specialises in vintage industrial furniture, whereas Lark is a store featuring Womens clothing. There are gifts dotted around the place for you to snaffle, as well as a spooky graveyard (more on that in a bit) and a few empty buildings which will be filled in the forthcoming weeks with even more Sienia goodness.
Let me tell you about Lark. This crimson bustier dress is the opening gift, and it’s a great example of the lovely clothes that you’ll find instore. There isn’t a huge range to choose from as yet, but fear not as I’m sure that’s being addressed…but what you will find just oozes quality. It would seem that Sienia’s quirky approach to design also applies to her clothing range. Whilst not revolutionary, it’s a great addition to metaverse fashion. Her range is packaged in bird’s nests (seriously, you have to see the packaging, it’s ace!) and all the clothes are available in muted hues. So, what’s on offer Kitty I hear you ask? Well, there’s a blinking gorgeous military shirt, cheekily called ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ( A US policy that Obama has promised to eradicate..if you don’t know what it’s referring to do a search on this blog because I’ve written about it before) It’s a shirt that would mix well with jeans or trousers and accessorised with a big chunky necklace it will really look the part in Spring. It also costs a measley L$150, as do the majority of individual pieces in store. I’m especially taken with the extremely pretty ‘Falling Leaf’ dress which is perfect for this time of year. Dress that one up with a nice scarf, jacket and some boots for an Autumn feel. If you’re looking for something a tad risque but with an ultimately classy feel you’d do well to invest in the ‘My Eyes Are Up Here’ frock, which features a plunging V-neck, hence the name. Look, I know I’m biased but I can’t help but be impressed by the items on sale in Lark, and it’s a great start to what I’m sure will be a very satisfying enterprise for Sienia, and I wish her well. Go and check it out for yourself by using this link, and don’t forget your freebie frock!
Oh, and incidentally, I’m wearing a ‘Fifty Linden Friday’ special in this picture..it’s the skin, from 5th&Oxford, Audrey in Fair-’Little Miss Horror’. Nice innit? You’ve still got time to participate….click this link to go to the store, and make sure you join the group to keep abreast of all the designers partcipating each week!

I’m sure you’re all busily engaged in getting ready for Halloween…I mentioned in my previous post that I’d spill the beans on some corking Halloween outfits, and rest assured you have PLENTY of options for looking fab.  It’s just over a week away now, so time to get shopping! Here’s my first outfit for you to enjoy..
Incidentally, I love this photograph, which I took using a prop at MC. Even though I have my own photo-studio I often use the facilities there because of the variety of poses and backdrops available. It’s always busy but I don’t mind waiting, it’s a fabulous and very generous assett for the Second Life community.
I’m wearing a mixture of freebies, cheapies and paid for items, and I think the resulting outfit is fab. It’s a slightly-neat distressed/casual look (I don’t know what else to call it!) featuring a couple of elements that I found on X-street that I strongly suggest you go and get. They’re budget pieces but great for building up an authentic Halloween look!

Base:
Shape is of course one of my own, and it’s my shape of the season, ‘Winter’, which is just L$10!! BARGAIN or what?! ( Beautiful face, I’m sure you’ll agree)
Skin – by Curio – Acorn Frex Light ‘Vixen’ in Gunmetal 1. ( This is a ruddy amazing set of skins. The best that Gala Phoenix has produced yet, imho)
Eyes – Amis Black Neko Eye in Yellow/Gold. ( As you know I’m a fussy mare when it comes to my eyeballs and usually only wear Miriel, BUT I discovered these Amis eyes and immediately fell in love with them, so I bought the whole lot…simply stunning.)
Hair – The hair is one of Truth’s latest releases, ‘Isle‘ in Night. I dunno about you but he’s breaking me with all his creativity at the moment. His releases for the past couple of months have just been breathtaking, and he’s skinting me..stop being so bloody talented man!
Nails – The nails are actually a component of Snatch’s ‘Fish for this-Dead Pretty ‘ outfit, more from that later, but I’m wearing glove nails called ‘Zombie’ from that set.
Ears and Tail -This is the first of two X-Street SL sets that I’ve found at bargain prices that really fit the bill. This one is called ‘NekoPumpkin’ by SLC, and I like having orange ears and tail as they make a nice contrast to dark clothing and hair..the set is L$50 so it’s a gift, and a nice item to have in your inventory. (The other set I’ll cover later)

Clothing:
Legwarmer, Armband, Cuff and Nails are from Snatch’s ‘Fish for this-Dead Pretty’ outfit. It comes with a skirt, dreads and top and would look great if worn with a zombie skin for Halloween..I just chose to keep a few elements of it on while I messed around..as you do…to be fair they look so fab that I’m reluctant to take them off.
Jeans and paws ( Just out of shot) are from !K&L! on X-Street SL, the ‘Angry Kitty’ set which is a blinking bargain at just L$50 and contains practically everything you need to be the best dressed Neko in town ( except shape, skin and eyes) I love the !K&L! bargains and I snap them up greedily each time a new one is released.
Top – this lovely top is part of a gift set from a store called Ova Hauled, which I found out about via Stacia’s wonderful Virtual Neko. I’m gradually getting much more into the Neko scene and finding myself reluctant to remove my ears and tail these days…so I’ve joined the ‘Virtual Neko’ community and learning lots loving it…
( Thanks to everyone on the forums there for their patience and practical help!)

Bear with me as I’ll get this post up and THEN add URL’s where relevant afterwards…anyway, hope you liked this Halloweeny look and feel a tad inspired!

It’s that time of year again folks, the time when the grid literally goes Batty! Everywhere you turn it’s Halloween, and it’s FABULOUS. It’s my favourite time of year, and 2009 promises to be even bigger and better than ever ! That’s no mean feat, Halloween has always been a huge festival in the metaverse, probably bigger than the festive season, and this year is already shaping up to be HUGE.
Everywhere you turn there’s orange and black treats galore. There are hunts, amazing freebies to be found and most of the in-world designers have launched their Autumn collections for us all to enjoy.
So, if you’re as dazzled as I am by all these Samhain shenanigans, let me give you a few pointers to assist you in getting the very best out of Second life at this time of year..
For starters, make sure you’re a member of at least a few of the following groups in-world:
*Fashion Consolidated
*Vain
*Fabulously Free
*Fashion R Us
*Sexy Shoppers
Joining one or all of these groups will mean that you’ll get squillions of note cards a day telling you about all the latest treats that designers have in store. This can often be irritating, because the quality of communications varies, but vendors are releasing LOTS of Halloween outfits, skins and goodies so use the announcements to filter out what appeals to you most and then follow-up with a store visit. I have a wee rule that I only visit places whose announcements are well-written, no typos/spelling errors and provide a brief precis of exactly what is on offer. I hate notecard’s that just say ‘New!‘and only feature a store name and a link, without telling you what it is you’ll actually find. Look, if you have taken the time and energy to make something to retail in-world, then you can take the care required to write effective communications to your customers, simple as! Anyway, use announcements to also give some new stores a try. Remember, the big names were all small stores once themselves you know, and you’re often likely to find something smart and funky in these places that no one else is wearing ..often a rarity on the grid.
I know that I’ve said this before, but where freebies are concerned try your hardest to retain a sense of proportion and seriously, don’t just grab stuff because it’s free. Trust me, I speak from experience here, it’s the quickest way to an out of control inventory, and I shudder to think what is lurking in the corners of mine. I really MUST clean it out sometime!
It’s worth mentioning that with Winter upon us, a lot of creators who reside in the colder areas of the globe will be more than likely to be sheltering from the weather, hard at work at their PC’s and Macs creating beautiful things for us all to enjoy. This season is going to be a cracking time for new items.. Don’t forget we’ve got Christmas coming up, and then afterwards Spring 2009 heralds sales galore (yes, there are January sales in Second Life) as well as the release of new collections. It’s an exciting time to be an av!
Back onto topic then, and lets talk about blogs. All the feeds and popular blogs are featuring the good Halloween stuff at the moment so get reading and making notes about what you want to see. Shopping Cart Disco has, in-between all the drama and gossip, begun a series on some of the best Halloween sims to visit, and I’ve taken a tour of a couple of the sims mentioned and can tell you that they are definitely worth checking out. Fabulously Free in Second Life has featured an absolute ton of Halloween happiness already, and I’ve followed Renee and the gang’s tips on a number of occasions and have some smashing spooky themed freebie skins and oufits as a result. (NOTE: Fabfree DOES work, I can assure you of that. I’ve discovered stores via that blog that I would never have found otherwise and made lots of purchases, so if you’re considering joining the ranks of Fabfree I heartily recommend it..plus Renee is an absolute star and uber helpful.) Research the feeds and don’t just limit yourself to the fashion ones, for example check out ‘Planet World Of SL’ which features objects such as structures and furniture, as well as fashion, which may provide you with some ideas for Halloween décor. (You can access the feeds from the panel on the right hand side of this blog, but I strongly suggest that you add the feeds to a feed burner or some such item that will allow you easy access.)
Halloween hunts are kicking off big-style now, and it’s definitely worth paying the various hunt blogs that exist a visit to see what’s going on. These blogs are a great help to those who like hunting, and I use them to quickly scan the names of the hunt participants before I embark. Hunts are, imho, VITAL for discovering new stores, provided that they are organised and run effectively. For example I discovered ‘Agent Orange’ through the Discovery Hunt earlier this year and it’s a store I often recommend to my fellow avatars. One problem, they do take time, IF, you’re playing properly, but are a great way to spend a few hours in world on a cold and rainy afternoon. Finally, X-Street SL has a dedicated Halloween section this year, BUT don’t forget to run a search on the freebies section..For example, I’ve already got a full perm pumpkin for nuffink via X-Street (and the kindness of the original creator!) and there’s literally thousands of items that you can pick up for bargain prices. Be choosy though; take a good look at the images associated with the item and if you aren’t entirely sure that the goods are up to scratch then give them a wide berth. It’s worth writing here as well that whilst you’re toiling through all the festive wares on display, if you spot ANYTHING that you recognise as being created by someone else, flag it up. Tell the original creator and ask them to check that the item is a copy of their creation before you contact the vendor ( look, everyone makes mistakes and it saves later embarrassment) If it is stolen, follow Saffia Widdershin’s brilliant advice in the article on pages 78-81 in the latest edition of Prim Perfect Magazine. We’re always being warned about thievery at this time of year in real-life, but the same applies in the metaverse, even more so as seasonal sales start rolling in.
Finally, parties! Halloween is on a Saturday this year, so expect LOTS of Saturday night shenanigans across the grid. Loads of parties will be advertised, and are starting to be already, so again, make a note of the ones that you’re interested in attending and whatever you do, get there early! The best parties will be over-subscribed as soon as the doors open, and remember that more people use Second Life at the weekends than during the week, so don’t be surprised if the events that you attend are a tad lagalicious! Expect to flitter between parties like a social butterfly- if this is your first time experiencing Halloween in world this will be a great opportunity to see how different Second Life communities mark the event. Be brave and visit sims where the main language isn’t your native tongue, for example, imagine how amazing a Halloween party held on a Japanese or Spanish speaking sim will be! Also, by visiting different parties you’ll be freeing up space so someone else can get in..fair’s fair in the virtual as well as the real world after all. A final note, don’t forget that with all the decorations and costumes the lag will be the biggest monster on the grid this Samhain, but I know where I’d rather be! Why bugger off out into the cold night dressed in a costume that’s seen better days, when you can sit at your PC, surrounded by few candles and enjoying a drink or two while still having a CRACKING time at a party….?

Kittywitchin’ will be featuring some lovely Halloween stuff in the days leading up to the main event, so watch this space-BUT I hope that you’ve enjoyed these hints and tips for getting the best out of the Second Life Samhain spirit!

(Incidentally, If you’re interested, in this picture I’m sporting a cracking Neko pumpkin themed outfit that I discovered on X-street SL for the princely sum of L$99! Interested? Click HERE…)

Well, the skin/Shape Expo is drawing to a close, and it’s been a rip- roaring success for all concerned.

The sim is *still* really busy too, and I suggest if you don’t want to miss out on all the wonderful wares that you get your bum in gear sharpish because it will all soon be just a memory, sob sniff!

To celebrate the last few hours I thought, let’s go out with a bang, and I’ve made some reductions on my wares! For starters, to celebrate the oncoming approach of Halloween, I’ve set my 3-pack of Halloween shapes-Pumpkin, Wiccan and Vamp- for sale at a reduced price until the end of the expo. The box previously retailed at L$175 for all three shapes, but now it can be yours for just L$100, which is a bit of a bargain!  ( Buy the box on the floor with the witch on it to get all three!)

The Expo Exclusives, ‘Eric’ ( for fellas) and ‘The Model’ ( for girlies) have been reduced to FIFTY LINDENS ( Fifty Linden Fridays ftw! OK, It’s not an ‘official’ FLF entry but what the hey, if it saves you money it’s all good right?) AND ANOTHER  TWO shapes have been reduced…but you’ll have to look for them! Here’s a HUGE clue, they’re related to music genres..ahem, not very hard to suss out really but they’ve both been reduced from L$75 to L$ 50 each:) 

These offers are ONLY available at my expo booth, NOT the stores!!

 Here’s your taxi! http://slurl.com/secondlife/KMADD%20Events/69/68/22

In my travels across the grid I’ve encountered many a discerning customer, and when discussing virtual appearances with them I can more or less guarantee that where skins are concerned, one particular designer is mentioned more than most….Tuli.
Little wonder when you consider her work, especially the range of Bella skins. As their name would suggest, these skins are indeed objects of beauty and each one, whichever make-up or skin-tone you choose is a veritable treasure. The photograph here shows precisely what I mean, look at the tummy area and you’ll see an arc of colour subtly blending over the abdomen towards delicately suggested hip-bones. Nothing feels rushed about this skin-indeed, the colour and overall soft tones of the range are positively languid. When it comes to skins my own opinion is that soft works better *unless* you are going for an edgy look ( eg Punk, Goth) That said, you’ll notice on this skin the face is especially well defined in comparison to the body. The lips are strong, as are the cheekbones and in this particular make-up the winged eyeliner is especially striking. (Kitty tip- quality skins have the best eyeliner, FACT. Some skins when worn distort the eyeliner and it ends up looking more like a splodge rather than a definite line. A quality skin designer knows and accommodates this, so ensure when buying such a skin that you try the demo on first with the shape or shapes that you know you’ll be wearing frequently with that purchase)
I chose to wear my Kittylicious! Vanity shape with this skin as I liked the way that the long, fluid line of the torso and the curve of the hip struck such a great balance with the skin, and as before the hair I’m wearing is by Truth.
I’ve blogged three skins and shape combinations and I hope by now you can see just how good the expo is. I noted again earlier that I couldn’t rez into the sim again, so I’m taking that as a good sign that it’s really busy and raising buckets of cash for charity…which is something I’m going to blog a lot more about tomorrow. Until then, I leave you to bask in Bella’s glory..

Here’s the second of my skin postings from the expo, and again it’s a superb example of the talent and skill that is on display. If you tried to get in today you may have struggled because it would appear that the sim has been jam-packed with lusty shoppers for most of the day, but don’t be disheartened, there is plenty of time left to enjoy it.

All the interest that the Expo has generated just highlights how competitive the Skin Trade (cue Duran Duran) actually is, and with good reason; skins are probably the most important item in your inventory, and with so many excellent designers on the grid these days it means that second rate just isn’t good enough anymore. Creators looking to provide the ultimate skin experience for us virtual consumers are continually raising the bar in their campaign to make the perfect skin. Designers spend hours, days even, in their quest to ensure that their finished products are deemed worthy enough to be worn by the masses..and I’ll be honest in that I don’t envy them one iota..can you imagine the pressure?! Yes skins are costly, but when you see works of art like this example from Rockberry, wouldn’t you agree it’s worth every linden spent?

I was a Rockberry virgin prior to the expo but no longer…My berry has been well and truly popped by this amazing skin-’Farrah’ in Tan. Like the Curio skin that I blogged yesterday this one has depth and structure that is utterly astonishing to behold. I LOVE the way that light and shade has been skillfully worked into this skin at the exact points on the body that would be highlighted in real life. The torso, clavicle and shoulder blades are well defined and drawn, and the colouring is, as you can see from this picture, sublime. ‘Farrah’ has a lovely face, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, and the shading upon the eyes is very alluring, whilst the lips look dirtily damp and inviting. I love the fact that you can buy this skin with a built-in tattoo, something I’ve never experienced before because I’m always a bit wary of tatts, but I’m bowled over by the body art on this skin. It looks faded like a real-life tattoo, and the edges of the design are ever so slightly blurry, making it look realistically worn-in. I just adore it..

I thought following the Curio skin was going to be hard but actually it hasn’t been at all. This is equally wonderful but in a very different way. I’ve photographed the skin whilst wearing my ‘Selina’ shape, which has lovely long legs to show off the tattoo as it  snakes all the way down to the ankle, and I’m also sporting YET MORE new Truth hair and a frock from League. I’ve not added any jewellery for a few reasons, there’s a lot of detail here in the drapery of the dress, the pattern upon the skin and also the texture of the hair, so anything else would just detract from the overall effect…which is just ruddy marvellous, even if I do say so myself:) Another one to check out at the expo, when you can finally get in of course..hope you like!

..because, if you don’t, you will miss out on seeing first hand without any hassle the sheer gorgeousness that is the Skin/Shape Expo 2009.

Obviously it’s going to be busy with a capital ‘B’, and although the sim has been designed with the aim of minimal lag in mind let’s face it, there are bound to be problems getting in…but there is a way to see all the goodies without experiencing rez-hell.

So, go and make a cup of tea, sit down and CLICK HERE…because the link will take you to the Expo booklet that has been produced by Zoe Demar, and it is 96 pages of sheer delight on a stick. She’s created a genuinely beautiful bible of all the wonders on display for you to sit and peruse at your leisure.  You can use the booklet to make a list of all the vendors that you want to visit.  If you ask me the biggest enjoyment from the whole experience is the aimless meandering around these kinds of shows, and the frisson of excitement that you get when visiting a store you wouldn’t normally bother with before being completely gobsmacked by the wares on display…SO, take your time and wallow in the beauty of Zoe’s images and then hit the expo!  I’m so utterly chuffed to be included! ( I’m on page 75…wee!) Thank You Zoe for all your hard work on the booklet - in fact thanks to everyone behind the project: Foxy, Maddox and Sasy ( nd anyone that I’ve unintentionally missed out!) It’s going to be a GREAT success and lets hope it raises oodles of spondoolicks for the nominated charity. ‘Susan G Komen For The Cure’.

  In fact, please visit the website to see what this amazing charity is all about. I hadn’t realised until I visited  that it was Breast Cancer specific, and as you’ll know that’s an important subject to me…