Boom Baby, Locks and a Whole Lot of Love

So many things happening lately! My dear friend Adeline Paule of Envisage Public Relations has signed up to help CT Xue in his quest for the ultimate branding logo. I've been enlisted to help her out behind the scenes which mostly includes getting her coffee and making sure she has enough well sharpened pencils. She also motions in CT's direction with a brightly coloured writing device and points saying "Go sit on him please." This is usually in an attempt to contain the boiling over mind that is Xue. For those curious as to what the Ultimate Branding Logo Quest is all about, CT has invited people to design a logo for him. Finalists recieve a Linden cash prize, second place, a new laptop, and the winner picks up an all expense paid trip to SLCC in San Francisco. Think I'm kidding? Check out the plurk.

Things are a-changin' at the Xue compound as now former neighbor Aisuru has demolished her property. CT created a viewing area behind a safety screen so visitors could gather and enjoy the destruction. Being the smarty pants I am, I came by at an appointed time, found no one there, slipped out to run an errand and when I came back, nothing. All gone. BUILDING GONE POOF. I missed the whole show. Thankfully Aisuru posted the photojournalistic experience for all of us to enjoy. I know she will be missed by CT and friends.

In other news, plurkster Washu Zebrastripe has been a busy little bee as she organizes the 2009 Hair Fair. Dates are now set for June 20th - America's Independence Day (July 4th). Last year's festivities raised over $9,000 USD for Locks of Love. We all look forward to the hottest new styles in this years festival.

I've been helping Adeline get her SLife together with a makeover. Next time I volunteer to do this, would someone please remind me that I SUCK AT IT? The only thing I could contribute to this poor woman who had to put up with me was the discovery of some decent hair at Analog Dog. It only took
seven stores. Yes, seven. I stink that bad. So here is to patient friends with big sticks that make you sit on people!

Libidinous Epidermis: Eden

With my return in world, I needed a little something something to brighten my look. Course, I wasn't aware of this until after I got a make over. That's why you have girlfriends. They take a look at you, blindfold ya, spin ya around three times, then cover you with a mud mask, tweeze everything known to mankind, and induce enough dancing to make you loose a dress size.

Plurk friend Ryker Beck is one of those friends. "Here, try this!" she said as she sent me over a new beta test skin called Eden. Right. Sure. Try this. No big deal.

It is a big deal. Beck had been working on this baby for months. She combined the best of the best in resources for the skin's design. And the part for which I did my infamous snoopy dance? You got it. Freckles. The most lovely freckles I've ever seen. That wasn't the end of it. She created a new set of eyes (which by the way, I later found out come with every skin purchase) to compliment the skin.

Now, I'm not known to draw a lot of flirtatious attention in public places. Occasionally someone will strike up a conversation but I'm almost never complimented like many of the other girls. Or I should say, I wasn't. One day in Eden and I was receiving more attention then I had in almost two years in SL. Now I am not an attention hog but I have to admit it was refreshing. Interestingly, my sister decided she wanted a makeover too. You'll dig her before and after shots I'm sure.

Tootsie Treat

I have been on the hunt for an elegant shoe for MONTHS. Most shoes I like are either too tailored or they look beautiful until you zoom in and discover they have spikes. :/

Then I discovered Sven Olbers. Sven is an evil, evil man. EVIL. His Bow shoe is perhaps the most elegant (despite the spikes) I've seen in SL to date. Now mind you, I don't get out much so don't rush off to insult my intelligence (or lack thereof). If you've noticed, I don't blog much about fashion. I've just no eye for it.

Worse, I couldn't resist the Curl clog. To. Die. For. Tropical flowers adorn the top of the foot with a whimsical heel. I want them in all colours. I mean it. I WANT THEM IN ALL COLOURS.

Wait until you see the rest of his work. Heels in every style. Matching belts and accessories. Boots in every style from platform to spike to thigh high to feather. Someone get me out of here before I go broke!

By the way, there is a fantastical pair of Halloween shoes at NONKO. Group gift of course. But Ohhh the fun I will have with these next week!

No More Nuclear

One of those days when a staple is going away. Nuclear Boutique will be closing its doors on July 31st after two years of fashion contributions. The Ribbons Learns to Swim and I do. teams wish Ari all the best in her future pursuits.

In her words,

"Rather than being unavailable for my customers (as I've been for the past 2 months), I'd rather close the store than lower my standards for customer service...not to mention the lack of new products I am able to create with my current schedule.

"I'm a little sad as this has been a great time...nearly 2 years I've spent building Nuclear Boutique and I will miss it and my friends I've made here. I am hoping to work on other fun projects and spend more time with my friends when I'm in SL and look forward to some free time.

"When/if time permits I might re-open Nuclear Boutique, but for now it's best if we close down.

"Thank you everyone for your support and friendship and for making Nuclear Boutique a great success. I am forever grateful."

Blessings and warm wishes for continued success in all you do!

Texture Texture, oh Where Art Though?

I love bragging about my friends success mostly because I want my other friends to enjoy the first friend's success to begin with. So I do, I shall, and I will.

That said, let me introduce Kid. Kid's a nice guy. His background might surprise you. He's witty. And he's cute - well, it's rumoured that he's cute. I've never seen his face due to the welding mask. He's also talented. When Kid and I were introduced, I was told of his building ability. He's humble enough to consider himself one of many. I tend to think he's extraordinary but I get to 'cause he's on my friends list.

After months of nagging by Hey Girlfriend Yvette and by me, he finally produced some wearables and is selling them under the men's store name of HAZARD. What makes these little beauties not just tees, but ART, are his textures. All tees are $75L copy/mod/no trans. Check out two of the many below.


What I absolutely ADORE though, is his belt. Complete with a multi texture (there is that fabulous word again) menu -- count them 28 TEXTURES -- for every informal outfit, this thing has four - count them FOUR - shape versions for all your fashion deliciousness. (I'm just sooo excited and apparently really like to count...) Classic Belt $300L copy/mod/no trans

I should add that Kid has asked that I make the point that his stuff is custom designed for the male avatar shape. I discovered this as the belt didn't fit me and as I tweeked, I made a mess of things. He warned me (see enclosed notecard at purchase for details), but like all good tech savvy persons, I didn't read the instructions. His texturing is also specifically designed to complement the male form. I've been wearing a few of the tees around lately and have been receiving complements. But not all of them work for me given my uh, physical personality. By the way, Disturbed is pictured -- the more you wear it the more disturbing it becomes. Trust me. lol

HAZARD has five stores in world. Get yours while they're hot. ;)

UPDATE! 14JUL08 Looksie who discovered HAZARD!

Footsie Lovin'

Oh My Gosh!!! I'm drooling! Only one *real* reason for that. SHOES.

You see, the 2008 Footwear Expo is coming up July 17-27th. Where? I have no idea. Who? TONS of footsie favourites - Tesla, Enkythings, Zhao -- all in one spot. Proceeds benefit the ASPCA.

The big question? What shoes shall you wear when you go?

Oh I almost forgot! Don't forget to check out the 2008 Say I Do Bridal Expo too!

Silent Sparrow and Bad Apples

I log in. Hey Girlfriend IM chat window immediately opens in mid conversation.

"It's just terrible."

"I can't believe people would do that."

"Can you believe that?!?"

So of course, I ask, "Wait, what'd I miss?"

Silent Sparrow has been so abused by those taking advantage that they are removing their freebies from the store.

"It is with a bit of a heavy heart I write this: I will no longer have the old freebies out for people to pick up. They will be available for newbies though, so you can bring your friends who are just starting out to pick up all of the old sets. (Please make sure they are 30 days or younger). I love spoiling the ~twittery birds~, but the harrasment (nasty IM's and general rudeness) has gotten out of control. From now on starting 6/12, when I release a new group freebie the group will be closed for the week while that set is available."

ACK! NO!

"It happened at Sn@tch too."

"I just don't understand people sometimes"

"Others too... people harassed their models and sent them nasty messges demanding they send them the freebie themselves."

Ribbons Whitfield: I don't understand. Why would people be upset?

I mean honestly - it's a freebie! You should be grateful that the designer was generous enough to put one out!

"Because there's a bunch of people who think that they are supposed to be given everything."

"Some people feel entitled."

"They are entitled to that boot in the butt."

"Yes. And they were brought up to think that by their parents."

Ribbons Whitfield: Don't get me started.
Ribbons Whitfield sighs

"I'm holding off from starting, myself."

"I remember when a freebie t shirt was a big deal!"

"A few bad apples gotta ruin it for the whole bunch."

"So true!"

"And the saddest thing about it, those bad apples probably don't even have a clue..."

"No, they probably don't - in all senses of the phrase."

Need I say more?

Another Milestone...

[19:29] Catty Loon: Thanks everyone
[19:30] Ribbons Whitfield: Wow... I did not just do that
[19:31] Ribbons Whitfield sits, stunned.
[19:31] Catty Loon: What did you do??
[19:31] Ribbons Whitfield: Did I just contribute fashion advice????
[19:31] Catty Loon: Yes you did!!!
[19:31] Ribbons Whitfield chokes, falls over onto the floor
[19:31] Catty Loon fans Ribbons
[19:31] Catty Loon: Someone have some smelling salts?
[19:31] Gloriana Congrejo: She choked, do the Heimlich
[19:31] Catty Loon: It's ok Ribs really....it'll be ok, you'll survive this
[19:32] Ribbons Whitfield groans and mumbles incoherently
[19:32] Catty Loon fans faster
[19:32] Catty Loon: Someone slap her!
[19:32] Catty Loon isn't good at violence
[19:33] Ribbons Whitfield: Don't... You can't... Yvette must not know.
[19:33] Ribbons Whitfield sits up, then passes out again.
[19:33] Catty Loon: Yvette would be proud!!!

It's always so heartwarming to know you have Girlfriends to help you through difficult times.

Show Me Some Skin

I'm hanging out with pals yesterday and a girlfriend rushes in all aflutter. She'd been helping another friend with two upsetting matters. One, a rl boyfriend and two, a much more upsetting issue, a stolen skin.

Shopping Cart Disco recently posted a note received from a rather upset RL graphic artist who claims that her work was stolen by Minnu Skins. She provides a series of photos (such as pictured) that demonstrate the accused rip off. Frankly, they appear convincing.

While a copyright violation is possible, perhaps even likely, I would urge everyone to take pause. Simply because someone claims their work has been compromised does not necessarily mean that it has indeed been stolen.

When I was first approached on this matter of content theft several months ago, I encouraged a self governing board to gather, made of skilled artists who can help review these matters and bring some fairness to the system. Otherwise, liars can take graphics that do not belong to them and make a skin (or other item), and liars can claim that their work has been taken and ruin reputations. Unfortunately, no such board exists (to my knowledge) and we continue to have little recourse in the interest of truth. Mediation seems to me to be a viable SL Content Theft option for resolution.

I do not know the Minnu Skins creator, nor am I of the acquaintance of Danae Kotsi. But I do feel it necessary to make the call towards temperance and perhaps, encourage a sense of justice - that one is innocent until proven guilty and everyone has a right to defend themselves.

Let us all hope this is a mistake, one that can be properly explained. Otherwise, the SL Drama will have an impact in lives beyond the pixel. I can only imagine the stress, frustration and perhaps anger of Ms. Kotsi. The feelings of Minnu remain a curiosity, but I have no doubt are not pleasant.

Last Call for Last Call

Last Call. *weeping* Official close date is March 31st.

As many know, Ginny Talamasca has "extend the Last Call $100L sale through the end of March, to accommodate customer desire for more shopping time before Last Call closes its doors permanently as she retires from SL." The official word is that all Last Call Fashions will the be destroyed (not those you own - those not purchased!).

Thing is, there are other designs... *gasp* Designs from the past... Retired designs... VINTAGE designs!!! *whispering My Pretty in an evil, obsessed voice*

Want 'um? Me too. Here's what you have to do: drop a notecard to the attention of Ginny Talamasca entitled ‘LC Re-release’ and say "YES I want the re-release! Please!!!" (a simple "yes" will do). Why? "I will NOT do this without express permission from the Last Call update group and SL client base. In short, I am putting the matter to a vote." So, you know, vote darnit!

Vote until March 7th. If it passes, the girls of Last Call will do the final re-release on March 10th until the end of the month. And on April 1st we will all weep uncontrollably. Pity Party anyone?

Skin Discoveries

After writing that last little rant (I'm still feeling really bad about it...), I stumbled into Ana Lutetia's blog and discovered the following:


Just think of the freebies!!! Woooot-Swoooon-Woooot!

Uhem... *composing myself and wondering when I cared so much about fashion at all*

Enjoy! ;)

Sensibilities and well... Shopping

I have a confession. And I feel really bad about this...

I don't like (dislike, can't stand, find annoying, consider them boring, get irritated with) self impressed people who run around ooing and ahhhing over something just because they want to kiss up to a designer or some other personality from whom they want, or feel they deserve, attention.

In fact, when people gush over me (RL), I immediately step back, try to be polite, and find a reason to move on. In SL, I'm not gushed upon too often (although it does occasionally happen) but find it just as irritating when others do it. I think perhaps that's why I drag my feet when I'm invited to a fashion opening. You mean you want me to join a group of people who do this constantly? Why don't I just put my arm into a wood chipper. It would be a positive alternative.

But, because I enjoy spending time with friends, I agreed. Minnu Model Skins opened Cachet a few days ago. The open was a little bumpy - models were late, lag, the display of clothing in one dimension I cannot imagine helped sales (thus why the models seemingly arriving late was an issue)... but honestly, every event has these little challenges. (In fairness, I wasn't watching the time so perhaps I was early and the models were not late at all.)

Overall, the Cachet line is quite lovely. I'd like to see the designer work to stiffen things that are meant to be stiffened, and soften things that are meant to be softened. I'd also like to see the folks who helped her launch not be so obvious when speaking in chat suggesting "I think I'll bring my friends. This is so wonderful!!!" in hopes of inspiring people to do just that. The "I've never seen a store fill up so quickly on their first day!" was also unbelievably annoying. These ladies have been around SL for years and EVERY major open floods, especially Minnu. Honestly, do you wish to insult our sensibilities? Or perhaps just the designers. pft

Swing by if you have a moment. The designs are certainly couture or at least as couture as one can be in SL. (Perhaps "high fashion" would be more appropriate.) There are a few items I'm considering adding to my collection, but you know me, I'm a jeans and cute top kind of girl. ;)

Girlfriend's Got Style!

I'm so incredibly, unbelievably excited!!!! *doing a happy dance* Can you believe it?!?!

Ooo er... um... You don't know!


So you must! When I plopped into SL, I met this totally chic chick who was nearly crusty (old school SL, been around a while, etc). We bonded over mutual dislike of boring people, a lust for freebies, and a very strange mutual appreciation for an 80s movie called Real Genius. In my newbie-ness, she invited me to plug into this group called Hey Girlfriend, established by super boss girlfriend Catty Loon. I dragged my not-yet-sculpty heals explaining how I really wasn't interested in a group with more trashy people, celebrating the size of their new parts and sharing how spanking each other at abc-club was soooo much fun. You know, because it isn't. Over time she convinced me to give it a try and introduced me to the boss girlfriends and the chic girlfriends and all the other girlfriends throughout SL. We bonded over bad boyfriend stories, freebies, shoes, and Oh-My-Gosh-Did-You-See-That-New-Release?

Our little group now boasts nearly 500 very active, successful, bright, talented and empathetic girlfriends. Unlike other groups, we relish the opportunity to chit chat and be girls! Those of you who know me know how unlikely I am to enjoy the girlie thing... But these gals are top notch so consider my niche found. ;)

So why do I share all of this? CAUSE CATTY LOON FINALLY BROKE DOWN and launched the Hey Girlfriend! Blog along with Yvette Quijote, Reghan Straaf and other girlfriends! Check out the blog (you'll notice a pic of yours truly) and leave a comment. Also, let me know if you'd like an invite to the group. I'm going for the recruiting star this month.

By the way, doncha think it's about time for the Hey Girlfriend slumber party?

*looking mischievous* PILLOW FIGHT! *bonking Yvette and Catty on the head*

Cackers, Onion Rings and The Law

Tarasia Ashbourne. Remember that name. *getting out a notepad and paper cause she'll forget it soon if she doesn't*

Tarasia Ashbourne is a go getter. When she sees something, she goes for it. I just hope she stays away from my onion rings, cause you know, no one touches my onion rings. Ever.

You're dying to know aren't you? Well, I think it's the combination of beer batter flavored with onion and the salt and the crispiness with the softer center. It's like, the hot crispy on my tongue followed quickly with the salt which brings the burst of flavor, then the soft center squirting all that tasty flavor onto my tongue... my mouth is literally drooling as I type this... Add to that the cool soothing texture from dipping it in cold ranch... Oh. My. Gosh.

Oh. You didn't mean the onion rings...

Tarasia is hopping mad about property rights in SL. She seems to figure that if you put all that work into an item, well, darnit, you should earn the income from that item. You know, instead of some snot nosed 20 year old cracker who can hack code for his own financial benefit.

So she started to hit just about everyone up saying something like, "Hey you! Over there! Come here. Now. We're fixing this. Go." And I've noticed, she won't let you "go" until you spill your ideas. (Okay okay, she's actually a very nice, bright, well thought out and determined person. I just like my image of her better. LOL)

Anyway, she's on the warpath. This girl is serious. She's toying with an organization that will work together as a public service to help resolve disputes in SL when it comes to design infringement. Wanna know why? Cause Linden Labs ain't gonna do it.

The FashCon Café sent out a press release regarding their new blog. It seems Marni created the blog as a means to comment on those designers and shops who are on the up and up (i.e., only sells creations by the owner which are clearly original and not copied in some form). Near the end, she asks that those who want to participate send her a notecard. My guess is that she's trying to keep it positive - celebrating those who play nice rather than trashing those who don't. It's free and it's a tasty way to promote yourself and play fair.

By the way, I understand that when she released this blog in group, those in the chat went ballistic. Why? I have no idea. Fear perhaps that in a libertarian society, policing would become the norm. That's up to the participants in my mind. Your vote counts so be careful with whom you associate.

Tarasia did put me on to a few organizations in SL that piqued my interest. They are Union of Designers Against Theft, Sellers’ Guild, Merchant Theft Protection Group, and Copyright Hunters. She had a chance to speak with the Merchant Theft Protection Group and digs their program finding them successful at their intended purpose, having resolved several cases of theft over the last year or two (or maybe three). There are others in world too.

I'm off to go find a snack.

A Nekkid Protester and a Rip Off

I received a note from a lovely woman in my SL Profiles account, sharing her feelings about the skin rip off from a couple of days ago. Bless her heart - she opted to protest.

At Linden Village.

In the nude!

For those of you playing catch up, it was discovered that someone chose to copy and sell knock off skins from some of the best designers in SL. This caused a lot of hoopla and generally made everyone very unhappy.

The discussion popped up among some fashionistas the other day - okay, an expression of outrage popped up - everyone wants the Lindens TO DO SOMETHING.

One good friend pointed out that the reality is there is nothing they can really do. The Lindens are not the security force for business in SL. There IS NO security force in SL. I'm highly tempted to suggest we create a government, complete with elections etc. But somehow, as fascinating and engaging as it would be, I think it would ruin SL. (Thank you Duckyfresh Wantanabe for your nomination as VP many many months ago.)

Okay so here's what the legal heads tell me. Designers in SL come from all over the world. Each designer is ultimately responsible to his or her own Real Life government. Those government's laws are all different and as such, expecting the Lindens to enforce them all is, well, a silly expectation. (However, if they chose to embrace such a thing, they can hire me to coordinate the attorneys - Ill lock them all in a SIM with a camera and watch the feeding frenzy with glee.)

One may argue that they are subject to the laws of the US given that Linden Labs is based in California and they technically do their business there.

Or one may argue that they are responsible to the laws where the server sits that hosts their shop which, physically is where they do their business.

Or, some suggest that SL is it's own universe and has absolutely no regulation. (Thank you Libertarians and cyber-geeks.)

Regardless of your choice, the Linden's hands seem tied with the exception of the possibility of them perhaps saying, "Hey, we frown on this behavior and feel it is not part of our intended purpose for SL. These folks are not team players and are not SLers in our mind. Shame on you for ruining the experience for everyone."

As for the designers... As much as this stings to say, copy-cats are the best form of flattery. I suppose in a way you know you've made it when your designs show up as knock offs on the street. No, the stitching isn't the same. No the patterns do not line up just right. But the less economically gifted will say, "Who cares? I look like I am wearing an XYZ." Reality is, they aren't. And most never will.

Yes, I realize that there is a difference in SL as computer technology being what it is, one can simply break a code thingee and poof! An EXACT duplicate.

That said, here is the best advice I have seen regarding such matters.

Threaten them.

Professionally.

If you have a legitimate claim to your work, send a cease and desist order. Let them know you are on to them and inform them that they must stop. This has been effective in the past - in fact, just this past year. Most people run with their tail between their legs when you sound serious and professional. (We did this with one person in the summer of 2007.)

Next, if you haven't already done so, file an abuse report with SL. Notify the land owner of the impersonator's shop POLITELY that he or she "may have a problem" (even if you know it IS a problem). Enlist him or her as your ally to work for a "positive resolution" - think of it as a courtesy - he or she probably considers the rental his or hers business and doesn't want to be blind sided.

Then, notify the fashion community, starting with the owner of Fashion Consolidated (and the other major fashion groups), then the owners of the Fashion agencies. The key to this is being professional, not getting upset, and having a clear resolution in mind.

Eventually, ashes ashes, "we all fall down". The thing dies and your brand is not only protected, but your professionalism through the whole episode increased your positive reputation. By the way, there are agencies out there than can help you manage these things. For more information, let me know. It's great to be a freelancer these days!

As for the folks who ripped off the designer skins - you suck.

SL Rants

This is just wrong.

Like a Natural Woman

I'm sorry, but breasts that bounce like that in a dress or top (or should I say those without the proper foundations) are not natural looking in any shape, way, or form. Perhaps if you opted to go without such garments... On that point, I object for those who do so in public.

And by the way, since I am ranting, do you have any idea how un-lady-like it is to walk while swinging your arms? Finding a decent AO that doesn't do so seems nearly impossible. Just because I am an avatar for the moment does not mean I wish to throw all appropriate behavior out the window!

Which brings me to my last rant slash worthy-of-a-mention. It took me nearly five months to find decent shoes in SL that were not stripper platforms. I have to ask the question why?. You would think that entering into SL you would find all the nifty places first rather than the trashy ones. Yet it never seems that way. In fact, I found a self proclaimed "master" preying on newbie girls/women at a newbie spot last week. While people should know better, most don't. As such, the behavior of some reflects quite poorly on SL and the rest of us overall.

A little tennis anyone?

I do believe I missed the festivities but I dug the sim. How often can you play tennis in a stadium this size? I mean REALLY. I can actually say that I played tennis at the Australian Open at Slam1! Call the presses cause I am just so all that.

What you don't see in the picture is my athletic bag, racket and balls. This is because I'd been trying for days to get that shot and no matter what I did it refused to save. The glitch self-corrected but has left me with minimal excitement with which to post this blog. In fact, it's the very reason I missed the open! (okay, that's a lie but dang!)

The lovely little yellow number I slipped into was actually one of the tennis outfits designed for the IBM sponsored Australian Open fashion show. I will have to look, but I do believe it was of Devilish Cupcake (Talana 221, 50, 23). Enjoy (I know I do)!