Azul – High Art in Gown Creations

Posted on January 3, 2011 by barbarellanoel

eWe dress - still one of my favorites!

When it comes to gowns in Second Life, there are many wonderful creators to choose from.  My inventory is full of them due to my frequent need for them over the past few years.  There are all types of gowns and the variety is unbelievable.  They go from demure and modest gowns, to supremely elegant gowns, to downright scandalous!  And, as you can imagine, there are differing quality of gowns among the creators.  I’ve had gowns that I’ve just loved, causing me to return to that creator for another purchase, only to suffer from buyer’s remorse, usually due to inconsistent quality or lack of attention to details.  Its very disappointing.

Milonga Gown in Teal - Sizzling elegance!

However, there is one creator, in particular, that I’ve never suffered a disappointment with, and that is Mami Jewel of AZUL.  I bought my very first dress from her while she was affiliated with Styles of Edo – the eWe dress.  It was simply unbelievable!  I had never seen a texture or design like it before in SL.  Of course, that led me to try another dress – Milonga.  Breathtaking and elegant!  On my third visit, this time to Mami’s own main store, I made so many purchases from AZUL that I had to make a distinguished AZUL folder under my “favorites” section.

AZUL's recent release Julianne in Sapphire

From Mami’s first dress to her most recent dazzling creation, Julianne, I can honestly tell you that there is not a single gown that I’d not recommend to you.  For those women who love to hit the ballrooms and love to look their absolute best, I highly recommend Mami Jewel’s AZUL store for your first stop in your search for the perfect gown!  Click here to visit her store now!

Visit her blog to see more of her stunning designs.

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Builders Brewery – A Great Place to Take Classes

Posted on November 24, 2010 by barbarellanoel

Some may have noticed that I’ve not posted for a while here.  I partly blame the summer and being busy, but I also blame the Builders Brewery.  I’ve been in SL for nearly four years now and have really wanted to learn to build and create for some time.  I’ve recently been playing with photo shop…hard!  It is very engrossing and time-consuming, but I really like it.  Additionally, I’ve recently joined the SL group, Builders Brewery.  At first I joined it because they have amazing items in their sim store.  I purchased some cool textures there and some other fun gadgets.  They also have a ton of useful freebie items that I suggest you snatch up at your earliest convenience.

However, I found out that they also offer building classes.  Not just building classes, but classes for learning sculplties, mesh, LSL and scripting, clothing creation, jewelry creation, and creation of specific objects such as water fountains, spiral stairs, sliced windows and doors, and programs such as Gimp, Blender, Qavimator, Rokuro and more.

Well, I have tried to catch as many of these classes as I can.  At first, I sniffed at the 101 classes…I mean, I’ve been around for many years now and have picked up more than a few building tricks.  But I decided to hit the entry-level classes anyway just to make sure I didn’t miss some important tips.  A good thing too!  I found out that there were several useful tips and tricks that I wasn’t aware of and that I was doing things the hard way.  The classes, while long, were very helpful.

Instructor Deyanira Yalin teaching Jewelry 101 class

I really admire the organization and structure of the classes.  Classes for the week are sent to group members as well as posted at the sim entrance.  This way it is easy to anticipate which classes I wish to take.  Some scheduling is also important because some classes are in a series and must be attended in order.  Classes can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours so do check ahead of time.  Class notes are distributed at the end of class so you can use them on your own time.  Also, spontaneous classes are offered through the  group periodically,  another good reason to join group.  Warning:  Don’t just hit up the instructors for the class notes if you’ve not attended the class.  You must attend the classes to get them…plus its just rude!

A word about Builders Brewery group.  This group is very very active.  Members are free to post building related questions and more than likely they get their questions answered in a very polite and generous manner.  There is also fun banter from time to time, however, off topic chat is discouraged.  (A separate group called Speakeasy has been recently created for those who like more fun and chatty discussion.)  If you don’t mind many group IMs popping up, then this is a group for you.  I find that I learn quite a bit by not shutting down this group chat window and reading chat.  However, if you hate group chat boxes opening, you may want to skip joining this group.

Great freebies found here!

I’d just like to say thank you to Sensuous Maximus and Supremius Maximus, sim owners, for offering such wonderful classes.  Also, thank you to the instructors!  If you take a class, please be as generous as you can with tips to thank the instructors and sim owners.  They contribute to making our SL experiences so much better.

Visit Builders Brewery today to find amazing textures, gadgets, classes, and to view showcases of some of SL’s most talented creators.  The current showcase features Robin (Sojourner) Wood.  If you’ve ever used an avatar template to create in SL, you most likely know of Robin.

Posted in Art, Dances/AOs/Poses, Fun interactive sims, Furniture, Must Have Items, Shopping, Tips, Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

Welcome to the Metaverse Guide

Posted on September 17, 2010 by barbarellanoel

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Second Life Viewer Review: LLv2, Kirstens S20, Phoenix, Imprudence

Posted on September 17, 2010 by barbarellanoel

The loss of the Emerald viewer has had many people, like myself, scrambling in search of a new viewer for Second Life.  Fortunately, there are several up for consideration and each have their own unique charms.  However, it is chaotic having so many options and difficult to know where to begin.  I decided to head for the Second Life third-party viewer page to begin collecting information for my own purposes.  It wasn’t a little bit of work.  It was a lot!  Knowing that more than half of the SL population I saw used Emerald, I thought I’d share here starting with my own search for the best Second Life viewer.

Upon hearing that Emerald had compromised the privacy of its users and had been banned from use in Second Life, I immediately sought out the comfort and security of Linden Lab and their V2 viewer.  I had tried it before and found it difficult to use and gave it up, but I felt it was time for a revisit.

My V2 experience was as confounding as my first attempt.  It seems I crash more easily, appear as a cloud often, and am left cursing at my interface because I find it more rigid and so different from what I am used to.  I honestly want to be supportive of Linden Lab and their viewer and I don’t want to be one of the old dogs who can’t change.  V2 has some options that I really want to explore but… my patience wavers and I move on.

Kirstens S20.  I haven’t heard so much about this viewer and I don’t know what to expect, however I read that it is one that machinema creators and photographers love.  Looking at the breathtaking log-in screen I’m convinced that it must be true.  The depth created by the lighting effects is dazzling!  However, I’m faced with the same confounding interface as the SLv2 which Kirstens is based on.  The camera controls are slightly different and, I think, much more refined and smooth.  Its very interesting…but moving on.

Imprudence is another viewer that I’ve heard little about previously.  However, the new wave of viewer searchers were flocking to it so I followed.  Once I logged in, I felt the immediate comfort of a familiar interface since it is based on the SLv1.  Ahhhhhh!  This one I know!  Not only that, it has sooo many bells and whistles that I need to look at their wiki pages to get the bigger picture.  Nice things here!  However, if you are one who loves the SLv2 you will miss many of the V2 features.

And finally, from the ashes of Emerald the Phoenix viewer has arisen.  I naturally give it a spin.  And I naturally like it.  If you were an Emerald fan you will love it.  Naturally.

So you’d think that this would be the end of my search.  You’d think that I’d have my sure-fire replacement with Phoenix…it does all that Emerald did.  But surprisingly, this search opened my eyes to features I didn’t know about before or was too lazy to try out.  I wish…I WISH I could tell you which viewer is best.  But I find myself wanting to learn the Kirstens viewer and the lighting and camera effects better.  I want to learn what “builder math tools” are with Imprudence.  And I really, really want to learn how to use media enabled prims and explore the “My Outfits” options that the SLv2 offers.  I really do!  So as I come to the end of my search…still without a clear winner as my favorite viewer, I’ve decided that I have new ideas of what a viewer should and could be.  But that, my friends, is another post.  What I can offer you now is a summary of the features in a comparison chart.  I hope this will help you in your search.

Click here to view my Second Life Viewer Comparison Chart

I wish I knew how to embed this chart into my blog…maybe someone can give me a tip?  Also, if anybody sees that I have any errors or misinformation please send me a comment so I can edit this.  Thanks!

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Summertime!

Posted on August 4, 2010 by barbarellanoel

I'm going back someday, come what may, to blue bayou...

I’m still around and appreciate all the visits I’m getting…thanks guys!

I just wanted to let you all know that although I’ve slowed down over the summer, I’ve got a few ideas in mind to work on as soon as I can.  Summer has been a busy time and has been alot of fun but I’m looking forward to getting back to work on the blog.  So don’t forget to keep visiting for new advice on shops, beautiful and interesting sims, and other info related to SL.

Thanks!

Barbarella

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Top Men's Skin Shops in Second Life

Posted on April 25, 2010 by barbarellanoel

Skin by Mazzo Design - Aldo darker with A&A Silvio hair

Don’t believe the self-administered hype that many skin shops make.  Just because they say they have the best skins doesn’t make it true!  Soooo many bad skins out there.  And, importantly, don’t buy based on the very gorgeous and highly photoshopped vendor pic.  Another thing to look out for is that often you will have a very well done face and…uh-oh!  What is up with that body!  Try before you buy whenever possible.  Many will have free demos or ones that cost L$1 but its well worth it if it prevents you from having L$800 to L$1500 worth of buyer’s remorse.   Hopefully this guide will cut down on your wild goose chase.  For your convenience (and sanity), here is a compilation of the skin shops that I think offer the best skins for men…a work in progress but hopefully a good start for you.  You will find the shops listed in no particular order.  Following their listing is their blog if they have one, where you can get a peek of their skins.  Also listed is the slurl to their shop.  Best of luck!  (Please send me LMs of any shops you recommend!)

TOP SKIN SHOPS FOR MEN:

Signature Skin Labs

Redgrave

Second Skin Labs

Belleza

Mazzo Design

  • This humble shop may very well be my favorite skins for the male body.  The amazing photorealistic details don’t look out of place in SL as many photorealistic skins do.  Faces are attractive too.  So, while creator Mac Ayers proclaims his skins to be the “Best Male Body Skins”, I find it hard to disagree with him.
  • http://slurl.com/secondlife/Seymour/77/42/104

Unique

Pulse

The ABYSS

Fallen Gods, Inc.

ISPACHI

PXL

Adam n Eve

Millage Valenti

CheerNo

The Body Politik

Sakurako

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Bamboo – China: Walk into a Chinese Ink Painting

Posted on April 20, 2010 by barbarellanoel

http://slurl.com/secondlife/China/150/205/1994

Walk into sublime elegance in Bamboo China.  Who knew that such a limited palette could create such beauty and peace?  I only wish there was some beautiful music to go with the amazing scenery, but just add your own to make this a wonderful experience.  Its quite fun to hang around and meet interesting people.  Hmmm, even as I type this I’ve begun to hear piano music.  Someone has rezzed and is flying…wait for it…a concert grand piano.  Perfect!

Its mainly a scenic sim but one you will definitely want to visit.  I rate this a MUST SEE destination!

While Bamboo is up in the sky, below is a deserted industrial warehouse area.  It’s sprawling and intriguing.  Now curiosity makes me wonder what this space is used for…role-play?  battles?

I open up the “about land” tab and look at the land description.  I read:

Bamboo, Ink, Rice Paper

a quite place for hanging out, afking and/or do random thoughts….

to be closer to youre\s self.


I quite like this description…and plan to do just that.

I see that Aston Leisen is the creator and owner of Bamboo.  I also see from his profile that he has a shop on another sim.  (Note to self, check out Aston’s shop asap.)

TIP 1:  Many scenic sims are built for others to enjoy at the creator’s expense.  They will often discretely display a tip jar to support the sim and to keep it going.  If you enjoy the sim and want to let the owner know you appreciate their contribution to the virtual community, do try to donate something.  Even small amounts help to keep the sim alive.  If there are no shops or rentals then the owner must cover the entire expense and we know it’s not cheap.  So, be kind and give what you can.

Tip 2:  If you find a creator that you admire, dig into their profile.  If you’re lucky then you may discover they have a shop of wonderful things…or at least some favorite picks that can lead you to wonderful things.  Ok, and some will just be lewd, crude, and…well, you know.  Builders…gotta love em!

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Mariposa – A Fabulous New Jewelry Shop

Posted on April 20, 2010 by barbarellanoel

I have decided to have a go at being a shop owner myself recently – making and selling shapes.  I’m really in a very entry level state and don’t think it deserves mentioning here yet but as soon as I feel I make the cut, I’ll tell you more.

However, while we were both setting up our shops, I made a new acquaintence who most definitely deserves a mention.  Her name is Felicity Winslet and her shop is Mariposa.  Her jewelry designs are NOT the typical new shop owner fare!  Felicity has some authentic designer skills and her first shop offerings are beyond magnificent.  You think I exaggerate?  Well, take a look!

 

I really really want you to SEE how wonderful the prim work is so I enlarged the Aubade pink/bronze necklace.

 

Mariposa - Aubade necklace in pink/bronze

No longer open :(     However, her great skin store is still open!

In my opinion, it is only a true artist that can recreate tactile sensations for their virtual objects.  Can’t you just feel the weight of the well polished stone?  The cool heft and smoothness of the bronze pieces?  The earthy texture and smell of the leather strip?  All magnificently balanced with a delicate setting of the stones making a gorgeous statement that works well with the prissiest of outfits down to the most casual jeans outfits.  I love when I can make items in my inventory work for me in multiple ways…these become my most treasured items.  And no doubt, Mariposa’s jewelry pieces have earned their own folder in my favorites section.  It is one of those rare shops that fills me with the “I must have it!” urge.  Dangerous…yes.  However, Felicity is not only one of the talented, she’s one of the generous.  Her prices are quite affordable and she offers equally fine quality free gifts in her shop.

Although I’ve only shown you one set, there are many others offered in sumptuous colors and wearable styles…and you should see them for yourself!  So, I don’t think you need me to tell you to GO there.  I suspect you already have your cursor over the slurl cocked and ready to click.  Well, don’t let me hold you here…MOVE ALONG!

 

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Ibanez Eyes – Worth a look!

Posted on March 16, 2010 by barbarellanoel

This little shop was brought to my attention recently and I decided to take a look even though I had some reservations.  Not that I heard anything bad about it.  Its just that…well, uhmmm…ok.  Usually when I shop for eyes in SL, I’m left disappointed.  They always look soooo good on the model but when I buy them and wear them, I immediately feel a big let down.  Or worse, I wanna just rip them right outta my head!  You know what I mean?

Well, I took the LM and arrived at the location.  I was immediately put at ease with the serene chirping of crickets and birds and the soft tinkle of wind chimes.  I then rezzed the shop and scanned the area.  The shop, I noticed, was simply and elegantly designed and laid out with an impressive logo using the Eye of Horus.  Very well done.  I was convinced that there may be a good chance that good things may lie inside…and indeed, there are!  In fact, I now have a new favorite set of eyes which I’m wearing below in the center shot.

Can you spot the freebie set of eyes? Trust me, its in there!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Indigo%20Hills/206/14/22

I could list the eye colors here, but I just want you to GO to Ibanez because my pics can’t show you how good they really look.  There are free demos so I suggest you try them.  The attention to details by creator Annie Ibanez is just wonderful…not too over the top, but just enough.  She has baked in shadows on the sclera textures to prevent that blinding white flat look that many eyes have.  And when the avatar looks to the side you will notice very slight blood vessels for that realistic look.  I quite like it.  In fact, I love it!

As far as selection, there is plenty of it.  These shown here are the everyday wear but Ibanez also has all the fantasy and out of the world looks too.  From whimsical, to frightening, to the dramatic, Ibanez has a great selection to choose from.  You can even get eyes for your Na’vi!

You may also want to check out the Midnight Mania board.  The way it works is that if 25 people register by midnight, those first 25 get a free sample eye pack!  Today the board was locked when I visited at 11 am slt.  So 25 lucky people will get a gorgeous set of 5 eyes for free tomorrow morning!  Definitely worth a trip to Ibanez on a regular basis for that.  But make it EARLY!

Annie has also informed me that she will soon release her new product: a fully scripted eye hud with 25 colors of eyes.  It will enable you to switch colors on the fly, change the eye size to small or large, add glow, lighting effects, and even allow two different eye colors.  I can’t wait!

Well, I hope I’ve convinced you that Ibanez is worth a look.  Annie Ibanez is a great creator and offers quality products at her sim in such a pleasant and enjoyable environment.  She’s also very generous…be sure to pick up her complimentary eye set and dragonfly wings!  Hope to see you there…unless you are number 25 which, in that case, I hope to see you…later.

Don't forget to pick up your complimentary Dragonfly Wings!

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Every day is a great day to visit fri.day!

Posted on March 3, 2010 by barbarellanoel

Why have I NEVER heard about the shop fri.day????

How could this have happened???

Cuz I’m telling you right now that it is now easily one of my FAVORITE hair shops!  OMG!  Gorgeous styles with excellent flexi pieces creating a beautiful and natural look.  They’re amazing…AMAZING!

I started out by buying up all the interesting demos…they are free.  I then went to my folder and began trying them on.  Typically I will like 2 out of every 5 that I try on.  Imagine my surprise when I liked the first one.  Then the next one.  And then the next one!  And the next, next, next!  Yeah…I dropped some lindens here, but the prices are reasonable, colors are great, and the styles are just perfect.  They complete me!  Seriously!  You have the look all together – skin, shape, clothing, shoes.  But something is off…hair is good, but not…quite.  Well, for me, this hair made things very right!

fri.day hair - Cassie in Cranky Brown

I struck up a conversation with a fellow shopper and asked her how long the shop has been around.  I expected to hear “not long”, but instead heard that they’ve been around awhile.  GASP!  How did I not know about this shop?  Well, my friends, I’m here to TELL YOU that this little shop is someplace you should put at the top of your shopping list immediately.  In addition to the hair (women only, sorry guys), fri.day sells casual separates for women.  Cute everyday looks that are essential for building a great wardrobe.  The jeans are beautifully made, great textures, stylish, and have up to four leg styles to choose from: cuffed, boot, flared, and skinny.

Deena Hair & Thermal Henley/Jasmine Hair & Ballerina Sweater with Low Rise jeans

From the name, to the designs, fri.day is a simple, elegant, versatile, and an easy to wear brand that you should have in your inventory.

fri.day is casually elegant, elegantly casual.  The team at Monday is made of excellent creators.  Check out their blog to see more of the styles that they offer.  And then take your lindens and go here to buy these great styles!  You’ll find the hair in the back of the shop behind the curtains.

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