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

• A great variety and huge selection which includes ethnic skins.  Distinct personalities.  3-6 skin tones and each skin has 10 or more facial hair choices.  Bonus – the sim is uber cool!
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Signature/128/128/2017

Redgrave

• Detailed features, not generic looking.  Celebrity, model looks.  5 skins with various shades and facial hair choices.
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/REDGRAVE%20Mens%20Fashion/96/116/21

Second Skin Labs

• While not a huge selection, this shop has some of the best made skins which includes one of the best male asian skins and the best aged skins that I’ve seen in SL. I also highly recommend you take a teleporter ride.  Srsly.
• http://www.secondskinlabs.com/start.html
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Koss/75/15/128

Belleza

• Gorgeous, young, model looks here.  Amazing skin shading and features.
• http://www.bellezaskins.com/
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Belleza/128/128/23

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

• Distinct faces, ethnic selections, fantasy looks, multiple facial hair options.
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/UNIQUE%20MEGASTORE/137/179/32

Pulse

• Pulse has an interesting selection which includes aged skins (for example “20+, 30+, etc.) as well as a broad range of skin tones. They also have several selections of facial hair as well as body hair options.
• http://slpulse.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-male-skin-tone-kissed-new-eyes.html
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Twisted%20Bliss/60/97/26

The ABYSS

• 3 tones, 8 facial hair options, clear and distinct facial features.
• This sim is worth visiting alone.  It’s amazing!
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Abyss/96/136/238

Fallen Gods, Inc.

• Wonderful fantasy/RP skins here.  Do explore the sim if you’re an adventurer.  Look for clues lying about.
• http://fallengodsinc.blogspot.com/
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Selidor/239/133/22

ISPACHI

• A HUGE selection of great skins for men!  Multiple skin tones, 10 facial hair selections and either eyeliner or no eyeliner options.
• http://ispachi.com/blog/
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/ISPACHI/220/127/22

PXL

• 3 skins, 4-5 tones, 15 facial hair options.
• http://pxlcreations.wordpress.com/pxl-products-2/pxl-products-mens-skins/
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cindel/142/97/26

Adam n Eve

• Ethnic skins, 4 facial hair choices, 4 skin tones.
• http://www.adam-n-eve.co.uk/?cat=9
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Genesis/92/165/39

Millage Valenti

• Skins offered in 2 skin tones and 5 facial hair choices.
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Millage%20Valenti/116/128/22

CheerNo

• Great fantasy skins, sci-fi, emo, hipster, multiple makeup options.
• http://www.cheerno.com/
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/CheerNo/96/123/27

The Body Politik

• 2 main skins in 6 or 7 shades with 16 facial hair options.
• http://blog.thebodypolitik.net/
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eventide%20Far%20East/135/171/42

Sakurako

• Asian skins
• http://sakurakoskin.blogspot.com/
• http://slurl.com/secondlife/sunset%20resort2/239/231/25

]]> http://metaverseguide.com/2010/04/25/top-mens-skin-shops-in-second-life/feed/ 0 barbarellanoel Vitruvian Man pose http://metaverseguide.com/2009/08/29/zaara/ http://metaverseguide.com/2009/08/29/zaara/#comments Sat, 29 Aug 2009 05:35:20 +0000 barbarellanoel http://metaverseguide.com/?p=758 ]]> “Wondrous things!”

This is what Howard Carter said to Lord Carnarvon when asked what he saw as he peered into the tomb of King Tut.  And this is what I say to you as I peer into the shop, Zaara.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zaara/201/132/27

I’ve found a new weakness.  Another amazing and irresistible store that will wring more than a few lindens out of my hands, despite the more than reasonable prices here.  Its just that it is IMPOSSIBLE to resist buying the amazingly rich and beautiful creations at Zaara Kohime’s store, and I have to confess that I ended up buying more than a few impossible-to-refuse outfits.

I was out exploring the other day and found myself at a middleastern sim and wandered into a shop with some eye-catching colors and textures.  They were saris.  I honestly have no occasions that I can think of that I would need to wear a sari…so you’d think that I’d keep walking.  But no, the beautiful satiny, rich textures of the saris proved to be irresistible and so I indulged and bought one.  I also bought a fat pack of the jewelry to accessorize for a total effect.  When I put them on I was more than pleased.  Not only was the design flattering and attractive, colors beautiful and appealing, but the craftsmanship was beyond impressive.  I knew I had to find this creator’s main store.

When I arrived and rezzed, I scanned the area with my experienced eye and immediately knew that my visit to this store would yield a few treasures.  And I wasn’t wrong!  Not only does Zaara have gorgeous saris, but she offers contemporary casual wear for both men and women, dresses, and the gorgeous traditional Indian formal wear for both men and women.  Lovely scarves, wraps and jewelry can be found here as well.

A variety of looks can be found at Zaara’s

See more of Zaara’s items here:  http://zaarakohime.blogspot.com/

Rebel Hope’s Vegas Showgirl costume

(pic taken at the Las Vegas City region)

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bay%20City%20-%20Argos/105/84/25

Let me start by saying that Rebel Hope creates everything with amazing style.  Casual wear, formal wear, shoes, jewelry, accessories…all reasons to check out her store.  But what I want to focus on is her costume shop.  She has a wonderful collection of well made and highly detailed outfits, great for many occasions and guaranteed to be fun!  You’ll find Bugsy, Cleopatra, Phantom of the Opera, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, and Spartan, just to name a few.  All come with great flexi prims and wonderfully detailed accessories.  The outfits are often complete, including shoes and accessories. Whatever the occasion, wearing Rebel Hope’s costumes will guarantee you a grand entrance!

For those who wish to conserve their lindens, you’ll also find a $50 L discount room filled with stylish designs.  You will also want to sign up with her group…Rebel Hope is very generous and I now have a great collection of themed pumps.  My favorite pair are my Pirate Pumps!  There is a touch-to-join board inside the main entrance of the store, no group slot is needed.

Alsoooooo, you GOTTA hit the furniture shop on her sim called Woodshed.  Decadent, sumptuous, and rich are just a few of the adjectives I can use here.  Sounds like dessert, doesn’t it?  I suppose, to sum it up you can just call it yummy!  You’ll find amazing gothic medieval castle furniture and accessories here.  I’ll make a separate post of this shop later.  But for now, I’m just sayin’……CHECK IT OUT!

For a peek at more of Rebel Hope’s designs, look here:  http://rebelhopedesigns.blogspot.com/

Rebel Hope’s Moulin Rouge Paris costume

(pic taken at The Moulin Rouge sim)

]]> http://metaverseguide.com/2009/07/30/rebel-hope/feed/ 1 barbarellanoel Rebel Hope_001 Rebel Hope - Moulin Rouge_032 Rebel Hope - Moulin Rouge_031 http://metaverseguide.com/2009/07/28/shiny-things/ http://metaverseguide.com/2009/07/28/shiny-things/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:23:50 +0000 barbarellanoel http://metaverseguide.com/?p=651 ]]>

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiny%20Falls/173/181/37

Shiny Things shoes was one of my first “big girl” purchases in Second Life.  Before Shiny Things, I only knew freebie and discount warehouse shoes,  and let me tell you what a revelation it was to have on some really well made shoes!  Now, two years later, it is still one of my favorite shoe stores.  One of the things Fallingwater Cellardoor excels in is her boots.  As you may know already,  different occasions require different boots.  The sexy stiletto boot, the chic wear-with-a-skirt boot, the versatile ankle boot that can be worn with dresses or jeans, the cowboy boot, the the over-the-knee boot, the kitten heel boot, the chunky heel boot, the combat boot, the Ugg boot (uhm, yes…it gets its own category because it defies all others.  And I defy it.), and the very elusive “badass” boot.  Now, Redgrave does make an amazing badass boot…but it just doesn’t seem appropriate for all occasions.  Though I do love it, I was still searching for a badass boot with a different feel.  Today, I found it at Shiny Things.  Ladies and gentlemen…meet the Ving boot by Shiny Things.

Nice, huh?  Sleek, stylish but edgy.  Comes with a bootlace changing hud.  You just gotta love it!  And while you’re shopping, don’t overlook the “reduced price” room.  Don’t think you won’t find great styles in there.  Some of my favorite SL shoes are in that room and I wear them still, but you can get them at great prices.  Guys, this is one store that you will want to shop in as well.  Some really great men’s styles there.  You can also find jewelry and a few other accessories.  So….happy shopping!

]]> http://metaverseguide.com/2009/07/28/shiny-things/feed/ 0 barbarellanoel Shiny Things_002 Shiny Things_003 http://metaverseguide.com/2009/07/25/armidi/ http://metaverseguide.com/2009/07/25/armidi/#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:08:43 +0000 barbarellanoel http://metaverseguide.com/?p=589 ]]>

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armidi/135/129/26

This dress is from Armidi’s Gisaci shop.  I have this in a couple of colors, merlot and deep blue.  Not only do the textures have a beautiful satiny shine, the flow is just lovely when walking.  Along with a wide range of clothing choices, the shops offer hair, skin, and other accessories for both men and women.

Oh dammit!  Lindens help me!  I just bought another outfit here.  Well, I’m not weak…NOBODY can resist these items!  I dare you to try

http://slurl.com/secondlife/BLITZED/97/171/71

Since I’m doing a bit of building today, I felt that I should get into the groove more, so I went to Blitzed and picked up the cool tool belt I saw there the other day.  Blitzed is a recent discovery for me, and one that deserves to be passed on to others because of their excellent products.  I’m wearing the builder’s toolbelt above.  There are others too, all well made.  I also picked up the cute tank shirt I’m wearing in the pic above.  Perhaps I don’t deserve to wear the belt yet….I’m not really a builder.  But, hey.  Who’s gonna stop me from having a little bit of fun?!  You’ll find items and clothes for both men and women here.  From clothes to accessories, Blitzed has some very cool products.

Back view of Blitzed’s builder’s belt

http://slurl.com/secondlife/INSILICO/189/181/3602

When I first arrived, I was dazed and disoriented.  It was difficult to know which direction to go…with each step into the blackness I uttered a silent prayer that I wouldn’t plunge into the cityscape below.  As I tried to make sense and direction out of the lights, buildings, and chaos about me, I came upon a platform where a sleek motorbike was parked.  I jumped onto it but was immediately repelled by the security system.  I had to continue walking.  I stepped once again into the darkness, only to find myself falling.  It was a short fall and I landed on the platform landing of a stairwell.  As I picked myself up, I noticed a movement in the darkness…on the stairs above me.  I was startled, but couldn’t make out the shape.  My heart beat faster…and I decided to keep walking.  Out of the corner of my eye the shape took form.  It was a man in a dark leather coat.  And he had a gun… pointed at me!  I suddenly realized how careless it was for me to try to take the bike…it must have sent an alarm to the owner.  And now, the owner was here.  Tracking me with his gun.  “Keep walking” I told myself.  I inhaled deeply and took two steps.  “Oh my god!” he said.  “You’re Leeloo!”  I turned around, smiling at him.  “Yes” I answered.

True story, by the way!  The man put the gun away.  His name was Jaco.  We chatted a bit.  I learned that he resides on the sim and he invited me to join him as he docked his ship.  He told me to hop onto the back of his bike and we jetted off.  His ship/residence was a dome-shaped structure with AMAZING textures…really, the whole sim is absolutely incredible!  Bladerunner, The 5th Element seem to inspire the look of the sim.   Jaco sat in the pilot seat and I sat next to him and he carefully maneuvered the ship to the docking station.  After a perfect dock, I thanked him for showing me about.  He was a real gentleman, that is after he put the gun away

Some serious RP goes on here, but don’t let that intimidate you.  Visitors are welcome.  This sim is a MUST SEE destination.  Truly, one of the best sims in SL.  I strongly urge you to visit it!  You may meet a new friend like I did.

Landing the bike at Jaco’s residence

Jaco piloting his ship towards the dock

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Truth%20Island/102/208/26

Truth is another one of my staples for wardrobe and hair in SL.  Yesterday, I received a notice from Truth with pics of new releases of dresses and hair.  One look at those pics…I was soon on a TP to Truth!  The result is the look in the pic above.  Sunday Dress in Sand, Isabella hair in mocha.  If only you could see the details of the trim of the dress.  So delicate and beautiful!   I also stumbled into a 50% off hair sale there which is ALWAYS a good thing.  Another GREAT thing is that Truth offers an adorable short ‘do called Jess as a free gift.  And as with all products they offer at Truth, it is a quality-made item.  It won’t just sit in a freebie folder unworn.  One word about groups.  There are some groups that you must absolutely sign up with.  Truth is one of those shops.  Now with the group joiners that don’t take up group slots, there is no excuse not to.  Not only do you get the best designs hot off the design table, but you get all notices of goodies and sometimes, if  you’re lucky, gifts just for group members.

To see more of what Truth offers, visit Truth Hawks’ blog at:  http://truthhawks.typepad.com/

http://slurl.com/secondlife/REDGRAVE%20Mens%20Fashion/34/235/23

You know, there is a big downside in collecting the info to post these blogs.  See me in the pic above?  You are observing me in my post-purchase bliss state.  I was simply looking for a good site or item to photograph at Redgrave’s  for the blog.  Then I ran smack dab into this amazing little black dress that I’ve not seen before.  Sooooo….I had to get it!  Sigh.  If this keeps up, I’m gonna have to put out a donation bucket to keep the funds up.  Nevertheless, how could I ever resist Redgrave’s designs?  They were, and continue to be my first love in the high fashion department.  When I meet a new SL resident and they ask for a tip on where to shop, I point them in Redgrave’s direction.  They also have an impressive collection of men’s designs, men’s and women’s shoes, skins, and jewelry.  For men, I think Redgrave is my fav…a male avatar with Redgrave on always turns my head!  Now that I’ve got the dress….it’s off to Gol to test out my new little black dress.  Thank goodness they don’t have any stores there.