Recently in Shopping & sales Category

I love trees. I can't explain why. In RL I'm not even much of an outdoor kinda girl, although I could blame that on the Malaysian weather -- hot & humid all year round... except when the tropical thunderstorms hit. Either way, the prospect of going out isn't very encouraging :p
 
In SL I'm always looking out for trees. My favourite is the HPMD "very big tree with poseballs", but it is 42 freaking prims. I've run out of prims on my land and had to take it back into inventory. *sobs*
 
So imagine my excitement when I visited a store today and saw a wonderful sculpted tree that used only 9 prims! I immediately TP'd to Garden of Dreams and got even more excited when I found that the copy version costs only 200L!
 
*bounces up and down*
 
 

 
 
One of my biggest joys in life is reading, so what better thing to do than laze under the tree with a book? I got the book with pose from Maximum Toys for 100L -- it's something I've always wanted too, but never really tried to hunt down. Seen it around in SL, usually sold with a cushion, but this is perfect. Ah, bliss...

Lately I find I want to experiment more with photography, except that I am vain so I take photos of myself, unlike Nika who takes photos of landscapes ;)  So I've been looking out for good pose props to use, but not many people seem to make them...
 
I saw a picture of a bench on another blog (the last picture), and immediately fell in love with the colours, the texture, everything. It would be such a great prop to have, I thought. So I went over to the MudHoney stall at The Black Market, but to my disappointment, that bench wasn't for sale.
 
 

 
 
Well, I wanted the bench badly enough that I decided there was no harm asking Rayvn Hynes if she would consider selling it. I sent her a notecard, and she happened to be online and came over immediately! I was so stunned! I always imagine content creators as very busy people, and I know that when I'm in the middle of a project I'd rather finish the project first than get interrupted. As a result, I truly appreciate content creators who respond to my queries promptly ‹3
 
Rayvn said she had never thought of selling the bench; it was just something she'd made to use for decoration. She set it for sale, I bought it, and was so happy! I know, I know, I am easy to please :p
 
Later, I found a lingerie set on Xstreet for $50L and when I tried it on, I decided it would be perfect to show off with the bench. The above picture is the result. Here's a close-up *grins* (This pose does not come with the bench -- I am using a pose I bought elsewhere)
 
 

 
 
I added a choker from ~flirt~ and bangles from Dahlinks, a purchase at the recent Jewellery Fair. The store is new to me, but I'm very pleased with the bangles. They're very well made and I plan to go over to the mainstore soon to see what else I can find!
 
 

 
 
Hair: ETD Lindsay - Blonde
Skin: Rockberry Uma Group Gift - Natural
Eyes: Beloved - Lolite Eyes (large)
Glasses: PrimOptic - Stilo
Choker: Flirt Interactions Choker Silver
Bangles: Dahlinks Stacked Silver Bracelets with Healt Lock & Bali Braid
Outfit: Hollow Angel Designs - Tiffany Diamonds [L$50 promo on Xstreet]
Shoes: SKG Shoes Amanda Pumps - White
Bench: MudHoney Designs Vintage Bench w/ Blanket [available only at The Black Market]
Bench pose: ANOmations Laying018

I hardly ever buy jewellery -- most of the time I forget to wear them. But lately I've been wanting to wear jewellery, and getting frustrated by the fact that I didn't have anything to match my outfits. So when I went to the jewellery fair, I let myself go wild.
 
The fair organisers did a fantastic job. I went several times, and each time I marvelled that I experienced no lag there whatsoever. I mean, no lag beyond the normal sort that I'd experience anywhere else in SL. That was unbelievable! I had my graphics on the lowest possible settings, but still, it was incredible. Of course, this is one of those times when it pays to be in a weird time zone: each time I went, there were never more than 6 avatars within a 96m range! (Or so claimed my MystiTool.)
 
I noticed something weird though -- with my graphics on Low, it seemed to make some of the textures screwy. I bought a bangle, then put it on to see how it looked like (if it looked good, I planned to buy more from the same jeweller), and the texture on it didn't look anything like the vendor ad. Then I tried it with my normal graphics settings on High, and it turned a great deal more normal-looking:
 
 

Click picture for larger image
 
 
I have no idea why this would be or what caused it, but I noticed the same thing happening with one or two other pieces. Anybody have any ideas?
 
The other thing I realised was, jewellers seem to love full bright settings. Why? It doesn't really affect me as I tend to walk around in midday all the time, but I hate the thought that I'm standing out like a Christmas tree to other people who happen to be viewing me at night. And most jewellery, I've found, is no-mod -- the items have resize scripts instead -- which means I can't turn off the full bright setting. Grrr.
 
 

 
 
All three items of jewellery -- the necklace and bangles -- are full bright! From three different jewellers! Sheesh! And this is something you're unaware of when purchasing, because it's hardly ever mentioned in the vendor ad. It's almost impossible to avoid purchasing full bright jewellery unless you already know that particular jeweller has a penchant for making their items full bright.
 
Here's the same picture, in daytime lighting:
 
 

 
 
I also realised that sometimes it's really hard to tell what the item is going to look like on you. I bought a few pieces that I discovered I didn't really like when I tried them on later. One example is this bangle. It comes with texture change options, but I'm not very satisfied with any of the textures (clockwise from top left: silver - gold - golden - metal - copper - wood). They all look artificial, ESPECIALLY the golden one, and the gold doesn't look like any gold I've ever seen. The silver, although I can see some shading on the texture, just isn't "shiny" enough -- it's lacking a certain something and looks more grey than silver, especially from a distance. Probably the best of all the six would be the copper version. I'm very disappointed, especially because I like the pattern of the bangle very much :(
 
 

Click picture for larger image
 
 
Of all the three pieces I'm wearing in the above pictures, the one I was most pleased with was the necklace. It fit well, falls nicely, looks great. I really, really, really like it. Even though the pendant has glow. *sighs*
 
 

 
 
Jewellery:
Right bangle: CentoPallini Gem Bracelet Opale
Left bangle: FS Jewelry Hera Bracelet
Necklace: J and W Jewelers LesLey Collection Necklace
 
Others:
Hair: Frangipani Designs Eva - Teak [no longer available]
Skin: Rockberry Uma Group Gift - Natural
Glasses: PrimOptic - Stilo
Tattoo: Garden of Ku Dragonfly Forest - faded
Top: Oriental Life Summer Feels Wee - Sprinkling Ocean [50% sale right now! Store closes Sept 30!]
Jeans: Zaara Jeans - Indigo

This is for Ari ;)
 
 

(Click picture for larger view)
 
 
When I went to the store, Bax Coen herself was there, greeting customers as they came in. Seeing as the boss lady was around, I took the opportunity to ask her directly about a demo (sometimes I have a one-track mind, yes I know it can be annoying!). She said, "No demo yet, but I can guarantee they will fit you," and when I bought the boots, she offered to help me fit them personally! The region was restarting so she TP'd me elsewhere, but when I put the boots on, they fit perfectly from the get-go so there was no need for extra fitting.
 
I was impressed to death with Bax's friendliness, kindness, and her willingness to answer questions and to help. Awesome customer service. It makes me want to buy the red version of these boots too... oops :P  And she said she is working on a pair in brown! *dies*
 
 
Skin: Rockberry - Uma Group Gift - Natural
Eyes: Beloved - Lolite Eyes (large)
Hair: Aden - Windblown in Dark Brown
Glasses: PrimOptic - Stilo
Dress: Fireflies - Nerezza
Wristband: Zenith - Black Leather Bracelet
Boots: Bax Prestige Boots - Black
Posing prop: Burned Rice - FeelCube

I know my RSS feed has been saying, "I just finished installing Movable Type 4!" for weeks... "Movable Type" being a particular blogging software. Well, I am here to tell you that my RSS feed lied. I did not install anything, are you kidding me? If I had, I'm not sure this blog would be working :P  A tech-savvy friend set everything up for me. I did, however, import all the old posts from the previous server to the new one. *preens*
 
And yes, I moved to a different webhost, then let this blog languish for a month. I just haven't been doing anything much in SL, plus I've been extremely busy with RL work.
 
But this week I got something that made me so amazed, I thought I simply must tell everyone about it! Vextra Messing released a romantic dining set [XstreetSL link], and Karl and I tried it out (forgive the rather uninspiring backdrop, lmao):
 
 

 
 
It is really cute and wonderfully made. When you rez it, the chairs are at an angle to the table, as if inviting you to sit on them. When you sit on them, they move and position themselves so that you and your dinner partner are seated facing each other.
 
Then you click the table for your animations: do you simply want to sit and chat, or do you want to eat/drink? If you decide you want to eat, just click the food to choose the menu: pick from a list of soup, cereal, steak, and so much more. As the food rezzes, you'll be given a set of silverware to "wear", so you have something to eat with. And just LOOK at the breakfast toast. I can't even make such perfect toast in RL!
 
 

 
 
All the other food is just as mouth-watering, and made by Vextra herself. I am officially jealous of her sculpting abilities -- my beanbags are still languishing on Karl's work platform!
 
But back to this fantastic product -- when you choose your drink, a glass appears on the table, and you're given another glass in inventory. "Wear" the glass, and you'll find yourself sipping wine... yes, it comes with a built-in animation, as you can see from the first picture, and even better... the glass on the table disappears, for all the world as if you had truly taken hold of it to grab a drink. "Detach" the glass from your hand, and it reappears on the table. Brilliant!
 
You know what would make this table awesomely perfect? If it came with some sort of dancing animation or at least a hug (the hug in the vendor ad is not included, lol). As I told Karl, I'm conditioned: I feel dinner ought to be followed by dancing. The delicious anticipation of eating and low-voiced, intimate chatting, flirting with the eyes, and then later being held in your lover's arms, slowly swaying to music... mmmhmmmm ;)

I realised today I spend money in SL the exact same way I spend money in RL. In RL, I don't buy something unless:

1. It's pretty cheap.


2. There's a sale, providing good bargains or making things more affordable.


3. I need it. Like, desperately.


4. I've fallen in love on sight and really, really, really want it.


5. It's a special occasion or I'm feeling rich and decide to treat myself.

Given that there are hardly any freebies in RL, the situation of hunting freebies doesn't arise; but in SL, I join designers' groups to get freebies and pick up dollarbies across the grid. I go for sales. If I see something I really, really like, I'll consider getting it. If I have the funds, I might decide to go shopping and treat myself to something nice.
 
I like freebie blogs because they give me the opportunity to see what's out there, so I can decide whether or not I want it instead of just blindly taking the freebie. It saves time for me, time spent TPing all over the grid to get something I might not like, time spent sorting inventory -- unpacking, trying on, only to discard stuff which I probably will never wear.
 
Sure, I "smash and grab", as Prad would put it. If I'm shopping, I'm shopping... if I'm hanging out with friends, I'm hanging out with friends... if I'm collecting freebies, I'm collecting freebies. That is to say, I'm TPing from one place to another, just focused on getting the freebie. Is that wrong? I collect a bunch, then go home to unpack them and try them on... if I don't get distracted by a friend or by the awesome products in one of the stores.
 
Isn't the point of a freebie for people to come get it? Why would a designer put out a freebie if they didn't want people to take it? Then don't put out freebies! If designers are worried about people living off their generosity, then don't be generous! Gee, you'd think the solution is simple...
 
Anyway, since it's such a problem with people going around to collect freebies, I decided to haunt XstreetSL instead. If you don't know, XstreetSL is online shopping for SL. I love it -- no need to watch the TP bar and mutter "Dontcrashdontcrashdontcrash" under your breath, no need to wait for stuff to get out of grey mode, no need to try to walk through molasses... \o/
 
 

 
 
First up is this "I Luv You" set from Sweeter Than Candy, totally free. It's also available as an in-store freebie, as blogged by the Fabfree crew ;)  It comes with two options, a babydoll (left) and flared miniskirt (right). Try as I might, I couldn't manage to get the sleeve prims to match the colour of the blouse, probably something to do with my Windlight settings... but if you have the same problem, you can wear the blouse without them. The outfit even comes with shoes, shown in the left picture. I don't dig the shoes though... not really my style.
 
But! I found these "Be Mine" $1L Vogue boots (on the right) from Jetset that were PINK and matched the outfit. I kinda like them even though they're sooooo pink! They make me feel girlish and giggly :D
 
 

 
 
Another pink outfit came from Stephanie Speculaas at $1L (on the left, obviously). It's sooooooo pretty, and just look at that texturing! <3  It came without shoes... those shoes are from ICEY :)
 
On the right we have something different and not so nauseatingly girly compared to the other stuff, lol. A $1L gift from Gransy Fashion, it comprises a Hello Kitty tank top, tartan skirt, gloves (armwarmers?) and even shoes! So full of win! I should have changed my hair because that style doesn't really suit the outfit, but I was lazy :P
 
There ya go, Valentine's gifts on Xstreet! May your freebie collecting not be tinged with guilt ;)

I broke all my rules last week. Well, not that they're really rules, but, y'know... I have this 'thing' about not buying jewellery and lingerie in SL. Why? Jewellery -- because I always forget to wear any. I told you I normally just slip on a dress and shoes and go out; the rare times I look for jewellery are when it's a special occasion and I'm dressing up, or my outfit is so skimpy I need something to fill up the empty spaces :P
 
As for lingerie, who's ever going to see me in it? I don't have an SL relationship and I'm sure as heck not going to lounge around the house in my underwear... what if some clueless noob were to walk in all of a sudden? Security orb? Nah, I don't even have my doors locked. Anyone's welcome to visit me anytime :)
 
But! I'd seen posters about the ~flirt~ new releases and drooled over them. Texture change... ooooh! So I hopped over to ~flirt~ and got the Hearts & Diamonds set. As usual, faced with the dilemma of choosing between the texture change metals or texture change semi-precious stones, I got the 2-in-1: a set that can change both and allow me to blend the two together! I figure I'll never need to buy another piece of jewellery in SL coz this will match absolutely anything I decide to wear, lol. See how versatile it is! And how pretty and elegant!
 
 

Stone texture: Malachite; Metal texture: Silver Br
 
 

Stone texture: Black Onyx; Metal texture: Silver Br
 
 

Stone texture: Yellow Jasper; Metal texture: Silver Br
 
 
Oh, were you guys hoping for a lingerie shot? I'm still trying to keep this blog PG-13, or at least SFW (safe for work). But I'm open to *cough* bribery persuasion *cough*. With the right inducement, I could be persuaded to arrange a private viewing *suggestive wink*
 
I would've posted this much earlier, except SL decided to be a bitch. I couldn't get the texture change/resize scripts to work for me. Peter, Skinkie's right-hand man, came over to my house to help me figure it out. He gave me a new set, but that one behaved just the same way as the first. We tried everything we could think of. Rezzed the item on the ground, attached it to a different attachment point, relogged, used a different SL viewer -- nothing worked! I even gave Peter permission to use a remote connection and temporarily control my computer, so that he could see exactly what kind of problem I was facing. Maybe it was me, maybe if he were to try, things would be different. But... nope! No difference! I was sooooo sad.
 
When he told me that no other customers had faced any issues so far, I was totally convinced that SL doesn't like me. Especially because the set worked for him but not for me! I was so thankful that he tried so hard to help, though. He really went the extra mile to help me sort out the problem. Now, that's what I call customer service! ;)
 
A few days later, we found out that LL had made some server code changes which affected the performance of the script. Skinkie made changes to the script, sent me a new set of jewellery, I tried it on, and I was like "OMG OMG OMG IT WORKS!!!" *hugs Skinkie*  *hugs Peter*  *hugs everyone in the universe and jumps up & down for joy*