New World Notes

Ophelia's Gaze: Bruised Avatar Skins -- Stylish, Or Sexist?

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

In mid-October, one of SL's most successful skin designers released a set of skins that stirred up tremendous controversy. Gala Phoenix of Curio launched her Battle Royale skins, which feature her usual fabulous shading and high quality textures, adorned with some equally high quality dirt, bruises, blood, scratches, scars and gouges. Reactions were mixed, to say the least; in fact, they often verged on heated. Is a woman with a bruised eye presumed battered, or could she be battle-hardened? I've got a few thoughts on the issue after the cut.

Ophelia's Gaze: Three Favorites From The Vanity Universe Skin Fair -- And How To Wear Them

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

Vanity Universe's Skin Fair (SLURL link here), is running until Sunday November 22nd, and features a lot of new designers who weren't a part of the last fair, along with new releases from old favorites. Better yet, every designer at this Fair has an item out to benefit Care International, a poverty relief organization. If you're in the market for a fresh new face or a trendy makeup, the Skin Fair is the place to be this week. 

My favorite three fair finds are after the cut -- along with tips on wearing them well.

Ophelia's Gaze: 5 Signs of Low-Quality Second Life Fashion

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

I've decided to give you a pretty pic up top because it's going to get real ugly after the jump, believe me. There's been a lot of discussion going on lately about the value of highly critical fashion blogging in SL. Do you gloss over the flaws or zero in on them? Even if you aren't a blogger, how can you tell if the item you're wearing is truly well made? It's a fairly broad subject to cover, but I've got five points and some very valuable advice for anyone who wants to start poring over the contents of their virtual closet with a little more scrutiny.

So if you want to be critical of SL fashion, or you just want to be a more discerning consumer, here's what to look for...

Ophelia's Gaze: Hot Tips For Halloween in Second Life

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

It's not the first time that I've said this, and it definitely won't be the last, but Halloween is definitely the fashionista's holiday. In particular though, it's the weird fashionista's holiday, since it's a good opportunity to show off your most unique looks. I've picked six of my favorite special outfits for Halloween, and while most of them aren't all that scary, I think they're all frightfully fashionable!

Ophelia's Gaze: It's Boot Season in Second Life!

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

There's been a glut of great boot releases recently, and it shouldn't be a huge surprise. Fall is a big season for boots-- a little too cold for sandals, not cold enough for a pair of fuzzy mukluks, it's the perfect time of the year for stylish, ankle and calf-hugging footwear. Even in Second Life, where we're immune from every shifting season, it's a big time for tall footwear. Keep reading for four pairs of beautiful boots that I just couldn't ignore!

Ophelia's Gaze: RMB City Design Contest Prize Winner!

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

Last week, the artistic minds behind RMB City got together to choose the grand prize winner from the list of finalists selected for the RMB City design contest.The competition was fierce and it wasn't an easy choice, but ultimately all the judges agreed that one entry really captured the essence of RMB City. Keep reading to find out who won, if you haven't guessed already!

Ophelia's Gaze: RMB City Design Contest Finalists!

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

When choosing the very best entries in the RMB City Design Contest, we ran into a rather unexpected problem: The vast majority of the entries, and nearly all of my own personal favorites, all fell in the same category! So for the sake of rewarding the true cream of the crop, we had to restructure a little. Our three finalists, who will each receive L$10,000, all submitted into the Hair and Skin category, but their creations were just too fabulous for any of them to go unacknowledged! Keep reading for the top three RMB City contest design entries!

Ophelia's Gaze: RMB Design Contest, Honorable Mentions

 

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

I just had the pleasure of curating the RMB City Design Contest, and I was very impressed and inspired by many of the entries we received. In fact, I feel a pressing need to shine the spotlight on a number that deserve an honorable mention. This article is the first of three post that will highlight those, followed by my three finalists, and the one ultimate winner, to be announced in the next week.

Here are my favorite entries that may not have made the final cut, but are no less worth sharing:

Seeking Second Life Fashion Designers For RMB City Contest

SL fashionistas, can you create ensembles that look stylish in the SL fantasia of RMB City? Iris Ophelia and I are seeking your imaginative designs in a contest sponsored by RMB's creator, the international art star Cao Fei. Here's all the submission guidelines, including prize details.

Be sure to visit the RMB City website and the city itself in SL (direct SLurl teleport at this link) for inspiration.

Ophelia's Gaze: Making the Most of the Summer Stamp Rally

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

Between the various fairs and shows that designers organize throughout the year, there are a lot of community activities for fashion-minded SL residents to look forward to. But the Creator's Stamp Rally remains one of the few events that I wait for every summer and winter with itching fingers, and this isn't the first time I've written (and raved) about it. The CSR SummerChoice!2009 Event has finally arrived and as far as I'm concerned, SummerChoice!2009 stampcards are the hot item to have... At least until the event ends on August 31st. Blank cards are available in marked vendors from participating stores, and once your card is full, it can be redeemed for one of many outstanding prizes. Keep reading for my tips on how to make the most of this seasonal stamping spree.