Ophelia's Gaze: Five Fave Prize-Winning Outfits From CSR

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

If you've seen anyone running around covered in colorful cards lately, they're probably after a few of the prizes in the Creator Stamp Rally, going on until August 31st. The rally is an ingenious marketing strategy by a group of twenty SL content creators (including some of my favorite Japanese designers) that encourages participants to check out some unfamiliar shops, and it seems like everyone is picking up at least one card (or in my case, all twenty).

You can buy a specially marked item at a participating store to receive a stamp card, then attach it and go to all the other participating stores, touching the stamper displays to 'stamp' your card. When your card is full, you then exchange it at the CSR 2008 headquarters for a prize of your choice.  (And they're really fab, like Mina Jun's beautifully made crying skin, at right-- scroll down this page to look at the full selection.)

So CSR 2008 is a great way to earn some really unique gifts, but it's not easy to pick out what to buy first to get your stamp card. In fact, if you're new to the event, it can be downright frustrating finding out what is and isn't eligible. 

That in mind, I've picked out a few of the must-have items from these stores, which each come with a stamp card to get you started.  Keep reading for my favorite five card-qualifying finds-- and as a bonus, a chance for five readers to win a free, fully-stamped CSR2008 card for claiming your own prize!

Moeka Kohime of Edelweiss appeals to costume and uniform lovers in SL with a line dominated by maid and schoolgirl outfits. The Roberta dress is my favorite release of hers to date, simply because it is so absolutely Victorian. It's hard to take a long skirt for granted anymore, especially when it's a part of something as fetishized as a maid's uniform. Unfortunately I have one big pet peeve about Moeka's work, which is that she never includes glitchpants . This means that if you have a tall and curvy avatar like I do, you will need to fiddle with the skirt to keep your rear from poking out of it... and you may not want to sit down. That being said, it is definitely worth it to wear this gorgeous set. The hair shown here is Girly Bob Hair by BettiePage Voyager of BP*, and it also comes with a stamp card.

Black Knight also offers something for uniform lovers, though in a very different genre. The shop is built in a very impressive space station (which you will have to meander through to stamp your card) and features a cyberpunk police and soldier theme for the clothing which admirers of sick (also participating in CSR 2008) will enjoy. Melses Ahn is the mastermind behind this outfit, BK-SD2-F, and many others. What's particularly clever about Black Knight is that most of the outfits are either unisex, or available in male or female versions (so don't say there's nothing for the boys on my list!). I've paired this outfit with Noam Sprocket's Metric hair from Gritty Kitty which, naturally, comes with a stamp card.

Curious Kitties is heaven for fashionistas who like a couple (or a couple dozen) conversation pieces in their inventory. Whether or not you're into designer Ameshin Yossarian's neon-infused gothic aesthetic, there's something at her store for anyone open minded enough to look, and the Lyan dress is proof. What impressed me most about this sweet little outfit is the statement it makes. It manages to be striking and elegant all at once, and a perfect fusion of eastern style, retro trends, and Ameshin's own bold tastes.While Ameshin only offers her cards with certain colors of her creations, it's a good way to familiarize yourself with her work if you haven't explored her store deeply in the past. The pink version of Lyan comes with a stamp card, as does that doe-eyed bunny at my feet from Sasaya Kayo of Happy Mood.

This outfit is a show-stopper for me. Then again, almost everything Mirai Jun of Cubic Effect releases is. It wouldn't be hard to get a stamp card for all 20 prizes just from Cubic Effect alone! Mirai has a mastery of texturing and prim work that all designers in Second Life could aspire towards. These clothes manage to look so realistic and so natural with every fold, bunch, or drape-- Mirai can make you believe a skirt is silk without that skirt ever physically existing. The Wrap Tank Mini dress, subtle but brilliant sculpted attachments aside, won me over based on versatility. Another irresistible card-bearing find is the Creative hair by Noam Sprocket of Gritty Kitty, which has two hip little paintbrushes crossing through the bun in the back.

I had to include something truly exceptional at the end, of course, and that spot was reserved for Vooner Voom of Vooner's gleaming pink Bream avatar. Vooner has several beautifully articulated fish avatars for sale, along with some truly haunting sculpted trees, realistic looking farm animals, and some things I just can't explain (have you ever wanted to wear an egg yolk on your head?). Vooner is a must-see store for anyone who appreciates living life outside of the ordinary, whether you're filling in a stamp card or not.

Well that's my top five, what's yours? The first five readers to answer in the comments will each get one fully stamped CSR 2008 Summer card-- I've done all the leg work, all you have to do is claim the prize!

Iris Ophelia has been featured in the New York Times and has spoken about SL-based design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.

 

Comments

[Efemera Bisiani]

I've had those Lyan dresses starred in my feed-reader since release, must move them up my "to buy" list! And I love Cubic Effects style, but as their outfits are so prim-reliant I do wish they'd provide demo's, as I daren't quite take the risk. For those interested, there's also good coverage of the CSR over on Beanie Cannings blog - http://beaniecanning.wordpress.com/.

[elusyve jewell]

I *had* to have the french bulldog from Voomer, it was the main reason I started the stamping. Then came the beautiful teary skin, I cannot wait to use this for some photos.
I didn't always purchase "outfits" tho.. At voomers I got the adorable "grumpy faced stump" and have been leaving it around on peoples land, seeing how long it takes to get returned to me.. I am so easily amused...LOL The whole concept is just such a wonderful way to get exposure to creators we might have otherwise missed. I have notes on places I need to return when my balance returns *G*

[Bettina Tizzy]

As usual, terrific pics. What I like best about the CSR card is that it helped me to discover many stores I didn't know existed. Like elusyve, I spent a fortune just in the first 4 stores and had_to_stop for fear of depleting my bank account.

[Ann Otoole]

What? Is this CSR thing a clique by invite only or something?

[Mica Cazalet]

Thank you for your review! I was curious and started visiting the stores, but felt a little overwhelmed and gave up. Now I feel excited and plan to visit Cubic Effect first!

[Nikita Weymann]

Out of the CSR gifts I acquired, the giant gun from the SICK outfit is probably my favourite ... but the Milcaholic dining table probably sees more use. :) Plus I'm now in love with BP hair, and I hope she comes up with more neat outfits like the antique white dress I picked up (and tend to wear as a top with cutoff jeans).

[Kedawen Darrow]

I hadn't heard about this, and was really excited to check it out! There are some pretty cool things at these shops, especially Gritty Kitty and Curious Kitties (meow!). Thanks for the help getting me started, I'm sure I would have been frustrated trying to figure it out on my own.