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This past week, we visited the 2007 Jewelry Exposition on OnRez Orientation Island. Over 80 of Second Life’s finest jewelry designers exhibited their work in the week-long event with a charity auction to benefit the American Red Cross. There were also parties and a treasure hunt for 17 items by some of the exhibitors. Sadly, Daphne and I only found nine of the tiny treasures. We also found so much truly creative and detailed work that we had a very hard time choosing our favorite designers and pieces to share with you. We could be cruel and discuss the fabulous Antique Pearl Choker set from Paper Couture that included a gorgeous 3-strand pearl choker with a silver clasp and playful tassel finish and matching earrings. Yes, that would be cruel because all of the jewelry Paper Couture exhibited at the expo is no longer available now that the expo is over.
Luckily, Muse’s Chatelaine Shoulder Brooch and Chain are still available at Muse. Jeweler Caliah Lyon really outdid herself with this gorgeous piece. Available in both silver and gold with your choice of black or white feathers, it’s not quite a necklace and not quite a brooch. The chain is delicately sculpted, as are the leaves, adorned with diamonds, cultured pearls and Tahitian pearls. It’s especially stunning with a backless gown where the chain gracefully trails down the side of your back ending in two swinging pearl drops.
Daphne was wowed by jeweler Saga Felix’s Snake necklace and armlet in black. The subtle sheen of the gunmetal snake can accent any outfit from a casual tank and jeans to a simple formal. You can wear either piece on its own, or pair the necklace and armlet for more drama. Ms. Felix also notes that her necklaces won’t knock off Gorean collars when you put them on. To check out the delicate ruby eyes on these serpentine beauties, visit SAGA.
Of course, we needed clothes to wear with all of our fabulous new jewelry, and designer Simone Stern of Simone! just completed a mega-release of over 30 formals. This has to be her most colorful release yet! There are also scads of fitted dresses, so be sure to wear your dress shapes. Everyone will find something special at Simone! Whether your taste is conservative or wild, whether you prefer bright colors or pastels, whether you like fitted skirts or belle skirts, you will find the perfect gown at Simone!
We love the Ebony gown with its dramatic cape that you can wear or leave off to flaunt the dominatrix-like bodice. This unusual gown, only available in black, is perfect for sipping absinthe in a smoky room with flocked velvet wallpaper and worn chaise lounges.
In contrast, Grand entrance is a softly feminine gown with a floaty sheer flexi skirt worn over a fitted skirt. A dress shape is a must with this lovely pastel creation that features contrasting jeweled lace under the bust and trimming the gloves. For old Hollywood glamour, you have to see the Crawford gown. In black or white, this sleek mermaid hemmed gown has gorgeous jeweled details on the bust and straps. Accent this with a white stole and tiara for an Audrey Hepburn look.
While both Daphne and I loved the Ebony, Grand Entrance, and Crawford gowns, we did each have some different personal favorites. The versatility of Gladiolus won me over. You can wear this formal with either the belle skirt or a mermaid skirt with a double row of lace at the bottom. The twisted bodice also gives you a peek of skin that’s very unexpected for this otherwise traditional style. Daphne had to mention Lady Sings the Blues with its piped, ruched bodice. This gorgeous fitted number accents hourglass figures beautifully, though those with fuller hips may want to shrink them down a bit to avoid appearing as wide as they are tall.
If you want heads to turn, wear Ole, a deep red satin gown with black gloves. The bodice is accented with diamonds and black lace, and the flexi skirt is a fabulous blood red Spanish lace. With its stunning diamond drop at the bust, you won’t need any jewelry other than simple earrings to accent Ole!
Cinched is another versatile beauty that comes in deep red or deep royal blue. Each has contrasting jewels under the bust and at the waist as well as on the matching gloves. This gown can be worn with either a belle skirt or a smaller flexi skirt. Though, if you adore bows and lace as much as I do, you’ll have to have Megadilly! In soft pastels with black lace trim on the bodice, this gown also shows subtle peeks of flesh. When I asked Simone about the name “Megadilly,” she said that it spoke to her “of days of parasols and soda jerks and huge wheeled tricycles and cakewalks.”
Daphne also loves dresses with something extra, and Midnight in Venice grabbed her immediately when she saw that it came with a matching mask. As if the lace covered bust, gold accents, and gorgeous jewel tones weren’t enough, this gown comes with a matching Venetian ball mask that can add even more drama if the occasion calls for it.
Frankly, I’m surprised we both didn’t go right for Talulah, a flirty red number whose hem goes from short in front to long in back. Antiqued lace at the hem gives the skirt extra swing and movement. I also couldn’t take my eyes off the sweet little buttons down the back. This dress is perfect for dancing and would be ideal for a formal salsa event. Daphne was surprised I didn’t go for Showbo
at, for goodness sake, it has a boa! This fitted dress is another red-carpet ready gown that can be worn with a flexi skirt or with a mermaid hem. Either way, the contrast between the jewel toned dress and the white lace trim will get you noticed in a room full of black dresses. Finally, if you play Tiny Empires, you’re going to want Royal Invitation. This belle-skirted gown is perfect for a royal gala with it’s subtle gold accented lace and softly shimmery skirt. This formal is truly fit for a queen in royal blue, scarlet, or a regal purple.
We just wish we had a longer show so that we could talk about all of Simone’s new gowns, unfortunately we had to choose favorites from a truly stellar release. I thought choosing hairstyles from ETD last week was difficult! Next week won’t be any easier, though. Please join us again when we discuss the hot new coats appearing all over the grid!
Episode 2 of Second Style Stylecast has been brought to you by Designing Nicky Ree: Stylish Fashion for Every Occasion, and Minnu Model Skins: Unleash Your Runway Potential. Visit Designing Nicky Ree’s new flagship store on the Tropical Orchid sim this October or do a places search for “Nicky Ree” for other Nicky Ree locations, and visit Minnu Model Skins on the Glam World sim.
Some of the music in this show is from the Podsafe Music Network.
