we shall resolve

Upon first arrival at Alisa Wycliffe's Wicked Fashion shop I am immediately reminded of my home town of Toronto. Shopping at Wicked Fashion feels very much like many of the great clothing stores located on the Queen St. strip, and if you've ever been shopping on Queen St. you will probably agree. There's just something different about shopping in the city and if you happen to be a city girl, like myself, you will also agree that Alisa has definitely captured that feeling.

I suppose you don't have to guess what sort of product you will find at Wicked Fashion, but if you're into casual, hip, and comfortable city wear then this is the place for you. Numerous styles of tops, tanks, skirts, denims, and multiple outfit combinations decorate the walls of Wicked Fashion. The first thing to catch my eye is the Shortie Hoodie Sweatshirt($85L), an adorable short sleeve midriff zip-up sweatshirt with sculpted hood. Or you can purchase the set which comes in all three colours(red, blue, black) plus a great pair of ultra low denims($225L).

There's a hope of spring in the air at Wicked Fashion, Alisa's collection of tanks and tube tops will have you ready for those warm SL nights like the Stretch Tank Top($65L) with it's exposed tummy and fabulous creased details. Or the super sexy Satin Lace Tube Top($65L) with it's swooping low back and beautiful embroidered detail. Both tops are also available in a 3 colour combination and Wicked's Ultra Low Premium denims($175L for either). For you girls that crave short skirts you won't be disappointed. Wicked's selection of minis cover cute, sexy, and unique with styles for everyone like the Black Leather Skirt with optional bracer, or the Celtic Knot Skirt also with optional leg chain($95L for both).

With the right sense of style and Wicked Fashion's low price tag the outfit combinations are limitless. So, if you love simplicity mixed with style and detail, and are ready to bust into summer(who isn't??), then stop by Wicked Fashion and start the new season off right.


Kayleigh Hendrassen: Hello Alisa, i'm excited to speak with you, from one city girl to another, and after touring your shop, I feel we may have a lot in common... shopping! lol.

Alisa Wycliffe: Hi Kayleigh! lol, yes, I'm such a reckless shopaholic and I love checking out other designer's work. I'd love to tour your favorite shops sometime, I bet you know all the hidden gems!! :)

KH: Alisa, you've really captured that city feeling with Wicked Fashion, with your styles, and with the shop itself, what else have you tried to convey with Wicked Fashions in regards to city life and shopping in general.

AW: Well I am totally inspired by the look and feel of the boutique shops in the villages of NYC, with the exposed and/or painted brick and the beautiful hardwood floors. I really wanted to convey a realistic upscale shopping experience in my store that gives you that same warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you walk off the crowded city streets into those quaint little boutique shops. Of course, my main store is a bit bigger than most city shops but that's my fault, LOL, I'm just totally addicted to making clothes in SL and I keep expanding! :)

KH: You seem to have a love for cute, functional tops and clothes that can be worn in various mix 'n match combinations. Clearly this is another trait you've picked up being a city girl. Do you think the functionality and diversity with fashion carries over in SL?

AW: Oh I really think it does, and I offer a free pair of jeans with most of the top sets/packs to make sure everyone has that option. The black leather skirt is perfect with almost anything too, lol. I try hard to offer a good mix of designs that you would wear in RL, and some items that might be just a little too risqué for your RL taste.. anything goes in SL! :)

KH: I notice you pay close attention to detail, something very important with quality wear in SL, do you think you will try your hand at more sculpted items down the line? Your sculpted Hoodie is adorable by the way. =)

AW: LOL, thanks! I have new hoodie colors coming out soon, including a really cute pink version! But yes, I've already started including sculpted items in some of my designs, and I'm also working on designing sculpted shoes and boots too! Detail/realism in general is really really important to me, and designers like Redgrave offer me tons of inspiration. I have to admit I'm also a complete perfectionist and I'm known to spend waay too many hours in Photoshop working on a single piece just to get every little detail right. :)

KH: What is the best way for Wicked Fashion enthusiasts to keep on top of your upcoming collections and future designs.

AW: You'll get the most info about new designs, freebies, midnight mania updates, etc, by joining the "Wicked Fashion" group! In fact you'll get a group invite the first time you walk into the main store, or you can just search for it in groups (open enrolment). You can also track us down on the web at www.wickedsl.com! The web site is sort of a work-in-progress but it's coming along nicely, so far. Of course, anyone is welcome to IM me, too. I welcome feedback about the store and suggestions for new designs. :)

KH: Thank you so much for taking some time away from the city life to sit down with me Alisa!

AW: omg, it's my pleasure Kayleigh! Thanks so much for your time, and let me know when you want to go shopping! :)


main shop: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Liberty%20Central%20N/63/239/52
jsp outlet: http://slurl.com/secondlife/JSP%20Island/163/100/23

There are tons of great shops in SecondLife, lots of designers and lots of variety. So much variety in fact that it can be overwhelming for a newcomer, or even for someone who's just new to shopping in SL. When i first arrived at LaRosa even i was a bit overwhelmed. It's not just a shop, it's more like a shopping complex. What's fantastic about LaRosa is that it offers a great selection of pretty much everything at practically no cost at all. A great place for newcomers with little Linden to spare to start their wardrobe collection.

Right in the middle of their amazing Winter sale where the majority of their stock is an amazing $10L(wow!), other inventory is priced to sell at $30L, and $50L respectively so i will spare you the price tags in this report. lol. At such a low price for outfit combinations, LaRosa is the ideal place to mix and match outfits and create your own unique style. With adorable short pleated skirts like the Sex and the City outfits, or the Autumn skirt/sweater combinations, you'll be set for that transition into Summer(hey, just because there's no actual weather in SL doesn't meant you can't use your imagination). If skirts aren't your thing then LaRosa can satisfy your pant needs with styles like the Heaven denims that come with a slick collared shirt and shoes, or the Spring Basics long shorts with a light jacket and tall boots.

For the boys, there's a ton of pant/shirt combinations for you to play around with as well, Jeans with print, slacks and collared shirts in many styles. And don't worry, if there's a hat, belt, scarf or hot pair of sunglasses you need that didn't come with your purchase, I'm sure LaRosa will carry it. If you indeed are a newcomer, then it gets even better as LaRosa offers a wide selection of skins and other body accessories... Yes, most for only $10L! So, if you're looking to get that wardrobe inventory off to a good start, then LaRosa is the perfect place for you. Happy shopping.


Kayleigh Hendrassen: Greetings LaRosa! First off, let me thank you for taking some time out of your schedule and speaking with me.

Larosa Kohime: It is a great honor for me. :)

KH: The first thing I noticed about your shop is the vast selection of styles LaRosa offers, can you tell me a little bit about the creative process behind the fashions?

LK: If I have an idea I create it immediately, and also I reflect the wishes of my customers.

KH: The majority of LaRosa's styles are simple, yet elegant and stylish, would you say this reflects your fashion in RL(real life)?

LK: Not really my RL style, but I see what my customers like and it's in this style that I continue to create.

KH: Everyone's always looking for a great deal in SL(second life), how are you able to offer people such amazing deals, and how important is it to you to keep your prices down?

LK: Our prices are an essential component of the brand LaRosa. We strive for quality and pricing of our customer satisfaction to bring them into compliance. For many user surveys, we know we are on the right track and will continue to pursue this policy and will not change.

KH: Fashion is a huge driving force behind SL's success, where do you see LaRosa, or more generally, SL fashion as a whole heading in the next few years?

LK: I think SL as a whole will continue to develop. I do not know what direction this development will take. This can be positive but also negative for the current SL-fashion. LaRosa, in any case, will advance with the evolution. Currently, we have a leadership role with our pricing and are proud that our example so many designers already follow. We will continue this policy and to further improve on the features that work.

KH: With such a large shop and vast selection, what is the best way for LaRosa customers to keep in touch with the latest product and sales?

LK: We have our own blog on the web and we have a close contact to our customers about the group messages. Our blog address: www.larosakohime.wordpress.com. We offer our customers a support with nothing comparable in SL. We take time to help and are available for our customers to reach. Many SL Designer offers Poor service in SL... LaRosa offers the opposite:)

KH: Thank you so much for chatting with my LaRosa, I wish you and Stari much success!

LK: It was a pleasure for me, too.

**many thanks to Irina Franizzi for helping in the translation of this interview, and for Larosa and Irina for their patience in the process!

main shop: http://slurl.com/secondlife/LaRosa/107/133/24
jsp outlet: http://slurl.com/secondlife/JSP%20Island/85/79/22

Normally I would resist writing an article for a fashion blog about a shop that specialized in costume and RPG wear, but there is something very different about !!Husky GFX!!, and quality and style are very much a part of that.

Husky is so huge it's hard to even know where to begin. For the most part its sectioned off into men's and women's, then into different styles of clothing, or different RPG or period fashions. Luckily, and thanks to co-owner Thorsten Ducatillon, I was able to locate the super convenient teleporting system thats basically a miniaturized version of the entire sim, offered for all visitors.

With a simple click I immediately arrive at the women's products, the first outfit that catches my eye is the gorgeous Selene($799L), a 15 piece outfit which includes a leather jacket with skirt, 2 pant styles, shirt, corset, and numerous sculpted items for that added detail. I'm surrounded by literally hundred of amazing period and rp outfits, and as i walk over to the next area i spot the wonderful assortment of medieval style gowns like the beautiful Alatariel 'Galadriels Mirror Dress'($949L per colour), a silk/satin flowing flexi gown, shoulder shrow with sculpted scarf, cloak with sculpted golden leaf, sculpted hood and more!

Curious about the men's selections I make my way down the steps outside and locate another teleporting station. Once I arrive I'm greeted with much of the same high quality wear, many of the same styles too. Something quite different though, the Giron Assassin($949L per colour), is what i notice first, a very dark 15 piece outfit with sculpted shoulder shrow, primed gloves, shadowed hood, ninja mask and much more. As i walk around i can't help but notice the amazing Branan's Kilt outfit($699L), beautifully designed flexi kilt(2 styles), 2 belt options, sculpted sashes, biretta, and shirt collar. Great outfit for that super sexy Scottish boy. Then there's the weapons, accessories and shoes, necklaces, bracelets, leg circlets, hats, goggles, belts... and every boot and shoe or sword to go along with every outfit sold at Husky, and just as detailed as everything else offered. So remember, whether you're an RP'er or just like dressing up in beautiful clothing, you never need a reason to wear top quality fashion.


Kayleigh Hendrassen: Thanks for taking the time to chat with me Thorsten, I know we only met a short time ago, but i would like to think we hit it off fairly well. lol.

Thorsten Ducatillon: Hi, Kayleigh. There was no reason not to have a nice chat and to be honest, sometimes i enjoy taking a break with a nice chat.

KH: You and your wife are co-designers on all the great product here, what's it like working along side one another, and can you tell me a little about your overall design process?

TD: First, i think i have to explain the basics. Karigan and me are married in RL also and we are both graphic designers by profession. We are used to work as a team and share our creativity.
So the first steps in the new world called SL, we entered 1 1/2 years ago, was creating clothes and skins for our self. A lot of friends asked for our clothes and that was why we started with a 30 L$ shop. It expanded a bit since then.
Most important thing for our creations is to make them look as real as possible, so we are creating the textures in Photoshop and are adding some primed details to every clothing pack. (there are even belts with the limit of 255 prims)The textures are done by Karigan, i try to support her with primmed stuff and sculpties.

KH: I see you design mostly for the role players in SL, which I imagine are a lot, and your styles seem endless, where do you guys get your amazing inspirations from?

TD: We are kind of "outdoor people", so the clothes we are wearing in RL are mostly functional, as our clothes in SL are. We love fantasy and this reflects in our creations, but we always try to make them, as they would be in RL. You wont find any zips in our gorean or medieval pants and gowns. We imagine they used buttons and laces and we are going to design the clothing based on that. Most of our clients are Role players and we don't want them to run over a medieval Sim with clothing that doesn't fit that time, even in details. So we also check what clothings have been worn that time and try to make our clothes look similar.

KH: Your outfits are highly detailed, do you find your customers expect only the best? I hear role players can be very picky and specific about their clothing. lol

TD: *smiles* i think role players are the most critical customers, they know how their outfit should look like and for sure they don't want to look like a fashion model when they act as a warrior. So we try to make our clothes look like they would be.... stressed, burnt, with holes..... like clothes would look like if you wandered through the wilderness for one week. If you meet another role player on an RP sim, the first thing you do, is looking at him. So the clothing should tell you which character you meet. Its helpful to make role play more realistic, as it should be. All customers buying !!Husky GFX!! products are paying real money and they expect to get quality for that. We try to offer the best we can afford to fulfil the trust they set in us. (btw. there are many outfits in our inventory which will not be sold because we are not happy with them)

KH: This is a wonderful SIM Thorsten, I wish i had more time to explore it. Can you tell me a little bit about it that people may not know as well as your other location?

TD: We met at Chinook, the Sim where our main store is located. A store should reflect the products and so we decided to build up this new Sim. Also at the main store we added the details like candles, resting areas, a park etc. Our customers should enjoy the environment also. It should be more a journey in an other world than a shopping tour. Next to Chinook we added a medieval market where various merchants offer their products. We are proud to have some of the best creators on that market. We also have the Alaska Sim, where we created a natural northern environment which can be explored, including animals, a mountain to climb, a musher hut, gold diggers camp ..etc.
There is also a small city located where you can buy all !!Husky GFX!! products. So our customers are free to shop where they like... shopping should be a small adventure. *grins*

KH: You must have a lot of frequent customers Thorsten, what is the best way for them to stay up to date on !!Husky GFX!! products and information?

TD: Thats easy... first everybody is invited to join the !!Husky GFX!! group, where we are announcing all new products.(there is a Husky at the main entrance you have to click to enter the group). Who is low on free groups, which is normal in SL, can visit our web page and check for new products and updates. You can scroll through the products and even click a link, which will take you In game near the vendor of that product, or will send you to XstreetSl where you can buy the product. Just look at http://www.huskycity.de

KH: Thank you so much for granting this interview Thorsten, especially on such short notice, you've been nothing but kind. I definitely know where to send all my RP friends.

TD: Thank you for the break you gave me.(runs to change some bulbs, clean the store...)


http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chinook/124/173/26

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Malkine/27/24/22

Dark, Gothic, mysterious, romantic, beautiful... uhm, bloodthirsty? If any or all of these adjectives apply to you then Avid may be just the shop you're looking for. Also, they are the only words that can properly describe the wonderfully detailed designs that drape the walls of the just as dark and gothic shop. Although Avid offers many styles and varieties in both men's and women's clothing, skins, weapons, and accessories, it's the men's fashion wear that, to me, possess some of the most beautiful designs.

Period style outfits, full of layered detail from the 18th century to modern Gothic, there's an outfit here for all you mysteriously dark boys. Consumer favourites, like Loves Mutineer($790L), a gorgeous 18th century inspired ensemble with frilly cuffs and collar, tie, vest, leather jacket with skirt, sword and boots will have heads turning. Another favourite, from the same period, The Van Helsing($780L), also comes complete with top, vest, jacket with skirt, dagger and boots. For something a little more modern, styles like the Jaguar($800L) with it's sleek black goth look, and buckle detailing, complete with skirt, boots and belt are sure to satisfy.

If you're in a more futuristic mood, outfits like the Divine Assassin($690L), a tight fitting black suit, with pikes details, side cloak, and studded boots, or the Praedator($780L), with its fitted body armour, laced sleeves, leather jacket with skirt, heavy fur cloak and studded boots are ideal. Of course, I don't want to take anything away from the women's fashion, which is as equally fabulous. Some breathtaking outfits such as Salem($890L) which comes with everything you can imagine including pant, skirt(short/ripped/flexi options), bra/glove extensions, garters fishnets, fingernails, and even a tattoo! For those girls who like to keep it cute, but retain you're dark edge, the Descending Angel($820L) is perfect. A buttoned blazer with wrap around scarf, belt, stockings/socks, shoes and lace trimmed pleated flexi skirt, complete with beret and an evil teddy.

Although clothes are main seller, Avid carries other great products like weapons, skins(mostly vampire/goth related), and other accessories. If you make your way to the back of the shop you will see a gorgeous Purity's Ghost bridal gown($1,500L), which comes complete with lace underwear set, 2 pairs of platform boot, gloves, tattoo, lace flexi skirt and veil, ceremonial whip/dagger and is offered in both pure and bloodied versions. So if you're looking for that refined and classy goth style, make your way down to Avid and explore your inner vampire.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gothic%20Clothing/43/177/57

Cipher is definitely, in my opinion, a shop for the young, hip avi's... but then again, aren't all our avi's young and hip? Once inside Cipher if you head down the stairs you're greeted with wall to wall very sexy mini skirts, and when i say mini, i mean micro mini(there's a reason all styles come with a **please wear panties** warning)! Offering both flexi and non-flexi, with accessories or without, the styles are fresh, colourful and fun. The Loli-Girl Suspender($90L per colour), is a layered flexi skirt with lace trim and hanging suspenders and comes in a great selection of vibrant colours and patterns. Close to that is the Loli-Girl Hip Hanger/High Waist($90L for either style), a personal favourite of mine with its front laced detail and beautiful underlying lace trim.

If you're looking for something a little more simple, the classic School Girl($90L per colour), in its various plaid colours, is never a disappointment. On the Northern wall you'll find Cipher's new arrivals, showcased was the 'Prayer' Shrugs Jacket ($200L), a layered top with a bustier worn under a high, laced collared midriff jacket. It comes with sculpted sleeves and collar with three available sizes. Directly above the new arrivals on the second floor is a wonderfully designed jacket for both men and women. The 'Busta' Riders Jacket($200L per colour), is a nicely open style jacket with all over buckle and strap detailing. Also on display is the 'Tomboy' Leather Jacket($150L per colour), an short, open style jacket for women, with long sleeves, popped collar and lots of great detail. Cipher also offers a ton of great items like Lingerie sets, stocking, and plenty of accessories such as funky top hats, detailed belts, jewellery and more!

Of course, i saved the best for last. Ciphers selection of boots is the reason I discovered this great shop and is certainly their speciality, designs like Rayline and Luna($150L per style/colour), are a fabulous bootie with lace or buckle detailing. If you like belt and buckle detail, which i absolutely do, then the Strangle boots($250L per style/colour) with there wrapping belts(all the way up to the knee as a matter of fact) will blow you away. My personal favourite, so much i had to buy two colours, are the 'Insanity' Punk Rock boots($250L per colour). If you like buckles, then this is your boot. High quality detailing and excellent design is sure to make this item a favourite of yours too. I could literally talk Cipher boots all day but, to save us both a lot of time, simply make your way down to the shop and treat yourself in person, you won't be disappointed.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/MoonCat%20Izumo/118/165/26

Bijou, which is French for Jewel, is a gloriously large shop that's filled with beauty, elegance, and charm. Much like a beautiful jewel itself, and possibly the reason behind it's name. It's clear to see that Japanese owner Kotobuki Jewell(ah!), took a lot of care and effort to display her designs in an incredible aesthetically pleasing environment.

As I make my way to the new arrivals, as i usually do, the surroundings only serve to enhance the wonderful items on display. The first item that catches my eye is the extremely unique Vain suit($350L per colour - $1,050L for the pack), which can only be described as a thick tweed zip-up collared jacket with cinched waist an matching poofed shorts. Truly Japanese influenced. Beside the Vain, is the Hottie dress($310L per pattern - $620L for the pack), wildly patterned frilled mid-length(or short) dress with open buckled with optional pvc textured jacket. The next item I spot is the super sexy Gig($270L per colour - $945L for the pack), an ultra mini dress with draping details in the top and a gold disc wrap-around belt, which goes beautifully with its glittery texture.

As I make my way down the enormous stairwell, and under the huge white chandelier, to Bijou's main floor, and when i say huge, i mean huge. If SL had an echo, you'd hear one. The outfit combinations decorating Bijou's main floor are fun, wild, gorgeous and a little bit crazy, but all have that unique Bijou style. Plenty of wonderful layering in outfits like the Focus($260L per colour - $780L for the pack), a retro tight fitting stretch top with attached garters, short shorts, and colourful striped stockings. Or the Exceed($300L per colour - $1,050L for the pack), a doubled up spaghetti strap tank top with poofy pants that cinch at the calves. There is so much to see at Bijou you could literally get lost here. Jackets, furs, shorts, pants, dresses, bathing suits(one pieces too!), stockings, and even breathtakingly beautiful skins, everything created with a style so unique that every outfit at Bijou will make you feel like a precious jewel.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bijouaholic/156/138/58