Halloween 2008

I was asked to split up the Halloween post by week because a couple of people had difficulty opening the list of all 31 days with pictures. So I'll be starting a new listing post Monday and adding a brief picture post in between this and next weeks post. If you guys have any more request send them to me via note card in world or by comment here. ^.^


***************OCTOBER 5***************

Rapis has added another $1 item. You'll find the new addition of a little bear holding a pumpkin. $1- http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tohl777Y/215/44/22

Pukis Dreamdesign has 10 pumpkins hidden about the store. Tats, clothing, & piercings. $1/10 pumpkins - http://slurl.com/secondlife/paradise%20dream/198/93/22

Tom Boy has a free garden fairy up for grabs. $0 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/MIA/11/54/22

MIA island is having a skull hunt. There are also freebie areas (Free 4 U with original MIA island designs and a Freebies Inside store area from a variety of sources). Find 60 skulls $0 each - variety of items - http://slurl.com/secondlife/MIA/136/26/22

Honey*Soul new main store has a limited time dress available. $0 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Colors%20Island/190/222/21

Bare Rose has put out a special items themed for the season in their freebie section. You'll find a great unisex sweater & also a male pumpkin elf outfit. Other items of interest are wings & female vampire, goth, & drow skins among others. All items $0 or $1 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bare%20Rose/186/28/30

Mythec Darkside has one of those randomly dispensing items - this one is a ticket booth. You'll find the booth in the Halloween Market. Pay the booth $1 and you'll get a random outfit, jewelry or belt item. There are more prizes for girls, but the outfits for guys are extremely nice so might be worth a try if you're feeling lucky. Items are no transfer so you can't swap items with your girl or boi to get what you want - you must win the item yourself. $1/try - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sweet%20Paradise/181/184/31

Sweeter Than Candy has put on a horrific (inspired by horror films) haunted house on a private sim not at her store landmark. You may find 14 little skulls at the haunted house with prizes in them. $0 - ? - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Arrakis/137/126/1002

Pure Style has put out an orange and black mini-dress. $0 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aventi%20Island%20East/27/224/21

Ume Mode has a beautiful crown necklace adorned by an orange stone. $0 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tokyo%20Pig%20Sight/91/116/30

If tinies are your thing then you'll want to check out Tamahikari Tammas' shop where you'll find a small smiling pumpkin avatar now $0! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tokyo%20Pig%20Sight/91/122/24

Living Color DeSiGnS has hidden 33 pumpkins around their store. From the JaZ n Alex of LC Designs note card... "These pumpkins include our recent tattoo designs (that were just on sale last week last chance to get them before they are retired) , guys clothes , ladies clothes, and more... Each pumpkin has a free gift from our store and a fun freebe halloween item .. Jack O Lanterns are hidden all over the Sim and inside the Castle .. Good Luck Hunting" $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Highlands%20IX/224/121/39

Clover Mall is having another hunt! This time you'll find pumpkins in the following stores: Earth Jewel, Indigo Ink Tatoos, Made For You, Clover, Phista, Karisma, Layla's Closet, Hibiskus, Skins and Shapes, & O.C. Creations. Most pumpkins are $0 although I did spy a couple for $1 and there's a couple of items for guys! $0 & $1 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/KatachiEast/209/170/22

A couple from Free*Style group (You can be added by any group member. So if you have a friend who's a member and you want in - demand to be added.):

Designs by Nissa Rayna has put out a $1 twinkling ghost Halloween Tree. $1 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Spirit%20Witch/115/105/31

V&V Fine Designs has several free flashing Halloween signs for your decorating pleasure. $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Armaud/41/44/23



Previous day(s) below cut.....


***************OCTOBER 4***************

ONLY FOR THIS WEEKEND - there is a hunt celebrating the opening of the Magic of Oz sim. While you'll find two hunts going on - 1) with temporary red shoes that must be touched and 2) Green slippers that stay rezzed and must be bought (all with great prizes!). The guys will want to pay special attention to the green shoes and find the awesome Tin Man Avatar which will come in handy this time of year! $0 - 13 green; many red - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Magic%20of%20Oz/137/121/25

Peppermint Blue has a limited time outfit out for the girls that has a definite autumnal feel. $0- F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Odaiba%20Tokyo%20JAPAN/243/47/23

At Kakaue Kreations you'll find two pairs of slip on style tennis shoes for guys & girls. $0 - shoes -http://slurl.com/secondlife/Clothes/30/237/37

Primalot has added a wedding dress & pussycat complete avatar to their discount room, but if you haven't picked up the freebie witch (which could just as easily be a wizard or warlock outfit) you'll definetly want to stop by and check out this store. There are also two lucky chairs here. $0 (items go up to $50 in the discount area) - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blackmount/5/131/702

Cup of Crown has 2 outfits out each priced at $1. You'll find one for the girls & one for the guys here. $1 - outfits - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Pelinor/172/84/57

Bonita's Jewelry has $1 bat earrings & a $10 bat necklace up for grabs. $1 & $10 jewelry items - F- http://slurl.com/secondlife/Malra/2/2/2

Knucklehead's is running several $10 sales on decoration & poofers, but you'll not want to miss the haunted house which upon completion you'll be able to purchase a $0 giftbox & several $1 greetings. There's also an area in this mall called The Other Side which has fantasy outfits available for $0 for both male & female avatars. $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dingo/108/22/55

Paris'Dreams is having a pumpkin hunt. There are 10 pumpkins priced at $1 each. If you buy all 10 you'll have a completed neko witch outfit. You can see a picture of the outfit and details in store. $1/10 pumpkins - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Terra%20Bordeaux/147/148/24

Kiss This has put up their monthly freebie. This month you'll find a cute pair of pumpkin slippers! Also if you look around the store you will find some other halloween goodies either free or very cheap. Some just require to be touched to be bought others you will have to right click. Thanks Sephy and Mir for offering to share!!! $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sweet%20Island/148/196/742

TorTec and Mixed Nuts have a witch hat hunt going on. "They all contain items specially made for Halloween, Except for one which is just an old classic and all around favorite of mine and perfect for holiday." - from note card 6 hats $1 each - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Djorven/147/218/3294

Famish has put out a halloween belt. $1 - belt - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ganesha/247/87/21

Fairy's Grove Creations has put out a free male and female elf avatar - these are complete avatars - shape, hair, skin, & clothing. $0 - m & f elf - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aurora/207/141/34

***************OCTOBER 3***************

*MIU* sweet GIRL clothing has a Halloween dress with leggings. $0 -F- http://slurl.com/secondlife/ISHIGAKI%20Kabirabay/31/163/655

G Fields has placed out a [FREE] *GF* Pumpkin Hat; cute knit hat. $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sokri/211/100/71

At [FAN3] you can find a ghost avatar for humans or tinies. Completely cute and completely free. http://slurl.com/secondlife/TokyoMainLand/51/77/22

There is an Autumn Leaf scavenger hunt taking place at Midnyte Whispers. You'll find very sexy goth wear for the girls, furniture, piercings & decorations. 42 Leaves $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Haven%20Island/131/58/22

***DaneMarkZ - Scandinavian design is having a pumpkin hunt you can find 10 tiny pumpkins hidden around the store area. Two of the pumpkins have Halloween themed dresses in them. $0 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zvjaginsev/181/181/51

Battle Fairy is having a harvest hunt ending 5 October @ 9 pm - look for 24 fruits ("ALL GIFTS ARE HIDDEN IN AND AROUND THE STORE AND NONE ARE HIGHER THAN 200 METERS." - from the information notecard) - more details at the storefront. Guys will find clothing items here! $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fussingen/168/129/39

Floating Comet Mall is having another hunt - this one is a Halloween Grave Robbing Hunt. Oct 1 - Oct 31 you can find a bit of information here, but there should be more information added! So everyone get out your shovels and click on those graves! $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saimaa/108/47/22

***************OCTOBER 2***************

If you haven't gotten the brooms from Little Heaven's dumpster you'll want to swing by and grab them. They contain super cool poses and if you take a look around you can find several lucky chairs dispensing a variety of hairs, costumes, t-shirts, and special edition brooms. $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/LITTLE%20HEAVEN/110/103/23

Octoberpalooza is in full swing at LVS & Co. You'll find a deadly lucky chair and several gag costumes for the guys and girls in little boxes in the graveyard. $1 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cassiopeia%20Isle/185/30/22

Sexy Catz is having a skull hunt with a whopping 111 skulls hidden around the sim! In the brief time I checked this hunt out I found: tattoos, clothing for women, skins for women, landscaping, & accessories. $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Quality%20Lag/128/185/24

Hangions Shopping Centre has 10 small pumpkins hidden around the shopping center. *adult content at this area* Clothing & halloween decorations - $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sumedho/161/36/52

Ramo's Halloween Mall & Haunted House has falling pumpkins which you can harvest (touch) to receive $1 - you may also find several $1 Halloween themed carousels in the freebie area. *adult content at this area* $1 (7) carousels- http://slurl.com/secondlife/Skutter/162/143/80

*Haven Designs * *Sanctum Hair* has a themed silk in the female lucky chair at their store. Lucky Chair - m & f - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sanctum/138/118/22

Newly facelifted - Discord has a pumpkin hunt and a couple of pumpkin goodies! 12 hunt items; m & f outfit + 2 gifts - $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Discord/142/140/17

Crave Designs has 15 pumpkins hidden with prizes that change each week. 15- F - change weekly - $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Global%20City/194/247/22

Prim & Pixel Paradise has put out a female skin and spooky silk set. You'll need to teleport to the Creepy Hollow area to find these goodies. $0 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Celaeno/79/81/27

Lemania Indigo Designs has put out a $1 Jester outfit for the girls & October 11th - November 1st she will be hosting a trick or treat bag hunt including 30 outfits priced at $1 each along with a special $100 sale - previews will be on her blog. $1 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/S%20Crystal%20Springs/17/30/22





***************OCTOBER 1***************

Apple Pop has a witches/wizards hat out in two different colors. $0 -http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tohl777E/204/32/22/

Pumpkin Hunt @ Angelico B Mall - shoes, shapes, furniture, costumes, & more. Pumpkins priced between $0-$1 each. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rumpus/45/120/72

Grim Bros. has a pumpkin filled with decorations & a skirt for the girls. You'll also spy a witches outfit complete with skin @ 152/27/22. $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Clematis%20Island/169/40/22

Chardonay has placed a (female) witches skin out for $1 it's a little abused, but definitely fun. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chardonnay/136/149/22

Fluky has out a pair of $1 candy corn shoes, ton of $1 poofers, & also a bloody malice (I want!) outfit in her lucky fortune teller chair.

++RN++ Happy Halloween dress available for $1. F- http://slurl.com/secondlife/TokyoMainLand/184/74/22

"Charmaine's* - 1 fall themed dress along with other non-fall/non-Halloween themed items 9 items total $1 each for girls- $1- F- http://slurl.com/secondlife/Electra/188/17/66

**Sizimi-YA** Main Shop - has a LUCKY BOARD with a dress in it for the girls. The board changes every 2 minutes. There's also another board next to the dress with shoes that would coordinate with the dress. Good luck. F- http://slurl.com/secondlife/NEOJAPAN%20TOKYO/82/186/24

Up for grabs is a pumpkin head hat at Club Voice. $1 - hat - http://slurl.com/secondlife/RYUGU/58/139/21

If you have 20 minutes to camp check out Pink Clover's main store where you can camp for a black cat scooter. http://slurl.com/secondlife/NEOJAPAN%20TOKYO/8/116/22

Grendel's Children has a $5 great pumpkin (secondlife://Avaria%20Tor/219/108/310), a large freebie section of avatars, & also you'll find spatterings of freebies mixed in with many of their other avatars! This is one of the stores that you *must* take a look at. freebie section slurl - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Avaria%20Tor/227/108/301

Cyber Rapunzel has a new skin with blood spatters for the girl in their lucky board. 20 min - F- http://slurl.com/secondlife/TOCHIGI%20JAPAN/29/116/2001

Sen2 has a cute outfit for girls. $1 - F -ttp://slurl.com/secondlife/SeLaVi%20Japan%20Tokyo/39/86/21

You have a month to find the hair hidden inside Junewave. $0 - F - hair - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nanba/198/51/26

Next door at LoveSoul you'll find a set of halloween prim nails in the Lucky Chair. F - nails - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nanba/222/66/26

Marionette strings are available at Beloved. $1 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nishijima/105/228/57

Bingo has put out a cute little orange and black dress. $1 - F- http://slurl.com/secondlife/fusion%20island/55/215/22

You may find a complete outfit: dress, sculpty boots, & sculpty hat at JE Republic for $10. $10 - F- http://slurl.com/secondlife/Screamin%20Eagle%20Bay/83/26/23

MnM Design store has a couple of goodies. You'll find a pumpkin costume (unisex @ secondlife://Okinawa/4/228/236) on top of the scaffolding, but you may also pick up a cute plate of mini pumpkins by the landing point. $0 - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Okinawa/7/245/231

Just a reminder that Crushed Velvet has a number of freebie costumes along with 2 lucky chairs in stores. $0 - m/f - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Daggertooth/166/85/24

Sinergy has two items for the girls, but you'll either have to have 15 minutes to spare to camp for a dress or be lucky enough to win the novelty skin. $0 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Liberty%20Central%20N/222/91/51

One of the three lucky chairs at She's So Unusual is dispensing a novelty pair of heels for the girls. $0 - F - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Unusual%20Isle/71/53/29

~ Updates will appear in ascending order with the following day being placed behind the cut. Thanks for the tips!!!! Please keep in mind I don't blog group gifts unless contacted by the store/group owner wishing them to be shared. Keep the note cards coming!~

Sin and More

Leila and Huxly dropped a dress for me to share with you guys! You'll find the desperate housewives dress right next to the super sexy new release dress at Sin & Secrets main store for $1. ($1; F; Dress; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nemnem/155/210/30)



The skin is Splendor by Nora Skin. ($0; F; Skin; http://slurl.com/secondlife/TwentyOne/185/81/38/)

The eyes were a gift I was able to obtain because of adding Skin Within to my profile picks. ($0; eyes; pick gift; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Skin%20Within/131/94/28)

The shoes are a pair that a friend spied on another blog, so you too may have seen it before. Not sure which blog because the friend had to log before telling me. You can find them at =^.^"= The HFD Main Store in the freebie section if you don't already own them. ($0; F; Lolli shoes; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Siringo/185/79/601)

The art deco jewelry used in all the photos is from DECO jewelry and can be found upstairs in the Rotten Inc. store in a tray. ($0; F; Jewelry; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sirtony/127/242/672)

More after the cut.......


The hair used in the above photo is a new addition to Savoir Hair from LaynieWear. ($1; F; hair; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Granymyr/186/143/28)

Wine weekend took a toll on me and I forgot to take pics of the Ambergris gifts from the Glamour Expo....



There's also an outfit for the guys in the Ambergris bag. So bring your man along. I've shown the dresses & shoes with hair from Here Comes Trouble (HCT) and is found on the freebie wall of the women's hair shop. ($1/style; m/f; hair; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Troubled%20City/224/195/24)

The skin & eyes used in the above and below photos are the freebies from SINdecade. The eyes from this store are super cool and come with prim glowy parts! ($0; F/unisex; f-skin/eyes; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jeaden/232/40/696)



The dress above is from Pink Clover. You'll find this dress upstairs, but you'll spy 3 lucky boards downstairs as well as a ton outside and in adjoining shops. There also 3 camp spots in this store. ($0; F; dress; http://slurl.com/secondlife/NEOJAPAN%20TOKYO/5/96/32)

The hair is a unisex style (tame) is available from Wilted Rose. ($0; Unisex; hair; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bloom%20County/94/69/23)

1 Part Gin; 2 Parts Glam

If you haven't checked out the Glamour Expo - Where have you been? Yes, most of the booths are for women, but I did spy a couple of great booths for guys only! Needless to say I took a break from my Wine Weekend and snapped some snazzy pics =P of Glam girl on the loose...... (F; $1-0/dress; http://slurl.com/secondlife/VANITY%20UNIVERSE/135/120/601)



You'll notice the two skins (on either side) are low lag, but high on Glam! These are a must for any Glam girl who wants to visit expos or hunts. You'll find all of the above at Lemania Indigo's booth.

Much more after the cut.......




Not all offerings are gowns, Sparkle Skye Designs offered the above outfit and also the pink hair used in all photos.



The above dress from VictoriaV is sure to make any glamourpuss happy.



The skin used with the outfits is the $1 skin available from Beauty Avatar. The dress with two skirt options is from Abia Capalini. ($1; F; Skin; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Miami%20Island/127/250/22)

You can even find a couple of outfits to slip into after you're through with the expo.....



All poses are from Juicy with the exception of the dance used in the Sparkle Sky photo. While not free I love these poses.

Not all free or $1 outfits were photographed, you may find *more* outfits than photographed here. There are dresses from Sascha's Designs (London Calling), Bliss Couture, and also Freda's Fine Fashions that have been previously blogged.



There are tons of outfits for $1, but you'll also find a couple of vendors have additional sales. So head over to the Glamour Expo! But, I'm pooped......

Paris S/S 09: Nina Ricci

When I was a kid, I'd somehow got the impression that Nina Ricci was for old people (yes, I got started into fashion very early). I am definitely much wiser now (either that or Olivier Theysken performed a miracle), because the Nina Ricci collection this season was anything but old.
There were lots of tulles and leggings. The color palette was a nuetral cream, pale and nude. The shape of the skirts, short and modern in the front, but soft and overflowing behind them, were beautiful. There was also a big shoulder silohoeutte thing going on that contrasted well with the soft flows of the dresses. I especially loved the white big shoulder leather jacket (left) over the super feminine dress.
The rest of the runway was interesting. There were lots of shorts and t-shirts, and leotard looking outfits (left), that looked more like day to day home wear (or ballet costumes) than ready-to-wear. Then there were super heroe inspired ball gowns. Perhaps this is an extension of Christina Ricci's gorgeous red super heroe dress for the Met Costume Institute Gala this year?

Image Source: Style.com

Free Woman & Slave Silks

Merchant Tarl - Gorean Apparel & Weapons has a vendor with 29 available outfits priced at $1 each. You'll find several silks for men (2) and several free woman's dresses (9) along with many, many, silks for females. You may also find two gift boxes of female Christmas themed silks for free ($0) next to the lucky chair dispensing female (lingerie?) items. The letter changes every 20 minutes on the chair. (29- $1 & 2 -$0; M- silks; F-silks & dresses; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dagger/147/198/98)



Hair is from House of Heart Designs which is having one of those super secret sales right now. (The style is in no way indictive of what may be on sale.) This is the same type of hunt that Bewitched Hair often has. You'll have to scroll over the regular (not double or fat packs) of hair vendors and if you're lucky you may find one of the ones that is marked $1 instead of $195! ($1; M/F; *limited time* hair sale; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tropical%20Escape/126/67/24)

Skin is from Rosy Mood and is available for $1. This (RM* skin SAYAKA chic red) is a new addition to the $1 deal corner or Rosy Mood. ($1; F; skin; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alleni/137/249/39)

One of the more modest silks ^.6:



*The end*

Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 9/28

Since I enjoyed writing the last post so much, I've decided to continue to do so. It has proven to be a great way to help me put everything into perspective and it's been fascinating reading what everyone else thinks as well. Again, feel free to correct me and put in your two cents, as obviously, I am no expert. I'm just a girl who happens to be interested in the current state of the economy.

Last Sunday night, Goldman Sachs (GS) and Morgan Stanley (MS) were approved by the Fed to become bank holding firms, officially ending the era of the independent investment banking model on Wall Street. They will now be able to open their own commercial banking arms and take in deposits, which they can then use to back up their investment banking operations- as JP Morgan, Bank of America (BofA) etc already does- thus ending investor concerns about the sustainability of their business model model. They now also have permanent access to borrow federal money (instead of within the window temporarily opened for them) and can become a FDIC insured bank, which insures indivisuals up to $100,000 of bank deposits. The following day, MS announced that they were getting as much as $8.5 billion of cash injection from Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) in exchange for up to 20% equity stake in MS, further fortifying their position. I guess the deal with China fell through (or were the Chinese getting too greedy and the US govt didn't like that?). This is probably a better move anyway, since MUFG is the world's No. 2 bank by deposits, so surely it will help MS's transition into commercial banking go more smoothly. MS apparently already has about $36 billion in bank deposits from their private wealth management (PWM) business and are looking to expand into Asia. Or so, that's what CNBC said, but I didn't know PWM deposits count as bank deposits, but if they do, I guess this means that MS are looking to expand their PWM business in Asia. Or perhaps this $36 billion comes from their Utah-base industrial bank, which will be converting into a national banking association, names the Morgan Stanley Bank, National Association? Goldman Sachs' approach is must easier to understand (or so I think). They currently already have two deposit taking subsidiaries, with about $20 billion in deposits, and plan to create a new one called GS Bank USA, that will have more than $150 billion of assets.

This conversion is not all good and dandy though. Becoming a bank holding also puts both banks under more intense scrutiny and regulations from the Fed, which will probably limit their proprietary trading capacities (the division where they trade company assets like a hedge fund, taking on great risks), which happens to be one of their most lucrative divisions. I don't know about MS but personally I'm feeling quite optimistic about GS. On Tuesday, Warren Buffet invested $5 billion in GS preferred stocks and will also recieved warrants to purchase another $5 billion in common stock within the next 5 years- effectively give him about a 10% stake in GS. They also raised another $5 billion from a public stock offering, all within a few days. This and Buffet's approval, which in the investment world is the equivalent of getting Anna Wintour's approval in the fashion world, make me quite optimistic. Besides, I have always had great confidence in the power of brand image, Buffet just likes to call it "franchise."

On Thursday, Washington Mutual (WaMu), was seized by the FDIC, making it the biggest banking failure ever. Within 9 days, customers withdrew about $16.7 million in deposits from WaMu, literally breaking the bank. JP Morgan picked up WaMu's banking assets for only $1.9 billion. JP has had its eye on WaMu's operations in CA and FL for a while, and had offered for them in March, but was rejected in favor of a capital injection from TPG private equity (whoops!). It seems like JP got yet another bargain. JP is not the only one who got a sweet deal in all this however. It appears that Mr. Alan Fishman, WaMu's CEO for only 2 weeks, is eligible for $11.6 million in cash severance AND get's to keep his $7.5 million signing bonus. Not bad for two weeks worth of work.

It seems that the financial tsunami is expanding abroad too. Fortis, the largest Belgian financial-services firm, just received an $11.2 billion euro bailout from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg in exchange for 49% stakes in the Fortis in their respective countries. It's almost like the European version of AIG.

The next bank on the chopping block is Wachovia- funny since a week ago they were in talks to merge with MS. Citigroup and Wells Fargo are currently in a bidding war over a possible emergency takeover of Wachovia, since it's stocks dropped dramatically on Friday.

While all this was going on, politicians were hard at "work" trying to get the $700 billion bailout bill to pass Congress. I'm not that into politics, but even I tuned in Wednesday morning to hear Paulson and Bernanke defend their case to the people at Congress. I'm not sure how politics usually go, but to my untrained ears, it sounded like a verbal merry-go-around, placing blames and trying to trick each other into saying something wrong. A members ask a simple yes/no question, Paulson/Bernanke would answer in a very roundabout way which prompts the member to ask, "so was that a yes or a no?" to which they'd repeat what they'd just said again. This would go on until the time is up or someone finally gives up from the frustration of it all. No wonder it takes them months to get a bill to past. I'd imagined it to be more diplomatic and sophisticated. Anyway, I think the gist was that people didn't think taxpayers should have to bailout Wall Street (and individual homeowners) for taking too on stupid risks. But they had to do something. So they moved onto putting clauses on the plan, for oversight to monitor the use of the money, a cap on CEO pays and for warrants in companies who will be using this plan, so taxpayers would at least get something back for the $700 billion they spent. There was a gliche, when a bunch of Republicans rejected the plan and proposed some other plan to privately insure mortgage backed securities (there was shouting involved!), but it sounds like they're back on track now and a bill will be voted on Monday.

Personally I don't know what to think about this bill. On one hand, I don't think tax payers should have to bail out people who took on unnecessary stupid risks and expect everyone else to wipe up their mess when things go down just because the mess is big enough. As if our future generations didn't already have a big enough debt to clear up already, with the war and the social security problem etc. but now we have this. On the other hand, just like a bad trend, someone has to step in and put a stop to it before it spreads through the population. With the newly added clauses, it's the next best step there is. By taking the distressed debts out of "weak" hands and into "strong" hands, they might even make money in the future when the housing prices go back up! Besides, if the likes of Paulson, Bernanke and Buffet, says this is a sound plan, who am I to gainsay the experts?

For the Gents

DeFleur's has had a new release for the gents & they have marked down several (8) older designs to $0. So if you're feeling dapper head over to Defleur Fashions. ($0; M; Outfits; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Defleur/148/195/25)



Skin: ::Zullay Designs:: $0 http://slurl.com/secondlife/Archipelago%20Wild/62/101/25

Hair: ! Frangipani Designs - Jasmine $0 http://slurl.com/secondlife/Frangipani/85/101/37

Shoes: Maitreya $0 http://slurl.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/179/216/23



*The end*

Claudine Pumps by Coach

My first reaction upon seeing this season's peep-toe winter booties was EW. That is just unnatural, completely against the laws and purpose of boots! Your toes will definitely freeze off if you wear this in winter! And so when I first saw these Coach Claudine pumps, I immediately put a no to it. Why would they ruin a perfectly nice pair of pumps and put a random peep-toe on it? I wasn't even swayed when I saw my favourite Gossip Girl, B, wearing them on the set. To be honest, this is not one of her best outfits. To begin with it doesn't look very flattering on her. Her waist looks big (even though it's belted) and the length of her skirt makes her look short (or is it this picture?). Her top looks summery while her scarf and skirt looks wintery. The shoes is just the child of both these looks.

But then I stared at the picture of these pumps some more and it really started to grow on me. The masculine Oxford style is made softened by the satin bow and the slim and elegant shape of the heel. The mini platform in the front makes these four inch pumps more comfortable and wearable (or so I hope!). The combination of suede, satin and patent leather is very clever. The patent is even neatly placed to wrap around the suede parts to protect it from dirt! The whole package is just very nice!

As for the peep toe, I guess in the world of fashion, there is no such thing as being weather appropriate. I can always wear colored stockings inside for warmth and some interesting color. And if you try to imagine these pumps without the peep toes, you must admit, it IS missing out something. Besides, it looks like peep-toe oxford booties are here to stay, judging from the S/S 09 Burberry Prorsum runway.

When it comes down to it, these are definitely trend shoes and not "investment" shoes. Personally, even though I'm coming around to it, I'm still not sure if they're not too weird for wear. What do you think? Is this an embraceable trend or should we shun it aside and hope it goes away?

Image Source: Coach.com

Halloween Already?

I'll start the the Halloween 2008 list in October, but if you just *can't wait* Strawberry Milk has put out this cute unisex wizard outfit (guys may want to ditch the shoes ^.6). You'll also find a super cute message cat that is a limited time freebie. ($0; unisex; message cat & outfit; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nipponbashi/162/244/26)



Skin & Eyes: from Skin City can hunt $1/can http://slurl.com/secondlife/Skin%20City/97/106/586

Hair: from Exile Freebie Hair wall $0 http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ivy%20Falls/156/111/27

*The end*

ORAGE Creations *OC*

There's a cute dress @ ORAGE Creations in one of the gift bags on the table. You can also find a dress on special for $20... not sure how long! ($0; F; dress; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Prim%20By%20Prim/192/98/25)



Hair: from Bewitched Hair - secret sale $1 http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tropical%20Escape/126/67/24

Shoes: Lya Shoes - $0 http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eventide%20Far%20East/76/185/48

Skin: La Sylphide - $0, lucky chair, 20 min - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Imogen/28/177/23

Hat & Backpack: The Heart Pack and Top Hat Freebies are found at the Carnival of Doom next to the store and they will be there until October 1st! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Carnival%20of%20Doom/182/69/25 (Ty - Vampires for passing this to me to share!)

*The end*

Knucklehead's Tattoos & More & The Other Side

I've been wanting to write about Knucklehead's for a while because they often have hunts. Inside the main Knucklehead building you can find five lucky chairs dispensing a variety of poofers and small ornamental objects with waits between 3 minutes to 15 minutes you're sure to get lucky. You can also find a prize pyramid in the main shop. The Knucklehead's Tattoo shop houses two lucky chairs with short waits (10 minutes or under) and if you join the Knucklead's Tattoos group you'll enjoy special pricing on tats! ($0; M/F; Hunt, camp chairs, lucky chairs; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dingo/117/21/55)



And there's also a special scavengar hunt (with at least 10 coins to be found and more to be added $0-1) going on now until some time at the end of the month when it will be time to start halloween festivities with a new hunt.


(Shirts, Tats, & Accessories may be found at the Knucklehead's sponsored Pirate Scavenger hunt, Hair is from the Exile hair hunt going on until October 5, and all skins used are from the Skin City (I-C skin) can hunt $1 each - eyes in this photo are also from the Skin City Hunt lasting until October 8)

Tons more pics & info after the cut......


In the courtyard there are 6 camping chairs with camp times from 60 minutes up to 180 minutes dispensing tattoos, poofers, and special occasion items. You'll definetly want to take a look around this area, you'll find a variety of cute items including some killer tattoos and if you're lucky you may also pick up a free gift card just by standing around.



You'll also find a special freebie ninche at Knucklehead mall. Nestled in between all the stores you'll find The Other Side a special completely free ($0) area catering to those with a passion for fantasy. You'll find homes, artwork, outfits (even a merman!), and accessories. ($0; M/F; Fantasy clothing & accessories; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dingo/91/37/55)


(Dress from The Other Side; Shoes from Sin (Lya) Shoes $0; Hair is from the Exile hair hunt going on until October 5 $0, and all skins used are from the Skin City (I-C skin) can hunt $1 each - eyes in this photo are also from the Skin City Hunt lasting until October 8)

Although the mermaid outfits do not include AO's they do include a notecard with helpful information recommending where to obtain a mermaid/merman AO for free.


(The Hair shown with this outfit is a new release from House of Heart Designs and is one of the free samples. $0)

In case you don't know Bewitched Hair is having another rounds of super secret sales ... I hear there are several packs of hair normally $99-195 going for $1, but you'll have to scroll over items to spot which are now $1! ($1; M/F; hair (secret sale special); http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lemon%20Island/128/167/28)


(Hair from the super secret Bewitched Hair Sale; Skin: Skin City Hunt; Eyes & Outfit from The Other Side)

Don't forget to check out Knucklehead's & The Other Side!


(Skin & Eyes from Skin City Hunt & Outfit, Shoes, & Hair mod: from The Other Side)

Milan S/S 09: Burberry Prorsum

I love Christopher Bailey. He revamped the Burberry checks and made them cool again and he's just looks like such a cutie! But even that didn't stop me from being disappointed in his latest collection. It was a depressing show.
The models with their long trench coats and floppy hats almost look like those creepy nudists on the streets. The dreary colors didn't help (I thought it was supposed to be a spring/summer collection?). I could see some bits and pieces of the effortlessly chic look here and there, with the long cardigans and skinny pants (left), but the rest kind of just blended together into a muddy haze. The designs were not bad, but it was just not very interesting or inspiring. It was like there were 52 versions of the same look. Oh wait, that's not quite true. One model stuck out in particular- in addition to being drenched upon, she looked like she took an extra role in the mud.... and accidentally got dead leaves and branches stuck on her coat (right).
Oh and check out the shoes. It appears that not only do we now have peep-toe oxford shoes, but we will have peep-toe-sling-back oxford shoes very soon too! More on how I feel about these later.......As for the color of these shoes, it is absolutely ugh, but I suppose then you wouldn't have to worry about getting it dirty from rolling in the mud!

Image Source: Style.com

Emmy Awards 2008

OK, honestly I wasn't interested in the Emmy's this year (because there is simply so many more interesting news right now, like the financial news and the China milk scandal.) But the one thing that I did want to know about the Emmy's was that Tina Fey, Alec Baldman and 30 Rock won four 'big' awards -so yay for them!

Image Credit: http://www.style.com/

Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 9/22

It’s not about fashion, but the state of the economy is still something that concerns everyone and I just thought it would be interesting to have something a little bit different on this blog once in a while. I’m sure I’m not qualified to comment since I probably don’t have nor understand all the facts of the situation, but it never hurts to share some thoughts right? So here are some thoughts on the last tumultuous week.

Personally I was shocked by the events of last Sunday. I knew that Lehman Brothers was in troubled waters, but I thought it was only going to be bought out like Bear Stearns was, by Bank of America or Barclays. Never in a million years did I think that it would go bankrupt (perhaps a strategy by Barclays so then they can buy the Lehman assets they want on the cheap, as they are doing now?). Instead of bailing Lehman out, BofA bought Merrill Lynch instead that night. At that point, I was vaguely aware that ML was not doing so well, but I didn’t know it had reached this stage yet. Apparently a sudden “evaporation of liquidity” (whatever that means), does that to banks. Who knew BofA was so strong? As I recall, they were the first to be hit by the Credit Crunch last year, with their takeover of Countrywide (another Fannie/Freddie-esque home loan bank) and huge write downs and lay-offs. As it turns out, Countrywide might be a good buy after all now that the competition has been weeded out somewhat and BofA is as strong as ever with the financial backing of their commercial banking side. With ML joining their team, their investment banking side is also going to strengthen up- by a lot. All in all, it was quite a traumatizing Sunday. It was like saying that Gucci went bankrupt and Prada got bought out and merged with Coach- all in one day.

Everything went down like dominos after that. The stock markets worldwide went down. AIG and Washington Mutual struggled to stay afloat. It was a good thing that the government stepped in with an 85 billion dollar loan in exchange for 79.9% of AIG, when they did (after Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan balked at the idea). With their wide range of businesses (mutual funds, insurances etc) worldwide, it would’ve been devastating. It would be as if LVMH declared they were in trouble! I’m not sure how I feel about the government using tax payer’s money to save a private institution, but I guess somehow had to do it. Can’t let LVMH fall! As for Washington Mutual (a.k.a. WaMu), I don’t feel too much for them, since they’re not exactly a household name (for me anyway, a bit like not everyone knows who Bottega Veneta is), but they’re currently trying to auction off some parts of itself.

The two remaining independent investment banks, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, were also under attack against their business model this week, even though both posted higher than expected earnings (yes, I mean profits!). It appears that many people now believe that an investment bank cannot survive without a steady cash flow from a commercial banking arm. Throughout the week, both banks said that they were committed to remaining independent, repeating that it is not the business model but the execution that counts. However, Morgan Stanley has been under pressure the most. It is as if because people believe it will fall, they are making it fall by shorting their stock, pushing down their stock prices (and thus the SEC ban on the short selling of selected stocks for two weeks). They are currently in talks with the Chinese government for a large capital infusion (they are going to need a BIG one) and with Wachovia to merge. I think a merger between these two would more aptly epitomize, “Target acquiring Neiman Marcus,” as Leveraged Sellout had used for the BofA and ML merger.

On the other hand, I am a sucker for brand image and I cannot begin to fathom the possibility of GS giving into market pressure and merging with a commercial bank. It’s not as if they are doing very badly. They’ve consistently reported profits throughout the economic turmoil so far- even if it IS less so then years before. At least it’s not a loss! I’m sure that there may be write downs cleverly hidden in their balance sheet (for both banks!), but it cannot be nearly as bad as Lehman and ML right? Yes, I do realize I am beginning to sound a bit naive, but it would be like Hermes giving into market pressure and start mass producing Birkin bags with machines! Besides, shouldn’t it be innocent until proven guilty?

Towards the end of the week, the SEC finally stepped in to temporarily ban the short selling of selected stocks for two weeks (to stop the prices from tumbling down) and the government came up with a plan to deal with this whole toxic debt problem. I’m not sure exactly how this plan is supposed to work but it sounds like they’re going to use $700 billion to buy back all the toxic debts and give financial institutions a fresh start. Sounds like a good idea, they can't bail companies out one at a time as they fall after all, better to target the root of the problem. Not that I know where the government is getting that kind of money from (aren’t they already in debt from the war?) and what they’re going to DO with those bad debt once they buy it. Surely they cannot just dissolve it and let everyone who did not meet their mortgage payments off the hook? Why were people lending money to people who clearly cannot repay the loan to begin with?

Ok, now I’m heading into territory where I really do not have a good grasp on. So I’m going to shut up now and go back to admiring the runways of Milan fashion week. Just thought I’d give financial journalism/blogging a hand.

****
Scratch that. It seems that Target is not acquiring Neiman Marcus anymore but Hermes is going to start mass producing Birkin bags- in their own way. MS and GS both just got approval from the Fed to switch from being an investment bank to a bank-holding firm i.e. they are now allowed to open up their own commercial banks and take in deposits. MS will probably not need the Chinese capital infusion anymore either. There are now officially no more major independent investment banks in the US. What is it with Sundays and groundbreaking news?

Gone til Tuesday

Gone until at least Monday or Tuesday. Bunch of family stuff and rl - blah! Haven't been able to find wireless until now. Have a post waiting for you when I get back.

Top Shop A/W08 Lookbook

Top Shop's A/W08 Lookbook is out! While you may not be able to actually shop at Top Shop, you should definitely check the looks out. They're really great streetwear inspiration (albeit a bit too well-styled). The Wonderland collection is a bit too Miu Miu SS08-esque and the Punk Couture collection looks like they just piled all the plaid clothes into a group, but the Bandstand and Boudoir collections are definitely worth looking.

My favourite is the Boudoir collection -Casual, luxurious looks in a cute way.

These two looks are equally cute in a darker, edgier way.

Image Credit: www.topshop.com

London S/S 09: Luella

I'm the first to admit, London fashion week is too fashion forward most of the time for me to understand. Luella is the exception. Mostly because she is quirky in a preppy way, which I can appreciate. Her runway gives me ideas on how I can twist and tweak the preppy pieces I already own to become more quirky and "new". This season, she doesn't disappoint.
I absolutely detest orange. But somehow Luella makes it work by clashing it with hot pink and a vibrant blue on the runway. The outfits actually look cute and girly, instead of pumpkin-esque! Hmm...maybe I'll get something orange next season. I already have a pair of black plastic rimmed glasses!

The other innovation on the runway was the asymmetrical tiered skirt. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that yet, I've always been a fan of symmetry. But it is definitely quirky and different, it could even be cute and fun (there is an even more asymmetrical skirt than the one shown here on the runway- this is the less adventurous version). And of course, there was the usual Luella floral prints all over the runway- I love how she somehow makes it appear edgy instead of old fashioned.
Another thing I love about the Luella show is how she mix and matches prints. That soft pink floral top totally works with the bold pink stripe pants! And that lavender floral dress is just adorable. In fact, the poofy skirt and the tulles even gives it a prom-like quality (not that you would not look completely darling and perfect wearing this to a more sophisticated occasion!). Anyone need an updated prom dress?

Image Source: Style.com

Short & Cute

Kristy from DYN contacted me wanting to share her freebie outfit:
($0; F; dress; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cymru/200/213/27)



You may also find a lucky chair and also a free scarf for free. The pose used with the above picture is from TorridWear and are not free.

More after the cut...

Other items used in all pictures-
Hair- Amorepacific camp hair ($0- 5 to 20 min. camp; F; hair; http://slurl.com/secondlife/AMOREPACIFIC%204/82/130/66)
Eyes- Ebi Skin ($0; unisex; Eyes; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Moonlight%20Requiem/135/169/29)
Lashes - Domestic -V Glam Bam Thank U mam Prim Lashes *for those comfortable with editing prims* ($10; F; Lashes; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sterling%20Heights/85/170/22)
Skin- Splendor by Nora Skin ($0; F; Skin; http://slurl.com/secondlife/TwentyOne/185/81/38/)
Shoes- Lya Shoes formerly Sin ($0-Lucky Chair 20 min. flip; F; Michelle Heels; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Boudoir%20Isle/169/26/23)
Poses for the remaining photos are by LAP.

I've had the following outfit in my inventory a while. If you've missed the Diva outfit from Oops now is your time to grab it at only $1. At the time of purchase the bracelet was included; however it seems to be absent from the box at the time of writing. ($1; F; Short outfit; http://slurl.com/secondlife/House%20Music%20Island/124/103/27)



The following dress from **Rapis** is available at the Ys@Mall freebie area for $1. ($1; F; dress; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wyrlsong/121/47/69)



The insert shows the skirt from the **Rapis**aka-usagi outfit paired with the Rose Garden tunic available at [mixx] for free. ($0; F; shirt; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Honmoku%20Hills/117/208/23)

**Rapis** Main store has moved and you can find other $1 items, dresses, and lucky boards there.

Help Island Public 2

If you've been out of the loop there's a new Help Island Public on the Block. Help Island Public2 which at the moment doesn't seem to be included in the Library landmarks folder. So if you'd like to visit help island public in a less laggy & less populated environment you may want to check out Help Island Public2. You'll find the same tutorials, free store, textures, sandbox, and other amentities available at other Help Islands here too.



According to the following article: "sandboxes are open to the public". Just like in a school yard sandboxes are prone to a bit of bullying & griefing. If you are being harassed in the sandbox and you are complying with the rules (no nudity, no weapons, following the tos & community standards) then you should proceed by filing an abuse report (harassment). You might try im-ing the person before filing an Abuse Report (AR), but if this will cause further grief file an AR. This article takes you through the steps on how to file an abuse report. Unfortunately if the abuse is taking place over voice it is un-recordable/not includable in an AR at the moment. To combat voice abuse simply go to edit on the top menu> prefrences (last choice in edit menu)> voice chat tab (8th tab)> and uncheck the enable voice chat box. This will disable chat. (*If someone knows how to include voice recording in an abuse report PLEASE COMMENT*.)


(Help Island Public2 sandbox - This sandbox was nearly empty. So if you're looking to brush up on your beginning tutorials on how to make and edit prims this sandbox is waiting.)

Help Island Public and Help Island Public2 are available to all residents and public. If you have a problem you'll need to file an abuse report to remedy any harassment taking place there. You might also benefit from muting the resident in question (the instructions for muting a resident are included in the how to file an abuse report link). You should NOT retaliate against the offender; file an AR. Much of Help Island Public(2) allows building so if your project is small you could possibly move until the situation is resolved. You can read more about Help Island here and I hope the information provided in the link clears up any confusion as to if parts of the Help Island Public are privately owned and how to handle abuse.


If all else fails there are also several other sandboxes available. You may find both public and private sandboxes by using the search button on the bottom menu bar of your browser. Searching on either the All tab or Places tab would yield the best results. NCI is an excellent resource for both new and old citizens alike who like to build and NCI has many locations.


You can also use the search options to search almost any interest you may have and you'll likely find an area to visit or groups that share common interest. Good luck & hope this helps on your journey!


*The end*

New York S/S09: Project Runway

Is it just me, or did Project Runway pick up a bit this season? It was kind of interesting to see what kind of crazy, wild creations this set of designers put onto the runway (consistent perfection is so *yawn*). But anyway, this post is not a review of the designs on the runway (well maybe a tiny bit), but more of a rant on the way the show is ran.

One of the main goals of this show (besides the Saturn, the money and the publicity) is getting to show at Bryant Park. How many times have we heard the designers on the show say that they WILL make it to Bryant Park? Only the top three is supposed to make it there. But because the show started late this season (for whatever reasons), SIX designers made it to Bryant Park as a decoy so the viewers won't know who made it to the final three in the show. Personally I feel like this kind of undermines the show. What is the point of elimination and survival of the fittest when 6 instead of 3 designers get to share one of the most coveted prizes? What is the point of a "limited edition" bag if everyone on the streets own one too?
Back to the show, I think it's obvious who is in the top two. Korto and Leanne have been consistently good. And they have good taste (which is a big plus, given the "taste" level of the show thus far). Personally I am vouching for Leanne. Her designs are always very simple but interesting and flattering.
My second favourite is actually Kenley. I just love the whole pin-up girl look she has going. But I must say, she's made quite a few wrong turns and it is unsure whether she'd make it to top three.
But then again, I certainly hope none of these looks make it to top three..........

Image Source: Kansas City Star

London S/S09: Top Shop Unique

I have to admit that I've never been hip enough to like or understand Top Shop Unique's collections. But this is the first time I've seen stuff on its runway that I've wanted.

I'm a fan of mini-dresses in general. These both look colourful and young -the one on the left great for a night out and the one on the right good for a fun daytime look.


I really like these two looks too. The dress on the left is classy yet still cute. And the look on the right is a bit too 80's for me, but still looks cool.


Image Credit: www.vogue.co.uk

New York S/S09: Marchesa

Marchesa has always produced pretty dresses on the runway, but this collection blew me away. It is every girl's dream wardrobe! There were sweet and cute cocktail dresses that are youthful and glamorous. I love how even though the shapes are so simple, the designs are so unique- in a good way. The silhouette is familiar, but I've definitely not seen these dresses before! There were elegant evening gowns, complimented by heavy oriental embroideries. I've never liked the whole fringe thing, because I think it looks creepy- like Cousin "It." But this black dress is definitely an exception to the rule. It looks more like a black waterfall flowing down her legs.
Then there were exquisitely beautiful pieces that just makes you want to stop and stare. And admire. They are more like pieces of art than ready-to-wear, further perpetuated by their method of presentation- with the models standing atop white cubes like sculptures (must be tiring for the models!). Indeed, I believe that most of these pieces are one of a kind. I wonder what they'd sell in their store then...
This dress is my absolute favourite. I love the barely there lilac shade. I love the orchids strewn artistically down the dress (it is apparently made of feathers!). I love the artistic folds of the top, contrasted with the frothing lilac waterfall that is the bottom. Everything. I can just stare at it all day!
And this comes in a close second. The sharp contrasting black and white color with the soft layers of the skirt creates the perfect balance that is absolutely striking!

The SS09 collection was definitely a feast for the eye!

Image Source: Style.com