My Dressing Room in the Sky

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

It’s true: I use an entire skybox as a closet. My inventory is seriously out of control, so I’ve had to start storing my clothing stash in the sky. But I just can’t help myself when there are hunt prizes as wonderful as this one! My gorgeous mesh dress is The Runway Perfect Hunt prize from Prism. All prizes in this hunt are 5L, and you have until May 31st to pick them up. Love told you a bit about this hunt a few days ago. You’ll be looking for a black and gray rectangle that looks something like a tiny runway.

I was so excited to open my group notices from [Mock] Cosmetics and find these pretty Pink Glitter nail appliers for Slink Avatar Enhanced Hands. It’s great to see so many designers getting on the appliers bandwagon. My lemony-yellow butterfly jewelry is the current group gift from Virtual Impressions (free to join).

This amazing dressing area and vanity table are The Runway Perfect Hunt prize from ::WetCat:: (click to enlarge the photo). That’s right, the whole thing! Each item (dressing area, chair) comes with a variety of fun poses. In fact, all the poses in this post are from the ::WetCat:: pose props. I think I’ll just sit here for a while and admire my pretty closet.

OFFICIAL THE RUNWAY PERFECT HUNT BLOG

May 1 – 31, 2013

Hunt Icon – A rectangle (little runway-looking thing), 5L

* * * * *

Serena is wearing…

Skin – [:Tuli:] Eva Pearl Sultry (not free)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Virtue (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 6-Natural (not free)

Hair – [elikatira] Rumor (66L /still on sale)

Hands – Slink Mesh Hands Casual (not free)

Nails – [mock] Pink Glitter Polish for Slink A.E. Hands (group gift / 250L to join)

Dress – Prism Charmie Pencil Dress (5L / TRPH)

Earrings/Necklace - Virtual Impressions Siobhan in Lemon & White (group gift / free to join)

Ring – Chandelle Ring Sine Yellow (not free)

Feet – Slink Mesh Feet Medium (not free)

Shoes - Slink Fabric Platforms (not free)

Furnishings & Poses – ::WetCat:: Backstage Glamour (5L / TRPH)

Friday GuyDay: For Men Only

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

FINALLY – a day off! I’m actually supposed to be taking Serena out for her Rez Day, but I thought I’d spend a little time relaxing at the beach first. Before heading out, I picked up these cargo shorts and tank top, the Men Only Hunt 3 gift from 22769. This hunt runs until May 31st, and all items are free. And you know how hard it is to find good free stuff for men!

Speaking of free, I’m wearing the new group gift eyes from IKON that Love showed you earlier today. Yes, guys can wear them too! All of my jewelry was also free; my earring and rings are gifts from GABRIEL (free to join), and my bracelet is a group gift from Chop Zuey (350L to join). My flip flops were not free, but are on sale for 30% off until May 5th at Slink. In fact, everything except hands and feet are on sale, so if you’ve been waiting to pick up a new pair of shoes, now’s the time!

Oh, one more thing: Katey Coppola of Glitterati Poses celebrated her birthday on May 1st, and is giving a gift to all of us! For a limited time, you can join the FREE Glitterati VIP group (not to be confused with the not-free, 500L, VIP group), click the gift board, and get 150L in store credit. If you happen to be a member of the 500L VIP group, or feel like joining, you can hit the other gift board and get 500L in store credit. So take your pick! But hurry – Katey said the gifts would only be out for “a few days,” whatever that means. And who doesn’t need a new pose or two?

OFFICIAL MEN ONLY HUNT 3 BLOG

May 1 – 31, 2013

HUNT ICON – A guitar (0L)

* * * * *

Gavin is wearing…

Skin - REDGRAVE Chris Tan (not free)

Shape - REDGRAVE Chris (not free)

Eyes – IKON Vanity Eyes Denim (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Hair – SF Design Baseball Cap with Hair (previous group gift / not free)

Shorts & Tank – 22769 Cargo Shorts/Louder Than Life Tank (free / 0L / MOH3)

Feet - Slink Men’s Natural Bare Feet (not free)

Shoes - Slink Aussie Thongs (30% off until May 5th)

Bracelet - Chop Zuey Tightrope Men’s Bracelet (group gift / 0L / 350L to join)

Ring – ::GABRIEL:: Curb Chain Male Ring (0L / Facebook Gift)

Earring – ::GABRIEL:: Achilleus Pierce (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Glasses – *BOOM* Minimalist Glasses (featured @ Collabor88)

Pose by Glitterati Poses

Location – The Noble Storybook

I’m a Heartsick Twi’lek

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

Twi’leks are tall, thin humanoids with skin pigment that spans a rainbow of colors. Their most distinctive feature is a pair of shapely prehensile tentacles that grow from the base of their skulls.*

Ever since I first saw STAR WARS: Return of the Jedi, I was fascinated by these mysterious creatures with the strange tentacles growing out of their heads. And now, thanks to Aeva//Heartsick, I can BE one in SL! This lavender beauty is a complete avatar offered for sale at the For Aeva Heartsick event, which started yesterday and runs through May 14th. Love gave you a great run-down of the event yesterday, and Goldie also showed a couple of items, so I’ll invite you to check out their posts for more information about this fundraiser. I decided to participate because I think Amesha Jewell’s skins are very pretty, especially her petite skins, which she recently started selling. So… go check it out!

The Twi’lek Avatar ~ Tyrian Light includes pretty much everything you see here. The skin comes with or without dark or light eyebrows, has 4 cleavage options, appliers for Lolas, Lush, and Puffys, and even has optional teeth and eyelash tattoos. Mesh feet are included, so you don’t have to wear purple SL feet. There are a variety of avatar colors from which to choose, so if purple isn’t your thing, there’s sure to be another color you’ll like.

Twi’lek females were thought to be so beautiful that it was considered a status symbol to keep them as dancers or slaves. And one of the few items that didn’t come with this avatar was CLOTHES, so I picked up the Maya Silks Gown, ~~the latest group gift~~ from :Kastle Rock Couture: (100L to join). UPDATE: Unfortunately, I just tp’d over to :Kastle Rock: to make sure the gift was still available, but alas, it is not. There is, however, a new group gift, and there’s an almost identical dress available as their prize in the Lost Treasure of the Inca Warrior Hunt (which actually looks pretty interesting). I apologize for the confusion and hope I did not disappoint anyone. As of this evening, though, you can still get the Maya Silks in petite size at Kastle Enchanted (same group tag), but hurry because it looks like a new gift is being posted!

Here’s a closer shot of this pretty avatar’s face. I should tell you that a shape is included, but I opted to wear my own shape instead. So your Twi’lek face will look different. Ear cones are included, as are the “lekku” (head tentacles), and jeweled headpiece. You can choose from dot markings or stripes (I’m wearing dots). All this for 100L! I was really stunned when I saw all that was in the box. Plus, what I really like is that you can wear the skin without the lekku and ear cones, and just be purple. I’m sure you’ll see me wear this skin again, possibly as a purple fairy or… I don’t know what yet. But I love that I have options!

And may the force be with you!

* * * * *

Serena is wearing…

Skin – Aeva Twi’lek Avatar ~ Tyrian Light (100L @ FAH)

Eyes – IKON Utopia Eyes Pale Purple + Blue (not free)

Dress/Jewelry – :Kastle Rock Couture: Maya Silks Gown (past group gift, no longer free)

Poses by aDORKable Poses

Location – Ascension

* From the STAR WARS Encyclopedia.

I’m in a Happy Mood!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

Why am I in a a happy mood? Because I’ve got some great gifts to share with you, of course! First off is this sweet ballerina-type dress, which is the April group gift from Glitterati by Sapphire. The Glitterati group is 50L to join, but there are tons of gifts from the past few years still available, and a new gift is set out every month.

This rosy make-up’d skin is the April group gift from 7 Deadly s{K}ins. The group is currently free to join, but only through the end of the day tomorrow, April 30th; as of May 1st, a join fee will be imposed. I’ve seen a picture of the May group gift, and it looks very pretty, so don’t miss your chance to pick up these skins for free! Look for the gifts in the group notices. My pretty Pearl Daisies earrings were sent to Gossamer Jewellery group members a few days ago, so be sure to check your group notices for these, as well. There are 3 different styles in the box.

* * * * *

Serena is wearing…

Skin – 7 Deadly s{K}ins Group Gift April (group gift / 0L / free to join until 5/1/13)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Blossom (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 19-Diva (not free)

Hair – >TRUTH< January (on sale until 5/3/13)

Nails – Izzie’s Classic Nails (not free)

Dress – Glitterati by Sapphire Group Gift April (group gift / 0L / 50L to join)

Earrings – Maxi Gossamer Pink Pearl Daisies (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Poses – aDORKable Poses Sunny Pack (featured @ Zodiac Taurus)

Location – HappyMood

Friday GuyDay: The Guardian

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me! It’s Friday GuyDay again, and this time I’m bringing you The Guardian, the April group gift from PeKaS Design Gorean. Everything you see here is included, even the boots and the over-the-eyes hood. Perfect for maintaining anonymity while doing unscrupulous pirate things.

My skin is AKERUKA’s long-awaited new group gift, Caesar. He comes with the facial hair you see here, as well as the dark eye shadows. I’m also wearing the *DURA* Valentine group gift hair, which is still available (along with the Christmas gift hair), and was previously modeled by Kai Trill a few times, as well as guest blogger Kyle Beckett. It has a short ponytail in the back. Be sure to pick up the free pack of hairbases while you’re there.

Now, I’m off to drink some grog and count me booty! ARRRRR!

* * * * *

Gavin is wearing…

Skin – AKERUKA Caesar (group gift / 0L / 250L to join)

Shape - REDGRAVE Chris (not free)

Eyes – IKON Lucid Eyes Machine (not free)

Hair – *DURA* Valentine Group Gift (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Hairbase – *DURA* Hairbase (free / 0L)

Complete Outfit – PeKaS Design The Guardian (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Poses by Glitterati Poses (not free)

Location – 1700′s Pirate Sea of Fair Winds

April in Paris

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

I never knew the charm of spring
Never met it face to face
I never new my heart could sing
Never missed a warm embrace

April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
No one can ever reprise

Ah, April in Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the shopping… *le sigh*

This lovely ensemble is the April group gift from Dressed by Lexi. The group is free to join, and you get the sweater, tank, and skirt in both mesh and system layer. My Summer Hat is a free gift from DBL – no group needed. These Classic Pearls are a free gift from Lazuri; I’ve worn them a couple of times before, so I apologize for the repeat, but they’re so versatile. I really love all the color options! My MaryJane Heels are a group join gift from Slink (free to join). I completely forgot about them until a few days ago when Gavin joined the Slink group and received them as a gift, but he thought they’d look better on me, instead! My clutch purse is from Wanda’s, and is a fabulous deal for only 20L. It is color-change with so many different options that I finally gave up trying to count them all!

Not free alert: I finally made the leap onto the mesh hands bandwagon, and all I can say is, “Wow!” I’ve always hated SL’s avatar hands, and they look hideous in photos. Anyway, I stayed up way past my bedtime last night testing them out because they’re so amazing. One click of [:Tuli:]‘s texture HUD and I was ready to go. But… then I needed nails, so I headed over to My Attic to pick up Izzie’s new applier, which works for both fingers and toes. Super easy.

I feel Paris Fabulous now.

* * * * *

Serena is wearing…

Skin – [:Tuli:] Elyse Pearl (not free)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Clarity (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 6-Natural (not free)

Eyeliner – [:Tuli:] Eyeliners (not free)

Hair – [elikatira] Past (not free)

Hands – Slink Mesh Hands Casual (not free)

Nails – Izzie’s Slink Avatar Enhancement Metallic Nails (featured @ My Attic)

Dress – Dressed By Lexi Ms. Bardot (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Jewelry - Lazuri Classic Pearls (free gift / 0L)

Hat – Dressed By Lexi Ms. Bardot Summer Hat (free gift / 0L)

Shoes – Slink Lara MaryJane Heels (group join gift / 0L / free to join)

Clutch – Wanda’s Signature Clutch (20L)

Pose by Ma Vie

Location – Paris 1900

April In Paris lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., IMAGEM U.S. LLC, NEXT DECADE ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

Dog Day Afternoon

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

You know the expression, “Going to the dogs?” Well, that’s pretty much where my day has gone. In addition to the many, many SL problems, there have been family interruptions, phones and doorbells ringing, and numerous computer problems that have left me eyeing the hammer for a solution. I had so much trouble taking this photo that I finally just gave up and went with one of the few shots I managed to get. So I apologize for the goofy errors you see here.

Ok, enough whining. I’m sure you’d rather know what we’re wearing, anyway.

Gavin and I are both wearing the April group gifts from Vero Modero. Gavin’s outfit includes the mesh hoodie and pants, and mine is this floral print, mesh dress. The sleeves of my dress are supposed to have the cutouts you see here, but the additional little “hole” is a break in the mesh from this pose, which I didn’t notice until after I had given up on the photos. I didn’t want you to think it was a flaw in the dress, because it’s not (Gavin’s pants have a little rip in the right leg, but that’s supposed to be there). Our necklaces are group gifts from Chop Zuey (350L to join). I apologize that you can’t see the earrings hidden in my hair, and bracelets that Gavin is blocking, as both are free gifts for everyone – no group is needed! If you head over to the Chop Zuey store, you’ll be able to see big photos of both of these under the FabFree sign. Gavin is still wearing the free group gift eyes from Hudson’s Clothing Co. (free to join) that he had on here. The sunglasses are part of the Mr. Hunter Hunt v.IV gift from Shadow Moon, which Gavin modeled here. Oh, and Gavin’s ring is a free gift from ::GABRIEL:: – no group is needed, but you do need the special code from their Facebook page.

If you have ventured into the world of mesh feet/hands, you’ve most likely heard that many skin designers have released texture applier HUDs for the recently updated Slink feet and hands. I won’t get into the details here, since several other bloggers have already written detailed posts on the how’s and why’s of using them. But I will say this: I’ve ~~wasted~~ spent many, MANY hours trying to match my feet to different skins, and it wasn’t easy. These appliers are literally ONE click to match. It’s that simple! To celebrate, [:Tuli:] is offering these cute henna tattoo appliers for her group members (199L to join). These are actual appliers for the Slink mesh feet – not simple tattoo layers – and include 3 different henna tattoos. I still haven’t made the leap to mesh hands, but in case you have, there is also a gift henna applier for hands. Note: these gift appliers only work with [:Tuli:] skins, and will not match skins from other designers (mesh feet are not included).

Ok dogs: I want my day back!

* * * * *

Serena is wearing…

Skin – [:Tuli:] Elyse Pearl (not free)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Blossom (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 6-Natural (not free)

Hair – Analog Dog Smitten (not free)

Nails – Izzie’s Classic Nails (not free)

Dress – Vero Modero April Female Dress (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Necklace – Chop Zuey Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright! (group gift / 0L / 350L to join)

Earrings & Bangles - Chop Zuey Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright! (free gift / 0L)

Feet - Slink Women’s Natural Bare Feet (not free)

Henna Tattoo/Applier – [:Tuli:] Slink Feet Applier (group gift / 0L / 199L to join)

Pose by Atooly (previous hunt gift – no longer free)

* * * * *

Gavin is wearing…

Skin - REDGRAVE Chris Tan (not free)

Shape - REDGRAVE Chris (not free)

Eyes – Hudson’s Clothing Co. Gazing @U Dusk (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Hair – REDGRAVE Chris (not free)

Pants & Hoodie – Vero Modero April Group Gift (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Feet - Slink Men’s Natural Bare Feet (not free)

Necklace - Chop Zuey Tyger, Tyger Men’s Choker (group gift / 0L / 350L to join)

Ring – ::GABRIEL:: Curb Chain Male Ring (0L / Facebook Gift)

Sunglasses – Shadow Moon Invested (0L / part of Mr. Hunter Gift)

* * * * *

Other Items…

Blanket, Pillows, Book – LISP Bazaar Little Beach Reader Set (10L)

Candle – LISP Bazaar Montmartre Votive (1L)

Thermos – [monaya G] Thermos Bottle Spring Version (1L)

Picnic Tin – {what next} Vintage Picnic Tins (75L / Lazy Sunday)

Dogs – Virtual Kennel Club (not free)

Friday GuyDay: Fields of Green and Gold

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

With all the new ladies here at FabFree, I thought maybe we could use an infusion of testosterone. So I made an “executive decision” and declared Friday to be GuyDay. It’s still Friday where I am, so I can just squeak this one in under the wire.

My outfit today is made up of a variety of freebies, group gifts, and one very good deal. First, the good deal, which is this mesh sweater and t-shirt by Kauna that Serena picked up for me at this month’s Collabor88. For 288L, you get 5 different colored cardigans, with 5 different colors of t-shirts. You can mix and match the sweaters and t-shirts, or even wear the t-shirts without the cardigan, if you choose. So that’s… what… about 29L per item? Not free, but not a bad deal, either. All items come in standard mesh sizing. You can’t have too many t-shirts and sweaters, can you?

Now, the freebies: these mesh jeans are the current group gift from [meshTheory]. The group is 150L to join, but there are quite a few gifts for both men and women out, and a new gift is available each month. My hat/hair is this month’s group gift from SF Design (100L to join). Both the hat and the hair are color change (and resizeable), so there’s sure to be something for everyone. These awesome mesh sneakers are a group gift from BalkaniK 2.0 (free to join), and come in 7 different colors/designs. Finally, my leather bracelet is a group gift from RONSEM (free to join).

*TGIG, folks. Enjoy your weekend.

Gavin is wearing…

Skin - REDGRAVE Chris Tan (not free)

Shape - REDGRAVE Chris (not free)

Eyes – Hudson’s Clothing Co. Gazing @U Dusk (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Hair – SF Design Baseball Cap with Hair (group gift / 0L / 100L to join)

Pants – [meshTheory] Men’s Jeans Straight Leg Tan (group gift / 0L / 150L to join)

Cardigan & Tee – Kauna Argyle Cardigans (featured @ Collabor88)

Shoes - BalkiniK 2.0 Vintage Sneakers (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Bracelet – RONSEM Leather Bracelet (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Glasses – *BOOM* Minimalist Glasses (featured @ Collabor88)

Pose by {.:exposeur:.} (not free)

Location – BCC, Cours

*TGIG = “Thank God It’s GuyDay.”

Serena’s Tips for New Residents: Joining a Group

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

We were all new SL residents, once upon a time. Perhaps it was many years ago, or possibly even yesterday. If you’re lucky, you have a friend to mentor you and help you find your way. If you’re not lucky, you have to figure it all out for yourself. I fell into the latter category, and let me tell you, the learning curve was steep. Even after a couple of decades of programming experience, it still took me time – and several books! – to figure things out. So now I try to help out new residents whenever I can, and this will be the first in what I hope will be a series of Tips for New Residents.

I was chatting with a new resident a few days ago, telling her that she really should go to a particular store and pick up the latest group gift. Unfortunately, she didn’t know what I was talking about. Seems she did most of her shopping on the Marketplace, and had never been to an in-world store to join a group. We’re always talking about “group gifts” here at FabFree, and it occurred to me that there may be new readers out there who also don’t know how to join a group. Sooo… let me explain! (For you “old-timers” who already know this, please feel free to skip ahead to find out what I’m wearing.)

Since I’m wearing the latest group gift skin from HUIT, I decided to head over to their store to show you how YOU can pick it up too.

Step 1: Go to the in-world store of your choice. Locate the “group joiner.” These typically have the store logo on it or somewhere nearby, and the word JOIN. Left-click on the JOIN button.

Step 2: After you click the button, you will probably get a pop-up notice to open your chat window (that’s the place where you talk to other residents). The chat button is located at the bottom left of your screen, unless you moved it (sorry, I cut mine off in this picture). Click the hyperlink, which probably has the group name, or says “click this link” or something similar. A box like this one will pop up. If the group is free to join, it will say “free” next to the “Join Now” button. If there is a join fee, you will see it on the bottom right where it says “Cost to join” (if you choose to join a group that is not free, you will need to confirm in another pop-up that it is ok to pay the join fee). This group is free to join, and has a cost of 0L. Click the “Join Now” button. You should get a notice in the chat window stating that you have been added to the group.

Step 3: You should now be wearing your new group tag. You can see mine right over my head, next to my little birdie friend. With your tag on, head over to the group gift vendor and left-click the vendor to get your gift. VOILA! Your gift should appear in your inventory, either in a folder (probably with the store name) or in your Objects folder.

Ok, now for what I’m wearing. You already know by now that the skin I’m in is the free group gift skin from [HUIT]. I’m also wearing the Kiana outfit from {Liv-Glam}, which includes the mesh jacket and jeans, and tank, and is on sale for 49L for Secret Wednesday. I love these “skullie” boots from ::Duh!::, which I managed to pick up for free in their lucky chair. And my Berry Slushie blue hair is a free gift from a new-to-me store called [Raspberry]. You get the full “Aristocrat Pack” of Chai Anxiety, full of a whole lotta fun (and regular) colors. Enjoy!

* * * * *

Serena is wearing…

Skin – [HUIT] Group Gift Skin 2012/09 (group gift / 0L / free to join)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Clarity (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 6-Natural (not free)

Hair – [Raspberry] Chai Anxiety (free gift / 0L)

Nails – Izzie’s Metal Stripe Nails (not free)

Complete Outfit – {LIV-Glam} Kiana (49L / Secret Wednesday)

Jewelry – Maxi Gossamer Jewelled Skull and Heart (not free)

Boots – ::Duh!:: Skullish Spike Boots (0L / Lucky Chair)

Poses by aDORKable and Glitterati (not free)

Location – [HUIT] in-world store

Donna Flora in Mayfair

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

What’s more fun than an afternoon of shopping? Why, an afternoon of freebies, of course! I wandered into Donna Flora a few days ago, and found this sexy Nadine dress set out as a group gift (free to join). This is a great one for those of you who don’t like mesh, and take a look at that side cleavage! I added my Lolita Espadrilles by [Gos], not because they’re free (they are not free), but to remind myself to tell you that the Gos Boutique group is currently only 50L to join. Group members not only get fabulous gifts, but they also get a 10% discount on every purchase. I don’t know how long the discounted join-fee will last, but it will go back up to 500L when gifts are set out.

I am once again wearing the Glam Affair Margot skin, which is featured at the current round of Collabor88. I know, I know; I wore this one last time, but I bought the fatpack, and just couldn’t help myself! My earrings are a Donna Flora dollarbie (1L) called Violetta.

Also in the Donna Flora dollarbie section is this pretty, pink Bijoux dress, perfect for a night on the town. There are quite a few dresses, hairs, and jewelry pieces set out in this area, so be sure to take a look around! I added the Sofia shoes, which are available as a free gift (oL), and a clutch purse from Septem Essentia (0L). The bag also comes in red.