Distinguished Aesthetics

Posted By Elric Anatine on June 27, 2010

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Names of Item: Nantes

Creator: blakopal Galicia

Shoppe: BlakOpal Designs

Comments:

First, from the creator: “A stylish mens suit with houndstooth tweed patterned jacket with dark suede sculpted collar, flexi coattails, and rows of small buttons down the front. Worn with copper-red colored vest with standing collar and white shirt with high collar turned out at the chin. A patterned bow tie is knotted around the neck. The vest has a subtle gear brocade pattern, and the vest has brass buttons down the front. The white sculpted shirt cuffs fold back at the wrist, with cog cuff links. The suit has coordinating pants with zipper front and prim pants flares. Finishing off the suit is a Mekanikal Belt, wide suede leather, with metal gear conchos and a large animated belt buckle with rotating gears.”

And now with some more photos and commentary…

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Category: Apparel, MV-SL-Fashion, Review | 1 Comment »
Tags: blak opal

Posted By Elric Anatine on June 19, 2010

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There is seemingly little more terrifying to a Goth punk of the old school than being confronted with “you must wear white”. Granted, some did attire themselves in white, but this was exceedingly rare, or in the form of a poet shirt here and there. But to wear an entirely white ensemble? Not I… until now.

Attending a White Ball I opted for my fox form, of course. But then came the task of “who in SL makes an acceptable ensemble all in white for an EGA such as myself?” Falln, of course.

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Category: Apparel, MV-SL-Fashion | No Comments »
Tags: Falln

Posted By Elric Anatine on June 11, 2010

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Names of Items: Nobles Jacket, Shirt & Tophat in Black plus Striped Trousers in Black and Striped Vest in Grey

Creator: Drack Diesel

Shoppe: Arcavim

Comments:

Whilst recently visiting Sweetlemon Jewell’s absolutely stunning Alpha & Omega Point sims with my lovely Lady, I thought it would make for an excellent photo session backdrop. While it may be viewed as somewhat sacreligious to blog another creator’s ensemble whilst photographing in their realm, I have reviewed Sweetlemon Jewell’s fine attire previously.

I had been wanting to acquire Arcavim’s gentlemanly line of attire for some time, and thought this the perfect opportunity to do so. For once I almost wished I enjoyed wearing colour beyond red and blue, for Drack Diesel’s selection of colours, while soft, were very elegant. Alas, my obsession with monochrome won out.

However, I was somewhat dismayed to learn that scripts within those prim items harbouring a resizer script would not self delete, nor were the prim items modify so I could not remove them myself. Thankfully, Mr. Diesel provided me with a no transfer/copy/modify version of all items containing scripts so that I could set as desired and then remove the scripts myself. I do appreciate this, particularly in light of impending script limits.

But I digress…

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Category: Apparel, MV-SL-Fashion, Review | No Comments »
Tags: Arcavim, Omega Point

Posted By Elric Anatine on May 28, 2010

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Names of Items: NosferCoat & Jardar Hair

Creators: Allegory Malaprop & MissAllSunday Lemon

Shoppes: Schadenfreude & Wasabi Pills

Comments:

Yes, Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of year — the annual trading in of my hair. I may feel adventurous and even slip into a new skin by December.

In over three years I have had two hair styles (three if you include my new upgrade). While I absolutely must have closets filled with clothes, bureaus stuffed with cravats, and gloves and canes enough to warrant their own room, I am rather reluctant to acquire new hair and skin with the same fervour.

My reasons are several and can be summed up to say that I would sooner spend my energies on clothing, rather than the distraction of contending with a new core appearance on a regular basis. Once a year is plenty, thank you.

Although I have to say, finding elegant longer blond hair (preferably in a ponytail) befitting my person is nigh impossible. I search about twice a year and every 16 months finally secure something acceptable.

In any event, I thought that the death of my former hair would best be matched with an ensemble by Schadenfreude called NosferCoat — more than just a coat.

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Category: Apparel, MV-SL-Fashion, Review | No Comments »
Tags: schadenfreude, Wasabi Pills

Posted By Elric Anatine on May 26, 2010

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Introduction

I am by no means a serious photographer in SL, but I do enjoy taking photos and every so often a miracle occurs and I manage to snap a decent shot. I will provide below some very simple advice on improvements that can be made over default settings and information. And finally, I will provide you with some resources to those who know far more than I; and I strongly urge you to learn the finer points of SL photography from them.

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Category: MV-SL-Tutorials, Tutorial | 2 Comments »
Tags: photography

Posted By Elric Anatine on May 14, 2010

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The onset of Summer weather delivers invitations to related events such as: Cruise Ship festivities. I am faced with one such invitation this weekend. As an elegant gothic gentleman, what to do, what to do?

I considered a full Steampunk diving suit, but that really isn’t ship deck worthy. And I rather suspect my friends would anticipate such a choice. Although I did torment the party’s hostess by informing her that I would arrive in a Borat-like swim-thong. There are some dares even I will turn down.  I did take a gander at the couple of Victorian swimsuits for gentlemen available, but even I have my limits insofar as dedication to one my favourite periods in history.

After trawling through the men’s swim suit and shorts section on XStreet, as well as delving into some serious diviniation (via SEARCH), I really could not locate anything that satisfied me. I decided to throw caution to the wind and visit one of my favourite shoppes along with some inventory diving. You must understand that for me to say “I have nothing to wear”, it is a very serious proclamation indeed.

In the end, I do believe I have cobbled together a satisfactory ensemble, one befitting of my personality, preferences, favourite creators, and event.

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Category: Apparel, MV-SL-Fashion, Review | No Comments »
Tags: LLB, schadenfreude, Silent Sparrow

Posted By Elric Anatine on April 30, 2010

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Version 2.9 Released April 30, 2010

Where to acquire: Right Here

What is this about:

Providing a list of designers selling either appropriately Victorian, Elegant Gothic or inspired (usually costume or imbued with a “Gothic” or “Steampunk” theme) gentleman’s clothing and accessories. While entire Gothic or Steampunk ensembles may not be appropriate for everyone in all scenarios, quite often select pieces can be paired with other pieces from various ensembles to create something both new and splendid.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and vendors do change locations frequently. Moreover, if you know of a vendor who should be on this list, please contact Elric Anatine and I’ll quite happily make that addition in the next version of this notecard.

Category: Announcement, Apparel, MV-SL-Fashion | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Elric Anatine on April 30, 2010

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Alkahest presents… Rich velvet, cool marble and deep wood furnishings. Luxurious and decadent for a Victorian parlour, vintage salon, reading room or absinthe den. Vampires and gothic children of the night may also find this an alluring addition to their domiciles.

The original Absinthe series was created for an Absinthe installation I was involved in. I thought it appropriate to add two other schemes: Serpis (red absinthe) and Bleue (blanche or blue absinthe).

Visit the main shoppe of Alkahest to view these and more.

OR, view some sets from XStreet.

Sets are discounted by 25% over purchasing each item individually.

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Category: Alkahest, Announcement, Home & Garden, MV-SL-General | No Comments »
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Posted By Elric Anatine on April 28, 2010

Knowing I wished to make use of a Silent Sparrow suit, when I asked Hya which ensemble of hers I should feature on the upcoming cover of “Acquiring Gentleman’s Victorian and Victorian Inspired Attire”, she suggested Severin or Gloomy. As I’d already blogged Severin, I thought that I would choose Gloomy, even though it’s not completely Victorian, the elements are present and regardless, it IS a stunning suit. And I trust that my gentleman readers are interested in fine fashions even if they stray a little from the traditional.

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Name of Ensemble: Gloomy (Soot)

Creator: hyasynth Tiramisu

Shoppe: Silent Sparrow

Comments:

I really try not to be biased, and objectivity is something I strive for. But where Silent Sparrow is concerned, such goals are swept away by the truth of perfection. I have never found a clothing creator in Second Life that is as accomplished and astounding as Silent Sparrow is presently. Hya is in a class unto herself for consistently evolving and producing spectacular suits and ensembles. There are other creators I enjoy very much, and I am ever on the look-out for new and exciting tailors, and others who are also developing their craft. However, I really find myself stricken with sadness between Silent Sparrow suit releases… mind, that does make me cherish them all the more.

But I digress…

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Category: Apparel, MV-SL-Fashion, Review | 2 Comments »
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Posted By Elric Anatine on April 7, 2010

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Alkahest presents… Tentacles!

Visit the waterfront of Alkahest to view these and more.

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Category: Alkahest, Announcement, MV-SL-General | No Comments »
Tags: tentacles