[Un riche etudiant - click image for larger view]

Name of Ensembles: Un riche etudiant, Tuxedo II SET, and Classic suit “Mod’s” type-1

Creator: Jeter Jun

Shoppe: Rabbit Kiss (Umi Usagi)

Comments:

Umi Usagi creates some delightful kimono and Japanese styled cosplay (maid, goth lolita, manga/anime inspired) ensembles for women. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Umi Usagi, via the name Rabbit Kiss, now offers a small selection of men’s apparel.

As I am always eager to share information about “new to me” (and potentially new to others) creators, I decided to feature Umi Usagi in a spotlight blog entry, reviewing the three ensembles I purchased.

The first of these is Un riche etudiant. I confess that for the first time in SL I felt overweight. As brilliantly as the sculpts are textured, the lower coat in particular did nothing for my waistline!

I will say this about Umi Usagi’s creations, however. The prim pieces are resizeable with a resize script which is also removeable. I am always very impressed when creators who use resize scripts in their items also allow those scripts to be removed (to reduce lag). Fortunately, the esembles are copy (always copy the item before resizing and removing the script). Unfortunately, they are no mod (my issues with no mod items are below).

[Un riche etudiant - click image for larger view]

There are two different collar and jabot combinations with this ensemble. This one presented above is the less ostentatious of the two. The entire collar/jabot/flower arrangement is one piece, no modify, with a resize script. Even with a resize script, I find that I can never tweak these pieces to satisfaction.

[Un riche etudiant - click image for larger view]

The lower cuffs are likewise dripping in lace, ribbon and roses. Even for me this is excessive, however, to each their own in terms of taste. The shirt tails are part of the lower coat piece, and once again, despite the resize script, I could never fit it to my liking.

[Un riche etudiant - click image for larger view]

I think I need to cut back on the absinthe or get out more and exercise.

[Un riche etudiant - click image for larger view]

Another prim attachment, except… the lower trouser legs are both prim attachments that can be resized. If one does not wish to wear the left leg attachment with its floral motif, one must attach a copy of the non floral right leg attachment to the left leg instead and then reposition the piece.

Again, beautiful prim work on this, and even though it is excessive, it is also unwieldly.

[Un riche etudiant - click image for larger view]

Stripping away most of the ensemble and one is left with a simple shirt and trousers that can be used in numerous other combinations and occasions.

[Un riche etudiant - click image for larger view]

On some very rare occasions, system trousers do not conflict with my digitigrade legs. This was one of those very rare moments.

[Tuxedo II SET - click image for larger view]

The Tuxedo II SET kindly serves up several options for coat tails, bow tie, and neck tie. This ensemble was perhaps inspired by Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler), currently a popular manga and anime series in Japan. Sebastian, however, I am not.

[Tuxedo II SET - click image for larger view]

Again, while the bow tie and neck tie collar aspects are resizeable with a script, I felt as though I was fighting the piece. I do like the way Umi Usagi fashions the lower sleeves, however, and feel these additional prim attachments lend the outfit a more defined look.

[Tuxedo II SET - click image for larger view]

While I’m not too wild about the coat tails, they are functional. As with most of the coat bottom prim attachments, as well as some other attachments, I felt they did not move with myself or become a part of the entire ensemble. The experience has certainly given me a deeper appreciation for my favourite creators.

[Tuxedo II SET - click image for larger view]

These shoes are included with the Tuxedo II SET, and while not to my personal taste, some may find them useful for other ensembles as well (they feel quite multi-purpose). Pale marine blue socks, which seem to be the staple of all three outfits I purchased, would not have been my first choice insofar as colour is concerned with these creations. No mod means I cannot change their base colour.

[Tuxedo II SET - click image for larger view]

Without the jacket, and donning the bow tie, which I like quite a bit, the trousers take on a more denim and casual feel, quite unlike the rest of the ensemble. The sculpt and prim work on the collar, as with most of Umi Usagi’s prim pieces, is quite excellent but would be perfect if modify for subtle and necessary tweaking.

[Tuxedo II SET - click image for larger view]

This is when disaster strikes. No mod trousers for furry avatars who have digitigrade legs is always disheartening. There is absolutely no reason why system clothes should be no mod. None — and that is a discussion best held outside of this post.

[Classic suit "Mod's" type-1 - click image for larger view]

Classic suit “Mod’s” type-1 offers eight different tie patterns and colours, and three different handkerchief colours.

[Classic suit "Mod's" type-1 - click image for larger view]

While again I am not overly keen on the coat bottoms, the neck tie and collar, as well as the handkerchief are finely detailed and splendid.

[Classic suit "Mod's" type-1 - click image for larger view]

Favouring pin stripes as I do, I quite like the subtle pin stripe design in the coat.

[Classic suit "Mod's" type-1 - click image for larger view]

Without coat and extras, once more we have a simple white button down shirt. I was hoping for a little more detailing to the trousers.

[Classic suit "Mod's" type-1 - click image for larger view]

While no mod, the trousers work for my fox form, so I am pleased.

[Classic suit "Mod's" type-1 - click image for larger view]

All in all, I do like aspects of Umi Usagi’s creations for men. I believe that in time there will be improvements and I look forward to seeing those. The major drawback for me are the no mod permissions. Otherwise, Umi Usagi has some exquisite details and brings an anime/manga quality of life to the ensembles.

Other Details:

Shoes: Laudanum men’s shoes – black by Jackal Ennui of Lassitude & Ennui (in “Un riche etudiant”-Black) and Gentleman’s Black Suede Shoes by Vincente Shepherd of Gaslights Emporium (in Classic suit “Mod’s” type-1)
Pocket watch: PocketWatches Silver by Ross Myhre of Mire

Photos taken in My Photosphere

Human avatar

• Hair – Elliot (LightBlond) by Six Kennedy of GuRL 6
• Skin – Scorpio Revelation (3A Smooth) by Khai Sinister of The Abyss
• Eyes – Blue Opal by Miriel Enfield of Miriel (very sadly retired)

Fox avatar

• Avatar – Male White Fox by Mephitis Jezebel of Aventity
• Hair – The Dauphin (Powdered) by Siyu Suen of Illusions

[Fang Tail Crimson - click image for larger view]

Name of Ensemble: Monarch Black & Fang Tail Crimson

Creator: Ross Myhre

Shoppe: Mire

Comments:

It has been far too long since my last review post, but other concerns kept me occupied. I even must admit, embarrassingly, that I have been negligent in my shopping excursions of late (that is how busy I have been). I am also always concerned about providing honest and thorough reviews, where I feel I must spend considerable time crafting said review. If I feel I lack the time to give the review its due, then I shy away and say nothing at all. I really must take advantage of my Quick Notes for announcing new items and other creations that catch my fancy.

However, I do wish to resume with more regularity, and herewith present a bit of a spotlight on a new (to me) creator, Ross Myhre, creator of Victorian and inspired apparel. I came across his creations during one of my regular searches for new creators of my favourite fashions.

I originally had mixed feelings (and to some extent still do) about Mire’s creations. I was immediately lured by some of the rich designs, craftsmanship and beautiful textures. However, after closer inspection, I realized that the creator uses system layers, rather than prim pieces, for the coat tails. Being quite passionate about coats, and owning a number of suits with system coat tails (none of which I’ve ever been content with), I viewed most of Mire’s suits with a certain degree of trepidation.

[Fang Tail Crimson - click image for larger view]

I do quite like Mire’s collars and cravats. They are modifiable, making it a simple matter to adjust to your avatar. The sleeves, on the other hand, I was unimpressed with. The texture did not seem to flow with the shirt, and the prim work wasn’t quite to my personal taste. However, my tastes are not everyone’s.

[Fang Tail Crimson - click image for larger view]

I am uncertain if this is my graphics card doing something utterly odd or if it’s the texture on the system clothing piece, but the lower coat (the tails)’s texture blurs oddly for me. On the other hand… POCKET WATCH! Mire’s pocket watch sets are outstanding and I cannot recommend them enough. Each set provides you with a regular length, longer length and shorter pocket watch. The watches also contain a script to set the time, the chime and an alarm — very clever. The texture and prim work on the watches are top notch.  The only suggestion I could make was to offer an option for a closed version.

[Fang Tail Crimson - click image for larger view]

Here is a rear view of the system coat tails. I do like the design, and they are not too bad. But since they are not prims, they cannot be refitted, modified or adjusted. I will say that they do sit nicely and do not make it appear as though I have feminine hips (as some system coat tails do) or am trying to smuggle a bustle in my trousers.

[Fang Tail Crimson - click image for larger view]

Side view of the system coat tails. I certainly appreciate the labour involved in creating these and understand it’s no easy feat. But for myself, I prefer quality prim skirt tails such as those produced by Silent Sparrow and Falln. For traditional Victorian attire, however, system skirts or very well crafted prim skirt tails (I do have my share of terribly created prim skirt tails as well) are acceptable.

I did have a conversation with Mr. Myhre regarding the subject of system versus prim coat tails, and he informed me that his preference and those he polled was for system coat tails. Clearly my tastes and preferences are in the minority, but he seemed amenable to considering adding options for a prim coat tail in the future.

[Monarch Black - click image for larger view]

This was my first Mire purchase, and this suit is very slick. I do quite like the textures and style (with the exception of the cuffs).

[Monarch Black - click image for larger view]

The lapel design is very elegant and striking at once. The cravat on this ensemble is nice, but I do like the other better.

[Monarch Black - click image for larger view]

The trouser pattern is very impressive, and they will be exceptionally versatile in my wardrobe. I am, however, not entirely convinced that these buttons are the best for this ensemble (pure or brushed silver might have been more appropriate — the copper tint is distracting and I feel clashes with the monochromatic nature of the entire ensemble).

[Monarch Black - click image for larger view]

The detailing on the coat tails is supremely elegant, and definitely eye-catching. I do believe this suit will turn heads, and complement most gentlemen’s wardrobes (even if some mixing and matching is necessary).

[Monarch Black - click image for larger view]

The waistcoat, like the trousers, will be quite versatile for other ensembles.

[Fang Tail Crimson - click image for larger view]

The waistcoat for the Fang Tail Crimson is quite nice as well, but not as snappy as the Monarch.

[Monarch Black - click image for larger view]

Mire’s ensembles seem to be very furry friendly, which I am grateful for. This is where having a system coat tail is helpful (mind, most furs have tails that will attach to two different locations for when a clothing piece replaces their usual tail attachment). The trousers are modify so their length can be altered if you are a fur with digitrade legs.

[Monarch Black - click image for larger view]

Coat tails, fox tail… check!

[Monarch Black - click image for larger view]

I do look forward to seeing the future of Mire’s fashion development. Mr. Myhre’s new ensemble, Urbane, is one I’ve marked to pick up soon. The cuffs look more pleasing, and I’m sure the system coat tails are acceptable. Whatever your interest in fine gentleman’s apparel, there is no doubt you will find something at Mire. His selection ranges from traditional to Steampunk, tuxedos to Victorian. And don’t forget to pick up a pocket watch while you are there.

Other Details:

Shoes: Toltec Black/Red by Eponymous Trenchmouth of Jeepers Creepers (for Fang Tail Crimson) & Gentleman’s Black Canvas Shoes by Vincente Shepherd of Gaslights Emporium (Monarch Black)
Gloves: Fortissimo Gloves – All 25 Colors – Box (I used a custom tint) by Nix Sands of XCentricity

Photos taken in My Photosphere

Human avatar

• Hair – Elliot (LightBlond) by Six Kennedy of GuRL 6
• Skin – Scorpio Revelation (3A Smooth) by The Abyss
• Eyes – Blue Opal by Miriel Enfield of Miriel

Fox avatar

• Avatar – Male White Fox by Mephitis Jezebel of Aventity
• Hair – The Dauphin (Powdered) by Siyu Suen of Illusions

In efforts to assert that my blog is not JUST about my apparel addiction, I present to you sundry methods of navigating Xstreet (the SL product purchasing site formerly known as SLX). Mind, my purpose for navigating the seemingly labyrinth-like digital hallways of this epicentre for virtual consumerism is but one method I use to stay abreast of new clothing ensembles, shoes, and more. But still… there is more to my blog than fashion. … Really. You are not buying into my proclamation, are you?

I realize that most people likely have no difficulty making effective use of Xstreet, but for those who are new to Xstreet, or quite simply have not had an opportunity to make use of this informative system, I present to you some tips, tricks and methods for procuring almost anything (provided it is listed on Xstreet, that is; and even then sometimes Xstreet simply serves as a stepping stone on your quest for whatever obscure paraphernalia you have your heart set on).

Basic Notations

Xstreet allows for intensive organization and categories for nearly every type of creation. While this is wonderful, know that not every creator lists their item(s) in the appropriate category, or a category that is logical to you. Moreover, some items truly do defy categorization or potentially span several categories. Therefore, do not rely on categories alone to find what you are searching for.

Creators do not always advertise the same price on Xstreet as they do at their in world shops. Before you buy on Xstreet, check the creator’s in world shop (if they have). You may also find more of a selection at their in world shop than they have on Xstreet.

The Advanced Search interface and the Sort by drop down list sometimes run along the same results (i.e. both will provide with items from newest to oldest etc.). Do not be confused by this. Both mechanisms are useful in their own right.

[click for larger image]

First Things First

Obtain an Xstreet account, if you have not already. It also very true that it is easier to sign up via an in world terminal.

Depending on your preferences, and what you are searching for, I suggest searching Xstreet in an uncensored capacity. You will be asked to agree to their warning/disclaimer. If you are searching for anything that might even remotely be classified as “adult” (furniture, clothing, etc.), it’s best to have more options at your fingertips. If, however, what you are searching for in no way encroaches on mature subject matter, then you can fine tune your search immediately by disregarding those items from the adult pool.

[click for larger image]

If, after searching with mature content active, you decide that your search results are being hampered by the adult content, you can easily disable the mature content from view.

As screen resolution varies, choose a suitable number of columns for viewing items (1, 2 or 3). I suggest 2. Choosing a Large image size is preferable for those of us with failing eyesight.

[click for larger image]

Let’s Get Started

[click for larger image]

The main page displays some featured Marketplace items, Real Estate listings, and links to other regions and displays of Xstreet. This is not an important page – usually. If you use IE 6 or earlier, or some other browsers, you may not be able to see the interface for navigating through the Marketplace items via the main page. If, on the other hand, you are using Mozilla Firefox, then you will see a nice little navigation interface for the front page Marketplace listings. Is it important? Not really. Is it amusing or a great time-filler while on hold? Sure, why not, and you may discover something interesting that you were not even searching for in the first place. Once you’ve reviewed the items displayed, simply click Get More or the >>. Click the << to return to the previous presented list. Click Stop to halt the cycling. Items cycle every 30 seconds.

[click for larger image]

Instead, go straight to the Marketplace. This page is a general repository, showing the day’s most popular items. Is this important? Not really. What is important is that this page offers up every important link and text box that is essential for your search.

To the left you have a listing of Categories. Beneath each category are subcategories and sometimes more subcategories (on and on). Be aware that creators will sometimes mis-subcategorize within a main category according to your perception, and therefore you may need to step out of a finely tuned sub-sub-sub-subcategory. More on this later.

Close to the top, centre, you will find some interesting links to: My Favorites, Popular, Featured, New, Free and Merchants. These can be quite useful in various capacities.

At the top right you will have a Search the Marketplace region, which, if used as is, may provide results as accurate as finding a polyester Hawaiian shirt in a Victorian gentleman’s haberdashery. On the other hand, depending on your search, it may actually yield some acceptable results. I try to never say never. Click the Advanced Search for more options and to increase the accuracy of your results.

[click for larger image]

Basic Search

There is a difference between performing a general search for Victorian prefab and “Victorian prefab”. Take note of the category matches to the left of the screen.

[click for larger image]

[click for larger image]

The search results when not using quotation marks will provide you with a larger list of matches, and quite often a pain in the backside to sift through, especially if you are searching for the most recently added Victorian prefabs (sort by age: new to old from the drop down below).

[click for larger image]

Searching within quotation marks indicates that this precise wording must exist within the item’s listing (as opposed to at least one of the words existing, not necessary sequentially, within the listing). However, by using the quotation marks in your search, you are banking on creators using the same language. I know for a fact that there are more than 20 Victorian prefabs on Xstreet. Having said that, sometimes use of the quotation marks will yield the results you wish, so do not discount this search method entirely.

As an aside, clicking on the Category Matches to the left, after a search has been performed, will reveal the items in those categories based on your general search verbiage. However, based on the example above, there are approximately 3,000 items containing the word Victorian or prefab under the Residential Structures category, and thusly this is not always an effective search method.

Targeted Search

Knowing that there are more than 20 Victorian prefabs on Xstreet, you may try a different angle for your search. Proceed to the main Marketplace page. Under Categories, click on Building Components, then Structures, and then Residential Structures. You can easily navigate back via the arrowed links above the Subcategory listing on the left.

Now enter Victorian into the Search text box. Check the Search within the current category checkbox and click Search.

If you wish to see the latest additions, either Order by Age Ascending or Sort by age: new to old.

[click for larger image]

You will find some unwanted items resulting when creators misuse keywords. For example, a creator who offers Victorian and Medieval prefabs may use the same keywords in both listings. Worse still are creators who make Gorean silks and Victorian prefabs, whose keywords never change even between extremely different item listings.

Some items, especially prefabs, can pull double duty (functioning as a home or shoppe). As such, and based on my previous remark that creators do not always categorize according to your perception, you may do well to search further back. In other words, step back to Building Components -> Structures, and then Search for Victorian within the current category and subcategories. Order by Age Ascending if desired.

More on Advanced Search Features

As useful as the advanced search features are, some of the parameters can be limited to downright useless.

Searching by a specific language is only useful for items that require considerable documentation.

Price Range I have never seen a use for, although I see this as being useful in land sales.

Ratings are subjective and tainted by creators bribing friends, using alts or being the victim of others playing silly bugger as is oft to occur on the Internet. While numerous consistent ratings may be telling, even excellent products remain unrated for numerous months or even years.

Permissions are quite useful for those of us who wish specific permissions for certain products (i.e. modify prefabs, copy clothing, full perm sculpt building aids etc.). However, I do caution that this is not always useful as creators may not categorize properly and limit themselves inadvertently. Use this as a last resort or for very specific searches.

More on Views

My Favorites

I find favouriting items very useful when performing research that may span more than one session on XStreet or as just a list of items to “one day buy”. No one else can see your favourite items (for now).

[click for larger image]

Popular

I do not find the listing of Popular items to be particularly useful except as a gauge to see what people are buying.

Featured

Featured listings only tell me who is willing to pay for featured listings, and what those items may be. Useful? Unlikely.

New

I do enjoy viewing new listings on occasion. This list changes by the minute as creators add new items to Xstreet, but I find it fascinating to see what is currently being listed for about five pages before my attention is drawn somewhere more exciting.

Free

Free listings may sound wonderful at first, but often you will find demos in here – so don’t get too excited when you see something spectacular, and it’s really a demo. L$0 and L$1 items are listed. However, for the newcomer to SL, this may be an excellent listing to sort through for those beginning necessities (clothes, AO, silly gestures, vehicles and more).

Regular Use

For those, such as myself, who have certain addictions, we find ourselves on Xstreet daily, weekly or whenever you begin twitching for something new. Don’t forget to Order by Age Ascending, and when you hit a sequence of items that are familiar, you know you’re finished perusing new items in that section.

I routinely search out the latest men’s goth outfits, themed outfits, costumes, and footwear. I also perform routine searches of Victorian, and steampunk in the wide expanse of men’s apparel because god forbid I miss a gem hiding in a category I do not always search.

In Closing

Comments, questions, anything I missed? Please comment here or ask.

As a reminder, don’t forget to check out a creator’s in world shoppe for more items than they may have listed on Xstreet, along with any variances in price.

Happy shopping!